United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1983
Exempts motor common carriers of property from liability under Federal antitrust laws for jointly attempting to establish, establishing, or agreeing upon or performing any contract relating to any rate, allowance, classification, or rule concerning such rate for the intrastate transportation of property in compliance with the law of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1983
Refugee Assistance Extension Act of 1983 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize appropriations for refugee assistance through 1985. Places the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Presently such Refugee Office is in the Social Security Administration.) Authorizes the Secretary of Education (presently the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement) to make grants for special educational programs for refugee children. Requires the Comptroller General to directly audit FY 1984 and FY 1985 initial resettlement grants. Requires a recipient agency (in addition to existing provisions) to: (1) provide quarterly performance and finance reports; (2) notify, upon request, local welfare offices of any cash assistance provided directly by such agency to a refugee; (3) insure that refugees with medical conditions affecting the public health report to the appropriate health authorities in their resettlement areas; and (4) report annually to the administering Federal agency and the appropriate congressional committees regarding refugee placement, expenditures, and other related program information. Authorizes grants for local areas with high refugee concentrations. States that such grants shall supplement other funds and be used primarily for refugee employment. Prohibits refugees who enter the United States on or after October 1, 1984, from receiving aid to families with dependent children assistance for the first 90 days after admission to the United States. Authorizes States to disqualify a refugee from general cash assistance programs during such period, except in extreme hardship cases or in emergencies. Terminates refugee cash assistance for three months for refusal to accept employment (six months for subsequent refusals). Prohibits: (1) such cash or medical assistance grants from being given as block or consolidated grants; and (2) the Director from delegating grant review or approval authority to the States or their political subdivisions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1983
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1983 - Title I: Steel Tripartite Advisory Council - Directs the President to establish within the Executive Office of the President a Steel Tripartite Advisory Council which shall: (1) advise the President and Congress on problems within the basic steel industry; (2) provide advice and make recommendations on certain international and domestic issues; and (3) perform other duties required by title II of this Act. Requires other Federal agencies to cooperate with the Council. Directs the Council to report to the President and Congress on its activities. Title II: Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Certain Steel Products - Limits annual imports of steel mill product categories to 11 percent of the expected apparent consumption for that year. Defines steel mill product categories to mean specified categories of carbon and alloy steel articles and stainless steel articles identified in the Tariff Schedules of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to announce on October 1, and April 1, of each year the quantitative limitation on imports for the six months beginning on the following January 1, and July 1. Prohibits imposing limits on any steel product category unless the Secretary finds that the sector of the domestic steel industry which produces like or competitive articles has, and is engaging in, a verifiable investment plan to modernize that sector. Imposes additional quantitative limits on imports of steel mill product categories. Declares that it is the intent of this title to ensure, to the extent practicable, that the entry of articles in all steel mill product categories that are products of a foreign nation be equalized on a monthly basis. Provides for imposing additional limitations on imports from a foreign nation if imports from such nation, in any two consecutive months, exceed five percent of an amount equal to one-sixth of the total permissible imports for such nation for the year concerned. Terminates this title on December 31, 1988, unless extended by the President. Title III: Quantitative Restrictions on Iron Ore Imports - Imposes limits on the imports of iron ore for the last six months of 1983, and for calendar years 1984 and 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to permit imports of iron ore in excess of such limits in order to insure continued operation of domestic steelmaking facilities. Permits such waiver only on a plant-by-plant basis and only if the Secretary makes specified determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Cement, Cement Clinker, and Concrete Block and Brick Fair Trade Act of 1983 - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to impose a duty on foreign subsidized hydraulic cement, cement clinker, and concrete block and brick. Provides procedures for the imposition of such duty.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983
Establishes the Kamehameha National Monument in Hawaii. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide facilities to commemorate the historical significance of the monument. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $100,000 and, on a subsequent conviction from $15,000 to $200,000. Prohibits the distribution involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene." Eliminates the requirement that persons distributing such material in interstate commerce do so for purposes of sale. Raises the age of a minor to include any person under the age of eighteen. Redefines "sexually explicit conduct" to exclude simulated conduct when there is little or no possibility of harm to the minor and when there is redeeming social, literary, educational, scientific or artistic value. Permits authorization for the interception of wire or oral communications in the investigation of such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Margaret Truman Daniel, daughter of Harry S. Truman, in recognition of the lifetime of outstanding public service he gave to the United States. Commemorates his one hundredth birthday which will be celebrated on May 8, 1984. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to: (1) reimburse air carriers for alien detention expenses; and (2) permit the refund of the $1,000 transport company fine for bringing in an illegal alien in the case where the alien, despite documentary inadmissibility, is admitted or paroled into the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Soviet Union to terminate its jamming of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty broadcasts.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Free Market Copyright Royalty Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to direct the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to exempt a cable system's carriage of a national cable broadcast network signal beyond the local service area from specified adjustments in copyright royalty rates. Sets forth the criteria for determining when a television broadcast station can be classified as a national cable broadcast network. Reduces from five to three the number of commissioners on the Tribunal. Directs the Tribunal to appoint a general counsel and chief economist to its staff.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
State Justice Institute Act of 1982 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983
Establishes the Commission on Capital Markets to evaluate the regulation of financial intermediaries by the Federal and State governments and the functioning of such intermediaries in the accumulation and allocation of capital within the United States economy. Sets forth the information to be included in such evaluation. Requires the Commission, within nine months after the initial meeting, to submit to Congress a report on the results of its evaluation. Terminates the Commission ninety days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever it determines that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for the amount of contributions made to the Federal retirement system by Federal employees newly covered under the social security system after December 31, 1983. Disallows such credit for contributions made to a Federal retirement system: (1) established after the enactment of this Act; or (2) modified after the enactment of this Act for purposes of coordinating such system with the social security system. Terminates such credit after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
National Narcotics Act of 1983 - Establishes a Cabinet-level Office of Director of National and International Drug Operations and Policy to plan and coordinate drug enforcement efforts of the Federal Government. Requires the Director to report to Congress on United States policy with respect to illegal drugs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Government Printing Office Pay Reform Act of 1983 - Requires the pay of Government Printing Office employees to be administered under the prevailing rate system and the General Schedule. Provides that employees who, upon enactment of this Act, hold positions for which the pay rates are determined by conference with the Public Printer or by appeal to the Joint Committee on Printing, shall, with specified exceptions, continue to receive basic pay at a rate not below the rate in effect immediately before enactment of this Act, plus any increase payable under the prevailing rate system or the General Schedule. Repeals the limitation on the number of apprentices that the Public Printer may employ at one time.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax deduction for charitable contributions of partial interests in property or property placed in trust where the governing instrument of the transfer is amended or conformed to meet certain requirements after the initial transfer. Allows the adjustment or exchange of an income interest or remainder interest transferred for charitable purposes where the donee receives an interest in property not less in value than that of the original transfer. Allows an estate or gift tax charitable deduction for a partial interest where the reformable interest in the charitable trust had not been corrected and there had been a termination of all intervening interests in the trust. Provides that interest on underpayment of tax will not be collected where the underpayment results from a disallowance of a charitable deduction involving a reformable partial interest. Extends until December 31, 1985, the period for filing a claim or credit for refund of overpayment of tax where the overpayment resulted from the allowance of a charitable deduction as a result of amending or conforming the transfer instrument.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Bankruptcy Court and Federal Judgeship Act of 1983 - Title I: Bankruptcy Jurisdiction, and Procedure - Confers upon the district courts original and exclusive jurisdiction of all cases under title 11 (the bankruptcy code). Confers original, but not exclusive, jurisdiction upon the district courts of all civil proceedings arising under title 11 or arising in or related to cases under title 11. Authorizes district courts to refer all cases and civil proceedings arising under title 11 to the bankruptcy court for the district. Confers upon such bankruptcy court all jurisdiction granted the district courts for title 11 actions and proceedings. Authorizes district courts to withdraw certain actions previously referred to bankruptcy courts. Allows district courts to abstain from hearing a particular proceeding under title 11, and precludes appeals from such decisions. Requires the district courts to abstain, upon proper motion, from adjudicating claims based upon State law where such claims will be timely instituted in an appropriate State forum. Authorizes district courts to exercise jurisdiction over all the debtor's property, wherever located, and over the bankruptcy estate. Sets venue guidelines for: (1) cases and proceedings under title 11; (2) cases to enjoin actions in a State or Federal court; and (3) actions to enjoin liens against property in such courts. Delineates procedures for removal of bankruptcy cases by a party. Authorizes courts to remand cases which have been so removed, and precludes any appeal of a remand decision. Designates bankruptcy