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United States · Official source
2,567 records where Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1983
Designates the week beginning April 8, 1984, as National Hearing Impaired Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Voter Education and Participation Act of 1983 - Requires that each program assisted with funds made available under this Act: (1) develop curriculum materials for elementary, secondary, and higher education to instruct students, teachers, and community members in the importance of voting and to facilitate increased voter participation; (2) disseminate such projects and program materials; (3) train personnel to use such curriculum and program materials; and (4) cooperate with persons and organizations with a special or demonstrated interest in voter education and assist them in promoting, encouraging, developing, or producing programs, materials, public service announcements, and conferences which relate to voter education and participation. Permits curriculum development projects to include, but not be limited to, mock elections, model congresses, civics classes, local symposiums on election issues, and programs to assist students, teachers, and other members of the local educational community to register to vote. Requires any public, private, or nonprofit agency, institution, or organization desiring assistance under this Act to submit an application to the Secretary of Education within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to ensure that specified criteria are met by programs approved for such assistance. Requires that such programs provide equal access for private, as well as public, schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983
School Facilities Child Care Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations having the capacity to furnish school-age child care services in order to assist such agencies and organizations to establish and operate such services in public schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Sets forth information which must be included in applications by such agencies or organizations to the Secretary for such grants. Requires the Secretary, in approving the applications, to: (1) assure that there is an equitable distribution of approved applications; (2) give priority to applications from applicants in communities with the greatest need and a shortage of economic resources for such services; and (3) give consideration to applications from applicants who can illustrate an identifiable base of community support. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of collecting data from recipients of assistance under this Act designed to provide a national needs assessment for child care services of school-age children in the United States. Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under this Act together with a needs assessment of child care services for school-age children in each State. Requires the Secretary to operate a clearinghouse on school-age child care programs. Sets forth general administrative provisions with respect to carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Requires the Attorney General of the United States, the Federal Trade Commission, and all other appropriate Federal agencies and officials to enforce the antitrust laws, including the prohibition against vertical price restraints. Directs such officials and agencies to cease propounding arguments in court designed to weaken such prohibition, and to submit to Congress proposed legislation to make any desired changes in such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1983
Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as National Congregate and Meals on Wheels Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Cable Telecommunications Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize any governmental entity empowered to grant a cable television franchise to require: (1) that a reasonable amount of channel capacity be designated for public, educational, or government purposes; and (2) that rules be promulgated governing the use of such channel capacity, including rules for creating an agency or nonprofit organization to administer the use of such channel capacity. Allows the cable system operator to use such channel capacity for other purposes until there is a demand for use of such capacity for public, educational, or governmental purposes. Prohibits a cable operator from exercising any editorial control over any video programming for such purposes. Requires a cable operator to designate a specified percentage of its channel capacity not required for use under Federal law for commercial use by persons unaffiliated with the operator. Prohibits any Federal, State, or local authority from requiring the designation of a greater percentage of channel capacity for commercial use by unaffiliated persons. Allows an operator to continue using such designated capacity until a written agreement with an unaffiliated person is obtained. Directs the operator to establish prices, terms, and conditions for such use that are sufficient to assure that the operation, financial condition, and market development of the cable system are not adversely affected. Prohibits a cable operator from exercising any editorial control over video programming for such use except to the extent necessary to assure that such cable system is not adversely affected. Prohibits the use of such channel capacity to provide a cable service being provided on the enactment date of this Act in order to avoid providing a diversity of information sources. Authorizes any person aggrieved by the failure of an operator to make channel capacity available for such commercial use to seek to compel that such capacity be made available by bringing an action in the appropriate Federal district court or by petitioning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Authorizes the FCC to prescribe rules necessary to assure that a cable operator or owner provides for a diversity of information sources over the cable system: (1) upon finding that prior adjudications constitute a pattern of such failure by such person; and (2) whenever cable systems with 36 or more activated channels are available to 70 percent of U.S. households and are subscribed to by 70 percent of the households to which such systems are available. Prohibits a person from owning or controlling a cable system if such person: (1) is the licensee of a television broadcast station the predicted grade B contour (field strength) of which covers any part of the community served by such cable system; (2) owns or controls a daily newspaper published in such community; or (3) is a common carrier providing telephone exchange service in any part of such community, excluding specified rural areas. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe rules concerning the common ownership or control of cable systems by persons who own or control other media of mass communications serving the community served by the cable system. Prohibits any State or local authority from regulating the diversity of ownership of mass media interests. Prohibits any State or local authority that has an interest in any cable system from directly or indirectly controlling the content of any programming on such system, except programming on educational, public, or government channels, unless such authority establishes an independent board or separate management company. Prohibits the owner of a multiple unit dwelling from interfering with the provision of cable service requested by a resident. Permits the owner to require that: (1) the costs of installation, construction, operation, or removal of the cable facilities be borne by the subscriber, the operator, or both; (2) the condition of the dwelling and the safety and convenience of other residents are not adversely affected by the installation or construction of such facilities; and (3) the owner be fully compensated by the cable operator for any damages caused by such facilities. Directs the FCC to establish the amount of just compensation to which the owner is entitled. Authorizes a governmental or franchising authority to award one or more cable franchises within its jurisdiction. Directs such authority to assure that the opportunity to purchase cable service is not denied to any class of potential subscribers because of income or economic status. Provides that a franchise shall be construed to authorize the construction of a cable system over public rights-of-way and through easements dedicated for compatible uses, provided the property owners are compensated for any resulting damages. Prohibits a cable system from providing cable service without a franchise. Permits a governmental or franchising authority to require the construction of cable system facilities or the provision of certain equipment as part of an initial franchise or a franchise renewal proceeding. Directs such authority to negotiate and, if necessary, enter binding arbitration with a cable operator over the termination, modification, or deferral of a requirement for facilities or equipment (excluding facilities or equipment for educational, public, or government use) that the operator shows to be impracticable as a result of a significant change in circumstances. Provides that the terms of any franchise agreement resulting from a request for proposals originally issued on or before September 30, 1982, shall remain in effect for the remaining term of the franchise. Declares that no cable system shall be subject to regulation as a common carrier or utility by reason of providing cable service. Authorizes a governmental or franchising authority to require a cable operator to pay a franchise fee not to exceed an annual aggregate of five percent of such operator's gross revenues. Permits a cable operator to pass the cost of any increase in the franchise fee through to subscribers. Prohibits a governmental or franchising authority from requiring the provisions of services, facilities, or other items not related to the provision of cable service under a franchise. Authorizes a franchising authority to regulate the rates for the provision of basic cable service and the installation or rental of equipment necessary for the receipt of such service for any cable system that is not located within the grade B contour of four or more full power television signals with at least one affiliate of each of the three power commercial television networks. Authorizes such an authority to regulate the rates of a franchise in effect on the enactment date of this Act for the greater of five years or one-half of the remaining term of the franchise. Authorizes annual rate increases not exceeding the regional consumer price index if subscribers are given 30 days notice. Provides that requests for rate increases shall be deemed to be granted if not acted upon within 90 days. Bars any other regulation of rates, with specified exceptions, by any Federal, State, local, or other franchising authority. Prohibits any such authority from regulating the provision or content of cable services, except that: (1) any applicable FCC regulation in effect on September 21, 1983, may remain in effect; (2) a franchising authority may enforce the terms of a franchise agreement under which the cable operator agrees to provide particular services; (3) a franchising authority and a cable operator may specify that certain services that are obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution may not be provided; and (4) an operator may be required to offer basic cable services. Allows an operator to rearrange, replace, or remove a service specified in a franchise if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Requires a franchising authority to grant an application for the renewal or extension of an operator's franchise, unless: (1) the operator has not substantially complied with the franchise or applicable law or has committed a felony; (2) there has been a change in the operator's qualifications that impairs the provision of service; (3) the facilities to be provided by the operator are unreasonable in terms of cost and community need; (4) the signal of the operator's system has not met the FCC's technical standards; or (5) the proposals of the application are otherwise unreasonable. Sets forth time requirements and procedures governing the filing, consideration, and