United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Act to require bankruptcy courts to give priority to allowed unsecured claims of farmers arising from the sale or conversion of farm produce to or by a debtor who operates a farm produce storage facility. Specifies that such sale or conversion must have occurred within 180 days before the filing of the petition or before the cessation of the debtor's business, whichever occurs first. Limits the payment of any such claim to $2,000 per individual. Permits a bankruptcy court to expedite the procedures for determining interests in and the disposition of grain and proceeds held by debtors who own or operate grain storage facilities. Requires the court to expedite such procedures if requested by a trustee or a claimant. Sets forth factors for the court to consider before deciding whether to shorten the time periods for procedures. Lists the procedures which may be expedited. Specifies administrative details.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require a blind person to have at least six quarters of coverage in order to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth the method of computing the average indexed monthly earnings of a blind individual for purposes of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that the benefits of a blind person shall not be reduced because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Requires recomputation of the disability insurance benefit of a blind individual who applies for a recomputation if such recomputation would result in a higher primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Urges the United States Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating members of the uniformed services who have been prisoners of war or missing in action especially those missing as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that, in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant posthumous U.S. citizenship to any alien who died while serving on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Social Security Benefit Termination Reform Act of 1982 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that monthly insurance benefits shall be paid for the month in which a beneficiary dies. Requires that the amount of such benefits be proportionate to the number of days of such month preceding the date of the beneficiary's death.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer in public schools or institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Vocational Guidance Act of 1981 - Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to require comprehensive vocational guidance components in State and local programs under such Act. Requires that at least six percent of the total amounts appropriated for State vocational education programs be reserved to carry out vocational guidance activities. Revises provisions for State allotments to allot specified funds as follows: (1) 42 percent on the basis of population age 11 to 17; (2) 28 percent on the basis of population age 18 to 34; and (3) 15 percent on the basis of population age 35 or older. Includes vocational guidance requirements in provisions for: (1) State and local advisory councils; (2) State applications; (3) five-year State plans; (4) Federal and State evaluations; (5) basic grant uses; (6) cooperative vocational education programs; (7) residential vocational schools; (8) research programs; (9) exemplary and innovative programs; (10) curriculum development; and (11) personnel training. Sets forth required components of vocational guidance and counseling programs under the basic grant program. (Makes all activities listed in current vocational guidance and counseling provisions of such Act required activities under the basic grant program.) Requires, insofar as practicable, that vocational guidance and counseling programs include additional activities in which individuals from various occupations come to the schools and in which students and counselors have work-site experiences.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the Government that: (1) Federal procurement should be accomplished on a competitive basis wherever possible through the General Services Administration (GSA); (2) the use of multiple award schedules should be restricted to cases where competitive single awards are not feasible, sales volume justifies centralized procurement, and a valid need exists for functionally similar items with different prices and features; and (3) where the volume of products purchased is too low to provide a price advantage and commercial "off-the-shelf" products can be substituted for products designed to Government specifications, individual agencies should purchase items locally subject to review by GSA. Directs the Administrator of GSA to implement such policy, the recommendations on procurement contained in the Comptroller General's report of May 2, 1979, and the policy statement prepared by the Office of Acquisition Policy in response to such report. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days after enactment, to issue transitional regulations governing purchases from any multiple award schedule. Requires that such regulations: (1) include the requirement that whenever any agency procurement officer or employee determines that an item in such a schedule is available from a commercial source in the area at a lower cost and under conditions which are no less favorable to the Government than is the case under the schedule, the item shall be purchased from that source; and (2) establish procedures for the audit and review of any such purchase and the enforcement of such regulations by GSA. Repeals such regulations on the effective date of the regulations which are issued to implement the procurement policy declared by this Act and which apply to any item on a multiple award schedule. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress periodic reports on actions taken, and legislation needed, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prorate the heavy trucks highway use tax where a truck is used on public highways more than 5,000 miles, but not more than 10,000 miles.