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Official portrait of Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9]

Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9]

United States · Official source

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3,346 records where Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 3021 (98th)open

Health Care for the Unemployed Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1983

Health Care for the Unemployed Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI - Health Care for the Unemployed: Part A - Grants to States - Authorizes to be appropriated for FY 1984 - 1986 a sum sufficient to enable each State to furnish medical assistance to unemployed individuals and their immediate family. Requires a State, in order to receive funding, to have an approved State plan for medical assistance for the unemployed. Requires a State plan to: (1) meet specified administrative requirements of the State's Medicaid plan; (2) make medical assistance available to eligible individuals voluntarily enrolled during the individual's coverage period; (3) require the State unemployment compensation agency to inform unemployment compensation recipients of the plan and of group health plans, and to notify the State Medicaid agency of eligible unemployment compensation recipients; (4) provide the following services: (a) inpatient hospital services for up to nine days annually; (b) outpatient hospital, emergency, rural health clinic, and physician services for up to ten visits annually; (c) laboratory and x-ray services, subject to such limits as the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish; and (d) family planning and nurse mid-wife services; (5) provide for the imposition of premiums, enrollment fees, and similar charges; (6) provide that the plan will be secondary in payment to any other insurance or benefit plan providing medical assistance; and (7) provide that a State make reasonable efforts to determine the Medicaid eligibility of individuals enrolled in the plan who are not receiving unemployment compensation. Requires the Secretary to approve any plan meeting the above requirements, but precludes approval of any plan which: (1) excludes any U.S. citizen or any individual residing in the State; or (2) if approved, would result in a reduction of Medicaid services. Requires the Secretary to disapprove a plan if it reduces or eliminates Medicaid eligibility under its AFDC plan (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Act) with respect to the unemployed parent program or the coverage of certain children. Provides that an individual is eligible for such medical assistance for a week if the individual: (1) is receiving unemployment compensation and three weeks have elapsed since the first week the individual received unemployment compensation; or (2) is not receiving unemployment compensation for the week, was receiving unemployment compensation for a week during the 104 week period ending with the week before the first week in which the plan is in effect and has not received unemployment compensation for any week in which the plan is in effect, and meets certain requirements relating to work availability. Makes an individual's family eligible if the individual is eligible. Requires a State plan to establish standards concerning whether or not an individual is employed. Requires an individual to be considered employed for a week if the individual's earnings equal or exceed an amount equal to 30 times the minimum hourly wage. Makes an individual ineligible for a week if: (1) the individual is covered under a group health plan for which a contribution is being made by someone other than the individual; (2) the individual is covered under his or her spouse's group health plan; (3) the individual is eligible for Medicaid; (4) the individual is employed for four consecutive weeks; or (5) the individual was disqualified because of fraud for unemployment compensation or convicted of a Medicaid offense in the previous year. Requires a State to impose: (1) a premium of between two and five percent of an individual's unemployment compensation; and (2) the same deduction, cost-sharing, and similar charges as imposed under Medicaid. Authorizes a State plan to provide an enrollee the option of receiving medical assistance with another health benefit plan. Authorizes a State to provide an eligible individual with the option of having the State make a cash payment for the premium of another plan. Sets forth the methods for determining payments to States. Makes provisions of title XIX relating to the operation of State plans applicable to title XXI. Sets forth definitions used in this part. Directs the Secretary, provided certain conditions are met, to grant a waiver to a State plan with respect to some or all of the Medicaid administrative requirements in the case of a State plan that enters into an arrangement with one or more private health benefits plans which provide health insurance or health benefits to all eligible individuals and which provide required benefits at a cost no greater than the premiums and other charges of the State plan. Makes specified provisions of title XIX and part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act relating to rural health clinics, fraud and abuse, Indian health service facilities, cost sharing, judicial and administrative review, capital expenditures, and administration applicable to this part. Part B: Open Enrollment, Continuation, and Conversion Rights of Individuals - Requires the group health plans of employers required to pay minimum wage and States and political subdivisions with 25 or more employees to meet the requirements of this part. Requires a group health plan to have an open enrollment period for each married employee eligible to enroll whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to involuntary termination of the spouse's health plan. Requires a group health plan to provide continuation of coverage under the plan for at least 90 days following an individual's involuntary separation or layoff. Requires a State to provide an employee covered under an insured group health plan subject to State insurance law the option of securing health benefits coverage without evidence of insurability where the individual's loss of coverage under the group health plan results from the individual's involuntary layoff or separation from employment. Authorizes an individual or State adversely affected by the failure of an employer to comply with the requirements of this part to seek injunctive relief in a Federal district court. Part C: Assistance to Hospitals Serving the Unemployed - Directs the Secretary to make grants to hospitals to assist the hospitals in providing services to individuals unable to pay. Requires a hospital, in order to receive a grant, to: (1) be located in an area of high unemployment or serve primarily medically underserved populations; (2) serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients having low income; (3) provide services to individuals without regard to their inability to pay; and (4) offer assurances that it will use the grants in addition to, rather than in lieu of, existing Federal, State, and local funds. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1983-1986. Establishes the effective date for part A of title XXI as July 1, 1983, with repeal as of October 1, 1986. Provides for the participation of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa in the plan established by this title.

