United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Synthetic Fuels Corporation Fiscal Accountability Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Security Act to prohibit the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation from making new awards of financial assistance after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Corporation's comprehensive strategy for achieving the national synthetic fuel production goal is approved by Congress. Makes limitations on Corporation construction projects effective upon the enactment of this Act rather than upon approval of the comprehensive strategy as provided under current law.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1983
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that for purposes of printing in the Congressional Record, remarks of Members made on the floor or submitted for inclusion in the Record, including associated materials, shall be relevant to governmental matters. Exempts from such provision, remarks on the death of present or former Federal officials.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 1986, the duty on a certain chemical intermediate, (6R, 7R)-7-((R)-2-Amino-2- phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azabicyclo (4.2.0) oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid disolvate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Japanese to extend the current voluntary auto export limits beyond March 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Terminates the authority of the Administrator of the General Services Administration to: (1) accept land, buildings, and equipment as a gift to the United States for the purpose of creating a presidential archival depository; and (2) enter into agreement to use land, buildings, and equipment of a State or local government, university, or other organization as a presidential archival depository.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Comprehensive Smoking Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes through research, demonstration, and educational activities. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to coordinate such Federal and private activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress biennially (with the first report due by January 1, 1984). Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require cigarette packages to carry one of three specified label warnings on a rotating basis. Makes it unlawful to advertise cigarettes without one of three specified warnings. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without disclosing tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels on the package. Requires the Secretary to test such levels at least once a year. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without first filing with the Secretary a list of chemical additives (types and amounts). Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to Congress regarding cigarette additives and their health hazards. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from issuing regulations requiring barter exchanges to submit information on an individual transaction basis.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the proposed United States Steel-British Steel purchase agreement is adverse to the interests of the United States, the steel industry, and U.S. steel workers; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce take action under existing laws, including the United States-European Community Steel arrangement, to determine if there are any violations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1983
Prohibits any financial or lending institution operating under U.S. law or any other U.S. person from making any loan to the government of or any other person in a Communist country. Prohibits Federal agencies or departments from making loans to the government of or any other person in a Communist country. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if the President certifies to Congress that the transaction is in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to Congress, within 90 days of enactment of this act, a plan providing for the purchase by the United States of all such outstanding loans and other extensions of credit. Requires the Secretary to make such purchase upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Congress approving the plan. Provides for the purchase of outstanding loans and other extensions of credit by financial or lending institutions in other countries to Communist countries. Sets forth enforcement and penalty provisions. Directs the President to urge other countries to put similar provisions into effect with respect to loans and other extensions of credit to Communist countries.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Deems a named individual to be entitled, notwithstanding certain limitations, to an annuity based upon creditable service, provided that such individual make certain qualifying payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Army to pay to such individual retirement pay retroactive to March 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
States that the United States: (1) condemns the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7; (2) calls for an explanation from the Soviets; (3) extends its sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and supports their rights to obtain reparations from the Soviets; (4) calls on the Soviets to assist in the recovery of the remains of the victims; (5) calls for an international investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) declares its intention to demand that the Soviets modify their air defense procedures to assure the safety of commercial airliners; (7) finds that this incident will make it difficult for the U.S. and other nations to accept the Soviets as responsible members of the international community; and (8) urges our allies and other nations to cooperate with specified demands on the Soviets.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Provides that for purposes of determining the minimum allocation for any State for highway projects, the amount of taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund with respect to gasohol and certain methanol and ethanol fuels shall be determined as if such fuels were taxed as gasoline.