United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate recommended maximum contaminant levels and revised national primary drinking water regulations within specified time periods for: (1) each of 14 contaminants listed in 47 Federal Register 9352; (2) toxic water pollutants which are found in drinking water; and (3) other substances which may have an adverse effect on the health of persons. Sets forth requirements with respect to such contaminant levels and drinking water regulations. Requires the Administrator to list a contaminant and promulgate a revised drinking water regulation for such contaminant which requires the use of treatment techniques if such contaminant cannot be accurately enough measured in water to establish a maximum contaminant level. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into arrangements with independent scientific organizations to assist in the establishment of recommended maximum contaminant levels. Requires the Administrator to establish a program which shall require a representative sample of various public water systems to monitor for unregulated contaminants. Directs the Administrator to require the owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to persons served by it of contaminant levels of any unregulated contaminants required to be monitored. Requires the Administrator to enforce compliance with national primary drinking water regulations through civil actions or administrative orders with respect to public water systems, unless there is in effect a variance or an exemption. Revises the compliance schedules in the case of public water systems which have been granted an exemption from compliance with interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations. Permits extensions of such exemptions in certain cases. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to administrative orders issued to enforce compliance with regulations, schedules, or other requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty; or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of a primary national drinking water standard. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of a public water system which fails to comply with a national primary drinking water regulation beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility over such public water system. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with national drinking water regulations. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY 1984 through 1987. Authorizes the Administrator to require, as a condition of a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility with respect to national drinking water regulations, that the State carry out technical assistance programs for small public water systems which are substantially similar to the Federal program. Provides that, in requiring a public water system to keep records with respect to the compliance with national primary drinking water regulations, the Administrator shall take into account the system size and the contaminants which are likely to be found in the system's drinking water. Sets forth criminal penalties for tampering with a public water system. Provides that notice by the owner or operator of a public water system which fails to comply with national primary drinking water regulations to the persons served by such system shall provide an explanation of such failure, the steps being taken to correct such failure, and the groups which should seek alternative water supplies until such failure is corrected. Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to also give annual notice to the persons served by it of the availability to the public of records and reports kept by such system with respect to compliance with the national primary drinking water regulations. Permits civil actions by public water systems and any other persons against any persons who are causing or contributing to the presence of a contaminant in the drinking water used by such systems or other persons if such contamination results in the water supply not meeting national primary drinking water regulations. Title II: Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water - Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by underground injection above, into, or under a formation which contains a drinking water source, unless it is established that such injection will not cause the hazardous waste to migrate into or otherwise endanger drinking water sources. Requires State underground injection programs to prohibit the disposal of brine brought to the surface in connection with oil by any means other than underground injection in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Defines the term "drinking water source" as underground water which supplies a public water system, is capable of supplying a public water system, or could supply a public water system if the system used technologically advanced treatment. Requires the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register if an area has an aquifer which furnishes or may furnish in the future a substantial part of the drinking water supply for any public water system and which would create a significant hazard to the public health if contaminated. Permits Federal financial assistance for projects which are designed not to contaminate such an aquifer. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for State programs to prevent surface impoundments which are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act from endangering drinking water sources. Permits States to apply to exercise primary enforcement responsibility. Requires the Administrator to prescribe a program for a State if no State program is approved. Permits States to submit to the Administrator plans to protect underground drinking water sources. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to the States to assist them in the development of such plans. Requires that Federal actions with respect to underground drinking water sources in a State be coordinated with the State protection program. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance with underground injection control program requirements. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such administrative orders. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty, or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of an underground injection control program. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of any person who fails to comply with underground injection control program requirements beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility for underground water sources. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for: (1) the provision of research, technical assistance, information, and training of personnel to the States and municipalities to implement the Safe Drinking Water Act; and (2) grants to States for public water system supervision programs and underground water source protection programs. Extends indefinitely the authority of the Administrator to issue certifications of need and orders for the provision of chemicals necessary for the treatment of water.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Child and Family Development Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the right and responsibility of parents to participate in programs involving their children and that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any public agency or private organization or its representative to intervene in any child-rearing decision of the parents. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a complete study and assessment of child care needs in the United States. Directs the Secretary to take specified factors into consideration and to complete such study and assessment, and transmit the results to the Congress, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare and promulgate a comprehensive plan and program to provide services to meet the Nation's child care needs (including day care, education, health, and nutrition). Sets forth required provisions for the plan and program. Directs the Secretary to promptly transmit the plan and program, with recommendations, to the Congress. Requires that a specified minimum period of time after transmittal to the Congress pass before the plan or program or later modifications by the Secretary become effective. Sets forth priorities in the distribution of child care funds by the plan and program. Prohibits the plan and program from affecting levels or sources of funding for the Head Start program and specified programs under the Social Security Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Requires that such plan and program provide for strengthened developmental programming for children and parent education and required certification of teachers under such Acts. Requires that the plan and program include: (1) provision of additional Federal funds to improve child care programs; and (2) incentives for development of improved child care facilities. Sets forth administrative provisions and requirements for State plans for the administration of child care programs. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report, with recommendations, to the Congress on the administration and operation of this Act and of the plan and program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Urges the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries possessing the technology to produce separated plutonium to begin negotiations leading to a verifiable halt in the production of separated plutonium and in the export of technology for such production. Calls for the United States and other nuclear supplier and consumer nations to begin negotiations leading to an agreement to: (1) reject the commercial use of separated plutonium as a nuclear power reactor fuel; (2) base civilian nuclear power technology only on nonweapons usable fuel; and (3) make available reliable supplies of natural and low-enriched uranium.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Modern Farm Animal Practices Act - Establishes the Commission on Modern Farm Animal Practices to investigate and report on all aspects of U.S. intensive farm animal husbandry, including human health effects, and related ethical, scientific, and economic considerations. Sets forth membership and operating provisions. Requires such report to be submitted within two years of the Commission's first meeting to each House of Congress, the Department of Agriculture, and to the Food and Drug Administration. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submitting such report.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Requires the Comptroller General to review each employee performance appraisal system of each Federal agency, with certain exceptions, at least once every five years and to report his or her findings and recommendations to specified congressional committees. Requires that such a review specifically consider: (1) the adequacy of training provided to persons evaluating performance; (2) the objectivity of evaluation criteria; (3) the effectiveness of the appraisal system in contributing to adequate, or better, performance; (4) the accuracy and fairness of the system as perceived by employees; (5) the compliance of the system with applicable laws and regulations, particularly with regard to employee notice and participation; (6) the relation between the design and operation of the system; and (7) indications of employee morale. Requires any agency or the Office of Personnel Management to submit any proposed change in a performance appraisal system to the Comptroller General. Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) review such proposal to determine its impact on the employees and areas of public service involved; and (2) report his or her findings to specified congressional committees within a specified period. Prohibits such a proposal from taking effect until 60 days after such report is submitted. Prohibits the Comptroller General from reviewing any proposal that is the subject of ongoing labor-management negotiations. Requires an agency's performance appraisal system to ensure that each officer or employee responsible for appraising performance is adequately trained in such duty. Directs the Comptroller General to review Senior Executive Service performance appraisal systems in the same manner as provided for other systems under this Act. Requires each agency to establish a program under which any organization representing a substantial number of supervisory or managerial personnel shall be entitled to present its views on proposed changes in a performance appraisal system affecting its members. Establishes the negotiability of the establishment of performance standards, at the election of the labor organization involved.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program of grants to: (1) identify women who received diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant and their children; (2) establish a voluntary registry of such women and children; (3) provide them with periodic cancer screening; and (4) provide health personnel with information respecting the health hazards of such drug.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