Bill· HRH.R. 3010 (98th)open

Medicare Vision Reform Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Medicare Vision Act of 1983 - Provides coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for: (1) eye examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses; (2) procedures performed to determine the refractive state of the eyes; and (3) services performed by a doctor of optometry. Permits payment for services under part B for services performed by an optometrist, or services performed by another doctor which could be performed by an optometrist, only if payment is made on the basis of an assignment.

Bill· HRH.R. 2997 (98th)open

National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 13 member National Commission on the Regulation of Nursing Homes. States that such Commission's purpose shall be to examine existing Federal and State quality, health, and safety regulations for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities and to make recommendations, including alternative approaches to regulating such facilities, to Congress and to the Secretary by September 30, 1984. Imposes a moratorium on nursing home rules changes until six months after the filing of such recommendations. Requires such Commission to be made up of members of the Institute of Medicine, nursing home residents and operators, and State officials.

Bill· HRH.R. 3016 (98th)referred

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize reimbursement for the reasonable charge for chiropractic services provided to certain veterans.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 267 (98th)open

A joint resolution calling for a worldwide ban on chemical weapons.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983

Calls upon the nations of the world, particularly the Soviet Union, to conclude in the multilateral Committee on Disarmament or other bilateral negotiations a comprehensive and verifiable treaty banning chemical weapons. States that the United States will continue its moratorium on chemical weapons production if progress is evident on a comprehensive and verifiable treaty banning chemical weapons.

Bill· HRH.R. 2977 (98th)open

Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983

Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Secretary of the Treasury from investigating or auditing churches unless the Secretary possesses evidence causing him to believe that a church: (1) is carrying on an unrelated trade or business; or (2) should not be granted tax-exempt status. Restricts the Secretary from beginning any investigation unless he has first provided the church with written notice that an investigation is being commenced. Sets forth the requirements of such notice. Requires that the Secretary must first approve an application by the regional counsel of the internal revenue region for examination of church records and religious activities before beginning any such examination. Requires the Secretary, prior to the approval of any such application, to offer in writing an opportunity for a conference to discuss facts, evidence, and issues relevant to the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the church in writing of the approval of the application for examination at least 15 days prior to the commencement of such examination. Limits the examination of religious activities to that necessary to determine whether an organization is a church or convention or association of churches. Limits the examination of church records to that necessary to determine the amount of tax imposed. Allows an organization which claims that the Secretary has violated the provisions of this Act to bring a civil action for injunctive relief against the Secretary. Reduces the statute of limitations for collection after assessment of tax to three years in the case of any organization which is a church or convention or association of churches.