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine with 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the reporting of tips by large food or beverage establishments in lieu of allocation requirements if reported tips do not equal eight percent of gross receipts. Allows for a reduction of such percentage under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Standards of Disability - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who is receiving disability benefits or child, widow's, or widower's insurance benefits based on disability may be determined not to be entitled to such benefits on the grounds that the disability involved has ceased, does not exist, or is not disabling, only if: (1) there has been medical improvement in the individual's impairment so that the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity; (2) the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity as a result of medical or vocational therapy or technology; or (3) on the basis of new or improved diagnostic techniques, the individual's impairment is not considered as disabling as it was at the time of the most recent prior disability determination and the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, on the use of subjective evidence of pain in making disability determinations; and (2) submit the study results to specified congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to consider the combined effect of all of an individual's impairments in determining whether such individual is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. Title II: Disability Determination Process - Requires the Secretary to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in effect under part 404 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations which are used to make individualized determinations of disability for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from carrying out continuing eligibility reviews with respect to individuals previously determined to be under a disability due to mental impairment until such revisions have been established by final regulation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in any case involving fraud or where an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth requirements for the redetermination of disability determinations made after the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Secretary's revisions are established by final regulation. Provides that an initial disability determination by the Secretary or by a State agency which is unfavorable to a disability benefit applicant shall remain pending until after notice and opportunity for review. Requires that such a determination contain a statement of the case which indicates the basis of the disability determination, the right to a review, and the right to submit additional medical evidence before such review. Entitles the applicant or the applicant's spouse, divorced spouse, surviving divorced spouse, surviving spouse, surviving divorced mother, child, or parent to a review of a pending disability determination upon request and upon a showing that his or her rights may be prejudiced by such determination. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such a review. Requires the Secretary or the State agency to affirm or modify a pending disability determination on the basis of such a review. Provides that an initial decision by the Secretary as to an individual's eligibility for disability benefits which is based upon an initial disability determination and which is unfavorable to such individual shall contain a statement of the case which indicates the basis of such decision, the individual's right to a hearing, and the individual's right to submit additional evidence before or at such hearing. Entitles an individual who is dissatisfied with an initial decision by the Secretary to judicial review. Requires the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects in at least five States implementing the amendments made by this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on such projects. Removes certain time restrictions on the continued payment of disability benefits during the appeal process. Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effect of the continued payment of benefits during the appeal process upon the expenditures of the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund; and (2) the rate of appeals to administrative law judges of unfavorable disability benefit entitlement determinations. Provides that a disability determination in the case of an individual with a mental impairment shall be made only after a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist employed by the State agency or the Secretary has made the proper medical evaluation. Requires the Secretary to prescribe standards with respect to consultative examinations which must be obtained for disability determinations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the application of Federal rulemaking and administrative procedure requirements to disability determinations under title II of the Social Security Act. Specifies certain decisions by a U.S. court of appeals with which the Secretary and the Department of Health and Human Services must comply, unless there is a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Expands the types of cases with respect to which States may be reimbursed by the Secretary for the costs of furnishing vocational rehabilitation services. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Council on the Medical Aspects of Disability, which shall advise and make recommendations to the Secretary on disability standards, policies, and procedures. Terminates the Council on December 31, 1985. Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to require that each report by the Secretary to Congress on the administration of the Social Security Act contain a description of the current status of the disability insurance program under title II of such Act. Requires the Secretary to establish enough attorney adviser positions in the Department of Health and Human Services to insure adequate opportunity for career advancement for attorneys in the Social Security Administration. Requires that such attorneys be given qualifying experience for appointment to administrative law judge positions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees with respect to complying with these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Prohibits sending combat troops into Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua for training exercises or any other purposes unless: (1) Congress has authorized their presence in advance by a joint resolution signed by the President; or (2) the presence of such troops is necessary to provide for the immediate evacuation of U.S. citizens, or to respond to a clear and present danger of military attack on the United States. Declares that, in either case, the President should advise and consult, to the extent possible, in advance with the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pay premium pay to an employee assigned to a computer program analyst position classified not lower than GS-9, located in an air traffic control center or terminal or a flight service station, and the duties of which are directly involved in, or responsible for, the operation and maintenance of the air traffic control system. Makes this Act applicable to such service performed after August 2, 1981, by any individual who: (1) is an FAA employee upon enactment of this Act; or (2) retired or died after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Directs the President to transfer any funds allocated for military assistance for the Government of El Salvador or for the Nicaraguan rebels to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for use in preventing illegal immigration from Central America.