United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Neighborhood Development Demonstration Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a three-year demonstration program to determine the feasibility of assisting neighborhood development activities by providing Federal matching funds to certain nonprofit neighborhood development organizations on the basis of amounts received from the private sector. Authorizes the Secretary to select, through a competitive process, up to 100 organizations to participate in the program in the first year, 200 in the second, and 300 in the third. Directs the Secretary to establish a neighborhood development advisory council to evaluate the applicants and recommend selections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign each participating organization a program year during which time voluntary private contributions shall be eligible for matching; and (2) establish a ratio of between three and ten Federal dollars for each dollar contributed which the Secretary shall pay to each organization at the end of each three-month period of the organization's program year. Limits the maximum amount the Secretary may pay to any organization for a year to $50,000. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) assistance is provided to organizations only if their applications include certification by the local government of the area involved that such assistance is consistent with the housing and community development, conservation, and revitalization objectives of such governments; and (2) the neighborhood development activities conducted comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and any findings or recommendations concerning the demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Tenant Rental Contribution Act of 1983 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to declare that income limits for occupancy and rents in public housing shall be fixed by the public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Decreases from 30 to 25 the percentage of a tenant's adjusted income payable as rent for: (1) public housing under such Act; (2) rental housing assisted under the National Housing Act; or (3) rental housing assisted through the rent supplement program of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965. Applies the definitions of the terms "income" and "adjusted income" under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to such other Acts. Amends such definitions to specify: (1) amounts to be excluded from "income"; and (2) amounts to be deducted from "income" to determine "adjusted income."
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the fact that a motor vehicle operating agreement contains a terminal rental adjustment clause shall not be taken into account in determining whether such agreement is a lease. Defines "motor vehicle operating agreement" to mean any agreement with respect to a motor vehicle under which the lessor (1) is personally liable for the repayment of, or (2) has pledged property, other than property subject to the agreement or property directly or indirectly financed by indebtedness secured by property subject to the agreement, as security for, all amounts borrowed to finance the acquisition of property subject to the agreement. Defines "terminal rental adjustment clause" to mean a provision of an agreement which permits or requires the rental price to be adjusted upward or downward by reference to the amount realized by the lessor under the agreement upon sale or other disposition of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Emergency Food Assistance and Commodity Distribution Act of 1983 - Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to donate (after first providing for domestic and foreign requirements) excess Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodities to organizations running emergency and nonemergency feeding programs through FY 1986. Directs the Secretary to publish an annual two-year estimate of available commodities (the first one to be published by October 1, 1983). Provides for State distribution of such commodities. Declares that the Secretary shall distribute commodities directly in those States where State agencies are prohibited from so doing. Gives priority to emergency organizations. Directs the CCC to pay initial processing and packaging costs. Directs the CCC to pay up to $65,000,000 of State agency program expenses. Gives priority to emergency organizations. Prohibits States from charging recipient agencies for any program costs. Directs the CCC to encourage commodity use by distributing commodities to private companies for processing into food products for recipient agencies. States that such agencies shall bear processing costs, except that the CCC shall make up to $10,000,000 available annually to cover emergency organization expenses. Permits distributions under this Act to be carried out in areas where the food stamp plan is operating. Requires commodity distribution to begin: (1) within 30 days to emergency recipients; and (2) within 90 days to other recipients. Terminates the authority under this Act at the end of FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1983, to delay until July 1, 1984, the effective date for the denial of Federal educational assistance to students who have failed to comply with the registration requirements under the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Title I: Essential Preventive Programs for Children - Subtitle A: Child Welfare; Adoption; Juvenile Justice Runaway Youth - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to cooperate with State public welfare agencies in establishing, extending, and strengthening child welfare services, pursuant to the authority contained in specified provisions of the Adoption Reform and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and the Social Security Act. Reauthorizes the program of Federal payments for dependent children voluntarily placed in foster care (by eliminating the October 1, 1983, termination date for such program) under the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for grants to States for child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment programs under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for demonstration projects under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out provisions relating to adoption opportunities under title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978. Authorizes and makes appropriations for FY 1984 to make grants and contracts under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1978 for programs and projects to prevent, identify, and treat sexual abuse of children. Limits to ten percent the amount of such funds which may be used for research. Makes appropriations for FY 1984, pursuant to the above authorizations of appropriations for: (1) grants to States under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; (2) demonstration projects under such Act; (3) adoption opportunities under title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978; and (4) programs and projects related to the treatment of sexual abuse of children. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to eliminate the ceiling on appropriations to carry out title II (Programs and Offices) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out such title. Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 for part A (Grants Program) of title III (Runaway and Homeless Youth) of such Act. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such grants program for runaway and homeless youth under such Act. Subtitle B: Child Care - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out the Head Start Act, pursuant to the authority contained in specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Amends the National School Lunch Act to restore a reimbursement level for up to three meals and two supplements per day per child. (Current law provides for only two meals and one supplement.) Provides that no institution may be prohibited from serving breakfast, lunch, supper, and supplements to any eligible child each day, except in the case of institutions that provide day care to school children outside of school hours. Eliminates provisions for ten percent reductions in the total amount of reimbursement provided for school lunch program administrative expenses for family or group day care home sponsoring organizations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to immediately adjust the maximum allowable level for administrative expense payments so as to achieve an increase in the total amount of reimbursement which is equivalent to any reduction made pursuant to specified amendments made by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Provides for restoration of the child care nutrition equipment assistance program under the National School Lunch Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance under the National School Lunch Act to States for programs serving large numbers of low-income children meals under such Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Sets forth formulas for reimbursements to institutions. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to establish a program of supplemental incentive grants to States for child day care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for such program. Sets forth provisions for apportionment among the States and other program requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax credit for household and dependent care expenses from 20 percent to a maximum of 50 percent of such expenses. Reduces such percentage by one percent for each full $1,000 by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000. Makes the income tax credit for household and dependent care services refundable. Provides that no part of such credit shall be: (1) counted as income in determining eligibility for other entitlement programs; or (2) counted against other credits under specified provisions of the Code. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care services to the general public for purposes of enabling individuals to maintain employment. Subtitle C: Health Care for Mothers and Children - Part 1: Appropriations - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 for the maternal and child health block grant program. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such program. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for grants to community health centers, pursuant to the authority contained in the Public Health Service Act. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out title X (Population Research and Family Planning) of the Public Health Service Act, pursuant to the authority contained in such Act and in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 and the Public Health Service Act to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated in FY 1984 for grants for preventive health service programs to immunize children against immunizable diseases. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such grants. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 for the special supplemental food program for women, infants and children (WIC). Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for the WIC program. Part 2: Medicaid - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) eligibility for certain needy individuals under age 18 and pregnant women; (2) automatic eligibility determination procedures during the first two months of life for certain children born to women receiving Medicaid assistance; (3) vision, hearing, and dental care services for eligible individuals under age 21; (4) exemption of certain expenditures in calculating Federal expenditure targets for States; and (5) mandatory Medicaid eligibility for recipients of State-provided child care. Subtitle D: Education - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out chapter I (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981, pursuant to the authority contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out part B (Assistance for Education of All Handicapped Children) of the Education of the Handicapped Act, pursuant to the authority contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for a reduction of reduced-price meal costs. Revises eligibility standards for free and reduced-price lunches. Provides for an increased subsidy for preparation of free or reduced-price meals. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to repeal the $5,000,000 per fiscal year limitation on funding for grants to States for nutrition education and information programs. Authorizes appropriations for at least $10,000,000 per fiscal year for such grants. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such grants. Repeals provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 which lowered the earned income deduction under the food stamps program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the earned income deduction. Provides for optional retrospective accounting for determining household eligibility under the food stamps program. Raises food stamp benefit amounts to thrifty food plan levels. Subtitle F: Family Supports - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an upward adjustment of the credit for dependent children and children under age six. Reduces the tax on earned income of low-income workers. Amends title IV, part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions which count earned income tax credit payments in advance as income for AFDC grant determination purposes. Amends title IV, part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) mandatory supplemental payments to families with income; (2) optional retrospective budgeting and optional monthly reporting by States; (3) elimination of the four-month restriction on work incentive disregards; (4) repeal of the 150 percent cap on income limit for eligibility; and (5) increased amounts for the disregards for work expenses and child care expenses. Subtitle G: Youth Employment - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out part A (Adult and Youth Programs) of title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) and title IV (Federally Administered Programs) (other than part B - Job Corps - provisions of title IV) of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982. Requires that at least 93 percent of the appropriated amount be available to carry out local training programs for economically disadvantaged persons under part A of title II of such Act. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out part B (Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs) of title II of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("Superfund") to extend the authorization of appropriations to the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund ("Response Trust Fund") for five additional years, through FY 1990. Provides for annual five percent increases in funding levels for each of such five additional years after FY 1985. Makes a conforming amendment extending by five years the period to be covered by the Secretary of the Treasury's annual report to the Congress on the management of the Response Trust Fund. Extends the authority to collect taxes conferred by such Act through FY 1990 (unless specified amount's are received in the Treasury before such date). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for five-year extensions of provisions for an environmental tax on petroleum. Provides for an annual five percent rate increase after FY 1985 in the environmental taxes on petroleum, certain chemicals, and hazardous wastes. Provides for a five-year postponement of the tax on the receipt of hazardous waste at a qualified hazardous waste disposal facility. Makes such tax apply to such receipt after September 30, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Home Heating Protection and Utility Regulation Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities, with respect to each electric or natural gas utility for which they have ratemaking authority, to adopt the standards governing termination and reconnection of utility service established by this Act. Provides that a State regulatory authority's failure to adopt such standards shall result in the State's ineligibility for financial assistance for the State's energy conservation plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Prohibits an electric or natural gas utility from terminating utility service or refusing to reinstate utility service terminated before the enactment of this Act to a residential customer during the winter period before: (1) certifying to the State regulatory authority that its action will not endanger the customer's health; and (2) notifying the customer of its intentions. Grants a notified customer five business days to request a hearing before the State regulatory authority on the utility's decision. Requires the customer to establish at such a hearing that: (1) the lack of utility service will endanger the health of a person in his or her household; and (2) the customer is unable to pay his or her entire account. Prohibits the termination of, or refusal to reinstate, utility service to a residential customer during the winter period if such customer's household contains a person who is blind, permanently disabled, or severely handicapped, a child under the age of ten, or an individual who is 65 years or older. Requires that a residential customer protected against termination of utility service under this Act and the utility that services such customer enter into a deferred payment agreement. Authorizes a State regulatory authority to order a binding deferred payment agreement in any case where such a customer and a utility cannot reach an agreement. Permits a utility to terminate service in any case where a customer refuses to enter into such an agreement after proper notice and a hearing by the State regulatory authority if requested by the customer and upon approval by the State regulatory authority. Provides that where a landlord is delinquent in paying for utility service billed to the landlord, the utility may not terminate utility service during the winter period unless the tenant is notified of the proposed termination and given the opportunity to receive utility service in such tenant's own name. Permits such a tenant to deduct amounts paid for such utility service from the rent due the landlord. Prohibits the termination of, or refusal to reinstate, utility service during the winter period where a landlord's account is delinquent and where it is not practicable for a tenant to receive utility service in such tenant's own name. Permits a utility in such a case to petition for appointment of a receiver of rent payments due the landlord until arrearages have been satisfied. Requires State regulatory authorities to report periodically to the Secretary of Energy data relating to utility service terminations. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse State regulatory authorities, upon application, for expenses incurred in carrying out this Act. Prohibits grants under this Act to the Tennessee Valley Authority. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Modified Dairy Price Support Program - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to repeal the 50-cent milk producer assessments. Decreases milk price supports from $13.10 per hundredweight to $12.10 per hundredweight for the period from April 1, 1983 through September 30, 1984. Permits increases of up to $1 if Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) purchases fall below specified levels. Bases milk supports on a parity formula (sliding scale of 61 to 83 percent of parity based on CCC purchase estimates) as of October 1, 1984. Sets Class I milk prices (3.5 percent milk fat) at not less than $12.56, as of April 1, 1983, or enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