Law· HRH.R. 2973 (98th)enacted

An act to promote economic revitalization and facilitate expansion of economic opportunities in the Caribbean Basin region, to provide for backup withholding of tax from interest and dividends, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983

Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to repeal the provisions which require the withholding of tax on interest and dividends. Makes technical amendments to insure that taxpayers who anticipated the ten percent withholding provision becoming effective on July 1, 1983, do not suffer estimated tax penalties for underpayment of tax for the period between January and June 1983.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 126 (98th)passed

A concurrent resolution providing for the commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Harry S Truman.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983

Establishes the Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for the congressional commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Harry S. Truman. Declares it the duty of such committee to: (1) arrange a joint meeting of the Congress in commemoration of such anniversary; (2) plan proceedings for such joint meeting; and (3) coordinate activities with the Truman Centennial Committee. Enumerates the powers of such joint committee. Provides that the expenses of such joint committee may not exceed a specified amount and shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 190 (98th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the need to maintain guidelines which ensure equal rights with regard to education opportunity.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 122 (98th)passed

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the Republic of South Africa should cease its "blackspot" policy of removing black South Africans from their ancestral land and relocating them.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Republic of South Africa should comply with international human rights agreements by ending its "black-spot" policy and by allowing forcibly relocated South Africans to return to ancestral lands; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" sovereignty should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country under "homelands" visas; and (4) the President should send a copy of this resolution to the Republic of South Africa.

Bill· HRH.R. 2903 (98th)referred

Veterans Programs Improvement Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983

Veterans' Programs Improvement Act of 1983 - Title I:Definition of Vietnam Era - Redefines the Vietnam Era to include the period July 8, 1959, through May 7, 1975, for veterans who served in the Republic of South Vietnam during that period. Title II: Women Veterans - Makes women veterans eligible for outpatient treatment at private facilities for medical conditions relating to gender. Title III: Veterans Administration Health-Care Programs - Extends through FY 1985 a Vietnam era veteran's eligibility for readjustment counseling. Makes the Preventive Health-Care Services Pilot Program a permanent program. Title IV: Veterans Administration Health-Care Personnel - Permits the Administrator to appoint licensed practical or vocational nurses for physical therapists, and certified or registered respiratory therapists for the medical care of veterans. Requires such personnel to have such medical, scientific, or technical qualifications as the Administrator shall prescribe. Sets forth the period of appointments and the probationary period for such personnel. Establishes wage scales and other terms and conditions of employment. Requires the Administrator and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to submit a joint report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees concerning the conversion of selected health care occupations to title 38 (Veterans), U.S. Code. Title V: Status and Role of Administrator of Veterans Affairs - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Administrator should be made a fully participating member of the Cabinet. Title VI: Health Hazards Studies and Report - Directs the Administrator to provide for an epidemiological study of the long-term adverse health effects of exposure to ionizing radiation from the detonation of a nuclear device, either in connection with a test or with the American occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, following World War II. Directs the Administrator to conduct a comprehensive review of scientific analysis of the literature covering studies relating to such effects. Directs the President and the Administrator to make several reports to the appropriate committees of Congress concerning the steps taken and the results of the literature review. Requires, after two years, an annual report from the Administrator to the appropriate committees concerning the epidemiological study. Directs the Administrator, within 90 days of submitting such report, to set forth in the Federal Register what action he proposes to take concerning Veterans Administration programs in response to such report. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress within 180 days of enactment on alternative approaches to providing benefits to veterans and the natural children of veterans who were exposed during service to either such radiation or to dioxins (Agent Orange) used in Vietnam. Title VII: Technical Amendments - Makes various technical amendments.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 182 (98th)referred

A resolution to express the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the rights of tenants of federally assisted public housing.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the rights and protections afforded tenants of public housing should not be reduced; (2) the percentage of such tenants monthly adjusted income required to be contributed toward rent should be reduced from 30 to 25; (3) a moratorium on the sale, demolition, or other disposal of public housing should be established immediately; (4) the utility costs of public housing tenants should not be increased; and (5) the amount of Federal assistance provided for the operation of public housing should be increased.

