United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Danny Thomas in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding work as an American. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by said Secretary. Provides, effective October 1, 1983, funds not to exceed $22,000 to carry out the purposes of the Act. Provides that the Secretary may cause bronze duplicates of the medal to be coined and sold under regulations prescribed by the Secretary at a price sufficient to cover the costs of producing the gold medal. Directs that the appropriation used to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be reimbursed out of the proceeds from such coin sales. Provides that the medals are to be national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to deductions for ordinary and necessary business expenses to provide a special rule for construction workers' travel and transportation expenses. Provides that a job at a site located more than 30 miles from a worker's residence: (1) shall be considered temporary for the first two years of employment at that site; and (2) shall be considered temporary or not temporary after the first two years based on an examination of all the facts and circumstances. Provides that no deduction shall be disallowed solely because a construction worker's employment at a job site is of indefinite duration. Prohibits the application of the "one-year" rule set forth in Revenue Ruling 59-371, which specifies the length of time which automatically or presumptively classifies the job as other than temporary. Defines "construction worker," for purposes of this Act, as any individual employed as a skilled, semiskilled, or unskilled laborer in the building or construction industry.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in an employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) the spouse of an enrollee whose marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment, if the enrollee was enrolled for self and family; (3) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (4) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans to require carriers to: (1) reinsure with other participating companies; (2) enter into an agreement approved by OPM with an underwriting subcontractor licensed to issue group health insurance in all States and the District of Columbia; and (3) meet minimum financial standards prescribed by OPM. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; and (3) comprehensive dental benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Establishes the National Ground Water Commission. Sets forth provisions relating to the Commission's duties, membership, Director and staff, experts and consultants, and powers. Directs the Commission to report to the President and the Congress: (1) within one year of enactment of this Act, the findings and conclusions of a preliminary study including an analysis of the extent of ground water contamination caused by hazardous and other solid waste, the regions and major water supplies most significantly affected by such contamination, and commission recommendations for preventive or remedial measures to protect human health and the environment from the effects of such contamination; (2) by October 30, 1985, final findings and conclusions of the continued study, with recommendations for appropriate legislation and administrative actions. Terminates the Commission on January 1, 1986. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve, upon application by a public utility, the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) in the rate base of such public utility with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels. Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon application by a public utility for approval of such a rate increase. Sets forth the items required in any such application. Requires the Commission to approve the rate increase applied for or to order a lesser rate increase if, after the hearing, the Commission finds that: (1) the utility will be in severe financial difficulty unless construction work in progress costs are included in the rate base; (2) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; (3) any mismanagement involved will not affect the utility's future financial situation; (4) the long-term benefits justify short-run rate increases in the case of customers purchasing electric energy for resale; (5) such wholesale customers have been offered an ownership interest in the facility under construction; (6) the rate increase will not unreasonably impair the ability of wholesale customers to sell electric energy to their retail customers at the least cost; and (7) the applicant utility will discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs included in the rate base. Provides that no rate increase approved or ordered under this Act may: (1) be charged for electric energy sold before the date of such approval or order; (2) exceed the amount needed to alleviate the utility's financial difficulties; (3) have an anticompetitive effect; (4) be applied to any customer who holds an ownership interest in the facility being constructed (with limited exceptions); or (5) be unduly discriminatory or preferential or exceed a just and reasonable amount.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to set the maximum lawful price on any first sale (a sale to a pipeline or other distributor) of any natural gas from January 6,1983, through January 1, 1985, at the maximum lawful price applicable to such sale on October 1, 1982. Provides that the maximum lawful price from January 6, 1983, through January 1, 1985 for any first sale of natural gas from a well the surface drilling of which began prior to January 6, 1983 and for which there was no maximum lawful price on October 1, 1982 because of the elimination of price controls, shall be the contract price specified for deliveries of such natural gas on October 1, 1982. Provides that following the expiration of the price freeze imposed by this Act, the maximum lawful price for any first sale of natural gas on October 1, 1982 shall increase from the October 1, 1982 level at the rate specified for that category of natural gas. Extends for two years the expiration date of: (1) price controls; and (2) standby authority.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during which such individual has such illness.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the five-month period which is presently a prerequisite of eligibility for disability insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Condemns the use of plastic or rubber bullets in Northern Ireland. Calls upon the Government of the United Kingdom to ban the use of plastic or rubber bullets against civilians.