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Math and Science Education Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers an income tax credit for compensation paid to: (1) precollege mathematics and science teachers hired for the summer months for employment which provides experience in the applied use of high technology; and (2) permanent employees who teach precollege mathematics or science at a public school without compensation from such school. Sets the amount of such credit at the sum of: (1) 50 percent of the aggregate compensation paid to teachers employed for the summer months; plus (2) 100 percent of the aggregate compensation paid to permanent employees who teach at public schools. Limits the amount of compensation paid to a permanent employee which may be taken into account to $1,000 multiplied by the number of months such employee teaches in a public school. Requires that teachers hired for the summer months must be paid an aggregate salary greater than 25 percent of their annual teaching salary. Requires that permanent employees who teach at public schools must teach at an elementary or secondary school for at least ten hours per week (at least five of which must be actual instruction in the classroom) at the request of the school district administrators.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Excludes from the gross income of employees of educational institutions, for income and social security tax purposes, the value of lodging provided to such employees which is located near their place of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to provide that bicycle component parts shall not be exempt under the customs exemption provided by such Act unless the parts are re-exported from the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in an employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) the spouse of an enrollee whose marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment, if the enrollee was enrolled for self and family; (3) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (4) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans to require carriers to: (1) reinsure with other participating companies; (2) enter into an agreement approved by OPM with an underwriting subcontractor licensed to issue group health insurance in all States and the District of Columbia; and (3) meet minimum financial standards prescribed by OPM. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; and (3) comprehensive dental benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for, and as a condition for, such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the age for drinking and purchasing alcoholic beverages should be raised to 21 in all States where the drinking age is lower.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Railroad Retirement Board and representatives of railroad employees and carriers should jointly or independently study methods of financing the railroad retirement program, including a ton-mile tax. Requires a report to Congress by October 1, 1983, on the alternatives studied.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the copyright law to exclude from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who records copyrighted works on a video recorder if the recording is made for a private use and is not used in a commercial nature.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Designates the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, in Maryland, as the Gladys Noon Spellman Parkway. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to erect adjacent to such parkway an appropriate marker commemorating the contributions of Gladys Noon Spellman. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Regulatory Procedure Act of 1982 - Title I: The Analysis, Management, and Organization of Agency Functions - Requires each executive agency and each independent regulatory agency to include in the notice of a proposed rule an explanation of the agency's determination as to whether the rule is a major rule. Directs each agency, before or upon publishing notice of a proposed rulemaking proceeding for a major rule, to issue statements concerning: (1) the need for the rule; (2) the reasonable alternative approaches; (3) regional differences; (4) the benefits, costs, and effectiveness of the proposed rule and alternatives; (5) the advantages and disadvantages of adopting performance standards rather than design standards; (6) the technical information the agency will rely on in making the rule; and (7) the statutory authority of the agency to regulate any areas previously regulated only by State law. Requires that each agency issue additional statements upon providing notice of the promulgation of a major rule, including an analysis of the extent to which benefits of the rule justify its costs and an explanation of the selection of the rule over less costly alternatives. Directs each agency to: (1) include in the notice of each proposed and final major rule, instructions on how the public may obtain copies of agency statements on such rule; (2) send a copy of all statements required at the notice and publication of a major rule to the President; and (3) include such statements and any technical information considered in the rulemaking file. Requires agencies to provide for oral presentations at informal public hearings as part of the rulemaking proceedings for major rules. Directs agencies to allow cross-examination of persons presenting information if necessary to resolve significant issues of fact. Directs agencies to regulate such public hearings so as to ensure orderly and expeditious proceedings. Allows an agency to delay completing the rulemaking requirements of this Act if it publishes a finding that complying with such requirements before making the rule would be impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. Requires an agency to complete such requirements as soon as practicable after promulgating the rule unless the rule will expire within two years. Sets forth provisions governing the judicial review of agency compliance with rulemaking and rule review requirements of this Act and the President's compliance with oversight requirements. Directs the President to: (1) establish procedures for agency implementation of the requirements of this title; (2) afford the public an opportunity to comment on such procedures before adoption; and (3) monitor, review, and comment on agency compliance with such requirements. Permits the Comptroller General to review agency compliance with this Act. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, a regulatory agenda containing a list of all rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, repeal, modify, or review in the next year and specified information concerning such rules. Requires publication of the agendas of all agencies in a single issue of the Federal Register. Directs each agency to publish for public comment a proposed schedule for the review over a ten-year period of its existing major rules and other rules that may be added by the agency or the President. Directs each agency to publish its responses to public comments upon publishing the final schedule. Requires an agency to include with the publication of a major rule the date, within ten years, by which the rule must be reviewed. Requires agencies to review rules according to such schedule, excluding rules that are no longer considered to be major rules as of the review date. Directs each agency to: (1) publish a notice of the initiation of the review of a rule; (2) describe the costs, benefits, problems, and alternatives to the rule; (3) provide a period for public comment; and either (4) conduct a rulemaking proceeding to repeal or amend the rule; or (5) publish a justification of its decision to continue the rule. Permits the President to extend the review period to 15 years. Allows agencies to alter review schedules if the President agrees. Title II: Reorganizing and Improving Agency Proceedings - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to eliminate the exemption of rules concerning loans, grants, and benefits from notice and comment rulemaking requirements. Requires that the notice of a proposed rulemaking include: (1) a statement of the objectives of the rule; (2) a statement that the agency seeks proposals from the public of alternative methods; and (3) a statement of where the file of the rulemaking proceeding may be inspected or how file copies may be obtained. Requires an agency to: (1) provide a period of at least 60 days after publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking for the public to submit comments on a proposed rule; and (2) include the agency's response to such comments in the statement published with the adopted rule. Prohibits an agency from relying on any material of central relevance in a rulemaking if the material is not included in the rulemaking file or the public has not had an opportunity to comment on the material. Directs each agency to maintain a public file on each rulemaking proceeding. Allows an agency to exclude from such file any material relied upon which is exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, if a statement of the basis for such exclusion is included. Requires a court reviewing an agency action: (1) not to accord any presumption in favor of or against agency action; (2) in determining questions of law other than statutory jurisdiction, to give the agency's interpretation such weight as it warrants considering the agency's authority under law; (3) in making determinations concerning statutory jurisdiction, to determine whether the action is within the agency's jurisdiction on the basis of the statutory language or other indications of legislative intent; and (4) in determining whether the adoption of a rule is in accordance with law, to consider whether there is substantial support in the rulemaking file for the agency's factual determinations. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within ten days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select, by a system of random selection, the court in which the record shall be filed. Authorizes the courts to postpone the effective date of the agency action as necessary to permit designation of the court of record. Prohibits agencies from paying expenses of persons participating or intervening in agency proceedings except as specifically authorized by statute. Requires each agency to submit a copy of each newly promulgated rule (with specified exceptions) to each House of Congress. Prohibits the rule from taking effect if: (1) either House adopts a resolution disapproving it within 60 legislative days after the date the rule is submitted; and (2) the other House does not disagree to such resolution within 65 legislative days after such date. Provides that a rule shall take effect the day after either House disagrees to a resolution disapproving it within such periods. Prohibits an agency from promulgating a new rule identical to a disapproved rule unless a statute is enacted that affects the agency's authority over the subject matter. Authorizes either House to adopt a resolution directing an agency to reconsider an existing rule. Requires an agency to respond to such a resolution by: (1) publishing a notice that the agency reviewed the rule and found that no action is necessary; or (2) initiating appropriate rulemaking proceedings concerning the rule. Provides that a rule which was excluded from congressional review when promulgated must be subjected to congressional review if Congress adopts a resolution for reconsideration of such rule. Exempts rules promulgated pursuant to resolutions of reconsideration from certain rulemaking requirements for major rules under title I of this Act. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for considering such resolutions of disapproval or reconsideration. Amends the rules of the House to establish a Regulatory Review Calendar to which all such resolutions shall be referred. Terminates the force and effect of any existing law governing procedures for the congressional review of agency rules with respect to rules promulgated after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (an Act which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works).