Bill· HRH.R. 2847 (98th)open

National Employment Priorities Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983

National Employment Priorities Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings and purposes of this Act and definitions. Title II: Federal Adjustment Assistance - Requires the Secretary of Labor to implement a comprehensive assistance program for employees who lose their employment with an establishment which is required under title III of this Act to give advance notice of plant closings and permanent layoffs. Requires that such program include: (1) training programs; (2) job placement services; (3) payments for reasonable expenses incurred by employees in searching for new employment in a geographical area away from such establishment; (4) payments for moving expenses; and (5) education assistance. Requires the Secretary, to the extent practicable, to provide such assistance before employment loss occurs and through existing programs. Provides that the Secretary shall consult with a business establishment and with any affected labor organizations in order to develop a retraining plan which meets the manpower needs of such establishment. Requires the payment of travel and subsistence allowances to employees receiving assistance under this program. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to retrain employees of a business undergoing plant closings and laying off employees. Makes a business concern eligible for assistance under this Act if: (1) such business concern intends to undertake a change of operations which will result in a substantial employment loss; (2) all reasonable efforts and the resources of such business concern are inadequate to prevent such employment loss; (3) such assistance will enable such business concern to operate on an improved economic basis within a reasonable time period and without the change of operations; and (4) such business concern has complied with notice requirements under title III of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide eligible business concerns with enough financial assistance to substantially contribute to their economic viability if equivalent financial assistance is unavailable from conventional sources and if it is reasonably likely that they will repay the United States. Provides that such financial assistance may include loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, and an assumption of debt. Authorizes the Secretary to provide eligible business concerns with enough technical assistance to substantially contribute to their economic viability. Provides that such assistance may include research and development grants and contracts which will provide new employment opportunities. Requires the Secretary to issue a certificate of procurement credit to a business concern which complies with notice requirements under title III of this Act if such business concern will be able to offer additional employment opportunities upon entering into a procurement contract with the Government. Provides that bids submitted by a business concern with such a certificate shall be treated by Government agencies as if they are equal to 95 percent of the amount stated in the bids. Makes local governments eligible for assistance under this Act if, as a result of a change of operations of a business concern, there will be a substantial decrease in the amount of revenues paid to such governments, a substantial increase in demand for social services provided by them, or a substantial increase in the number of unemployed individuals residing within their jurisdiction. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to eligible local governments grants, loans, and loan guarantees to increase the availability of social services and to implement any plan for a public works project approved by the Secretary. Makes employers other than business concerns required to comply with notice requirements under title III of this Act and cooperative associations of employees eligible for assistance under this Act if such employers and cooperative associations will create or expand employment opportunities and provide continuous employment over a substantial period of time, and substantially equivalent assistance is unavailable from any other source. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to such employers and cooperative associations loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance for expanding operations in an establishment required to comply with notice requirements under title III of this Act, constructing new establishments, and undertaking research and development projects to identify new markets and employment opportunities. Establishes priority requirements for the provision of assistance under this title. Title III: Advance Notice of Plant Closings and Permanent Layoffs - Requires a business concern to give written notice with respect to any intended change of operations in a State which will result in the number of employees suffering an employment loss in any 18-month period equaling or exceeding the lesser of 100 employees or 15 percent of the employees at such establishment. Requires that the notice be given to the Secretary, the employees, representatives of affected labor organizations at such establishment, and local government units as required by the Secretary. Sets forth time requirements with respect to such notice. Requires the Secretary to inform each employee who receives such notice of the availability of assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct an investigation of any intended change of operations at an establishment with respect to which notice is required under this Act if the Secretary receives a written request for such an investigation within 60 days after such notice is given from an authorized representative of an affected labor organization or from at least 10 percent of the employees notified. Provides that the Secretary may conduct such an investigation regardless of whether such notice is given if such investigation would serve the purposes of this Act or if at least 50 percent of the employees of the establishment involved request an investigation. Requires the Secretary to publish a report containing his or her findings resulting from such an investigation and recommendations to prevent or minimize the harmful economic and social effects of the intended change of operations of the business which is investigated. Title IV: Employer Responsibilities - Requires a business concern which is required to give notice under title III of this Act and which reduces the weekly wages of an employee to less than 85 percent of the average weekly wages paid to such employee during the 26 weeks preceding such reduction or which suspends or terminates the employment of such employee to