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Directs the President to negotiate an agreement with the Soviet Union for the establishment of a permanent joint United States-Soviet Communications Center to provide an additional channel for communications between the United States and the Soviet Union in order to reduce the threat of an accidental nuclear war. Declares that the agreement should provide that: (1) the function of the Center would be to serve as a direct and secure means of communications between the two countries; (2) the Center would have no intelligence gathering capabilities and would not be used for espionage; (3) the Center would be located in an agreed upon third country with the operating costs shared equally; and (4) the Center would be staffed by an equal number of personnel from each country. Requires the agreement to be either a treaty or an executive agreement which will enter into force only upon its approval by both Houses of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Contraceptive Labeling and Advertising Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that the labels and advertising for contraceptive drugs and devices state their effectiveness. Requires a label to also state directions for use and that professional advice should be sought to determine the most appropriate form of contraception. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for determining the effectiveness of such drugs and devices.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide a married couple, at the time either or both of them become entitled to benefits, the option of splitting equally the combined earnings which are attributable to the period of their marriage for purposes of determining their eligibility for and amount of OASDI benefits. Provides that if a couple exercises such option and one spouse is not fully insured, that spouse shall become fully insured by crediting wages and self-employment income. Grants a divorced couple two years within which to exercise the option. Provides that if a couple chooses not to exercise the option, their benefit will be based on 75 percent of the combined primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to grant benefits to a divorced woman who had been married for only five years after the younger spouse reached age 50.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the copyright law to exclude from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who records copyrighted works on a video recorder if the recording is made for a private use and is not used in a commercial nature.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide that the procedures available for AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, part A of title IV of the Act) families for the collection of past-due support from Federal tax refunds shall also be available for non-AFDC families.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Title I: National Development Investment - National Development Investment Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to cite such Act as the National Development Investment Act and to revise the emphasis of such Act from primary Federal initiative to coordination of investments between the public and the private sectors. Sets forth the findings of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, upon the application of an eligible State, economic development district, distressed unit of local government (with a population under 50,000 and located outside an economic development district), Indian tribe, or nonprofit economic development organization, to make a grant for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a development investment strategy. Sets forth eligible activities for such development investment assistance, including repairs, rehabilitation, and small business establishment. Sets forth specific eligibility criteria for applicants for such assistance. Requires an application for a grant under this Act to include: (1) a certification that the area concerned meets certain distress requirements; (2) a certification of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to perform; and (3) a development investment strategy prepared in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider specified purposes of this Act in approving applications. Lists as criteria any one of which an area must meet in order to be eligible for a grant under this Act: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; (2) an unemployment rate above the national average for the most recent 24 month period; and (3) a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job loss. Sets forth the information to be contained in a grant applicant's development investment strategy. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to small businesses for initial or working capital, or the purchase of facilities or equipment. Limits to $1,000,000 the amount of any such grant. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a maximum 50 percent of the cost of completing the project as determined at the time of the grant application. Permits the Secretary to reduce or waive the non-Federal share of a project in the case of an Indian tribe. Limits expenditures in any one State to a maximum 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this Act, except for expenditures to Indian tribes. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986. Authorizes the Secretary to make economic development planning grants to States, economic development districts, Indian tribes, distressed counties, and distressed units of local government with population of over 50,000 if located outside an economic development district. Earmarks such grants for coordination of investment for community facilities, economic development, manpower training, and transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate Federal, State, and local development investment efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct any demonstration program to test the feasibility of new ways to increase productivity, foster innovative technology, match labor force with labor markets, or encourage economic diversity and regional balance. Limits the amount of any such grant to not more than 75 percent of the cost of economic development planning or of investment strategy preparation. Requires the Secretary, each fiscal year, to obligate minimum amounts of funds for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986. Declares that the Secretary of Commerce shall administer this Act with the assistance of a specified Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with other persons and agencies. Prohibits the approval of any grant unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project concerned will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Sets forth the powers of the Secretary under this Act. Permits the Secretary to discharge any of his responsibilities relative to a project by accepting a certification of the grant applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Requires the Secretary to make comprehensive annual reports to Congress detailing operations under this Act. Requires all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted under this Act to be paid the prevailing rate of wage in the locality. Requires the Secretary to maintain a permanent record of all applications approved for financial assistance. Requires each recipient of assistance to keep records, to review the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of the project, and to file an annual audit and biannual reports. Grants the Secretary and the Comptroller General access to any books, documents, papers, and records of any recipient, subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor that are pertinent to assistance received under this Act. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Declares that any contract entered into pursuant to this Act shall be effective only to such extent and in such amounts as may be provided in advance in an appropriation Act. Title II: Appalachian Regional Development - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1988. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1991 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects which will: (1) assist in the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, the upgrading of the region's manpower, or the attraction of private investment; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; (3) assist in achieving the goal of making primary health care accessible in the region; or (4) otherwise serve the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the authorization of any financial assistance to enable plant subcontractors to undertake work previously performed in another area by other subcontractors or contractors. Prohibits grants with funds authorized after October 1, 1983, from exceeding 50 percent of the costs of any approved project. Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines within specified limitations. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1988. Extends the termination date of such Act from 1982 to October 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Federal Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Protection Act of 1982 - Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to provide that Federal law enforcement officers and fire fighters who are separated from service under mandatory retirement provisions shall not be considered to be early retirees required to receive reduced cost of living adjustments in retirement pay in FY 1983 through 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; or (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) between the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; (4) pursue reductions through numerical ceilings and other means; (5) preserve present limitations on nuclear weapons; and (6) incorporate ongoing negotiations in Geneva on land-based intermediate-range nuclear missiles into the START negotiations. Requires that every effort be made to reach common positions with the NATO allies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) pursue a complete halt to the nuclear arms race; (2) decide when and how to achieve a mutual and verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and further deployment of nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems; (3) give special attention to destabilizing weapons; and (4) proceeding from this freeze, pursue major, mutual, and verifiable reductions in nuclear warheads, missiles, and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
States that the President should, at the earliest possible date: (1) request Senate consent to ratification of the Threshold Test Ban and Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaties; and (2) resume trilateral test ban treaty negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the problems of children, youth, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1982
Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to certify to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia the report of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation with respect to the contumacious conduct of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1982
Title I: Armed Forces, Soldiers' Home, Coast Guard, Lighthouse Service, and Merchant Marine - Amends Federal Military laws dealing with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title II: Elimination of Gender-based distinctions under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program, Railroad Retirement and the Work Incentive Program - Eliminates gender-based distinction in the social security and railroad retirement programs. Title III: Amendments to United States Code - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Federal criminal code and other acts dealing with Indian affairs, transportation, public lands and provisions relating to Saint Elizabeth Hospital and contract law to eliminate gender-based distinctions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1982
Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 - Title I: Highway Improvement Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise the authorization of appropriations for FY 1984 through 1990 for the Interstate Highway System. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion, for FY 1984, the sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditures on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways according to specified factors. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1982 to conform to provisions of this Act. Sets forth limitations on obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for FY 1983 through 1986. Excludes from such limitations obligations for emergency relief and certain accelerated bridge projects. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to conform to provisions of this title. Prohibits the Secretary from distributing amounts for administrative expenses and forest highways. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1983 through 1986 for: (1) the Federal-aid primary system in rural areas; (2) the Federal-aid secondary system in rural areas; (3) the Federal-aid urban system; (4) forest highways; and (5) public lands highways. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986 for: (1) Indian reservation roads and bridges; (2) the territorial highway program in the Virgin Islands; and (3) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Repeals provisions of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 which authorizes certain demonstration projects between the States of New Mexico and Texas. Requires States which receive funds for FY 1983 and 1984 in excess of FY 82 funds to give priority consideration to specified primary routes and railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 to increase the authorized funding for FY 1984 for interstate resurfacing and authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Makes funds available from the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1983 through 1986 for substitute highway projects. Authorizes sums as may be necessary from the general fund of the Treasury for substitute public mass transit projects. Authorizes the Secretary to distribute 25 percent of both substitute project funds, and requires congressional approval of cost estimates for the remaining percentages before apportionment. Requires reapportionment of unobligated funds which remain available for the fiscal year for which apportioned. Makes any route statutorily designated after March 7, 1978, ineligible for substitute highway funding. Allows the Secretary to extend the approval deadline (September 30, 1983) for substitute projects and withdrawals for any route which on May 12, 1982, is under a judicial injunction prohibiting its construction. Extends the advance construction procedures and bond retirement provisions applicable to the Interstate System to substitute highway projects. Changes apportionment formulas for the Federal-aid primary system and interstate resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing. Requires, for purposes of primary apportionment, that the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa be considered as one State. Makes the mileage limitations for the Federal-aid systems applicable to such territories. Increases the Federal share for interstate resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing for highways that the Secretary determines are energy-impacted roads. Requires a value engineering or other cost reduction analysis on Federal-aid system projects with construction costs in excess of a specified amount. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the safety cost-effectiveness of geometric design criteria of current standards for construction and reconstruction of certain highways. Requires the Academy to propose standards to preserve and extend the service life of such highways and enhance highway safety. Provides for the submission of such report to Congress for approval. Permits States to place State-operated vending machines in rest and recreation areas and in safety rest areas located on rights-of-way of the Interstate System. Changes the circumstances for suspension of the general requirements of competitive bidding for contracts from a finding by the Secretary that some other method is in the public interest to a demonstration by the State highway department that some other method is more cost-effective. Changes from January 1, 1978, to January 1, 1983, the date governing the payment of bond interest as an eligible cost of construction for Interstate projects which are under construction in advance of apportionments. Authorizes the Secretary to pay interest on bonds issued after enactment of this Act to the effect that proceeds from the sale of bonds are expended for construction costs. Extends the availability of advance construction funding to bridge projects under the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Authorizes the Secretary, if after 90 days following notification of a State highway department a project is still not being properly maintained, to withhold project funds for one or more of the other Federal-aid systems or programs in the State. (Presently the Secretary is required to withhold funds from all projects in the State.) Revises the method of distributing interstate discretionary funds and allows the Secretary to prioritize unobligated sums. Sets forth a procedure for the transfer of apportioned funds from the Federal-aid primary system to programs for interstate resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing. Establishes the Federal share payable for interstate resurfacing projects financed with primary funds. Permits a Federal share of 100 percent for certain pavement markings projects. Sets forth congressional findings and procedures to deregulate provisions concerning the control of outdoor advertising. Encourages States to make provisions for the control of such advertising and sets forth requirements to assure that control efforts are effective. Permits the payment of compensation for the necessary legal removal of any sign obscured by vegetation grown by a State or local government for the purpose of impairing the visibility of advertising signs. Allows the use of Federal funds for an approach to any toll road, bridge, or tunnel to a point where such approach enters the main lanes of the toll facility. Prohibits the use of Federal funds for toll collection equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects on the Interstate System for the construction of parking facilities for carpools and vanpools. Requires provisions of equal employment opportunities for highway projects without regard to sex. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct and finance training and assistance programs for minority business enterprises. Permits the cost of providing shuttle service to and from fringe and corridor parking facilities constructed with Federal funds to be included in the eligible fees that may be charged for the use of parking facilities. Revises the apportionment formula for the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Requires the placement of deficient bridges into specified categories. Sets aside certain amounts from authorized funds for FY 1983 through 1986 for the use of the Secretary as discretionary funds. Permits the allocation of discretionary bridge funds for the replacement of the LaSalle Peru bridge in Illinois and a certain bridge in the vicinity of Cloverdale, California. Sets forth the Federal share for carpool and vanpool projects. Allows States to transfer funds allocated for a particular urbanized area to another such area. Extends the eligibility of hazard elimination funds to highway safety improvement projects outside the Federal-aid systems. Establishes a coordinated Federal Lands Highways Program for the construction and improvement of forest highways, public lands highways, park roads, parkways, and Indian reservation roads and bridges. Sets forth an allocation formula for such program. Allows Federal-aid highway projects to include construction programs for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways. Allows States to include the cost of certain parking ramp construction and frontage roads as part of the interstate cost estimate. Makes eligible for specified funding safety improvements near the inter-changes of certain Interstate System routes and Federal-aid primary routes not on the Interstate System. Requires the Secretary to establish alternative methods to accelerate the time required to complete highway projects. Authorizes payment of construction costs for certain two-lane bridges as four-lane bridges upon completion of certain substructures. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project in Los Angeles County, California, to demonstrate methods of improving the motor vehicle transportation of freight to and from areas for the transshipment of waterborne commerce. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 out of the Highway Trust Fund for such project. Requires the Secretary to carry out a highway project demonstrating state of the art technology connecting a city to the Interstate System using a toll road. Sets forth a timetable for reports to Congress on the results of such project. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1983 through 1985 for such project. Requires the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project using state of the art methods of repairing damaged highways and preventing damage to highways resulting from shoreline erosion in the vicinity of Buhne Point, Humboldt Bay, California. Authorizes funds out the Highway Trust Fund for such project. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress not later than 180 days after such projects' completion. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a project in the vicinity of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to demonstrate the efficacy of reducing traffic congestion by connecting a certain highway to the Interstate System. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for such project. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a project in the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky, to demonstrate methods of accelerating construction of high traffic sections of highways on the Federal-aid primary system which are directly connected to the Interstate System. Requires a report to Congress not later than 180 days after such projects' completion the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1983 and FY 1984 for such project. Revises vehicle weight, length, and width limitations for the Interstate System. Makes such revisions effective upon enactment of a more equitable allocation of the tax burden among classes of users of the highway system. Establishes criteria under which the Martin Luther King Bridge which crosses the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois will be eligible for assistance under the highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences' Transportation Research Board to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of future transportation professional manpower needs. Requests the National Academy of Sciences to report to the Secretary and the Congress not later than two years after enactment of this Act on the result of such study together with recommendations. Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to conduct a comprehensive investigation and study of the feasibility of a highspeed ferryboat operation over the waters of the Caribbean Sea between Saint Croix and Saint Thomas. Requires the Office to complete and transmit a report on such study to Congress not later than January 1, 1984. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress not later than one year after enactment of this Act on the need for including weather-related factors, particularly freezing and thawing, in the apportionment formulas for Federal-aid highways. Requires the Secretary, within one year of enactment of this Act, to submit a detailed report to Congress on the potential benefits and costs associated with the establishment of a national intercity truck route network for the operation of a special class of longer combination commercial motor vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a change in location of Interstate segments if the original location meets specified criteria. Extends the deadline for reports to Congress on specified access control demonstration projects from September 30, 1983, to September 30, 1985. Authorizes the modification of a project agreement for a highway project in New Jersey to compensate businesses in the vicinity that have suffered economic losses as a result of such project. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility of incorporating rubber from recycled tires into materials used for roadway resurfacing. Prohibits the apportionment of highway funds to a State which does not require proof of payment of the heavy vehicle use tax before such vehicle can be registered in the State. Provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences to monitor the effects on highways and highway safety from the use of double trailer combinations. Authorizes the advancement of non-Federal shares for qualifying highway projects to States which certify the lack of sufficient funds to meet their share of such projects. Prohibits California from imposing lane restrictions in certain areas of Alameda County. Makes California eligible for funds to upgrade certain interchanges. Prohibits the use of materials made by convict labor on Federal-aid highway projects. Requires the Secretary to insure the payment of the prevailing rate of wage for all construction work on highway projects. Title II: Highway Safety Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986 out of the Highway Trust Fund for: (1) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; and (2) projects for elimination of hazards. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1985 and 1986 for highway safety programs administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Requires that specified amounts be obligated to enforce the 55 mph speed limit and requires States to expend specified amounts to encourage the use of safety belts in motor vehicles. Sets forth limitations on amounts to be obligated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration for highway safety programs for FY 1983 through 1986. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1978 to extend certain highway safety program authorizations until September 30, 1986. Makes a specified amount previously authorized under the Highway Safety Act of 1978, no longer available for obligation. Prohibits the Secretary from approving certain projects in any State whose laws do not constitute a substantial deterrent to violations of the maximum speed limit. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to extend until September 30, 1986, the authorization to carry out projects for the elimination of hazards at rail-highway crossings. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1978 to make certain of its provisions relating to highway safety and information applicable to certain authorization provisions of Federal-aid primary highway funds. Requires the Secretary to report annually, beginning on December 31, 1983, to Congress on the highway safety performance of each State in the preceding fiscal year. Eliminates provisions of the highway safety program which require a different apportionment for the territories of the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Declares that Congress encourages each State to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons who are less than 21 years of age. Title III: Federal Public Transportation Act of 1982 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986 for: (1) the discretionary capital grant program; (2) the innovative methods and techniques grant program; (3) the planning program; (4) the block grant program; (5) the program to meet the special needs of the elderly and handicapped; and (6) the formula grant program for other than urbanized areas. Requires that a specified percentage of such funding be available from the Public Transportation Trust Fund to carry out certain programs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986 for: (1) the research and development program; (2) the training grant program; (3) the university research grant program; (4) administrative expenses; and (5) the human resource grant program. Requires research and development funding to remain available until expended. Creates a block grant program for mass transportation projects in urbanized areas. Sets forth a formula for distribution of funds for such areas with populations of less than 200,000 and of more than 200,000. Provides certification procedures for persons in receipt of such grants. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate congressional committees prior to the issuance of a letter of intent to obligate future Appropriation Act funds for a project. Extends the authorization for grants for research and training in urban transportation problems from FY 1982 until FY 1986. Permits matching funds for university operating grants to consist of any non-Federal funds (in lieu of State funds). Permits contracts for the purchase of rolling stock to be based on a competitive procurement process. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within one year of enactment of this Act on any legislative or administrative revisions required to ensure that procurement procedures are fair and competitive. Revises the definition of "fixed guideway" to include a public transportation facility which uses a fixed catenary system and utilizes a right-of-way usable by other forms of transportation. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1965 to repeal provisions relating to bus seat specifications. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress in January 1984 and biennially thereafter on the current performance and condition of public mass transportation systems and an assessment of the future needs of such facilities. Sets forth conditions applicable for Federal assistance to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. Exempts the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority from repaying a certain percentage of a transit loan to acquire rail properties. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority relative to the remaining percentage. Authorizes advance acquisition of transit rights-of-way. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to conduct a feasibility study of new transit technology. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the possibility of providing long-term contracts with local or State transit authorities for use in leveraging further capital assistance from State or local government or private sector sources. Title IV: Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 to prohibit the Secretary from imposing limitations on assistance which restrict a State from imposing more stringent Buy America requirements, provided such requirements do not conflict with exceptions under such Act. Makes Buy America provisions inapplicable when the inclusion of domestic materials increases project contract costs by more than 20 percent (currently, ten percent).
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to set the maximum lawful price on any first sale of any natural gas from November 29, 1982, through January 1, 1985, at the maximum lawful price applicable to such sale on October 1, 1982. Provides that the maximum lawful price from November 29, 1982 through January 1, 1985 for any first sale of natural gas from a well the surface drilling of which began prior to November 29, 1982, and for which there was no maximum lawful price on October 1, 1982 because of the elimination of price controls, shall be the contract price specified for deliveries of such natural gas on October 1, 1982. Provides that following the expiration of the price freeze imposed by this Act, the maximum lawful price for any first sale of natural gas on October 1, 1982 shall increase from the October 1, 1982 level at the rate specified for that category of natural gas. Extends for two years the expiration date of: (1) price controls; and (2) standby authority.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to provide that the provisions of any gas sales or purchase contract applicable to the first sale of natural gas which have the effect of requiring the purchaser to make a payment to the seller if gas volumes tendered by the seller under the contract are not taken by the purchaser shall be suspended and of no effect. Provides, however, that if the seller and buyer apply to the Commission, the Commission may permit such agreements if it finds: (1) that such agreements were made before November 29, 1982; (2) that, if the purchaser is a natural gas company, such contractual agreements will not cause unreasonable rates; and (3) that permitting such contractual arrangements is necessary to prevent a default by seller on a loan or debt in effect on November 29, 1982, or permitting such contractual arrangements is necessary to prevent a taking, without fair compensation, of seller's property. Prohibits cost passthroughs by an interstate pipeline for imprudent actions on the part of the pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Establishes the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1982 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in a employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) the spouse of an enrollee whose marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment, if the enrollee was enrolled for self and family; (3) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (4) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans and comprehensive medical plans to require carriers to reinsure with other participants. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; and (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Reaffirms the commitment of Congress to locating and repatriating Americans unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. Expresses congressional appreciation to the Lao Government for its expressed willingness to help. Supports the President's actions to locate and return missing Americans. Urges the President to respond to the indicated willingness of the Lao Government to cooperate in this effort.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1982
Natural Gas Consumer's Protection Act of 1982 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to prohibit any increase in the cost of purchased gas from being recovered by a natural gas company until the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has conducted an investigation of the increase and determined, after an opportunity for a hearing, that the purchases resulting in the increase were prudent.
![Official portrait of Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000840_200.jpg)