denial of applications and the judicial review of adverse decisions. Prohibits a franchising authority, upon the expiration of a franchise, from acquiring an ownership interest in a cable system, or requiring a sale of a system to another person, at less than the system's fair market value. Prohibits a franchising authority from acquiring an ownership interest in a system subject to a franchise termination resulting from a material breach by a cable operator, unless the operator was provided notice of, and a reasonable opportunity to remedy, the breach. Prohibits any cable operator or any other person who provides cable services from using the cable system to collect personally identifiable information on a cable subscriber without the written or electronic consent of the subscriber. Permits the collection of such information solely for billing purposes or for monitoring unauthorized receptions of cable telecommunications. Requires such information to be destroyed when it is no longer used for such purposes. Prohibits the disclosure of such information without the consent of the subscriber or a court order authorizing such disclosure. Requires cable operators to notify subscribers of their rights under the privacy provisions of this Act. Requires each subscriber to have access to all of their personally identifiable information collected and maintained by a cable operator or other person providing cable services. Authorizes civil damages for violations of these privacy provisions. States that cable operators have no liability for programs on public, educational, or governmental channels or for channels designated for commercial use by unaffiliated persons. Prohibits any person from intercepting or receiving cable services or assisting in intercepting or receiving cable services without specific authorization by a cable operator or by law. Sets forth provisions governing civil remedies, the determination of civil damages, and criminal penalities for violations of such prohibition. Provides that a State shall not be considered to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments unless: (1) the State has issued and made effective regulations implementing such regulatory authority; and (2) the State takes final action on a complaint about an individual matter within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from taking any action between September 1, 1983, and July 1, 1988, to change the rules regarding multiple ownership of radio and television broadcast stations. Voids any change made after September 1, 1983, and before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as Florence Crittenton Mission Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should give priority attention, in discussions with the Japanese, to the realignment of the yen-dollar exchange rates and to achieving greater equilibrium in the flow of goods, services, and investments between the two countries; and (2) measures to achieve such equilibrium should include mechanisms for close consultations and policy coordination in order to maintain acceptable fluctuations in the value of the yen, reduce disparities in the interest-rate levels, and allow equivalent access of foreign investors to domestic capital markets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the benefit levels of individuals becoming eligible for benefits in or after 1979 so that they are equal to the benefit levels of individuals who became eligible for benefits before 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union should allow Vladimir Feltsman to travel with his family to perform in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Commission on the Ukraine Famine Act - Establishes a Commission to be known as the Commission on the Ukraine Famine which shall study the 1932-1933 Ukraine famine in order to: (1) expand the world's knowledge of the famine; and (2) provide the American public with a better understanding of the Soviet system. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1983 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle theft prevention standard applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles (other than motorcycles), or manufactured as new replacement parts, after the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, including an evaluation of the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; or (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, or four parts for any trailer. Sets forth compliance provisions for manufacturers of passenger motor vehicles or of passenger motor vehicle equipment. Specifies civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any motor vehicle, off-highway vehicle or vehicle part knowing that it has been stolen or that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to exchange information concerning such vehicles with law enforcement organizations. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 if the beverage has traveled in interstate commerce or if the sale or offer of sale is made in an establishment which is in or affects interstate commerce. Subjects violators to a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assess such penalty by an order made on the record after opportunity for a hearing in accordance with specified law. Prescribes due process procedures for assessing such penalties. Authorizes the Secretary to compromise or modify such penalties. Authorizes judicial review for persons aggrieved by civil penalty assessments. Restricts petitions for such judicial review to a specified time period. Directs the Attorney General to recover penalties in arrears in a civil action in Federal district court. Authorizes citizens' civil actions to enjoin alleged violators of the alcoholic beverage proscription under this statute. Prescribes procedure and appropriate venue for such civil actions. Confers jurisdiction upon Federal district courts over such suits, without regard to amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties. Authorizes the court to award the plaintiff attorney's fees, court costs, and expert witness fees.