give such employee a written statement of employment status. Provides that such an employee shall be treated as suffering an employment loss if: (1) such statement does not include an assurance that such employee's wages will be increased or that such employee will be reinstated; or (2) the business concern fails to give such statement to such employee. Requires the business concern to give such an employee a lump sum payment, in addition to other payments required by this Act, if the business concern fails to prevent such employee's loss of employment. Requires a business concern which is required to give notice under title III of this Act to: (1) pay to each employee who suffers an employment loss as a result of a change in operations a weekly income maintenance payment for one year; and (2) make payments to any employee benefit plan in effect with respect to each such employee for one year. Provides that no business concern shall be required to make total payments exceeding $25,000 to any employee suffering an employment loss. Provides that no business concern shall be required to make payments to such an employee if: (1) such employee begins employment with any other establishment of such business concern; (2) such employee refuses to accept employment which is within a reasonable commuting distance, which provides wages and benefits equal to or better than those of the employee's previous job, and which is similar to such employee's previous position; (3) such employee refuses to participate or fails to make satisfactory progress without good cause in a training or placement program under this Act; or (4) such employee receives a retirement benefit under a pension plan to which the business concern contributed. Requires a business concern to pay moving expenses for an employee who accepts employment with such business concern within three years after such employee's employment loss occurs. Provides for an extension of the one-year period of payments under this title to an employee if such employee is between 53 and 61 years old at the end of the one year. Requires the Secretary to reimburse the business concern involved for any such payments. Provides that any payment required under this title which a business concern fails to make shall be treated as a debt owed by such business concern to the United States and requires the Secretary, upon request, to make such payment to the employee involved. Provides that a business concern which transfers ownership or control of an establishment in order to avoid liability for any subsequent employment loss shall be liable to the United States for the amount of employee assistance which the business concern owning or controlling the establishment at the time the employment loss occurs fails to provide. Requires a business concern required to give notice under title III of this Act to offer to any employee who suffers an employment loss any employment which becomes available at another establishment of such business concern within three years following such employment loss and which such employee is qualified to perform, to the extent that the provision of such employment does not violate any collective-bargaining agreement in effect. Provides that an employee of a business concern required to give notice under title III of this Act who suffers an employment loss shall be eligible to participate in any employee benefit plan in effect with respect to such employee during any period when such business concern is required to make payments to such plan under this title. Sets forth vesting requirements with respect to such plans. Provides that an individual who knowingly accepts employment with a business concern which has given notice as required under title III of this Act shall not be considered an employee of such business concern for purposes of assistance under this Act. Makes a business concern which is required to give notice under title III of this Act liable to local government units for any loss of revenue which occurs during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the business concern implements its change of operations. Provides that any such payment which a business concern fails to make shall be treated as a debt owned by such business concern to the United States and requires the Secretary, upon request, to make such payment to the local government involved. Makes a business concern whose change of operations involves a transfer of operations outside the United States when an economically viable alternative exists liable to the United States for loss of revenue. Title V: Administration - Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who fraudulently obtains assistance under this Act and on anyone who gives the notice required under title III of this Act and makes false statements or fails to disclose material facts required under such title. Imposes civil penalties on any business concern which fails to: (1) give notice as required by title III of this Act; (2) provide assistance to employees pursuant to title IV of this Act; or (3) pay any debt owed to the United States pursuant to this Act within 180 days after such debt is incurred. Makes it unlawful for a business concern required to give notice under title III of this Act to: (1) fail to offer an employee who suffers an employment loss other employment at an alternative establishment; or (2) discriminate against an employee who participates in any investigation under this Act. Requires the suspension or reduction of assistance payments with respect to any person who has fraudulently obtained such assistance. Requires the Secretary to maintain operating reserves with respect to anticipated claims under loan guarantees made under title II of this Act. Requires that mortgages acquired by the Secretary as security for any loans made under such title be recorded by the Secretary according to State law. Specifies time periods within which Congress may disapprove rules promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress: (1) a report evaluating the effectiveness of the assistance programs under this Act; and (2) legislative proposals which provide assistance to local government units adversely affected by changes of operations of business concerns and which require business concerns to provide employment information for inclusion in the job bank and matching program established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor the National Employment Priorities Administration which shall carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes a National Employment Priorities Advisory Council which shall give advice to the Secretary, evaluate the programs under this Act, and conduct various employment studies. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2855 (98th)referred