United States Caribbean Possessions Act - Title I: Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund - Lists countries which the President shall consider in designating beneficiary countries for purposes of this title. Prohibits the President from designating a country a beneficiary country: (1) if such country is a communist country; (2) if the country has taken certain expropriating actions against property owned by U.S. citizens; (3) if the country fails to act in good faith with respect to arbitral awards involving U.S. citizens or companies; (4) if the country affords preferential treatment to a developed country other than the United States which adversely affects U.S. commerce unless the President receives certain assurances; (5) if a government-owned entity in such country engages in the broadcast of copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright owners without their express consent; and (6) unless such country is party to a treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Lists factors the President shall take into account in determining whether to designate a country a beneficiary country. Prohibits the President from terminating the designation of a country as a beneficiary country unless, at least 60 days before the termination, the President has notified the Congress and the beneficiary country of such determination. Directs the President to withdraw or suspend the designation of a country as a beneficiary country if, because of changed circumstances, the country would be barred from designation as a beneficiary country. Establishes in the Treasury the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund the amount of money collected from: (1) the import duties on articles entered from beneficiary countries; and (2) the taxes on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries. Authorizes the Administrator of the Fund to allocate and distribute the moneys in the Fund to island beneficiary countries. Sets forth the method of allocation. Title II: Tax and Tariff Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that if the amount of taxes collected on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries exceeds the amount needed in the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund the excess shall be covered into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Prohibits granting duty-free treatment to bulk rum manufactured outside the United States, its territories, or possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Supplemental Security Income Mental Disability Determinations Reform Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in the Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent such criteria are applicable to individuals seeking or receiving benefits based on disability under the Supplemental Security Income program (title XVI of the Social Security Act). Directs the Secretary to also revise the methods of procedures used under such program for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the revised listings and residual functional capacity assessments to be designed to realistically evaluate the ability of a mentally impaired individual to engage in substantial gainful activity in a competitive workplace environment. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits continuing eligibility reviews with respect to mental impairment until the revisions are completed. Requires, under title XVI, that in any case in which an individual claims to be under a disability by reason of a mental impairment, the determination shall be made only after the Secretary has demonstrated that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist has completed the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for SSI periodic eligibility reviews for individuals whose claims to disability benefits are based on mental impairment, except to the extent that such funds are specifically authorized for such reviews. Makes permanent provisions of title XVI which provide SSI benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Makes permanent provisions which provide for the continued payment of SSI or disability benefits (title II of such Act) during appeal of a disability determination. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance to disabled individuals in complying with requirements and procedures under titles II and XVI; and (2) assure that disabled individuals eligible for or receiving benefits under title II are informed of available SSI benefits. Requires hearings and proceedings related to a disabled individual under the SSI program to be held at an accessible location.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow income tax deductions for contributions to private foundations on the same basis as contributions to public charities (deductible up to 50 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income). Redefines "lineal descendants" to include only children and grandchildren, for purposes of private foundation penalty tax rules dealing with substantial contributors. Provides that private foundation gifts to public charities do not forfeit their tax deductibility due to the disqualification of the charity's tax exemption if: (1) the gift is made before the Secretary of the Treasury publishes a notice of disqualification or before the foundation receives actual notice of disqualification; (2) and the foundation was not responsible for or aware of the charity's change in status. Exempts a private foundation from expenditure responsibility requirements if such foundation and all related foundations contribute no more than $15,000 in grants during a taxable year. Permits the Secretary to abate first tier penalty taxes on private foundations if it is determined that a violation of private foundation rules was due to a good faith error or omission and was corrected within the statutory correction period.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 13 member National Commission on the Regulation of Nursing Homes. States that such Commission's purpose shall be to examine existing Federal and State quality, health, and safety regulations for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities and to make recommendations, including alternative approaches to regulating such facilities, to Congress and to the Secretary by September 30, 1984. Imposes a moratorium on nursing home rules changes until six months after the filing of such recommendations. Requires such Commission to be made up of members of the Institute of Medicine, nursing home residents and operators, and State officials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Industrial Strategy Act - Title I: Economic Cooperation Council - Establishes the Economic Cooperation Council to collect and analyze economic data and, upon request to make recommendations to Congress, Federal departments and agencies, and the National Industrial Development Bank (established by this Act) regarding national industrial policy and sectoral strategies. Requires the Council, within one year after enactment, to report to Congress and the President its recommendations for changes in any Federal policy necessary to implement an effective national industrial strategy. Exempts the Council from the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Establishes within the Council a Bureau of Economic Information and a Bureau of Economic Analysis. Requires the Council to send annual reports to the President, Congress, and the National Industrial Development Bank about the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet them. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Industrial Development Bank - Establishes the National Industrial Development Bank to make loans and loan guaranties and to issue debt instruments in such a way as to improve the overall economic goals of the Nation and broad public interest. Sets forth general provisions regarding the issuance of financial assistance. Directs the Bank to provide financial assistance to those mature and linkage industries which can be restructured to become competitively successful in the long term. Requires such a company to submit a plan to the Bank which demonstrates that it will be viable in the long run without additional Federal financial assistance. Authorizes financial assistance to develop and market new technologies and to aid in the growth of emerging industries. Authorizes financial assistance to regional development banks. Requires annual reports to Congress. Terminates the Bank on September 30, 1989. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Director of the National Institutes of Health should increase funding allocations for Lupus Erythematosus research.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Amends a specified Act relating to the United States Capitol Grounds to authorize additional funds for the acquisition of property for addition to the United States Capitol Grounds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Urges the United States and the Soviet Union to begin talks aimed at creating a jointly administered United States-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Title I: Congressional Budget Process - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the timetable for the congressional budget process to provide for adoption of one concurrent resolution on the budget. Repeals the requirement of a second concurrent resolution on the budget. Permits the concurrent resolution to contain a second title comprised of recommended adjustments which specify the total amount by which spending authority, permanent budget authority and revenues are to be changed and which direct the committees of jurisdiction to consider changes to accomplish such total amount. Requires the budget committees of each House to report the concurrent resolution on or before March 15 of each year. Includes within the required accompanying report: (1) an explanation of differences between the Budget Committee's recommendations and the views and estimates of the standing committees of its House; and (2) a discussion and assessment of national budget priorities. Requires that action be completed on bills providing authorizations, new budget authority, new spending authority, and revenues by August 7 of each year. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to submit an economic forecast report to each House of Congress on February 1 of each calendar year. Provides for automatic continuing appropriations if by the beginning of the fiscal year no sums have been appropriated for that year for programs, projects, or activities for which sums were appropriated for the preceding year. Revises the reconciliation process to include reconciliation directions if needed in the first budget resolution. Requires action to be completed on the reconciliation resolution by September 25 of each calendar year. Prohibits Congress from adjourning until action is completed on the reconciliation resolution. Requires that new budget authority, new spending authority and revenue legislation be within appropriate levels. Title II: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to make technical and conforming changes. Requires specified committees of the House and of the Senate to make the following studies: (1) a study of existing spending authority and permanent appropriations (Appropriations Committees); and (2) studies of off-budget agencies and of additional budget reform proposals (House Rules Committee and Senate Budget Committee). Title III: Amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to make technical and conforming changes. Title IV: Additional Provisions - Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the President shall submit his budget to Congress not later than the first Monday after the first day of January of of each calendar year and that its justification documents shall be submitted to Congress within two weeks thereafter. Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Appropriates FY 1984 funds for Centers for Disease Control epidemiological and medical research on acquired immune disorders and related opportunistic infections.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Appropriates FY 1984 funds for National Institutes of Health scientific and medical research on acquired immune disorders and related opportunistic infections.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to repeal provisions which reduce the old-age and disability benefits of individuals who reach age 62 after 1985 and who are eligible for a pension based on employment which is not covered under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 12 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year from 1985 through 1988 regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1, 1989. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Appalachian Development Highway System Amendments of 1983 - Transfers to the Secretary of Transportation all functions, powers, and duties of the Appalachian Regional Commission that relate to the Appalachian Development Highway System. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1984 through 1986 for the development of projects on such System. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the Federal share of such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should reduce imports of apparel to no more than 25 percent of the American apparel market.