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Urges the President to prohibit the exportation of grain to the Soviet Union until he determines that the Soviet Union has: (1) provided an account of its surveillance and attack on Korean Air Lines (KAL) flight 7; (2) accepted the responsibility and liability for the deaths on board KAL flight 7; (3) provided reparations for the families of those killed; and (4) pledged cooperation with the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United States to insure the safety of civil aviation in and near its airspace.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Designates the week of September 25 through October 1, 1983, as National Rehabilitation Facilities Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Interstate and Foreign Commerce Development Act - Establishes an Interstate and Foreign Commerce Development Council within the Department of Commerce to: (1) consult with the Secretary of Commerce on the development of U.S. policies to improve U.S. competitiveness; (2) provide a forum for discussion of problems regarding U.S. industrial competitiveness; (3) assist the Secretary in preparing reports and formulating recommendations; (4) consult with the Secretary regarding consultations with foreign governments; and (5) undertake studies. Directs the Secretary to appoint sectoral advisory panels consisting of persons having knowledge of particular industries or industrial sectors. Declares that the United States should seek consultations with foreign governments to reduce or to eliminate acts which deny fair and equitable access to foreign markets for U.S. goods or services or which otherwise burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Directs the Secretary to consult regularly with specified congressional committees to discuss policy priorities. Sets forth the principal U.S. objectives of consultations with foreign governments with respect to: (1) service industries; (2) foreign direct investment; and (3) high technology products. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Department of Commerce the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Development Program which shall: (1) conduct studies of U.S. industries; (2) analyze Federal, State, and local regulations on both foreign and U.S. industries and their effect on interstate and foreign commerce; (3) compile a comprehensive inventory of acts, policies and practices of foreign countries which may constitute barriers to international trade or which may limit the access of U.S. industries to such foreign countries; (4) collect information on foreign programs that direct resources to a particular foreign industry to create international competitive advantage and evaluate the impact of such programs on the competitiveness of U.S. industries; (5) consult with the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Development Council and any sectoral panels of such Council. Directs the Secretary to formulate strategies and policies to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industries in interstate and foreign commerce. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on the information gathered pursuant to the requirements of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit a draft to the Council for its comments and recommendations. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress, within 12 months of enactment of this Act, on the factors which significantly affect the competitiveness of U.S. high technology industries that have a potential for high sales growth in world markets. Authorizes any interested person to file a petition requesting the Secretary to impose limits on the eligibility of a foreign industry or industries to engage in interstate commerce in the United States. Sets forth the method of investigating such a complaint. Requires the Secretary to impose such limits if the Secretary determines that the foreign country follows a policy which is unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory and burdens or restricts U.S. industries in interstate and foreign commerce. Provides that the President may disapprove a decision by the Secretary to impose such limitations on a foreign industry.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women business owners nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women business owners; and (3) data collection procedures with regard to women-owned businesses and Federal initiative and procurement. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives regarding management and technical assistance to women business owners; (2) ways to create greater access to credit for women in business; and (3) ways to enhance procurement opportunities for women business owners. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
White House Conference on the Homeless and the Hungry Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on the Homeless and the Hungry to develop recommendations and stimulate a national assessment of the problem of hunger and homelessness in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the planning and conduct of the Conference. Directs Conference participants to give special consideration to: (1) providing long-range planning to ensure appropriate shelter and nutrition for all needy families; (2) accelerating the availability of emergency community food and shelter facilities; (3) exploring ways of using Government surplus food for the hungry; (4) encouraging States to exchange information on available services and issues of mutual concern; (5) providing incentives for private developers and criteria to rehabilitate abandoned housing; and (6) improving data collection activities. Directs the Conference to submit its final report to the President within 120 days of its formation. Requires the report's findings and recommendations to be made available to the public. Requires the President to transmit recommendations for implementing the report's recommendations to Congress within 120 days after receiving such report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include certain tax-exempt scientific research organizations as eligible recipients of scientific property for purposes of the special computation of the charitable contribution deduction for such property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Designates August 4, 1984, as Coast Guard Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Designates July 20, 1984, as National P.O.W.