Shared Housing Residents Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983

Shared Housing Residents Assistance Act - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude from unearned income, for the purpose of determining eligibility based on income, support and maintenance received in kind if the residents of a household share the facilities and at least two of the residents (of whom at least one is eligible for SSI) are unrelated. Requires an individual living in such a household to spend for food and shelter at least 25 percent of the applicable monthly amount determined under title XVI.

Bill· HRH.R. 2856 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that participating in certain shared-housing arrangements does not make an individual ineligible for the one-time exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence by individuals who have attained age 55.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that participating in certain shared-housing arrangements does not make a taxpayer ineligible for the one-time exclusion of gain from sale of a principal residence by individuals who have attained age 55. Defines a "shared-housing arrangement" as a living situation in which two or more unrelated individuals who are either handicapped or have attained age 60 share housing.

Bill· HRH.R. 2837 (98th)open

National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983

National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2835 (98th)referred

Catastrophic Health Care Expenses Assistance Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983

Catastrophic Health Care Expenses Act of 1983 - Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, "Title XXI: Grants to States for Assistance to Individuals Incurring Catastrophic Expenses for Health Care." Authorizes appropriations to enable each State to furnish medical assistance for catastrophic illness under such title. Requires a State plan to: (1) be in effect in all State political subdivisions; and (2) provide for financial participation by the State equal to not less than 40 percent of the non-Federal share of expenditures under the plan with respect to which payments are authorized, and provide for financial participation by the State equal to all of such non-Federal share or provide for distribution of funds from Federal or State sources, for carrying out the State plan, on an equalization basis which will assure that the lack of adequate funds from local sources will not result in lowering the assistance available under the Act. Requires a State plan to provide for paying: (1) at least 90 percent of all qualified expenses of an eligible individual and the eligible individual's dependents in excess of the greater of $2,500 or the sum of 30 percent of household income under $15,000, plus 40 percent of household income between $15,000 and $25,000, plus 50 percent of household income in excess of $25,000 (or such lower respective percentages of such incomes, or of such higher incomes, as the State may establish); and (2) 100 percent of all qualified nursing home expenses in excess of 20 percent (or such lower percentage as the State may establish of household income). Prohibits a State plan from charging any premium, copayments, or deductibles, except as provided in the previous sentence. Requires a plan to provide such methods and procedures relating to the use of, and the payment for, services for which assistance is available under the plan as may be necessary to safeguard against unnecessary use of such services and to assure that payments are not in excess of reasonable charges consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to pay to a State with an approved plan 75 percent of such sums as are attributable either to payments made to eligible individuals or expenses found by the Secretary to be necessary for the administration of the plan. Prohibits amounts paid to a State from exceeding the product of two dollars and the State's population. Prohibits payments to a State for expenses if: (1) the charges on which the expenses are based are not reasonable; (2) if the expenses exceed the hospital's customary charges; (3) incurred for services not medically necessary; (4) the expenses are for services provided by a provider excluded from Medicare or Medicaid participation (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act); (5) the expenses are for services provided by a hospital or skilled nursing facility not having a utilization review plan meeting the requirements of title XVIII; or (6) the expenses are for services for which a private insurer would have been obligated but for a provision in its contract excluding payment because an individual is eligible under this Act. Prohibits payments to a State not in compliance with the provisions of this Act. Defines an "eligible individual" as any resident of a State who has incurred in any consecutive twelve month period: (1) qualified expenses exceeding the greater of $2,500 or 30 percent of household income up to $15,000, plus 40 percent of household income between $15,000 and $25,000, plus 50 percent of household income in excess of $25,000 (or such lower respective percentages of such incomes, or of such higher incomes, as the State may establish); or (2) qualified nursing home expenses exceeding 20 percent (or such lower percentage as the State may establish) of household income. Defines a "qualified expense" as a charge which is a covered expense and for which no third party is liable. Lists 19 "covered services" which include: hospital services, physicians' services (including routine check-ups and an annual physical), chiropractic services, prescription drugs, physical therapy, ambulance service, well baby care, certain dental care, and certain diagnostic tests. Excludes from coverage: (1) cosmetic surgery; (2) custodial care not qualifying under title XVIII; and (3) private hospital rooms. Defines "dependents," "household income," and "qualified nursing home expense." Sets forth penalties for misrepresentations, fraud, false statements, and concealments made in connection with the provision of services under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2841 (98th)referred

