United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Amends the Energy Security Act to repeal the requirement that Congress approve the comprehensive strategy established by the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation to achieve the national synthetic fuel production goal established by such Act. Requires that preference in selecting proposals for synthetic fuels projects for financial assistance be given to proposals which are for research and development of synthetic fuel production and use. Eliminates the authority of the Corporation with respect to joint ventures by the Corporation for synthetic fuel project modules and Corporation synthetic fuel construction projects. Establishes a national goal of facilitating research and development in order to achieve domestic synthetic fuel production capability when the synthetic fuel industry matures and synthetic fuels become price competitive. (Under current law, there is a national goal of achieving a synthetic fuel production capability of at least 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil by 1987 and of at least 2,000,000 barrels per day of crude oil by 1992 from domestic resources.) Repeals the limitation on the authorization of financial assistance under such Act to any one synthetic fuel project or to any one person. Limits the funds available to the Corporation for obligation under the Energy Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
American Gold Eagle Coin Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint gold coins to be referred to as "American Eagles." Sets forth the specifications for two types of such gold coins. Declares that coins minted under this Act shall not be legal tender for public debts, public charges, taxes, duties or dues, but may be used for the payment of private debts. Sets forth the dates by which the Secretary shall begin delivery of such coins. Sets forth the formula by which the Secretary shall determine the daily price of such coins. Declares that the Secretary shall charge no seigniorage in excess of the gold bullion value, except to the extent necessary to cover the expenses of producing such coins. Permits the exchange of gold bullion for such American Eagle coins. Permits the Secretary to prescribe necessary regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
American Eagle Gold Coin Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint gold coins to be referred to as "American Eagles." Sets forth the specifications for two types of such gold coins. Declares that coins minted under this Act shall not be legal tender for public debts, public charges, taxes, duties or dues, but may be used for the payment of private debts. Sets forth the dates by which the Secretary shall begin delivery of such coins. Sets forth the formula by which the Secretary shall determine the daily price of such coins. Declares that the Secretary shall charge no seigniorage in excess of the gold bullion value except to the extent necessary to cover the expenses for production of such coins. Permits the exchange of gold bullion for such American Eagle coins. Permits the Secretary to prescribe necessary regulations. Declares that the gold coins be subject to taxation in the same manner as other currency of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise provisions relating to permits for dredged or fill material. Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue permits to applicants, after notice and opportunity for a public hearing, for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at disposal sites specified by the applicants, unless the Secretary determines that such disposal sites cannot be specified through the application of the guidelines or other considerations in accordance with provisions for specification of disposal sites. Provides that, except in the case of a State request for Federal jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters, the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to legislation under such Act or an other Act of Congress. Directs the Secretary to extend application of such Act to nonnavigable waters within a State which are listed and defined by the State Governor in a written request concurred in by the State legislature in accordance with State law. Repeals provisions for an optional State permit program. Deletes the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" with respect to the 90-day deadline for decisions on permit applications. Makes miscellaneous and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Federal Anti-Tampering Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to maliciously cause or attempt to cause injury or death to any person, or injury to any business' reputation, by adulterating a food, drug, cosmetic, hazardous substance or other product. Provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000, or if personal injury or death results, a prison term of up to life. Establishes a separate offense, with similar penalties, for any person who willfully or maliciously conveys false information concerning an attempt at such adulteration if injury, fear of injury, or death results or if a governmental or commercial recall occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Revises provisions under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to oil shale leasing. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease to any qualified person or corporation any deposits of oil shale and gilsonite on Federal lands. Limits leases to a maximum of 5,120 acres, unless a lease of that size is too small to permit economically viable operations, in which case the Secretary may increase the acreage to 15,360 acres after: (1) considering the reserve potential of the tract; (2) determining that additional acreage is necessary to have an economically viable commercial operation; and (3) documenting the basis for the increased acreage. Authorizes a lessee to acquire one additional lease in any State when it has achieved production in commercial quantities from an existing lease and it is within 15 years of exhausting the commercially recoverable reserves on the existing lease. Prohibits, with respect to gilsonite leases, any person, association, or corporation from acquiring more than 6,680 acres in any State without respect to the number of leases. Authorizes the issuance of a lease under the multiple use principle notwithstanding the existence of an outstanding lease issued under any other provision of the Act with respect to gilsonite. Authorizes the mining of other mineral deposits under an oil shale lease if such other deposits are: (1) intermingled with oil shale deposits; or (2) unlikely to be recovered except in conjunction with the oil shale deposits. Authorizes the Secretary to lease additional lands necessary for support operations, including: (1) oil shale waste disposal; and (2) building of facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to issue an oil shale lease upon a determination that the public interest will be served and after considering: (1) the need for the lease; (2) impacts on the environment and other resource values; (3) socioeconomic factors; and (4) information from consultations with the Governor of the State in which the land is located. Revises provisions relating to combined interests in leases. Prohibits any person, association, or corporation from holding or owning (as a member or stockholder of another association or corporation) more than the maximum number of oil shale leases or acreage for any kind of minerals allowed to any one person, association, or corporation, unless such ownership is less than ten percent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to increase the acreage of the following preserves in Alaska (thereby easing restrictions on hunting on certain lands): (1) the Katmai National Preserve; (2) the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve; (3) the Noatak National Preserve; (4) the Lake Clark National Preserve; (5) the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Preserve; (6) the Denali National Preserve; (7) the Kenai Fjords National Preserve; (8) the Glacier Bay National Preserve; and (9) the Aniakchak National Preserve.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Omnibus Congressional Compensation Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to eliminate the annual adjustment in compensation for Members of Congress. Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make the President's recommendation for congressional salaries of an advisory nature only, unless otherwise provided by law. Provides that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress shall be the rate payable on the date of enactment of this Act. Changes the provision of law which authorizes permanent appropriations for compensation for Members to authorize appropriations only for FY 1983. States that any increase in compensation, tax benefits, or increase in outside earned income limitations (including honoraria) shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress during which such benefits are authorized. Amends rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and rule XII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a recorded vote on such types of legislation. Makes it out of order in the House or Senate to consider such legislation if it contains items other than those relative to congressional benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a law varying the compensation of Members of Congress from taking effect until after an election of Representatives.
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 · 27 January 1983
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional approval to the Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management, which provides for cooperation among the States of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming in the management of low-level radioactive waste on a continuing basis.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Coal Pipeline Act of 1983 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon, or through any Federal lands for the construction, operation, maintenance, or extension of coal pipelines, if the person seeking the right-of-way has been issued a certification that it is in the national interest to construct, operate, and maintain the pipeline (or extend the pipeline). Prohibits granting a right-of-way over, under, upon, or through an historic site unless there is no feasible alternative and planning is made to minimize damage to the site. Requires a right-of-way granted or renewed under this Act to be granted or renewed in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Prohibits the provisions of this act from affecting an existing or pending right-of-way except that if a certification has been made any renewal or extension may only be made pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Prohibits the United States or its agents from reserving, using, or claiming water in any State for a pipeline for which a certification has been issued unless such action takes place pursuant to State law. Authorizes acquisition of private lands by eminent domain if a certification has been issued, except with respect to historic sites or wildlife refuges. Requires the Secretary, if he or she determines that it is in the national interest, to approve an application for certification. Authorizes the Secretary to modify such application before its approval. Requires the Secretary in making such application determination to consider the extent to which a pipeline would: (1) help meet national needs; (2) enhance competition and provide new market outlets and opportunities; (3) contribute to national security; and (4) affect the environment. Directs the Secretary to notify the Attorney General of any pending application prior to making certification so as to permit the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust review. Requires every coal pipeline carrier issued a certification to provide service on reasonable request. Permits the use of eminent domain to acquire any portion of a right-of-way acquired under this Act if the use of such right-of-way is consistent with the operation and maintenance of the pipeline. Requires pipelines to be underground to the maximum extent possible. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations establishing uniform Federal standards for the safe design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of coal pipeline facilities. Exempts facilities under construction. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of such regulations. Authorizes the Attorney General to institute a civil action for a restraining order or injunction to enforce any provision of this Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