courts for each judicial district. States that such courts shall constitute a department of the district court and be comprised of bankruptcy judges in regular active service. Requires the United States court of appeals for a circuit to appoint the bankruptcy judges for each judicial district within such circuit. Sets forth provisions for: (1) official duty stations of bankruptcy judges; (2) removal procedures of such judges; (3) salaries ; (4) outside employment; (5) division of business; (6) appointment of chief bankruptcy judgeships; (7) temporary transfers of bankruptcy judges; and (8) court personnel. Requires district courts to withdraw specified actions previously referred to the bankruptcy courts. Authorizes district courts to refer certain cases or proceedings to: (1) a bankruptcy court to serve as special master; (2) a United States magistrate; or (3) a bankruptcy judge who shall exercise all the powers of a United States magistrate. Confers jurisdiction upon the district courts to hear appeals from bankruptcy court judgments and establishes appellate procedure. Sets standards for bankruptcy judge salaries and terms of office. Title II: Omnibus Judgeship - Enumerates additional permanent circuit and district judgeships for the States. Establishes retirement guidelines for judges holding office during good behavior. Outlines retirement and resignation criteria for judges, including retirement pay and salary upon resignation. Title III: Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Provides for annuities for certain bankruptcy judges. Provides criteria for filling vacant bankruptcy judgeships.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Requests the President to issue a proclamation commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Designates the U.S. Post Office Building, 41-65 Main Street, Flushing, New York, as the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Post Office Building. Requires the Postmaster General to install an appropriate plaque indicating such designation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the changes in the Federal estate tax laws which were made by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 are vital to the continuation of the family farm and small business, and should not be repealed or amended.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Sabine River Authority of Texas specified Federal lands located within the Sabine National Forest in Texas and within the project boundary of the Toledo Bend Dam and Reservoir, Louisiana and Texas. Conditions conveyance upon use of such lands only for purposes of the Toledo Bend project. Reverts ownership to the United States if such lands are used for any other purpose. Reserves all mineral rights in such lands to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Title I: Federal Tort Claims Amendments - Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to make remedies provided by the Act exclusive of any other action arising out of the same tortious conduct. Substitutes the United States as the party defendant after: (1) the Attorney General has certified that a defendant Federal employee acted within the scope of employment; and (2) an action has been instituted in Federal district court. Declares such certification binding and conclusive. Provides guidelines for limitations of actions. Specifies the Federal agencies to which the Act applies. Title II: Constitutional Torts - Grants district courts exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions for money damages based on constitutional torts. Establishes judicial procedure for the resolution of claims based on constitutional torts. Specifies the Federal agencies amenable to suit for such torts. Authorizes Federal agency administrators to settle claims for money damages based on constitutional torts after obtaining written approval of the Attorney General. Declares such settlements final and conclusive. Establishes guidelines for administrative adjustment of claims. Provides formulae for recovery of damages and sets a maximum damages award for tortious conduct involving either: (1) reckless disregard for constitutional rights; or (2) malicious intent to violate constitutional rights. Specifies defenses to claims based on a constitutional tort. Requires disposition by the appropriate Federal agency before actions may be initiated against the United States for money damages. Allows either party to request a jury trial in actions for money damages. Permits the Attorney General to settle or arbitrate claims after an action has been instituted. Awards attorney's fees to successful claimants. Directs the Attorney General to defend any civil action against any Federal employee for money damages based on constitutional torts. Makes any such action the claimant's exclusive remedy for such a constitutional tort. Directs the Attorney General to remove from State court into district court under specified conditions. Authorizes disciplinary actions against defendant employees under specified circumstances. Exempts specified Federal agencies from tort claims under the Act. Establishes a limitations period. Title III: Amendments to Other Laws; Applicability of Act - Makes conforming amendments relative to medical malpractice provisions concerning Federal health professionals. Makes additional technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny property used by governments, tax-exempt foreign individuals, and other tax-exempt entities accelerated depreciation deductions. Requires that any deductions for depreciation of such property be calculated according to the straight line method. Exempts from such limitation short-term or casual leases of property and property used in an unrelated trade or business. Denies the investment tax credit for property used by foreign governments and other foreign persons. Denies the investment tax credit for rehabilitation expenditures for property which is financed by the proceeds of industrial development bonds. States that the provisions of this Act shall be effective for property placed in service after May 23, 1983, with an exception for binding contracts and mass commuting vehicles financed by tax-exempt securities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Authorizes the Comptroller General and the head of any Federal agency to grant equitable waivers of claims of the United States against persons for erroneous payments of travel, transportation, or relocation expenses if: (1) such payments occurred on or after July 1, 1983; and (2) an application for waiver is received within three years after such an erroneous payment was made.