United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax credit for child care expenses from a maximum of 30 percent to a maximum of 50 percent of such expenses. Reduces such percentage by one percent for each full $1,000 by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care services to the general public for purposes of enabling individuals to maintain employment.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such a policy.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Enterprise Zone Act of 1983 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Specifies that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 75 nominated areas per year over three years (one third of which such designations shall remain in effect. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,000 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on June 30, 1986, or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Exempts enterprise zones from certain requirements relating to Federal environmental policy. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three year carryback and 15 year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $9,000 in wages per year). Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investment in certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Allows noncorporate taxpayers to deduct from gross income 100 percent of any net capital gain from qualified enterprise zone property. Subtitle D: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon the request of a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuing the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations remain in effect. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis, and expedite the processing of, applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Skilled Enlisted Reserve Training Act - Directs the Secretary of each military department to establish a skilled enlisted reserve training program to obtain adequate numbers of enlisted members with critical technical skills. Permits each Secretary to enter into agreements with a qualified person under which the Secretary agrees to provide educational assistance in a technical field in exchange for that person's agreement to perform either three or more years of active or six or more years of reserve service in the armed forces. Permits the Secretary to pay up to 100 percent of educational expenses and a monthly stipend. Sets forth eligibility requirements. Requires accepted members to complete basic training before beginning technical training. Sets forth the penalties for noncompletion of training, including possible reimbursement of educational assistance. Requires the Secretary concerned to approve the courses and educational institution before entering an agreement with a member. Permits the Secretary to provide assistance to educational institutions providing courses of training. Permits the Secretary to detail members for instructional and administrative duties at such institutions. Directs the President to make an annual report to Congress concerning such program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) develop and implement a national program to expand U.S. exports of agricultural commodities; and (2) submit to the Congress a report containing a description of such program, including proposed Executive actions and legislative recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to impose mandatory minimum sentences for committing violent felonies against individuals aged 65 or over. Prohibits suspended, probationary, and concurrent sentences. Prohibits parole and any plea bargaining agreements that would result in the defendant's serving less than the minimum sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the tax on unrelated business income any income received by a tax-exempt organization from the sale, exchange, or rental of names from donor lists or membership lists.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Title I: Consumer Credit - Consumer Debtor Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to permit a bankruptcy court to dismiss a case or suspend all proceedings if it determines that a debtor whose debts are primarily consumer debts does not need the provisions of the chapter under which relief has been sought and the granting of relief under such chapter would be a substantial abuse of its provisions. Requires the Clerk of each Federal judicial district to compile statistics regarding debtors where debts are primarily consumer debts. Requires the bankruptcy judge to convene, and permits such judge to preside at, any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties as may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in consumer goods property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan effecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Permits the court to utilize other methods of valuation if no such market exists or if the court determines that resale value is inappropriate in light of the property's proposed use or disposition. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of estimated income and expenses for the year following filing of his petition. Requires the debtor, if the schedule of assets and liabilities include consumer debts secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and upon the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Requires that the notice of meeting of the creditors be accompanied by a copy of the statement of estimated income and expenses and that the debtor supply the clerk of the court, upon the filing of the petition, with enough copies of such statement to accommodate the listed creditors. Requires individuals filing for bankruptcy in joint or consolidated cases to elect either the Federal or State exemptions. Places an aggregate limit of $3,000 on the value of the exemption with regard to household goods and personal effects. Prohibits the debtor from utilizing the unused dollar value of the homestead exemption to exempt additional property not explicitly provided for by such Act. Repeals the provisions of such Act which currently authorize the debtor to avoid nonpurchase money security interest in property. Presumes nondischargeable any debt incurred on or within 40 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title. Allows for rebuttal of such presumption. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been avoided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge and of any reaffirmation of debt. Prohibits the custodian from being an assignee under a general assignment for the benefit of the debtor's creditors that was appointed or took possession more than 120 days before the date of the filing of the petition. Permits the trustee or the court, however, to require such an assignee to file an accounting. Limits the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified household goods and tools of the debtor's trade. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to avoid any lien in whole or in part, if the court finds;: (1) that the debtor has no reasonable ability to pay the redemption value of such property out of anticipated future income; and (2) the enforcement of such lien would impose undue hardship on the debtor. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence within thirty days after the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of codebtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where a reasonable portion of unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan, but was prevented from so doing by unforeseen circumstances. Title II: Agricultural Produce - Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Requires 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 administration details. Title III: Miscellaneous - Declares that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid the provisions of every other part and their application shall not be affected thereby. Makes the provisions of this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Declares that the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to cases pending before the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Agricultural Export Subsidy Offset Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an export payment-in-kind program. States that such program shall make agricultural commodities owned by the Commodity Credit Corporation available at no cost to U.S. exporters and processors, or to foreign countries to encourage the sales of U.S. agricultural commodities. Requires the Secretary to ensure that: (1) such export sales do not displace usual U.S. marketings; (2) such commodities are not exported to any foreign country which is not eligible for most-favored-nation treatment for its goods; and (3) such commodities are not resold or transshipped to any other nation or used for purposes other than domestic purposes in such foreign country. Requires the Secretary to make such agricultural commodities available at no cost to U.S. processors if the Secretary determines that the program is placing such processors at an unfair competitive disadvantage. Requires the Secretary to carry out this program through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Prohibits the Secretary from making agricultural commodities owned by the Corporation available under this Act after December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Modified Dairy Price Support Program - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to repeal the 50-cent milk producer assessments. Decreases milk price supports from $13.10 per hundredweight to $12.10 per hundredweight for the period from April 1, 1983 through September 30, 1984. Permits increases of up to $1 if Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) purchases fall below specified levels. Bases milk supports on a parity formula (sliding scale of 61 to 83 percent of parity based on CCC purchase estimates) as of October 1, 1984. Sets Class I milk prices (3.5 percent milk fat) at not less than $12.56, as of April 1, 1983, or enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Aviation Drug-Trafficking Control Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to revoke the airman certificate of any person who has been convicted of violations (other than simple possession) of State or Federal law relating to controlled substances. Requires the Administrator to revoke the airman certificate of any person who has knowingly transported any controlled substance, where such transportation is prohibited. Prohibits the Administrator from reissuing any revoked certificate for a period of five years. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to reissue such certificate in certain circumstances before the end of a five-year period, but not before the end of the first year after revocation. Requires the Administrator to revoke the certificate of registration of an owner of an aircraft if it is determined that such aircraft has been used to transport controlled substances illegally. Sets forth certificate reissuance guidelines similar to those for the reissuance of airman certificates. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act, including selling or using fraudulent certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing final payment-in-kind regulations unless such regulations permit the Secretary to enter into agreements with producers of the 1983 crop of soybeans for idling specified percentages of soybean cropland in exchange for payments in corn.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress to urge the Committees on the Budget of both the Senate and the House to strive to the maximum to apply the freeze concept across-the-board during the upcoming budgetary process.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should exchange or barter, to the maximum extent practicable under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, and the Agricultural Act of 1949, commodities (especially dairy products) owned by the Commodity Credit Corporation for materials, goods, and equipment produced in foreign countries.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer or other religious activity in public schools. States that neither the United States nor any State shall require any person to participate in prayer or other religious activity, or influence the form or content of any prayer or other religious activity in such public schools.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for taxpayers who receive agricultural commodities under a Federal payment-in-kind program: (1) no income shall be treated as realized by receipt of such commodities; but (2) any gain realized from the sale or exchange of such commodities shall be included in gross income and shall be treated as ordinary income. Treats such commodities as commodities produced on acreage diverted from agricultural use for purposes of the estate tax valuation of farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 - Requires that, by 1984, five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Provides for credit to importers and exporters for the use of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes between foreign ports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six months after enactment of this Act. Requires such estimates to be revised annually. Requires that such rates: (1) be reviewed and adjusted at least annually; (2) not reflect costs greater than the estimated current costs; and (3) be the maximum rates which may be charged for the charter of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes governed by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish interim guideline rates in the first calendar year following the enactment of this Act. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in determining such rates. Requires the Secretary to appoint and consult with an advisory committee to establish and review U.S.-flag ship operating costs, shipyard construction costs, guideline rates, and regulations. Requires anyone engaged in importing or exporting bulk commodities in U.S. foreign commerce whose business volume exceeds $1,000,000 annually to report to the Secretary on the percentages of such person's exports and imports carried on U.S. flag ships. Requires anyone who fails to transport the required percentage of U.S. bulk cargoes to use exclusively U.S. flag ships until the deficiency has been recouped, unless Secretarial relief has been granted. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the investigation, prosecution, and judicial review of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Small Business and Agricultural Trade Remedies Act of 1983 - Establishes in the Treasury the Small Business Trade Access Trust Fund. Requires the Director of the Small Business Trade Assistance Office (established by this Act) to manage the Trust Fund. Provides that the Fund shall consist of: (1) all countervailing and antidumping duties collected under the Tariff Act of 1930; (2) income from investments made with the Fund's money; and (3) shortfall appropriations made to the Fund. Requires the Director to report to Congress annually on the Fund's financial condition and operations. Requires the Director to identify in the report the recipients of assistance under the Small Business Assistance Program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Department of Commerce the Small Business Trade Assistance Office which shall inform and assist small businesses in preparing for, and participating in, proceedings relating to the administration of the U.S. trade laws. Requires the Office to establish a system for awarding small businesses reasonable expenses in connection with such proceedings. Limits such awards. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the standards for determinations by the International Trade Commission of injury for purposes of countervailing duty investigations and antidumping investigations so as to require the Commission to find a "sufficient" rather than a "reasonable" indication of injury. Permits judicial review of certain countervailing duty and antidumping duty proceedings in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rather than the U.S. Court of International Trade. Provides that in the case of a small business seeking import relief, the International Trade Commission shall consider the separate circumstances of such petitioner in making any determination as to material injury. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President, in determining whether to provide import relief and the method and amount of import relief to provide for a small business, to take into account: (1) the general economic situation in the major geographic area in which the small business is located; (2) the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates on any industry in such area; and (3) the ability of the small business to adjust by converting to alternative product lines. Permits a petitioner for import relief in connection with any perishable products (certain fresh, chilled, or frozen beef or veal, certain fresh or chilled vegetables, fresh mushrooms, certain fresh fruit, and certain fresh cut flowers) to file with the Secretary of Agriculture a petition for emergency action. Requires the Secretary to determine within 14 days after such a petition has been filed whether the perishable product concerned is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to cause serious injury or threat of injury to the domestic industry producing a perishable product like, or directly competitive with, the imported product. Directs the Secretary to recommend to the President that emergency action be taken if the determination is affirmative or to publish notice of a negative determination and notify the petitioner. Requires the President to either order import relief or publish notice, within seven days after receipt of a recommendation by the Secretary, of a decision not to take action. Permits a petitioner to file subsequent petitions after a negative determination. Makes an emergency action with respect to import relief ineffective when: (1) the President makes a decision on a regular petition filed under the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the perishable product concerned; (2) the International Trade Commission makes a negative determination after an investigation with respect to such a petition; or (3) the President determines such relief is no longer warranted because of changed circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Social Security Alien and Foreign Resident Benefits Limitation Act of 1983 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement to title II benefits is based upon the wages and self-employment income of another individual residing in a foreign country shall not be entitled to such benefits until such other individual becomes a resident of the United States. Prohibits entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national and whose entitlement is based on the wages and self-employment income of another individual unless: (1) such other individual is a U.S. citizen or national or is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or employment; or (2) such individual is a surviving spouse whose relationship existed at least one year before the wage earner's retirement. Makes the prohibitions under this Act inapplicable in any case where they would contravene a treaty obligation of the United States or an international social security agreement between the United States and another country.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit the continued issuance of tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Residential Mortgage Pension Investment Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from specified prohibited transaction provisions any qualified mortgage transaction engaged in by an employee benefit plan, provided such transaction is at "arm's length" (i.e. if the terms of the transaction are at least as favorable to the plan as those of similar transactions involving unrelated parties).
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Emergency Agricultural Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to raise the limits on aggregate operating loans to an individual: (1) from $1,000 to $200,000 for non-guaranteed loans; and (2) from $200,000 to $400,000 for guaranteed loans. Extends the maximum payment period from seven to 15 years. Authorizes $1,660,000 for the aggregate amount of insured operating loans for FY 1983. Sets aside a specified portion for new borrowers. Requires that at least 20 percent of FY 1983 farm ownership and operating loans be for limited-resource farmers. Requires the Secretary to notify all farmers about such program. Requires deferred or rescheduled loan interest rates to be at the lower of either original or current rates. States that disaster emergency loan assistance eligibility based on production loss is to be based solely on criteria under such Act, and not on whether a county is designated for emergency loans. Authorizes four and three year extensions for specified categories of borrowers. Permits family farmers to request economic hardship loan repayment and foreclosure deferrals through FY 1984. Requires a showing of: (1) good management; (2) temporary inability to repay because of circumstances beyond one's control; and (3) a reasonable chance of repayment. Provides for loan consolidation and rescheduling at the end of such deferral period. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide notification to Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) borrowers regarding such deferral and rescheduling programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a Guaranteed Farm Loan Program Unit in each State Office of the FmHA to administer the various guaranteed farm loans. Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to: (1) require (presently only authorizes) the Secretary to carry out such program; (2) extend program authority through FY 1984; and (3) provide that specified authorizations shall be in addition to other guaranteed economic emergency loan authorizations under the Act of December 18, 1982 (P.L.97-370).
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts received from a public retirement system (pensions or annuities) which are attributable to services as a Federal, State, or local police officer or fire fighter.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the total amount of money expended by the United States in any fiscal year from exceeding the total amount of revenue received during such fiscal year, except in time of war as declared by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $25,000 to $100,000 the allowable amount of the income tax tax deduction for eliminating architectural and transportation barriers for the handicapped and aged. Makes such tax deduction permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 to repeal: (1) the 12 percent retail tax on heavy trucks and trailers; (2) the increase in the heavy truck highway use tax; and (3) the increase in the excise tax on heavy tires. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the ten percent manufacturers excise tax on trucks until 1988. Increases the excise tax on diesel fuel from nine cents per gallon to 12 cents per gallon. Sets the rate of tax on tires at 9.75 cents per pound in excess of 40 pounds. Repeals the 1984 floor stocks tax on tires.
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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hartnett, Thomas F. [R-SC-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000302_200.jpg)