National Commission on Down Syndrome Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Commission on Down Syndrome to formulate a long-range plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of Down Syndrome. Requires a final report to the President and the Congress within 12 months after the Commission is organized. Requires the Secretary to submit a related budget analysis to specified congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certified public accountants and enrolled agents authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service to represent taxpayers in certain Tax Court cases involving $5,000 or less.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Sets forth conditions for receiving the formula grants, including that the State: (1) distribute funds to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for domestic violence programs and services; (2) distribute at least 70 percent of such funds to private nonprofit organizations and give special emphasis to supporting community-based projects; (3) set forth procedures to assure an equitable distribution of grants within the State; (4) designate a State agency to administer the domestic violence program and coordinate all such programs within the State; (5) set forth procedures to assure active citizen participation within the State; (6) provide assurances that any project funded will coordinate its activities with other State programs and be administered by appropriately trained personnel; and (7) comply with reporting requirements. Declares that the Secretary shall not disapprove any application except after notice of and opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian tribes and intertribal organizations. Provides that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Limits the total amount of grants to any local program to $150,000 for not more than a three-year period. Limits the grant for any fiscal year to $50,000. Requires local public agencies and private organizations to provide the following shares of Federal funding: (1) 25 percent in the first year; (2) 33.33 percent the second year; and (3) 50 percent the third year. Requires that at least 75 percent of grants be distributed to entities providing immediate shelter and related assistance to victims. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for: (1) administrative costs; (2) developing and implementing programs; (3) assuring active citizen participation; and (4) developing a media campaign. Provides that each State will be allotted at least $45,000 in formula grants and $7,500 in supplemental grants. Requires each State receiving assistance to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary on the implementation of programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a director of programs carried out under this title; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse on domestic violence, in coordination with the child abuse clearinghouse; (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding domestic violence programs; and (4) obtain information on research relating to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the programs no later than two years after funds are obligated. Sets forth confidentiality requirements with respect to records of persons assisted under this title. Establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Domestic Violence to assist the Secretary in coordinating Federal programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress within 18 months of enactment on the nature and incidence of abuse of elderly individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Prohibits federally assisted rental housing projects for the elderly and handicapped from forbidding tenants to have pets or discriminating against persons having pets. Permits a project authority to require the removal of a pet that constitutes a threat to the health or safety of project occupants or other persons in the community.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Adds the South Africa Investment Prohibition Act as a new title to the President's war powers authority. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. investment in South Africa. Directs the President to establish mechanisms to monitor compliance with such regulations. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibition. Terminates such prohibition after the President submits to Congress a determination that South Africa has made progress toward full participation by all South Africans in the life of that country and toward an end to discrimination, unless Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-43) relating to economic development assistance programs, as transmitted by the President to the Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Designates the Mono Lake National Monument in California. Provides that the monument area shall become part of the Inyo National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire the lands and waters within the monument. Specifies acquisition procedures. Requires the Secretary to protect the geologic, ecologic, and cultural resources and to provide for recreational use of the monument. Requires the Secretary to permit the full use of the monument for scientific study and research. Permits individuals holding currently valid grazing permits within the monument boundaries to continue to exercise grazing rights. Permits the reissuance of existing permits to the current permit holder as of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive management plan for the monument. Requires the construction of a visitor center within the monument. Withdraws federally owned lands and waters within the monument from entry or appropriation under the mining laws, from operation of the mineral leasing laws and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, and from disposition under the public land laws. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, the State of California, the city of Los Angeles, and the Mono County Board of Supervisors, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the consumptive use of water diverted from the Mono Lake basin. Requires the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences for a study of the biological, ecological, historical, and aesthetic values of Mono Lake and the impacts of declining water levels thereon. Requires the Academy to transmit such study to specified congressional committees and to the Chief of the Forest Service by January 1, 1987. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Social Security Trust Funds Amendments of 1983 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for the appointment to the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund of one representative of employers, one representative of employees, one representative of beneficiaries, and one individual highly qualified in the management of investment funds. Requires the Board of Trustees of such trust funds to study and report to the Managing Trustee on the present investment practices of the trust funds and investment changes which are in the best interest of the trust funds.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to repeal the prohibition against providing student loans for persons who were required to but have not registered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit farmers who participate in a Federal payment-in-kind program to elect to treat commodities they receive as income in the year of receipt or the year of sale. Permits farmers to elect a deferral of the income resulting from the cancellation of Commodity Credit Corporation loans. Provides that farmers participating in a payment-in-kind program do not forfeit eligibility for the special use valuation provisions for farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum, or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Authorizes the Academy to: (1) conduct research on the causes of war and the elements of peace; (2) provide peace education and research programs; (3) conduct training in conflict resolution; (4) disseminate information on peace learning; (5) establish a Center for International Peace; and (6) establish a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 - Requires that, by 1984, five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Provides for credit to importers and exporters for the use of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes between foreign ports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six months after enactment of this Act. Requires such estimates to be revised annually. Requires that such rates: (1) be reviewed and adjusted at least annually; (2) not reflect costs greater than the estimated current costs; and (3) be the maximum rates which may be charged for the charter of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes governed by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish interim guideline rates in the first calendar year following the enactment of this Act. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in determining such rates. Requires the Secretary to appoint and consult with an advisory committee to establish and review U.S.-flag ship operating costs, shipyard construction costs, guideline rates, and regulations. Requires anyone engaged in importing or exporting bulk commodities in U.S. foreign commerce whose business volume exceeds $1,000,000 annually to report to the Secretary on the percentages of such person's exports and imports carried on U.S. flag ships. Requires anyone who fails to transport the required percentage of U.S. bulk cargoes to use exclusively U.S. flag ships until the deficiency has been recouped, unless Secretarial relief has been granted. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the investigation, prosecution, and judicial review of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Administrator of General Services to notify each State whenever surplus Federal real property within the State is available for disposition. Requires the Administrator to convey such property at reduced cost to a State or local government if such government, within a specified period, submits to the Administrator a State-approved plan for the use of such property for public park or public recreational purposes. Prohibits the approval or submission of a plan until the public is provided an opportunity to submit comments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Declares that the presidential certification submitted to the Congress with respect to sending military aid to El Salvador is null and void. Directs the President to immediately suspend such assistance. Requires the suspension to remain in effect during 1983. Prohibits the President from making another such certification until Congress enacts a joint resolution declaring that El Salvador has met specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit the continued issuance of tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Minority Telecommunications Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare a purpose of such Act to be to provide for greater diversity of ownership and control of domestic and international telecommunications by requiring persons regulated under such Act to implement equal opportunity employment programs. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to: (1) establish criteria that ensures the eligibility of minorities for initial broadcast station licenses and construction permits; and (2) incorporate such criteria in any solicitation of applications for such a license or permit. Authorizes the Commission to declare that groups other than minorities are eligible for such license or permit if their eligibility would further the purpose declared by this Act. Sets forth circumstances under which the Commission may consider an applicant who does not satisfy such eligibility criteria. Directs the Commission to certify an assignment of a license or construction permit or a transfer of a corporate licensee or permittee to a minority assignee or transferee as necessary to effectuate a policy change (thus qualifying such assignment or transfer as an involuntary conversion to similar property and, therefore, a nonrecognition of gain under the Internal Revenue Code) if the Commission finds such action consistent with the purpose declared under this Act. Requires the Commission to permit a station licensee whose license has been designated for