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Prescribes formulae to determine in which court an administrative body shall file the record when its order is being appealed in two or more appellate courts. Directs all courts in which multiple proceedings have been instituted to transfer such proceedings to the court in which the record has been filed. Authorizes appellate courts in which proceedings have been instituted to postpone the effective date of an administrative order until the record concerning such order has been filed according to the prescribed formula. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to administer a system of random selection to determine the appellate court in which the record is to be filed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Supplemental Security Income Mental Disability Determinations Reform Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in the Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent such criteria are applicable to individuals seeking or receiving benefits based on disability under the Supplemental Security Income program (title XVI of the Social Security Act). Directs the Secretary to also revise the methods of procedures used under such program for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the revised listings and residual functional capacity assessments to be designed to realistically evaluate the ability of a mentally impaired individual to engage in substantial gainful activity in a competitive workplace environment. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits continuing eligibility reviews with respect to mental impairment until the revisions are completed. Requires, under title XVI, that in any case in which an individual claims to be under a disability by reason of a mental impairment, the determination shall be made only after the Secretary has demonstrated that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist has completed the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for SSI periodic eligibility reviews for individuals whose claims to disability benefits are based on mental impairment, except to the extent that such funds are specifically authorized for such reviews. Makes permanent provisions of title XVI which provide SSI benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Makes permanent provisions which provide for the continued payment of SSI or disability benefits (title II of such Act) during appeal of a disability determination. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance to disabled individuals in complying with requirements and procedures under titles II and XVI; and (2) assure that disabled individuals eligible for or receiving benefits under title II are informed of available SSI benefits. Requires hearings and proceedings related to a disabled individual under the SSI program to be held at an accessible location.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Calls upon the nations of the world, particularly the Soviet Union, to conclude in the multilateral Committee on Disarmament or other bilateral negotiations a comprehensive and verifiable treaty banning chemical weapons. States that the United States will continue its moratorium on chemical weapons production if progress is evident on a comprehensive and verifiable treaty banning chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Secretary of the Treasury from investigating or auditing churches unless the Secretary possesses evidence causing him to believe that a church: (1) is carrying on an unrelated trade or business; or (2) should not be granted tax-exempt status. Restricts the Secretary from beginning any investigation unless he has first provided the church with written notice that an investigation is being commenced. Sets forth the requirements of such notice. Requires that the Secretary must first approve an application by the regional counsel of the internal revenue region for examination of church records and religious activities before beginning any such examination. Requires the Secretary, prior to the approval of any such application, to offer in writing an opportunity for a conference to discuss facts, evidence, and issues relevant to the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the church in writing of the approval of the application for examination at least 15 days prior to the commencement of such examination. Limits the examination of religious activities to that necessary to determine whether an organization is a church or convention or association of churches. Limits the examination of church records to that necessary to determine the amount of tax imposed. Allows an organization which claims that the Secretary has violated the provisions of this Act to bring a civil action for injunctive relief against the Secretary. Reduces the statute of limitations for collection after assessment of tax to three years in the case of any organization which is a church or convention or association of churches.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to define "small agricultural cooperative," for purposes of eligibility for disaster loans under such Act, as an association: (1) acting pursuant to the Agriculture Marketing Act; (2) whose size does not exceed the size standard established for other agricultural small business concerns; and (3) whose board members or governing members each qualify as a small business concern.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Establishes the Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for the congressional commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Harry S. Truman. Declares it the duty of such committee to: (1) arrange a joint meeting of the Congress in commemoration of such anniversary; (2) plan proceedings for such joint meeting; and (3) coordinate activities with the Truman Centennial Committee. Enumerates the powers of such joint committee. Provides that the expenses of such joint committee may not exceed a specified amount and shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hall, Sam B., Jr. [D-TX-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000070_200.jpg)