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to one-half the amount of health insurance premiums paid by taxpayer during the taxable year for the taxpayer's medical care or for the medical care of a spouse or dependent. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $250 for the taxable year. Eliminates the special income tax deduction for health insurance premiums (one-half of premiums paid not in excess of $150), but allows the deduction of such premiums along with other medical and dental expenses to the extent that they exceed three percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Reduces the amount of medical expenses allowable as a deduction by the amount allowable to the taxpayer as a credit for health insurance premium payments. Requires the Secretary of the Tresury to conduct a study of the health insurance premium credit every third year after the enactment of this Act and to report the findings to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide that the procedures available for AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Act) families for the collection of past-due support from Federal tax refunds shall also be available for non-AFDC families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any tax deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of or personal data concerning any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which conflicts with rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Natural Gas Marketing Improvements Act of 1983 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to provide that any contract for the sale of natural gas to any pipeline shall be deemed to include a purchase requirement adjustment clause, unless otherwise expressly provided in the contract. Provides that under a purchase requirement adjustment clause a purchaser may refuse to accept any portion of the gas purchased if the purchaser determines there is not a market for the gas. Prohibits a purchaser from reducing the volume accepted below 50 percent of the amount the purchaser contracted to take. Requires a purchaser to reduce the volume of the highest price gas first. Voids any contract provision that requires payment for gas not accepted pursuant to this Act. Prohibits a purchaser who has not accepted the full amount of gas under a contract from accepting gas for an equal or higher price under a new contract. Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider a pipeline's use of a purchase requirement adjustment clause in any purchase gas adjustment or general rate proceeding involving that pipeline. Provides that any contract for the sale of natural gas to any pipeline shall be deemed to include a transportation obligation clause. Provides that under a transportation obligation clause any purchaser who has exercised the right to reduce the volume of gas for which the purchaser contracted must provide, on behalf of the seller, transportation of any such gas which: (1) is involved in the reduction; (2) is resold by the seller to another purchaser; and (3) the purchaser would be required to pay for in the absence of the exercise of such contract provision. Provides that the consideration for any such transportation shall be $.05 per million Btu's plus the cost of transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to extend the authorization of appropriations for: (1) basic grants; (2) program improvement and supportive services; (3) special programs for the disadvantaged; (4) consumer and homemaking education; (5) State plans, reports, and evaluations; (6) grants to State advisory councils; (7) the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education; (8) bilingual vocational education programs; (9) instructor training programs; (10) development of instructional materials, methods, and techniques; and (11) emergency assistance for remodeling and renovation of vocational education facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to promulgate regulations which prohibit air carriers from dispensing alcoholic beverages and tobacco without charge to passengers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Sunset Act of 1983 - Title I: Reauthorization of Government Programs - Sets forth a ten-year schedule for reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1983. Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any bill, resolution, or amendment which authorizes new budget authority. States that it is not in order for either House to consider any legislation which authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for a program for a period of more than ten years, for an indefinite period, or for any fiscal year beginning after the next reauthorization date applicable to such program. Provides that before the Congress can appropriate funds for any program, after its first reauthorization date, there must be a specific authorization in law to support the appropriation. Requires the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to schedule and conduct a sunset review of programs to be reauthorized. Requires that the report accompanying such reauthorizations contain specified information and be completed during the Congress in which the program is scheduled for reauthorization. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as interest on Federal debts, health care services, general retirement and disability payments, as well as litigation activities which have as their objectives the protection and implementation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and specified retirement pay and benefits. Allows the reauthorization schedule set forth in this Act to be changed by concurrent resolution of the two Houses of Congress and sets forth the procedure for such change. Requires all legislation and other matters related to changes in the dates for programs under this Act to be referred to the committee with legislative jurisdiction over any program affected by the proposal and, sequentially, to the Committee on Rules in the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate. Requires such committees to report any concurrent resolution or bill referred to it by a committee of legislative jurisdiction within 30 days, with a statement on each of its recommendations. Makes provisions for any proposed change which has been reported by a committee before June 1, 1984. Title II: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist Congress in carrying out reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no later than January 1, 1984. Sets forth the