United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Department of Energy National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act of 1983 - Title I: National Security Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 to the Department of Energy for operating expenses incurred in carrying out national security programs, including scientific research and development, strategic and critical materials necessary for common defense, military applications of nuclear energy, and additional authorizations for specific projects. Authorizes appropriations for specified plant and capital equipment necessary for national security programs. Title II: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of funds authorized under this Act where the costs of the program exceed 105 percent of the program authorization or the costs exceed by more than $10,000,000 the amount authorized by this Act, whichever is the lesser. Prohibits the use of funds authorized by this Act for programs which have not been presented to, or requested of Congress, unless 30 calendar days have elapsed since the Secretary of Energy has presented to all the appropriate congressional committees a full and complete statement of the action proposed. Allows the written waiver of such requirement where such waiver is approved in writing by each appropriate committee of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to start any general plant project only if the maximum estimated cost of such project does not exceed $1,000,000. Sets forth procedures for approval of projects that exceed the 25 percent estimated cost provision, and exempts from such procedures any project which has an estimated cost of less than $5,000,000. Allows the transfer of funds from specified projects to other Government agencies for the performance of work for which the appropriation is made. Authorizes the Secretary to perform construction design services for construction projects in support of national security programs as appropriated under this Act. Directs the Secretary to notify the appropriate committees of Congress in writing of specific cost overruns. Authorizes funds for emergency construction design and pay increases.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) call upon all nations to designate May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day; (2) urge the Soviet Union to permit the Sakharovs to freely choose their place of residence; and (3) direct the American delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling upon that body to designate May 21, 1983, as International Sakharov Day.
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 · 2 March 1983
Authorizes any individual to enroll in the Medicare program (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) under either part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) who as of January 1, 1983: (1) is a military or Federal civilian retiree and is 65 years of age or older; (2) is not entitled to benefits under part A; and (3) is eligible under part A under provisions which authorize eligibility for uninsured individuals not otherwise eligible or is eligible under part B to enroll under part A or B. Eliminates the late enrollment premium penalty for any individual who enrolled under the provisions of this Act. Provides for a special enrollment period of three months for individuals covered by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Authorizes the Commission on Arts and Antiquities of the Senate (the Commission) to provide for the design and sculpture of a marble bust of Carl Hayden. Authorizes the Commission to accept such bust and to place it in an appropriate location. Authorizes until December 31, 1983, the solicitation and acceptance of gifts to carry out this resolution. Provides funds for the Commission's expenses.
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 · 25 February 1983
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to exempt from the entry requirements of the Act those charterboats carrying passengers for hire on a round-trip excursion from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the British Virgin Islands without visiting any hovering vessel.
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
Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoiled and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoiled and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Authorizes the establishment of Federal employee health benefit plans for members of employee organizations which applied at any time to the Office of Personnel Management for plan approval. (Current law authorizes the establishment of such plans for members of organizations which applied between December 31, 1978, and January 1, 1980.) Specifies the period during which members of such organizations may transfer their enrollments to such an approved plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Entitles a National Guard technician who has completed five years of Federal civilian service to a civil service annuity when he or she is discharged from the National Guard or transferred to the Retired Reserve by reason of having completed the requisite period of service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to document a named vessel as a vessel of the United States entitled to engage in the coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1981, to extend specified educational loan repayment benefits to officers in the Selected Reserve of the armed forces serving in pay grade 0-1 or 0-2.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Military Selective Service Amendments of 1983 - Directs the President to resume the registration of individuals pursuant to the Military Selective Service Act. Removes the restriction that only males may be subject to the selective service. Requires that the President provide for the induction of not more than 200,000 persons into the armed forces in each fiscal year after FY 1983 for service in the Individual Ready Reserve of the Army Reserve. Provides that individuals so inducted shall be required to serve not less than 12 weeks of active duty for training. Provides that a random sequence drawing shall be conducted for induction for all registrants. Provides that, effective upon the enactment of authority to induct persons into the armed forces, no deferment will be granted to persons enlisting in any reserve component of the armed forces or the Ready Reserve of any such reserve component. Requires that the entire Selective Service System annually participate in training to simulate emergency mobilization procedures. Exempts the Selective Service System from executive reorganization orders.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Entitles to specified medical and dental benefits members of the uniformed services or the National Guard who become ill in the line of duty while on active duty for a period of 30 days or less, or who become ill while on full-time training duty or inactive-duty training when such illness is incurred or aggravated as an incident of such training.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Entitles specified members of the National Guard, or of a uniformed service on inactive duty training, to the same medical and dental benefits as a member of a uniformed service on active duty.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Entitles to specified medical and dental care dependents of deceased members of the armed forces reserves or of the National Guard who have died under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full satisfaction of a claim against the United States arising out of the failure to refund income taxes paid with respect to compensation received while such individual was a prisoner of war.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Congressional Pay Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide a procedure for the approval of recommendations for congressional salaries. Requires each House of Congress to pass a resolution, by recorded vote, approving any increase in pay for Members before such increase becomes effective.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Requires a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress to pass any concurrent resolution on the budget which carries a deficit.
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
Eliminates the social security offset against annuities provided under the Survivor Benefit Plan of the armed service when the benefits received are based on the annuitant's own employment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Acidic Deposition Study and Ecosystem Mitigation Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide for a program of acidic deposition analysis and mitigation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report, within the five-fiscal- year period following the submission of the final comprehensive research plan under the Acid Precipitation Act of 1980, on acidic deposition to specified congressional committees. Sets forth required inclusions and procedures for such report. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to any State or interstate agency to develop and implement on-site methods of mitigating the harmful effects on ecosystems resulting from high acidity which may be due to acidic deposition. Limits such grants to 75 percent of project costs. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for the five fiscal years following the enactment date of this Act for the preparation of such report and the making of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Maritime Services Financial Responsibility Act of 1983 - Requires owners of vessels engaged in foreign commerce and using the ports or navigable waters of the United States to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility to meet claims in connection with maritime services. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse clearance to such vessels which upon request do not have certification from the Federal Maritime Commission of compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny entry to, or detain at, any port or place in the United States any vessel which does not comply with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit farmers who participate in a Federal payment-in-kind program to elect to treat commodities they receive as income in the year of receipt or the year of sale. Permits farmers to elect a deferral of the income resulting from the cancellation of Commodity Credit Corporation loans. Provides that farmers participating in a payment-in-kind program do not forfeit eligibility for the special use valuation provisions for farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 - Requires that, by 1984, five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Provides for credit to importers and exporters for the use of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes between foreign ports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six months after enactment of this Act. Requires such estimates to be revised annually. Requires that such rates: (1) be reviewed and adjusted at least annually; (2) not reflect costs greater than the estimated current costs; and (3) be the maximum rates which may be charged for the charter of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes governed by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish interim guideline rates in the first calendar year following the enactment of this Act. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in determining such rates. Requires the Secretary to appoint and consult with an advisory committee to establish and review U.S.-flag ship operating costs, shipyard construction costs, guideline rates, and regulations. Requires anyone engaged in importing or exporting bulk commodities in U.S. foreign commerce whose business volume exceeds $1,000,000 annually to report to the Secretary on the percentages of such person's exports and imports carried on U.S. flag ships. Requires anyone who fails to transport the required percentage of U.S. bulk cargoes to use exclusively U.S. flag ships until the deficiency has been recouped, unless Secretarial relief has been granted. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the investigation, prosecution, and judicial review of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
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 · 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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Holt, Marjorie S. [R-MD-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000747_200.jpg)