-M.I.A. Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Designates the week of December 11-17, 1983, as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Computer Literacy Act of 1983 - Title I: Acquisition of Computer Hardware - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the acquisition of computer hardware for use in school classrooms. Directs the Secretary to allocate a specified amount to each State educational agency (SEA) for monitoring and enforcement. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications for such funds, to be approved by SEAs. Sets forth State responsibilities under this title. Sets forth provisions for participation of children from private schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 to carry out this title. Title II: Teacher Training Institutes - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to arrange for short-term or regular session institutes for advanced study to improve the qualifications of individuals who are engaged in, or preparing to engage in: (1) teaching the operation and use of new technologies; or (2) supervising or training such teachers. Directs the NSF to make grants or contracts for the development and operation of such institutes by nonprofit professional scientific or engineering organizations, science museums, regional science education centers, SEAs, and institutions of higher education (including community colleges). Requires that special consideration for such grants and contracts be given to institutes training teachers, or supervisors or trainers of teachers, serving or preparing to serve in elementary and secondary schools enrolling substantial numbers of culturally, economically, socially, and educationally handicapped youth, or in programs for children of limited English language proficiency. Provides for stipends for individuals who attend such institutes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 to carry out this title. Title III: Information Dissemination and Evaluation - Directs the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the NSF to provide advice and technical assistance to SEAs and LEAs on the expenditure of funds under title I and on acquisition of suitable computer software by: (1) evaluating and disseminating information on available computer hardware and software's classroom usefulness; and (2) developing model educational software and making this available to computer software producers and distributors, teachers, and school administrators. Directs NIE and NSF to carry out such functions under grants or contracts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 for such purpose. Directs the NSF to conduct, assist, and foster research and experimentation on, and dissemination of, models of instruction in the operation and use of computers. Directs the NSF to do so: (1) through grants to or contracts with nonprofit professional scientific or engineering organizations, science museums, regional science education centers, public television, SEAs, and institutions of higher education (including community colleges); and (2) giving priority to proposals prepared with active and broad community involvement or proposals to establish model training programs for adults. Permits funds from such grants or contracts to be used for the acquisition of computer hardware and software. Requires the Director of NSF to: (1) report to Congress annually on the results of such research and experimentation; and (2) in conjunction with NIE, disseminate information on such results to LEAs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 to 1993 for such research, experimentation, and dissemination.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Grants a Federal charter to the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Authorizes the President to proclaim March 1984, National Social Work Month.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Designates March 23, 1984, as National Energy Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Designates August 20, 1983, as National Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Amtrak Improvement Act of 1983 - Title I: Amtrak and Amtrak-Related Provisions - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). Requires the Corporation to discontinue service which is projected to have: (1) a specified avoidable loss per passenger mile for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years; and (2) less than a specified passenger mile per train mile ratio. Requires the Corporation to continue certain service that it planned to discontinue if the States through which such service passes agree to pay: (1) 80 percent of the short-term avoidable loss in the first fiscal year and 100 percent of the short-term avoidable loss in subsequent fiscal years; and (2) 50 percent of associated capital costs. Directs the Secretary, at the request of the Corporation, to discharge the guaranteed obligations of the Corporation to the Federal Financing Bank. Requires the Secretary to continue to guarantee loans to the Corporation under previously approved capital programs and to repay existing equipment obligations. Authorizes the Corporation to dispose of surplus rolling stock, but to offer such stock for sale first to public agencies operating rail service. Establishes the Amtrak Revolving Capital Fund for the deposit of revenues from passenger operations (excluding appropriated funds) and for the funding of all capital projects of the Corporation. Requires the Corporation, before March 1 of each year, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the capital projects proposed for the next fiscal year. Authorizes any railroad to negotiate an agreement with the Corporation to service any points between points already serviced by the Corporation. Makes the Corporation's amendments to the Route and Service Criteria effective at the end of 120 days (currently 60 days) of continuous session of Congress after submission of such amendment to Congress. Removes congressional veto provisions for such amendments. Prohibits the Corporation from discontinuing service between Tampa and Saint Petersburg, Florida. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the expenditure of funds to finance costs incurred after cancellation of electrification conversions. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act to extend the payment of benefits under the employee protection agreement until April 1, 1985 (currently April 1, 1984). Amends the Rail Safety and Service Improvement Act of 1981 to authorize appropriations for the Office of the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration for FY 1984. Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to decrease the membership on the Board of Directors of the United States Railway Association from five to three members, by removing the Secretary of Transportation and the Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission from such Board. Eliminates provisions which prohibit the Chairman of such Board from having direct financial relationships with any railroad. Extends the term of office of the Chairman from December 31, 1983, until December 31, 1985. Authorizes appropriations for the Association for FY 1984. Allows the Consolidated Rail Corporation, prior to November 1, 1985 (currently November 1, 1983), to file with the Interstate Commerce Commission a notice of insufficient revenues for any line which is part of its system. Changes the congressional approval provisions for any plan for the sale of United States' interests in the Corporation and for freight transfer agreements, to require that such plans be enacted into law before implementation. Extends the benefits for certain employees under the employee protection agreement for six months from the date such benefits were exhausted. Authorizes appropriations for the Railroad Accounting Principles Board for FY 1984 through 1986. Declares as nonnavigable water two parcels of land in Jersey City, New Jersey. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to eliminate the Secretary's authority to reserve the expenditure of certain FY 1983 through 1985 funds for the Northeast Corridor. Amends the Railroad Retirement Act to prohibit the Railroad Retirement Board from entering into any contract with any carrier to perform the functions under the Social Security Act with respect to individuals entitled to benefits as qualified railroad retirement beneficiaries. Prohibits the continuance of any such contract after September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1983
Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983 - Title I: Benefit Adjustments - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to make certain disabled railroad employees eligible for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act. Sets forth formulas for determining annuities for certain individuals who retire before the age of 62. Sets forth the annuity formulas for spouses of such individuals and spouses of disabled employees. Makes such annuities comparable to benefits payable under the Social Security Act. Revises the computation of railroad annuities with respect to cost-of-living adjustments made under the Social Security Act. Changes annuity beginning dates to conform to such dates under such Act. Eliminates post-secondary school students from eligibility for survivors' annuities. Requires the Board to prepare annually five-year projections of the retirement system, and, if necessary, to include the tax rate increase needed to assure solvency during such five-year period. Revises annuity eligibility requirements to conform to such provisions under the Social Security Act. Provides for the annualization of benefits for employees who perform service in less than 12 months in a calendar year. Title II: Revenue Provisions - Railroad Retirement Revenue Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tier II tax on railroad employees, employers, and employee representatives and to provide for annualization of tier I and tier II wage bases. Requires that all benefits provided under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (other than tier I retirement benefits) be taxed as benefits received under employer plans. Requires, effective January 1, 1986, all railroad employers to deposit railroad retirement employment taxes on the same schedule that applies to nonrailroad employers for the deposit of social security and income taxes. Establishes a railroad unemployment repayment tax for rail employers from July 1, 1986, until October 30, 1990, for the repayment of loans from the Railroad Retirement Account made to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account. Makes sick pay under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act taxable as gross income, unless such pay is the result of an on-the-job injury. Title III: Borrowing Authority Adjustments - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Railroad Retirement Account from the general fund such amounts as determined necessary by the Railroad Retirement Board after the end of each month beginning in October, 1983. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to terminate the authority of the railroad unemployment insurance account to borrow from the Railroad Retirement Account on September 30, 1985. Title IV: Other Benefit-Related Amendments - Changes the maximum percentage of amounts that may be transferred from the Railroad Retirement Account to the Dual Benefits Payments Account to such amount as determined necessary by the Board to pay dual benefits for a particular month. Provides for the transfer of amounts owed to the Railroad Retirement Account for unfunded dual benefits previously paid. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to increase the monthly wage base on which railroad employers pay taxes for unemployment compensation. Increases the earnings requirement for railroad employees to qualify for unemployment compensation. Increases the waiting period for the payment of unemployment benefits during any strike from seven days to 14 days, including employees not participating in an illegal strike. Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to conform surviving parents benefits to such provisions under the Social Security Act. Eliminates the deduction for military disability compensation from railroad annuities. Requires the Railroad Retirement Board, whenever it submits budget requests or other specified information to the President or Office of Management and Budget, to concurrently submit such information to Congress. Provides a procedure for the return to the Treasury of amounts attributable to benefit checks that remain unnegotiated six months after issuance. Provides for an inspector general for the Railroad Retirement Board. Title V: Other Amendments - Establishes the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account for the deposit of all social security equivalent revenues and for the payment of all social security equivalent benefits. Requires the Railroad Retirement Board to annually submit to Congress a report on the actuarial status of the railroad retirement system under various economic and employment assumptions and to include recommendations deemed appropriate. Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to increase the monthly wage base for railroad unemployment insurance from $400 to $600 effective after December 31, 1983. Directs representatives of railroad labor and management to jointly establish the Railroad Unemployment Compensation Committee to review all aspects of the unemployment and sickness insurance system provided by the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. Requires the Committee to report to Congress by April 1, 1984, on the results of such review and on the repayment of funds borrowed by such system from the Railroad Retirement Account.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Margaret Truman Daniel, daughter of Harry S. Truman, in recognition of the lifetime of outstanding public service he gave to the United States. Commemorates his one hundredth birthday which will be celebrated on May 8, 1984. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Sales Representation Contractual Relations Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Subjects a principal to an indemnification action by a sales representative where a written contract exists between them under which the sales representative solicits orders from accounts and prospective accounts for the merchandise of the principal. Enumerates items to be included in any such written contract in order to conform with this Act. Title III: Indemnification - Exempts a principal from any indemnification action brought under this Act where: (1) a contract exists between the principal and sales representative which meets the requirements of Title I; or (2) the conduct of the principal for which indemnification is sought occurred before the sales representative had solicited orders on behalf of the principal for a period of 18 months. Permits a sales representative to bring an action for indemnification against a principal in any U.S. district court or State court where the principal: (1) terminates, without good cause, a sales representative from the assignment to solicit orders; or (2) reduces the size of any geographical territory assigned, the rate of commission paid, or the number of accounts assigned to a sales representative. Sets forth a formula for the computation of the amount of indemnification a principal shall pay in such an action. Provides that in an indemnification brought under this Act, the burden of proof shall be placed on the principal to show that the termination or reduction was for good cause if the sales representative presents certain evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the States should: (1) adopt the International Symbol of Access to identify vehicles carrying the physically handicapped and grant only to such vehicles access to special parking privileges; and (2) enter into agreements of reciprocity relating to special parking privileges granted to handicapped persons.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to extend the suspension of the duty on certain cobalt alloys until June 30, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Designates a specified day as "Metropolitan Opera Day."
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983
Proclaims March 20, 1984, as National Agriculture Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Designates the month of November 1983, as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983
Urban Grant University Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend through FY 1990 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Urban Grant University Program under title XI of such Act. Revises grant application provisions to direct the Secretary of Education to consider the degree to which there is evidence in the application of a commitment by any entities within the community, which may include the applicant university, to pay a specified non-Federal share of project costs. (Current law requires consideration only of the loal government's commitment to pay such non-Federal share.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Federal Law Enforcement Officers' Security Act of 1983 - Provides civil service compensation for the disability or death of a Federal law enforcement officer resulting from an injury sustained while making an arrest for a State felony, unless such compensation is available to such officer under State law. Directs the Attorney General of the United States to reimburse a Federal officer for: (1) any litigation expenses incurred for defending himself or herself in an action brought against such officer for violating a State law while making such an arrest; and (2) any resulting fine or damages imposed, if a State officer would be immune to liability for the same conduct. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude the amount of any such reimbursement from the officer's gross income.
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 · 16 June 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to the family of the late Honorable Leo J. Ryan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
Urges the President to take steps to negotiate a treaty with the Soviet Union to provide for mutual cooperation to deal with the threat of accidental nuclear war caused by acts of terrorism.