contents of the inventory program, including the type of authorization provided for such programs' new budget authority and the manner in which related program areas may be grouped for evaluation and review. Permits the congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and to suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of Congress, and that such revisions be reported to each House. Requires that periodic reports tabulate the progress of congressional action on bills and resolutions authorizing budget authority for programs in the inventory. Requires the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to submit periodic reports to the Congress on the adequacy of the functional and subfunctional categories for grouping programs of like missions or objectives. Title III: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review, and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Directs each committee to consult with the appropriate committees of either the House of Representatives or the Senate in order to achieve coordination of program reevaluation. Directs each Committee to inform itself of the related activities of or available assistance from the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Office of Technology Assessment, and other appropriate instrumentalities in the executive and judicial branches. Requires each committee to deliver a report on the reexamination to the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House at the date specified in the funding resolution first reported by such committee in 1985 and thereafter for the first session of each Congress. Allows two or more committees which have legislative jurisdiction over the same programs or portions of the same programs to examine such programs jointly and submit a joint report. Stipulates that such report: (1) contain the findings, recommendations, and justifications of the program; and (2) include specified information including, but not limited to, an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the program and an identification of any trends, developments, and emerging conditions which are likely to affect the nature and extent of the problems or needs which the program is intended to address. Requires each executive department or agency which is responsible for a program selected for reexamination to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the appropriate committees of the Congress on its findings, recommendations, and justifications of specified aspects of the program. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after consultation with the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress, to prepare an inventory of tax expenditure provisions and to submit a report on such inventory to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House and the Senate Finance Committee. Defines the term "tax expenditure provision" as any provision of Federal law which allows a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction in determining liability for any tax or which provides a special credit against any tax, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability. Specifies the contents of the report, which include an estimate of the revenue loss from each tax provision. Requires the Director to: (1) submit a revised inventory to each House of Congress by December 1, 1984; (2) revise the inventory after the close of each session of Congress and report such revisions to Congress; and (3) periodically report on Congressional action on bills and resolutions which create or affect tax provisions. Directs the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax provisions similar to the schedule set out for Federal programs in title I of this Act. Requires Congress to take final action on the reauthorization schedule for tax provisions before the end of the 98th Congress. Provides that each tax expenditure provision shall expire unless it is reauthorized by a law enacted during the Congress in which it is scheduled for review. Sets forth procedures and restrictions for the consideration of bills reauthorizing tax provisions, which are similar to the restrictions and procedures governing bills authorizing new budget authority for Federal programs as described in title I. Requires that the report accompanying a reauthorization bill include specified information. Permits Congress to prescribe technical rules necessary to mitigate adverse effects which might result for taxpayers who rely on a certain tax provision. Title V: Miscellaneous - Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to permit the committees of Congress to obtain from the agencies of the Government estimates or requests for appropriations, or requests for increases in an item of any such estimate or request, and recommendations as to how the revenue needs of the Government should be met. Sets forth administrative procedures and requirements. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a "Regulatory Duplication and Conflicts Report" for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Requires that each such report identify duplicative or conflicting rules and regulations promulgated by executive departments, independent agencies, and State and local governments and contain recommendations which address such conflicts or duplications. Directs the chairmen of the House and Senate committees having jurisdiction over a program scheduled for reauthorization during a Congress, to introduce a bill constituting a reauthorization within 15 days of the beginning of the second session of that Congress. Declares that it shall be in order to discharge a committee from consideration of such a bill if the committee fails to report the bill by a specified date. Makes it the duty of the Committees on Governmental Affairs and on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committees on Government Operations and Rules of the House of Representatives to review the operation of the procedures established by this Act and to submit a report every five years beginning December 31, 1990. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1994.