Medicare Fiscal Intermediary Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983

Medicare Fiscal Intermediary Amendments Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit each provider of services to have the right to elect to have payments made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services rather than by a fiscal intermediary.

Law· HRH.R. 2751 (98th)enacted

National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act Amendments of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983

National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to include an Institute of Museum Services within the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. Includes the Director of such Institute on the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts for FY 1984. Directs the Chairman of the Arts Endowment to exercise the authority to make grants to groups in the District of Columbia of national significance which receive no funds from the Department of the Interior. Amends the Museum Services Act to eliminate the Secretary of Education from the National Museum Service Board. Reduces from eight to seven the number of Board members required to make a quorum. Reduces the authorization of appropriations for the Institute for FY 1984.

Bill· HRH.R. 2714 (98th)open

Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983

Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 12 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year from 1985 through 1988 regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1, 1989. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.

Bill· HRH.R. 2652 (98th)referred

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under medicare of services performed by a nurse-midwife.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include services rendered by a nurse-midwife. Defines "nurse-midwife" to mean a registered nurse who: (1) has successfully completed a prescribed course of study or has been certified by a recognized organization; and (2) performs services (including antepartal, intrapartal, postpartal, and gynecological services) in the area of women and baby care.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 112 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to Namibia and efforts by the United States to achieve that country's independence from South Africa's illegal occupation.

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the inability to reach a settlement on Namibia represents a tragic consequence of South Africa's illegal rule; (2) the issue of Cuban presence in Namibia should be removed from the U.S. negotiating stance; and (3) the U.S. should adopt a firmer stance on South African withdrawal from Namibia. Sets forth the context in which: (1) future U.S.-South African relations should be conducted; and (2) acceptance of U.N. Resolution 435 should be obtained.

Bill· HRH.R. 2615 (98th)open

Weatherization and Employment Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983