a revocation or renewal hearing to transfer or assign such license to a qualified minority applicant at a certain reduced market value prior to a final Commission order revoking, or denying renewal of, the license. Authorizes the Commission to waive its rules relating to the multiple ownership of telecommunications facilities for small business investment companies if the Commission finds that such waiver would enhance investment opportunities for minorities in telecommunications. Requires radio and television broadcasters, networks, common carriers, television cable systems, satellite operators, and the headquarters of such entities to establish, implement, and maintain an equal employment opportunity policy and program. Sets forth program guidelines and requirements, including requirements concerning the recruitment, training, and promotion of minority and female employees. Requires such entities to file with the Commission such program and an annual statistical report identifying by race and sex the number of employees in various job categories. Declares that an entity shall be deemed to be in compliance with equal employment opportunity program requirements when its work force has attained 80 percent of workforce parity for minorities and women in both total full-time employment and in the positions of managers, professionals, technicians, and sales persons. Requires applicants for construction permits, assignment of a license or construction permit, transfer of control, or license renewal to file an equal opportunity program with the Commission. Directs the Commission to designate an application for hearing if: (1) the Commission is unable to find that an applicant has maintained an effective program; and (2) the applicant's work force represents less than 50 percent of work force parity for minorities and women. Prohibits the Commission from considering in such hearing any improvements made in employment parity after designation of an application for hearing. Establishes the Advisory Committee on Minority Telecommunications Development to advise the Commission on policies which would further full participation by minorities in communications. Directs the Committee to report to the Commission within one year and to continue advising the Commission until Congress determines that minorities have attained full participation in the employment and ownership of telecommunications facilities. Makes specified funds available to the Commission to reimburse civic and community organizations (particularly, organizations representing minorities) and small businesses for their expenses of participating in rule making proceedings. Earmarks a specified portion of the funds appropriated for the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities to be available for the development of facilities owned and operated by, and available to, minorities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the limitation on the value of used property that can be used for a tax credit with respect to property acquired by a minority company in the purchase of any operating telecommunications facility. Requires the Commission to include in its annual report to Congress information on the participation of minorities as employees and owners of telecommunications facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Emergency Agricultural Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to raise the limits on aggregate operating loans to an individual: (1) from $1,000 to $200,000 for non-guaranteed loans; and (2) from $200,000 to $400,000 for guaranteed loans. Extends the maximum payment period from seven to 15 years. Authorizes $1,660,000 for the aggregate amount of insured operating loans for FY 1983. Sets aside a specified portion for new borrowers. Requires that at least 20 percent of FY 1983 farm ownership and operating loans be for limited-resource farmers. Requires the Secretary to notify all farmers about such program. Requires deferred or rescheduled loan interest rates to be at the lower of either original or current rates. States that disaster emergency loan assistance eligibility based on production loss is to be based solely on criteria under such Act, and not on whether a county is designated for emergency loans. Authorizes four and three year extensions for specified categories of borrowers. Permits family farmers to request economic hardship loan repayment and foreclosure deferrals through FY 1984. Requires a showing of: (1) good management; (2) temporary inability to repay because of circumstances beyond one's control; and (3) a reasonable chance of repayment. Provides for loan consolidation and rescheduling at the end of such deferral period. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide notification to Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) borrowers regarding such deferral and rescheduling programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a Guaranteed Farm Loan Program Unit in each State Office of the FmHA to administer the various guaranteed farm loans. Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to: (1) require (presently only authorizes) the Secretary to carry out such program; (2) extend program authority through FY 1984; and (3) provide that specified authorizations shall be in addition to other guaranteed economic emergency loan authorizations under the Act of December 18, 1982 (P.L.97-370).
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Emergency Homeowners Relief Act of 1983 - Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of certain delinquent mortgagors in a State when the unemployment rate for such State for any month is not less than eight percent. Discontinues such assistance when the unemployment rate in the State has declined to below eight percent on an average monthly basis for three consecutive months. Sets forth conditions for assistance eligibility which include requirements that: (1) the mortgage is not insured under the National Housing Act; (2) the mortgagor has incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result of circumstances beyond his or her control and he or she is unable to resume full mortgage payments; and (3) the Secretary has determined that assistance is necessary to avoid foreclosure and that the mortgagor will be able to resume making full mortgage payments within 24 months, repay such assistance, and pay the mortgage in full. Limits assistance payments to the amount needed to supplement the amount the mortgagor is capable of contributing. Directs the Secretary to provide for a quarterly review of the eligibility of a mortgagor receiving assistance and to adjust or discontinue assistance as appropriate. Declares that all assistance payments shall be secured by a lien on the property involved and repayable over ten years on terms prescribed by the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to provide such assistance to a mortgagor more than once. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide homeownership counseling to persons assisted under this Act; and (2) process an application for assistance within 30 days. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to recapture assistance provided under this Act. Requires the Secretary and specified Federal agencies that supervise financial institutions or mortgagees to waive or relax limitations on the operations of such institutions with respect to mortgage delinquencies in order to encourage forebearance in residential loan foreclosures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every 60 days on: (1) the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures in various housing markets; (2) the prospects of voluntary forebearance by mortgagees in such areas; (3) Government actions to encourage such forebearance and to provide assistance under this title; and (4) the default status of mortgages on multifamily properties with recommendations on curing and avoiding such defaults. Sets forth penalties for violations of provisions governing the eligibility for, or use of, assistance under this Act. Limits the amount of assistance that may be provided during the two years such assistance is authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Directs the President to resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on a treaty prohibiting: (1) the testing, deployment, production, or use of any weapons system designed to damage or interfere with a spacecraft; and (2) the stationing in outer space of any weapon designed to inflict injury or damage on the Earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Requires such a treaty to provide for verifying compliance with its terms. Directs the President to request the United Nations to bring about multilateral negotiations banning all weapons based in space.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Department of Education should withdraw all remaining proposed regulations relating to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and should increase its efforts to provide technical assistance to States and local schools for improved services to handicapped children; and (2) any final regulations promulgated by the Department under such Act should be rejected if they would dilute the strength of the protection of the educational rights of handicapped children.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding for community service employment programs for senior citizens under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years should be provided at levels sufficient to maintain or increase the number of employment positions provided under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish an Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to advise the Administrator or on the administration of benefits for and needs of women veterans. Directs Committee to report annually to the Administrator on the activities of the Veterans Administration pertaining to women, together with assessments of needs and recommendations for future action. Directs the Administrator to submit such report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Consumer Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1933 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to prohibit any individual who has been a debtor in a bankruptcy case pending at any time in the preceding 180 days from being a debtor if: (1) the case was dismissed for willful failure to abide by court orders; or (2) the debtor requested and obtained the voluntary dismissal of the case following the filing of a request for relief from the automatic stay. Requires the debtor, within 30 days of filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation), to give each secured creditor and the trustee a statement showing whether the debtor intends to retain or surrender the collateral, claim it as exempt, redeem it, or reaffirm debts secured by it. Sets a total exemption limit of $4,000 on personal and household items, of which each is valued at under $200. Requires debtors in a joint bankruptcy to choose either State or Federal exemptions. Makes nondischargeable any debts aggregating more than $500 incurred within 45 days of filing for bankruptcy. Declares that a debtor is able to repay a debt voluntarily. Prohibits private employers from terminating employees or discriminating against potential employees because of bankruptcy. Prohibits a trustee in bankruptcy from nullifying pre-petition payments made by a debtor to a creditor if the amount is: (1) less than $250 in a personal bankruptcy; or (2)less than $750 in a business bankruptcy. Prohibits approval of a repayment plan under Chapter 13 bankruptcies (repayment plan) if the holder of an allowed unsecured claim objects to the confirmation of the plan, unless: (1) the value of the property to be distributed under the plan on account of such claim is not less than the amount of such claim; or (2) the plan provides that all of the debtor's projected disposable income for the three-year period beginning on the date that the first payment is due under the plan will be applied to make such payments. Defines the term 'disposable income' for the purposes of the repayment plan. Requires the debtor to begin making payments to the trustee within 30 days after filing a repayment plan (currently payments do not begin until the plan is confirmed). Requires the trustee to hold such payments until a plan is confirmed or denied. Permits the debtor, unsecured creditors, or the trustee to request a modification of the repayment plan if the debtor's disposable income has changed substantially.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain, amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at a specified rate; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of all of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such debentures.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ford, Harold E. [D-TN-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000261_200.jpg)