United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to substitute a new title III (Marine Sanctuaries) for the existing title III. Gives Congress, upon the Secretary of Commerce's recommendation, the authority to designate areas as marine sanctuaries. Requires the Secretary to: (1) publish an initial list of suitable sanctuary areas in the Federal Register by July 31, 1983; (2) submit a written report and draft legislation with each designation recommendation; and (3) consult with interested Federal and State officials, and hold hearings in affected areas before making any such recommendation. Permits the Secretary to promulgate emergency regulations. Subjects violators of this title to civil penalties of up to $50,000. Vests jurisdiction in U.S. district courts. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program for Members of Congress. Amends title II of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund on a monthly basis for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds if it is otherwise proper. Requires the reimbursement of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund from the Treasury for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks for the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Small Business Tax Relief Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit recognition on the gain from the sale or exchange of an unincorporated trade or business prior to the time that the taxpayer attains age 55 by providing that such gain shall be recognized only to the extent that it exceeds the cost of reinvesting in replacement property for another small business venture. Provides for the taxation of such gain, after age 55, as ordinary income according to the ten year averaging rules applicable to lump sum distributions from qualified retirement trusts. Increases the amount of depreciable business property which a taxpayer may elect to deduct in the current year to a maximum of $20,000 in 1986 and thereafter. Permits a current year deduction for the cost of real property purchased for use in a trade or business. Permits a taxpayer election to amortize over a 36 month period expenses for depreciable property which is acquired to put a small business in compliance with Federal regulations and and which does not have any economic usefulness for the business. Exempts domestic international sales corporations (DISC) which have an adjusted taxable income of $1,000,000 or less from the limitations on deferral of base period export gross receipts which are applicable to larger corporations. Permits businesses with gross receipts of less than $1,000,000 to elect the cash method of accounting in reporting income. Allows a credit or refund to employers of their proportionate share of excess social security taxes paid on behalf of employees who were employed by two or more employers during the taxable year. Permits an income tax credit of $5 for each form or document which a small business is required to file pursuant to Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Reciprocal Trade and Investment Act of 1983 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to set forth provisions dealing with foreign trade barriers. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees on foreign trade barriers of U.S. exports. Directs that such report contain a comprehensive inventory and an assessment of acts, policies, or practices which restrict market access for competitive U.S. exports of goods or services, or foreign direct investment by U.S. persons with implications for trade in goods or services. Requires such report to be developed and coordinated by the USTR through the interagency trade organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Requires the head of each executive branch department or agency to furnish necessary information to the USTR. Authorizes such department or agency heads to detail personnel and to furnish services as the USTR may request. Requires the USTR to submit a report to Congress on factors not addressed in this Act which significantly affect the competitiveness of U.S. high technology industries. Sets forth conditions and limitations upon the President's authority to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and to respond to certain foreign trade practices. Authorizes the President to restrict or deny access to a foreign supplier of services to the U.S. service market concerned. Directs that such access restrictions only apply to specified trade authorizations pending on or after a certain petition is filed or the USTR makes a determination to initiate market access restrictions. Requires the USTR to consult with the head of any Federal agency which regulates the services of any foreign country before the President imposes fees or other restrictions on such services. Sets forth provisions for the review of petitions by the USTR. Requires the USTR to publish any determination to initiate an investigation in the Federal Register. Requires the USTR to consult with certain committees before making any such determinations. Requires the USTR to recommend to the President what action to take on the basis of investigations and consultations. Requires the USTR to make such recommendations within specified time periods. Sets forth provisions concerning the availability of certain business information and the use of such information by the USTR. Requires the USTR to publish notice in the Federal Register of any extensions of investigations or recommendations agreed to by the petitioner. Makes conforming amendments. Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should seek: (1) negotiations with foreign governments to reduce or eliminate restrictions on fair access to foreign markets for U.S. exports; and (2) the agreement of the contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade on certain international trade matters including trade restrictions and barriers. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to trade in services, foreign direct investment, and high technology products. Directs the USTR to develop and coordinate the implementation of U.S. policies concerning trade in services. Requires Federal agencies responsible for regulating any service sector industry to advise and work with the USTR concerning: (1) the treatment afforded U.S. services sector interest in foreign markets; (2) allegations of unfair practices by foreign governments or companies in a service sector; (3) negotiations on service-related issues; and (4) domestic implementation of service-related agreements. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a service industries development program. Sets forth the goals of the program. Expresses the policy of the Congress that the President shall: (1) consult with State governments on trade policy issues affecting the regulatory authority of non-Federal governments or their procurement of goods and services; (2) establish one or more intergovernmental policy advisory committee on trade; and (3) provide advice, assistance and information on U.S. policies on international trade in services to State and local governments. Authorizes the President to establish policy advisory committees representing non-Federal governmental interests to provide policy advice on trade negotiating objectives, bargaining positions, and the implementation of trade agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions relating to permits for dredged or fill material. Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue permits to applicants, after notice and opportunity for a public hearing, for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at disposal sites specified by the applicants, unless the Secretary determines that such disposal sites cannot be specified through the application of the guidelines or other considerations in accordance with provisions for specification of disposal sites. Provides that, except in the case of a State request for Federal jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters, the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to legislation under such Act or an other Act of Congress. Directs the Secretary to extend application of such Act to nonnavigable waters within a State which are listed and defined by the State Governor in a written request concurred in by the State legislature in accordance with State law. Repeals provisions for an optional State permit program. Deletes the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" with respect to the 90-day deadline for decisions on permit applications. Makes miscellaneous and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to redefine the term "common carrier by water in foreign commerce" to include persons engaged as common carriers in specified ocean transportation of property who: (1) advertise, solicit, or arrange, within the United States, for such transportation; and (2) transport such property between a point within the United States and a port in a nation contiguous to the United States. Directs such common carriers to file their tariffs with the Federal Maritime Commission within 90 days of enactment of this Act. Sets forth the effective dates of such tariffs. Declares that this Act does not: (1) require such common carriers to reveal, in tariffs filed with the Commission, the portion of such tariffs attributable to inland transportation; (2) require such common carriers to reveal any information with regard to such inland transportation; or (3) extend to the Commission any jurisdiction over or authority to regulate rail carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Natural Gas Import Policy Act of 1983 - Suspends an order issued under the Natural Gas Act authorizing the importation of natural gas unless: (1) the price and terms of the applicable import contract have been renegotiated to be responsive to current market prices and demand; and (2) the renegotiated contract and tariff adjustments have been filed with the Secretary of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Provides that in the case of any terminal or attendant facility located in the United States and constructed for the importation of Algerian natural gas (the authority for which is suspended by this Act), FERC shall permit recovery of the costs prudently incurred in connection with the construction of such facility to the same extent and in the same manner as if such facility were used and useful for the importation and transportation of natural gas (without regard to the suspension under this Act of importation authority). Prohibits FERC from permitting any rate of return on such costs. Includes "liquefied natural gas" within the term "natural gas" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Clayton Act to include a specified antidumping provision among U.S. antitrust laws. Amends the antidumping provision to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the district court jurisdiction of such an action to the District of Columbia. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to recover: (1) compensatory damages (currently, treble damages) or appropriate equitable relief; and (2) legal expenses. Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of a prima facie case a finding by the International Trade Commission that dumping exists. Authorizes the district court to: (1) issue subpoenas outside its judicial district if necessary; (2) enjoin the importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this Act is consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Declares the Port of Houston Authority Bridge over Greens Bayou, Texas, to be for all purposes a "lawful bridge" as defined in a specified Act which provides for the alteration of certain bridges over navigable waters of the United States and for the apportionment of the cost of such alterations between the United States and the owners of such bridges. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to reimburse the bridge owner for work done prior to the date of enactment of this Act which, if done after enactment of this Act, would have been the responsibility of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Upper White Oak Bayou Flood Control Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for flood control and recreation in the Upper White Oak Bayou area, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs 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.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use certain computers with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Limits the kinds of computers covered by this Act to those operating in interstate commerce, or operating on behalf of the Federal Government or of a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation). Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Urges the United States Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating members of the uniformed services who have been prisoners of war or missing in action especially those missing as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer in public schools or institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the Government that: (1) Federal procurement should be accomplished on a competitive basis wherever possible through the General Services Administration (GSA); (2) the use of multiple award schedules should be restricted to cases where competitive single awards are not feasible, sales volume justifies centralized procurement, and a valid need exists for functionally similar items with different prices and features; and (3) where the volume of products purchased is too low to provide a price advantage and commercial "off-the-shelf" products can be substituted for products designed to Government specifications, individual agencies should purchase items locally subject to review by GSA. Directs the Administrator of GSA to implement such policy, the recommendations on procurement contained in the Comptroller General's report of May 2, 1979, and the policy statement prepared by the Office of Acquisition Policy in response to such report. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days after enactment, to issue transitional regulations governing purchases from any multiple award schedule. Requires that such regulations: (1) include the requirement that whenever any agency procurement officer or employee determines that an item in such a schedule is available from a commercial source in the area at a lower cost and under conditions which are no less favorable to the Government than is the case under the schedule, the item shall be purchased from that source; and (2) establish procedures for the audit and review of any such purchase and the enforcement of such regulations by GSA. Repeals such regulations on the effective date of the regulations which are issued to implement the procurement policy declared by this Act and which apply to any item on a multiple award schedule. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress periodic reports on actions taken, and legislation needed, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the Federal Trade Commission from investigating or taking any action concerning any State regulated profession until Congress enacts legislation which expressly provides that the Commission has authority over professions and that the Commission's authority preempts State authority. Vacates any such action taken during the period beginning on January 25, 1983, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Danny Thomas in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding work as an American. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by said Secretary. Provides, effective October 1, 1983, funds not to exceed $22,000 to carry out the purposes of the Act. Provides that the Secretary may cause bronze duplicates of the medal to be coined and sold under regulations prescribed by the Secretary at a price sufficient to cover the costs of producing the gold medal. Directs that the appropriation used to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be reimbursed out of the proceeds from such coin sales. Provides that the medals are to be national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Prohibits Federal involvement in the performance of abortions, except when the life of the mother would be endangered if the child were carried to term. Includes the following activities within the scope of this prohibition: (1) performance of an abortion by a Federal agency; (2) use of appropriated funds to perform or reimburse or refer for abortions; (3) promotion or assistance in the performance of abortions abroad; (4) contracting for insurance which pays or reimburses for abortions; (5) discrimination against an individual on the basis of that person's opposition to abortions; and (6) the withholding from a handicapped infant of nutritional sustenance, medical or surgical treatment by an institution receiving Federal assistance. Provides for expedited Supreme Court review of State laws restricting abortions or infanticide whenever such laws have been invalidated by a lower court.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide scholarships of up to $6,000 per school year to medical students who agree to practice for a specified length of time at a Veterans Administration (VA) facility upon completion of their professional training. Provides the United States with a right to recover expenses against an individual who fails to meet such VA service condition. Provides that certain qualified veterans and dependents of veterans shall have priority with regard to such scholarships. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends Federal law to make Members of Congress ineligible for the pay increase authorized for senior executive, judicial, and legislative positions. Limits outside earned income for Members to 30 percent of a Members' salary. Requires that honoraria be attributed to the calendar year of receipt.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1982
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Presidential Proclamation 4771, dated July 2, 1980 is valid and remains in effect and that therefore it remains the duty of young men to register with the Selective Service System in accordance with the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1982
Military Widows and Surviving Children Benefits Restoration Act - Directs the head of a designated agency to make monthly payments to the surviving spouse of a veteran in the amount such spouse would have received under the Social Security Act were she caring for a child under 16 (when such child is actually between 16 and 18 years of age). Directs the head of a designated agency to make monthly payments equivalent to the child's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act before the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to certain children between the ages of 18 and 22 attending institutions of higher learning. Limits eligibility for such payments to children of veterans who died on active duty before August 13, 1981, or from a service-connected disability. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the designated agency head with information necessary to carry out this Act. Sets forth provisions determining time and percentage of increases in benefits, including a requirement that all payments be rounded down to the next lower multiple of $1. Directs the Secretary of Defense during FY 1983 to transfer funds from the Retired Pay, Defense account to whomever is chosen to administer this program. Requires such head to establish an account in his or her agency to receive such payments. Permits such head and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to combine specified payments into a single monthly payment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1982
Coastal Revenue Sharing Act 1982 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to the Governor of each coastal State and to each unit of local coastal government from rentals, royalties, bonuses, and other sums deposited in the Treasury under any lease for oil, gas, or other minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf certain sums to be calculated in accordance with the criteria set forth in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1982
Oil Pipeline Regulatory Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to repeal provisions transferring to the Secretary of Energy or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission certain functions of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) or the Chairman relating to the transportation of oil by pipeline. Transfers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission such functions relating to the transportation of oil by pipeline as were carried out by the Secretary of Energy or the ICC before enactment of this Act. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to delete provisions requiring common carriers to establish just and reasonable rates, fares, and charges. Deletes provisions: (1) requiring the ICC to investigate forthwith the lawfulness of a rate, fare, or charge upon the filing of a petition by a concerned carrier; and (2) empowering the ICC to issue cease and desist orders regarding rates, fares, and charges. Repeals provisions requiring the ICC to establish just divisions of joint fares, rates, or charges. Prohibits any State or interstate agency from reviewing, prescribing, suspending, or regulating the rates or charges of any common carrier for transportation of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Expresses the support of the Congress for beginning strategic arms reductions talks. Urges the Soviet Union to join with the United States in concluding an equitable and verifiable agreement which freezes strategic nuclear forces at equal and substantially reduced levels. Reaffirms congressional support for the position that the United States should not enter into an arms agreement which provides for force levels inferior to those of the Soviet Union. Declares that the United States should propose practical measures to: (1) reduce the danger of accidental nuclear war; (2) prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties, including terrorists; and (3) halt the worldwide proliferation of nuclear weapons. Insists that any arms control agreement must be fully verifiable.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fields, Jack [R-TX-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000111_200.jpg)