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 · 6 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program for Members of Congress and the Vice President.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Prohibits Federal involvement in the performance of abortions, except when the life of the mother would be endangered if the child were carried to term. Includes the following activities within the scope of this prohibition: (1) performance of an abortion by a Federal agency; (2) use of appropriated funds to perform or reimburse or refer for abortions; (3) promotion or assistance in the performance of abortions abroad; (4) contracting for insurance which pays or reimburses for abortions; (5) discrimination against an individual on the basis of that person's opposition to abortions; and (6) the withholding from a handicapped infant of nutritional sustenance, medical or surgical treatment by an institution receiving Federal assistance. Provides for expedited Supreme Court review of State laws restricting abortions or infanticide whenever such laws have been invalidated by a lower court.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) the exclusion from gross income of the interest earned on a national home ownership bond; and (2) an income tax credit for 50 percent of the amount of interest excluded. Defines "national home ownership bonds" as certificates of deposit issued by a qualified financial institution to provide home financing ("qualified owner financing"). Requires the certificates to have a five year maturity, an investment yield not exceeding eight percent compounded quarterly, and be issued in denominations of $1,000 or any multiple of $1,000. Defines "qualified owner financing" to mean financing provided in connection with acquisition of a single family residence: (1) which becomes the principal residence of the individual to whom the financing is provided; and (2) the original use of which begins with that individual. Specifies other requirements with respect to the security on the property, the interest rate charged, the assumability of the loan, prepayment provisions, and the ceiling amount for such financing.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Defines "person" to include the unborn for the purpose of the right to life guarantee. Makes such amendment inapplicable to laws permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Budget Committee of the House consider in detail the option of a freeze on Federal spending at FY 1983 levels in developing concurrent budget resolutions for FY 1984, 1985, and 1986.
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 · 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
Hobbs Act Amendment of 1983 - Amends the Hobbs Act to establish penalties for obstructing, affecting, or interfering with commerce by willfully injuring, damaging, burning, or destroying to the value of $2,000 or more any real or personal property of any person at or near any place where work or business of an employer or owner is carried on or where such employer or owner transports, stores, or maintains property for business or other purposes. States that such violation, as well as the offense of interfering with commerce by extortion, shall not be nullified or mitigated even if committed in the course of a legitimate labor dispute.
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
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
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
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a person who has been elected to: (1) the Senate two times from being eligible for election or appointment to the Senate; and (2) the House of Representatives six times from being eligible for election to the House.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1982
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 · 8 September 1982
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with State and local law enforcement officials in connection with resource protection and the administration of the use and occupancy of lands and waters within Federal water resource development projects. Allows such cooperation to include the reimbursement of law enforcement officials for expenditures incurred.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1982 - Permits employee benefit plans, as defined under this Act, to engage in any qualified mortgage transaction involving any qualified residential mortgage loan, provided transactions between all parties are at arm's length. Permits such plans to participate in any mortgage pool, provided such pool conforms to specified requirements with regard to permitted investments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. Provides that this Act shall supersede any and all contrary provisions of State law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the imposition of Federal excise tax on a plan or pool that engages in a transaction described under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Expresses the support of the Congress for beginning strategic arms reductions talks. Urges the Soviet Union to join with the United States in concluding an equitable and verifiable agreement which freezes strategic nuclear forces at equal and substantially reduced levels. Reaffirms congressional support for the position that the United States should not enter into an arms agreement which provides for force levels inferior to those of the Soviet Union. Declares that the United States should propose practical measures to: (1) reduce the danger of accidental nuclear war; (2) prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties, including terrorists; and (3) halt the worldwide proliferation of nuclear weapons. Insists that any arms control agreement must be fully verifiable.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hansen, James V. [R-UT-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000172_200.jpg)