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Sales Representation Contractual Relations Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Subjects a principal to an indemnification action by a sales representative where a written contract exists between them under which the sales representative solicits orders from accounts and prospective accounts for the merchandise of the principal. Enumerates items to be included in any such written contract in order to conform with this Act. Title III: Indemnification - Exempts a principal from any indemnification action brought under this Act where: (1) a contract exists between the principal and sales representative which meets the requirements of Title I; or (2) the conduct of the principal for which indemnification is sought occurred before the sales representative had solicited orders on behalf of the principal for a period of 18 months. Permits a sales representative to bring an action for indemnification against a principal in any U.S. district court or State court where the principal: (1) terminates, without good cause, a sales representative from the assignment to solicit orders; or (2) reduces the size of any geographical territory assigned, the rate of commission paid, or the number of accounts assigned to a sales representative. Sets forth a formula for the computation of the amount of indemnification a principal shall pay in such an action. Provides that in an indemnification brought under this Act, the burden of proof shall be placed on the principal to show that the termination or reduction was for good cause if the sales representative presents certain evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Designates the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic to be located in Crown Point, Indiana, as the Adam Benjamin Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Child Support Enforcement Amendments of 1983 - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments, in addition to those already provided under part D, to any State whose part D program is found to be exemplary in the amount of collections made, the cost efficiency with which the program is operated, or the magnitude of the costs to other assistance programs that could reasonably have been expected to occur but for the operation and the effective performance of the State's program. Repeals the present provisions for incentive payments to States and localities. Reduces Federal funding to States under part D. Eliminates funding for the planning, design, development, installation, or enhancement of an automatic data processing and information retrieval system under part D. Revises provisions of part D relating to the distribution of the amounts collected as child support by a State. Provides: (1) that amounts collected by a State under part D as support for families receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (part A of title IV of the Social Security Act) shall be paid to the family, to the extent that such amounts exceed the amount of AFDC paid to the family but do not exceed the amount of required court ordered support; (2) that amounts in excess of those required to be paid to the family shall be retained by the State to the extent they do not exceed the total amount of AFDC previously paid to the family; and (3) that any balance shall be paid to the family. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the development or improvement of clearinghouses and other information management systems to aid in the enforcement of support by facilitating the collection and exchange, both within a State and among States, of child support information. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Requires charging an application fee of at least $25 for child support or paternity determination services furnished under part D to individuals not otherwise eligible. Provides that the cost of providing collection services may range from three to ten percent of the amount collected. Requires a State under part D to implement procedures providing for: (1) the withholding of child support from wages if a support order has been entered by a State; (2) quasi-judicial or administrative procedures for entering child support orders which have the same force and effect as orders entered by a court; (3) the collection of past-due support from State tax refunds; and (4) placing liens on real property for amounts of past-due support. Requires a designee of the State to conduct a review of each State's part D program at least once every three years in order to determine the program's effectiveness and compliance with part D requirements. Requires a State which is receiving funds under part A of title IV to have in effect a plan under part D and operate a child support program in substantial compliance (currently, in conformity) with the part D plan. Provides for reduced Federal funding under part A for any State whose part D program is not in compliance. Eliminates the requirement that before a State agency can request information from the Secretary the agency must have determined that the absent parent cannot be located through procedures under the control of the agency. Makes provisions of part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act relating to demonstration project authority applicable to part D. Makes modifications in the timing and content of the Secretary's annual part D report to Congress. Requires child support collected by a State on behalf of a child for whom a public agency is making foster care payments under part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to be paid to the public agency responsible for supervising placement of the child, to the extent that the amounts collected exceed the monthly foster care maintenance payments but not the monthly amount required by a court to be paid on behalf of the child or agreed to by both parents of such child. Requires a State plan under part E to provide that all steps will be taken to secure an assignment to the State of any rights to support on behalf of each child receiving part E foster care maintenance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Health Care for the Unemployed Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Social Security Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add a new title, Title XXI - Health Care for the Unemployed. Part A - Block Grants to States - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 to carry out this part. Makes available for allotments for block grants to States under this part specified sums for each such fiscal year for the development and operation of medical benefit plans for the unemployed. Requires a State, in order to receive a payment from its allotment: (1) to have an approved plan; and (2) to provide for any required State contributions. Sets forth a formula that the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall use in making allotments. Prohibits payment of a State's allotment for: (1) 1983 unless the State notifies the Secretary by September 15, 1983, of its intent to have in effect in the State a plan by June 30, 1984; and (2) FY 1984 and 1985 unless an approved plan is in effect by June 30, 1984. Requires a State plan for medical benefits for the unemployed to provide for making the following medical benefits available (to the extent such benefits are available under the Medicaid program of the Social Security Act) to eligible individuals voluntarily enrolled under the