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
Proclaims the week of June 3 through June 9, 1984, National Theatre Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Urges President Andropov of the Soviet Union to immediately grant permission for Doctor Semyon Gluzman and his family to emigrate to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for real estate taxes imposed by State law on tenants. Extends such deduction to taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize their income tax deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Occupational Disease Compensation Act of 1983 - Establishes a compulsory compensation program for employees and their survivors for death or disability resulting from work-related exposure to toxic substances. Includes compensation for disabilities which are partial or temporary. Sets forth formulas for monetary benefits for partial and total disability (generally 80 percent of the national manufacturing or construction average weekly wage for the month of the onset of disability). Requires such benefits to be paid from the date of onset of the disability and continuing for the duration of the disability. Sets forth formulas for death benefits. Provides that there shall be no maximum limitation on the total amount or duration of medical benefits or monetary disability or death benefits. Declares ineffective any compromise or release of monetary or medical benefits unless the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) determines it is in the best interest of the claimant. Declares absolutely ineffective any waiver or release concerning future coverage or compensation under State workers' compensation law or under this Act which was executed before death or onset of disability from work-related exposure to toxic substances. Details eligibility criteria for compensation. Includes among them a determination that work-related exposure to a toxic substance significantly contributed to or aggravated the disability or death. Identifies pathological conditions irrebutably presumed to have resulted form work-related exposure to asbestos. Establishes procedures for filing, adjudicating, and appealing claims. Makes compensation under this Act the claimant's exclusive remedy for disability or death resulting from workplace exposure to asbestos or other toxic substance. Limits the maximum period for retroactive payments to five years from the date the claim was filed. Requires a court to stay any pending liability action for death or disability against a third party if a compensation claim has been filed under this Act. Requires the court to dismiss such an action with prejudice upon notification by the Secretary that a final agency determination has been made on the claim. Authorizes the Toxic Substance Employee Compensation Insurance Pool (established by this Act) to offer claimants interim monetary and medical benefits during the pendency of a compensation claim. States such interim benefits are not recoverable if the claim is ultimately denied. Requires employers to contribute to the Pool in order to enjoy the limitations on liability provided by this Act. Requires the Secretary to apportion the obligation to provide insurance coverage among employers and toxic substance market participants. Delineates the legal theories upon which liability actions against third parties may be based. Vests in the Pool responsibility for the payment of all compensation claims. Prescribes procedures by which employers and toxic substance market participants may become covered contributors to the Pool. Proposes alternative measures by which toxic substance market participants may meet their contribution obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend Pool membership upon failure to comply with specified provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to bring a civil action and to assess civil penalties if a Pool contributor fails to maintain insurance sufficient to meet its financial obligations. Establishes the Toxic Substance Employee Compensation Insurance Pool to underwrite liabilities under this Act and to pay compensation and benefits provided by this Act. Makes participation in the Pool available to casualty insurance carriers, workers' compensation carriers, and employers and toxic substance market participants who choose to self-insure. Requires the Secretary of Labor to promulgate standards for participation in the Pool by insurance carriers and by employers or toxic substance market participants as self-insurers. Requires the Pool to pay the Secretary an annual fee to cover administrative costs. Establishes guidelines for the payment of compensation claims. Includes a procedure for appealing orders to suspend payments. Provides for 20 percent additional compensation in cases of late payments. Sets forth provisions for representation and witness fees in compensation payment disputes, to be paid by the employer or the employer's insurance carrier to the claimant's representative. Sets criminal penalties for: (1) receiving any unapproved consideration or gratuity for representative services; or (2) soliciting employment as a representative in such disputes. Prohibits employment discrimination based upon the filing of a claim or the instituting of a proceeding under this Act. Establishes civil penalties for such discrimination. Provides a grievance procedure for the investigation and determination of discrimination complaints. Voids any insurance policy provision which relieves the employer from sole personal liability and payment. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to conduct research into improved means of: (1) surveillance of workers exposed to occupational health hazards; and (2) medical treatment of such workers. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations which provide compensation for: (1) occupational exposure in addition to asbestos; and (2) specific categories of workers whose occupational exposure to toxic substances results in death or disability. Directs the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the results of its review of current scientific studies concerning the incidence of work-related diseases. Authorizes the Secretary, after evaluating such reports, to recommend to the Secretary of Labor regulations covering benefits for additional work-related diseases. States that any regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor in response to such recommendations shall be effective unless within 90 days after Congress is notified both Houses adopt a resolution of disapproval. Requires the Director of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to establish a separate task force within such office to administer claims filed under this Act. Establishes procedural guidelines for: (1) such Director; and (2) the Benefits Review Board. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into specified contracts in order to administer the Pool. Exempts such contracts from competitive bidding requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to enjoin violations of this Act in district court.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as National Disabled Veterans Week.