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, upon a State's request, that in the case of a statewide Medicare or Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) demonstration project or hospital reimbursement control system which provides for payments to hospitals on a prospective basis and related to a classification of patients by diagnosis-related groups the amount of payments shall include payments for the operation of hospital-based mobile intensive care units if the State provides satisfactory assurances that the total amount of payments to such hospitals under titles XVIII and XIX of the Act under such project or system would not exceed the total amount of payments which would have been paid under such titles if the project or system were not in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Home Maintenance Assistance for Older Americans Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, the appropriate State agency designated under the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide home maintenance and repair services to older individuals. Requires preference in the provision of services to be given to low-income older individuals. Provides that, to the maximum extent practicable, the maintenance and repair services shall be accomplished by older individuals. Directs the Commissioner to administer a program of housing counseling for older individuals, in coordination with the repair and maintenance program. Directs the Commissioner to report annually to Congress concerning housing and the elderly. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Amends a specified Act relating to the United States Capitol Grounds to authorize additional funds for the acquisition of property for addition to the United States Capitol Grounds.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 for the nonperforming arts functions of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Dedicates the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to Phillip Burton. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to inform the public of the contributions of Phillip Burton through the use of signs, maps, and interpretive programs and to establish an appropriate memorial to him within the recreation area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to permit a finding of discrimination based on statistical differences or the fashioning of any remedy requiring a quota.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Proclaims Nelson Mandela an honorary citizen of the United States and requests the President to take steps to secure his unconditional release from prison in South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Proclaims Winnie Mandela an honorary citizen of the United States and requests the President to seek from South Africa a revocation of her banishment to Brandfort, South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Hazardous Substance Victims Compensation Act of 1983 - Title I: Victims Compensation - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (also known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) to provide compensation for injury, illness, or death resulting from exposure to certain hazardous substances. Permits individuals who allege that they have sustained damages for which compensation is payable under this Act to file an application for such compensation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Directs the Administrator to pay compensation to individuals who establish by a preponderance of the evidence that they have suffered physical injuries or illnesses which were caused by an exposure to a hazardous substance: (1) from a facility or site where it was stored, treated, or disposed of; or (2) during transportation to such a facility or site. Directs the Administrator to pay compensation to dependents of deceased individuals if such dependents establish to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the death of such deceased individual was caused by any such exposure. Provides that compensation to individuals who have suffered a physical injury or illness shall consist of: (1) a payment or reimbursement for all medical costs incurred in connection with the physical injury, illness, or death concerned; and (2) an amount equal to two-thirds of the injured, ill, or deceased person's earnings which are lost by reason of the physical injury, illness, or death. Limits such compensation for loss of earnings to $2,000 per month. Provides that compensation to dependents shall be equal to such compensation for medical costs and loss of earnings, plus reasonable burial expenses. Directs the Administrator to: (1) promulgate rules regarding equitable allocation of compensation payable where there are two or more dependents; and (2) compute the amount of compensation to be awarded to any applicant and determine the method, terms, and time of payment. Provides that payments made under this Act shall be charged against amounts available in funds established under this Act (i.e. the Victims Compensation Trust Fund or, where the Administrator determines that the exposure was attributable to a facility which had received a permit under hazardous waste management provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Post-Closure Victims Trust Fund). Provides that claims against either of such funds which are in excess of the total money in the fund concerned shall become valid and shall be paid in the same manner as provided under specified provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Sets forth procedures for determination of claim payments. Directs the Administrator to: (1) use the procedures used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in determining entitlement to disability insurance benefit payments; and (2) arrange with the Secretary to use the personnel and office of the Social Security Administration for administration and determination of claims filed under this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to presumption of causation. Sets forth factors relevant to the issues of causation. Sets forth requirements relating to medical tests, examinations, and other investigations, and to hearings with respect to such claims. Requires that, whenever such a claims payment is made to an applicant, the United States be: (1) subrogated to the rights of such applicant under any other provisions of law (including provisions of this Act relating to the liability of certain persons) for the full amount of such payment; and (2) entitled to recover all administrative and adjudicative costs and attorneys fees incurred by the United States by reason of the applicant's claim. Directs the Attorney General to protect and enforce such rights of subrogation. Requires that amounts thus recovered by the United States be deposited in the funds established under this Act, as may be appropriate based on the source of the funds used to pay the claim involved. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of final determinations made by the Administrator under this Act. Sets forth provisions for recovery of an additional amount in a subsequent claim by an individual who establishes that an additional physical injury or illness: (1) was caused by such exposure; and (2) was not known to the individual at the time the prior claims application was made. Prohibits entitlement to compensation in the case of any applicant who, by action or inaction, intentionally causes or contributes to the injury, illness, or death on which the claim is based. Sets forth conditions for such prohibition. Makes the following persons liable, jointly and serverally and without regard for fault, for damages to individuals (or their dependents) caused by such individuals exposure to a hazardous substance: (1) the owner or operator of the facility or site at the time of or subsequent to the treatment, storage, or disposal of such substance; (2) the owner or possessor of such substance who arranged for disposal or treatment, or for transport for disposal or treatment; and (3) the transporter of such substances to a disposal or treatment facility or site. Sets forth conditions under which such persons are not liable for such damages. Provides that the following damages due to personal injury, illness, or death shall be compensable: (1) medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, or burial expenses; (2) loss of income or profits or any impairment or loss of earning capacity; and (3) pain and suffering. Prohibits the introduction of the results of proceedings brought for administrative compensation into such actions for damages. Permits the introduction of any relevant health effects document into evidence in such actions. Grants jurisdiction over such causes of action to the appropriate U.S. district court. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt, or otherwise affect, any State law regarding liability for damages in connection with hazardous substances. Sets time limitations on applications for administrative compensation and on actions for damages under this Act. Prohibits retroactive liability under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to collateral recovery under this Act and from specified other sources. Prohibits recovery of any amount under this Act for any injury, illness, or death for which any compensation is available under a State workers' compensation law. Directs the Administrator to periodically prepare and, after notice and opportunity for comment, publish hazardous substance health effects documents. Sets forth criminal penalties for false statements in any application or proceeding for administrative compensation under this Act. Title II: Victims Compensation Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose additional environmental taxes on petroleum and certain chemicals. Provides that such taxes shall be imposed until the earlier of: (1) September 30, 1990; or (2) the date on which the total amount received in the Victims Compensation Fund through such taxes and through specified other sources totals a specified amount. Establishes the Victims Compensation Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury. Appropriates to such fund amounts determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to: (1) the amounts received in the Treasury under the additional environmental taxes; and (2) the amounts recovered on behalf of such fund and penalties assessed under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to such fund for FY 1984 through 1990. Sets forth administrative provisions and requirements relating to expenditures from such fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional environmental tax on the receipt of hazardous waste at a qualified hazardous waste disposal facility. Provides that such tax shall apply to such receipt after September 30, 1983. Provides that, if, as of September 30 of any subsequent calendar year, the unobligated balance of the Post-Closure Victims Trust Fund exceeds a specified amount, such tax will not be imposed during the following calendar year. Establishes the Post-Closure Victims Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury. Sets forth administrative provisions and requirements for expenditures from such fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to specify the maximum interest rate on disaster loans made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to homeowners or small businesses for disasters commencing on or after October 1, 1982. Provides that such loans, subject to reductions in insurance payments received by a loan applicant, shall cover 100 percent of the loss suffered. Limits such loans to $500,000 per disaster, unless a loan applicant is a major source of employment in the disaster area, in which case such limitation may be waived at the discretion of the Administrator of the SBA. Requires the interest rate for such loans to be the rate that is in effect when the disaster commenced. Prohibits the SBA, subject to reductions for insurance payments received by a loan applicant, from reducing the amount of such loans for homeowners to less than $100,000 for loss of real property or $20,000 for personal property. Provides that upon presentation by a loan applicant of proof of loss, damage or injury, the SBA will cancel a portion of the principal of any loan used to cover damage to real property that is occupied as a primary residence or personal property contained therein resulting from a disaster commencing on or after October 1, 1982. Specifies the portion of the loan principal to be cancelled for certain loan amounts. Authorizes funds to the SBA for FY 1984 for direct loans to small businesses for facility rehabilitation and for disaster relief. Extends for one year the prohibition on disaster loan assistance by the SBA to agricultural enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Mortgage Retirement Account Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers an election to treat home mortgage prepayments as a tax-deductible contribution to an individual retirement account. Allows amounts to be withdrawn from an individual retirement account for the purchase of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take steps to: (1) issue a proclamation commemorating the Ukrainian famine of 1933; (2) issue a warning that the continued enslavement of the Ukrainian nation is a threat to world peace; and (3) convey to the Soviet people U.S. sentiments for the recovery of Ukrainian freedom and independence.
![Official portrait of Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000840_200.jpg)