Weatherization and Employment Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out the low-income weatherization assistance program established under such Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop and publish a plan for the implementation of the weatherization program during FY 1985 through 1994. Requires the President to identify in the annual budget submitted to Congress before the start of FY 1986 and through FY 1994 the funding needed for the weatherization program for each fiscal year and the amount needed to complete the program in accordance with the implementation plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1994 to carry out the weatherization program. Requires the Secretary to submit a biennial report to Congress on the number of dwelling units weatherized under the weatherization program, the average energy savings per unit, the weatherization measures which have yielded especially high energy savings, and legislative changes necessary to meet the goals of the program. Provides that a minimum of ten percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for the weatherization program shall be allotted to a performance fund which shall provide financial assistance to those States which have demonstrated the best performance during the previous fiscal year in providing weatherization assistance under such program. Eliminates the requirement that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program establish policies and procedures for securing, to the maximum extent practicable, the services of volunteers, training participants, and public service employment workers. Increases from $800 to $2,500 the maximum amount of financial assistance which may be spent for the labor and materials used in the weatherization of one dwelling unit. Specifies the deadlines for the disbursement of funds by the Secretary to the States under the weatherization program. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program give priority in providing weatherization assistance to low-income individuals receiving assistance under the low- income energy assistance program. Requires that the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out the weatherization program provide that assistance to the States may be used to provide information, education, and technical assistance to the residents of low-income dwellings in which weatherization materials have been installed. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to encourage the development of new methods to weatherize multifamily rental dwellings which will benefit both the owners and the occupiers. Authorizes the Secretary to use, in any fiscal year, up to two percent of the funds appropriated for the weatherization program to make grants to local weatherization agencies to carry out field testing of energy saving methods and materials. Includes as "weatherization materials" for purposes of the weatherization program any furnace efficiency modifications. Permits a State to determine whether an insulating or energy conserving device or technology constitutes "weatherization materials" for purposes of such program. Makes such a determination subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides that the term "low-income" shall mean income below any income level established as poverty level under any Federal program being carried out in a State applying for assistance under the weatherization program if such State so elects. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program: (1) submit a training plan for weatherization workers, crew supervisors, field staff, and program directors; (2) arrange for inspections by trained persons of eligible dwellings at least once after the installation of weatherization materials to determine if such materials were the most cost effective and appropriate and were installed correctly; and (3) provide for coordination between the weatherization program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. Makes funds available for the training plan. Requires the Secretary to establish a system for monitoring State and local use of funds under the weatherization program and to promulgate regulations governing cost reporting by local agencies. Provides that the standards governing weatherization efforts by the States shall provide that the procedures to be applied to determine the optimum set of cost- effective weatherization measures to be installed in a dwelling unit shall include State procedures set forth in the State's application and approved by the Secretary.

Law· HRH.R. 2600 (98th)enacted

A bill to dedicate the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to Phillip Burton.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983

Dedicates the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to Phillip Burton. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to inform the public of the contributions of Phillip Burton through the use of signs, maps, and interpretive programs and to establish an appropriate memorial to him within the recreation area. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 2583 (98th)reported

A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve assistance to victims of disasters.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983

Amends the Small Business Act to specify the maximum interest rate on disaster loans made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to homeowners or small businesses for disasters commencing on or after October 1, 1982. Provides that such loans, subject to reductions in insurance payments received by a loan applicant, shall cover 100 percent of the loss suffered. Limits such loans to $500,000 per disaster, unless a loan applicant is a major source of employment in the disaster area, in which case such limitation may be waived at the discretion of the Administrator of the SBA. Requires the interest rate for such loans to be the rate that is in effect when the disaster commenced. Prohibits the SBA, subject to reductions for insurance payments received by a loan applicant, from reducing the amount of such loans for homeowners to less than $100,000 for loss of real property or $20,000 for personal property. Provides that upon presentation by a loan applicant of proof of loss, damage or injury, the SBA will cancel a portion of the principal of any loan used to cover damage to real property that is occupied as a primary residence or personal property contained therein resulting from a disaster commencing on or after October 1, 1982. Specifies the portion of the loan principal to be cancelled for certain loan amounts. Authorizes funds to the SBA for FY 1984 for direct loans to small businesses for facility rehabilitation and for disaster relief. Extends for one year the prohibition on disaster loan assistance by the SBA to agricultural enterprises.

Bill· HRH.R. 2525 (98th)open

A bill to establish a National Commission on Technological Innovation and Industrial Modernization.

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983

Establishes a National Commission on Technological Innovation and Industrial Modernization to examine all relevant Federal laws and policies and submit a national industrial strategy to the President and Congress by June 30, 1984. Requires such strategy to include an analysis of: (1) conflicting public policies which hinder industrial competitiveness; (2) industries fundamental to national security; (3) industries with a competitive advantage; (4) industries with the greatest growth potential; (5) job skills that will be in greatest demand; and (6) the policies and strategies of foreign competitors which put American industry at a disadvantage. Requires such strategy to also include recommendations for: (1) economic and educational priorities; (2) policy conflict resolution; (3) worker retraining; (4) accumulation of investment capital; and (5) the development and extension of new technologies. Authorizes appropriations.