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program for emergency mathematics and science education at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to provide elementary and secondary education assistance under such program for the first two fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of such program funds among the States. Permits States to reserve five percent of such allocation for State administration and planning activities. Requires States to distribute the remainder among local educational agencies, with 75 percent allocated on the basis of school-age population and 25 percent on the basis of number of children from low income families. Sets forth permitted uses of program funds by local educational agencies. Sets forth requirements for State educational agency use of program funds. Requires that sums available for postsecondary assistance be used to award congressional scholarships to 300 individuals in the first fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act and to 600 individuals in the second such year. Sets forth requirements for eligibility nomination, and selection of congressional scholars. Provides that such scholars shall be selected by a committee composed of the Librarian of Congress the Secretary of Education, the Director of the Office of Science of Science and Technology Policy, and two individuals appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader respectively. Obligates such congressional scholars to teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, or other appropriate subjects for at least five years or to repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest at a rate prescribed by the Secretary of Education. Directs the Secretary to make available funds appropriated for FY 1984 or 1985 for postsecondary assistance under the program for grants for mathematics and science improvement and employment-based education programs in new and emerging technologies in the following amounts: (1) ten percent to institutions of higher education; and (2) 25 percent to community and junior colleges. Directs the Secretary of Education, from funds available for such purpose for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education for summer institutes and workshops for teachers and supervisors of mathematics and science programs. Permits such institutes to be conducted in other areas of national need, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective methods of mathematics and science instruction. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 and 1985. Directs the Secretary to make challenge grants available to provide up to one-third of the cost of: (1) purchase of modern scientific equipment for use in teaching and research; (2) training of faculty in the use of new laboratory and research equipment; and (3) sharing scientific and engineering equipment among academic and business laboratories and research centers. Limits the amount which may be made available for such challenge grants for FY 1985. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to assess, before September 30, 1984, the current need for improvements in and purchases of laboratory equipment and facilities. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to this Act for FY 1984. Limits the amount of such appropriation which may be available for elementary and secondary assistance and for postsecondary assistance. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Pre-College Science Teacher Training program; and (2) the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to promote the use of data processing equipment, by each State and nonprofit institution and organization which has an agreement relating to Federal payments to reduce student interest costs, to identify public employees in such State served by such State, institution, or organization who have defaulted on any loan covered by such agreement. Directs the Secretary to consider the volume of loans covered and the need for State legislation, in determining the action to be taken for such promotion. Prohibits any such action which would impair the contractual rights of any person, as against the United States, to payments under provisions for Federal, State, and private programs of low-interest insured loans to students in institutions of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Individual Investors' Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a nonrefundable income tax credit for ten percent of their investment in domestic corporate stock. Limits the amount of such credit to $1,000 per year ($2,000 for joint returns). Disallows such credit if the taxpayer controls the corporation. Requires recapture of such credit if stock is disposed of within one year of purchase.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) between the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; (4) pursue reductions through numerical ceilings and other means; (5) preserve present limitations on nuclear weapons; and (6) incorporate ongoing negotiations in Geneva on land-based intermediate-range nuclear missiles into the START negotiations. Requires that every effort be made to reach common positions with the NATO allies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for staggered four-year terms for Members of the House of Representatives. Prohibits persons from being elected to the House more than four times or more than three times to four-year terms. Prohibits persons from being elected to the Senate more than twice.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1982
Federal Anti-Tampering Act - Amends the Federal Criminal Code to make it a Federal offense to maliciously cause bodily injury or death to any person by tampering with any article, product, or commodity which is produced or distributed for human use or consumption. Provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $20,000 if personal injury results, or a prison term of up to life if death results.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1982
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that financial institutions should cooperate with the economic recovery plan of the Government by following the lead of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in setting lower interest rates for consumer loans.
![Official portrait of Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000291_200.jpg)