plan: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) outpatient hospital and rural health clinic services; (3) laboratory and x-ray services; (4) family planning services and supplies; (5) physicians' services; (6) clinic services; (7) nurse-midwife services; and (8) prescribed drugs. Requires the plan to also provide the following medical benefits: (1) prenatal, delivery, post-partum, and well-baby care, without limitations of amount, duration, or scope except as to medical necessity; and (2) at least some ambulatory services. Authorizes a plan to impose: (1) a weekly premium equal to not more than five percent of an individual's unemployment compensation; and (2) a premium equal to not more than two percent of the average monthly unemployment compensation benefit in the State if an eligible individual is not receiving unemployment compensation. Requires a plan to provide for the imposition of a deductible. Permits the waiver of deductions, cost sharing, and similar charges in the case of financial hardship. Requires a State to provide for a State contribution towards expenditures under the plan, except for 1983. Sets forth formulas for determining such contribution which take into account a State's unemployment rate and the national unemployment rate. Limits a State's administrative expenses to a maximum of 10 percent of its plan's expenses, except for 1983. Requires each State to prepare and submit to the Secretary and each House of Congress by February 1, 1985, a report of its activities through FY 1984 under the plan. Makes provisions of title V (Maternal and Child Health) of the Act relating to reports and audits and nondiscrimination applicable to expenditure and activities under this part. Makes provisions of title XIX (Medicaid) and part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act relating to penalties applicable to State plans under this Act. Prohibits a payment to a provider from exceeding the payment for the same service provided under title XIX. Requires a plan to be secondary in payment to any other insurance or benefit plan providing medical benefits. Requires a State to determine if an applicant for benefits under the plan might be eligible for Medicaid. Requires a plan to meet specified administrative requirements of the State's Medicaid plan. Requires the Secretary to approve any plan meeting the above requirements. Directs the Secretary to disapprove any plan if the Secretary determines that: (1) the State provided eligibility for Medicaid or AFDC under title XIX or part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Act to dependent children of unemployed parents as of June 1, 1983, and, after such date, discontinued coverage of such children under such plan; or (2) the State has made other significant reductions in eligibility or benefits under its Medicaid plan in order to establish or operate a plan under this part. Requires each State plan to specify the criteria for determining eligibility for medical benefits under the plan. Provides that an individual shall not be eligible for medical benefits under a State plan unless the individual is unemployed and: (1) is receiving unemployment compensation or received unemployment compensation for a week in the previous 104-week period; or (2) has been previously employed (as determined under the plan) and meets such reasonable financial or medical needs standards as the plan specifies. Requires coverage for a covered individual's immediate family members. Directs a State to specify the uniform minimum length of time an individual must have been previously unemployed in order to be eligible for benefits. Prohibits coverage of an individual under a plan if the individual is: (1) covered under a group health or his or her spouse's group health plan; or (2) eligible for Medicaid. Authorizes a State to limit the coverage period of an eligible individual, but the period may be less than one year for unemployed individuals who are receiving unemployment compensation or who received unemployment compensation for a week in the previous 104-week period. Permits an individual to terminate enrollment at any time. Authorizes a State plan to provide an enrollee with the voluntary option of electing to receive medical benefits through an arrangement with a health benefits plan rather than under the State plan if: (1) the scope, amount, and duration of benefits are at least equal to the State's; (2) premiums and charges do not exceed the State's; and (3) the amount of payment does not exceed the actuarial value of payments for medical benefits which would have otherwise been made. Part B: Open Enrollment, Continuation, and Conversion Rights of Individuals - Requires any group health plan offered by an employer of 25 or more individuals to: (1) have an open enrollment period for spouses of unemployed workers; (2) require the continuation of group health care coverage to an involuntarily laid off employee; and (3) offer unemployed workers covered under insured group health plans the right to convert to individual policies. Requires the open enrollment period to be of at least 30 days duration for each married employee whose spouse loses coverage under a group health plan due to an involuntary layoff. Requires the continuation of coverage period to be at least 90 days in the case of a covered employee (excluding temporary employees) who would otherwise lose coverage because of an involuntary layoff. Provides an individual with up to 31 days to convert to an individual policy following loss coverage under the group health plan. Part C: Assistance to Hospitals Serving the Unemployed - Directs the Secretary to make grants to hospitals to assist the hospitals in providing services to individuals unable to pay for such services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) give first priority to hospitals which are either public hospitals or hospitals serving areas not served by a public hospital; and (2) then give priority to other hospitals which demonstrate that they serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients who are unemployed and unable to pay for hospital services. Requires a hospital, in order to be eligible for a grant, to: (1) be located in an area experiencing high unemployment or serving primarily medically underserved populations; (2) serve a significantly disproportionate number of patients having low income and who are unable to pay for hospital services; (3) provide services to individuals without regard to their ability to pay; (4) provide assurances that if required to make available services to individuals who cannot pay pursuant to an assurance under the Public Health Service Act, the hospital has made the services available; and (5) offer assurances that it will use the sums provided in the grant in addition to, rather than in lieu of, existing Federal, State, and local funds currently available. Requires that an application be submitted for a grant and that the application be approved before a grant is made. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the grants. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1984-1986. Sets forth effective date provisions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out title V of the Act for FY 1983 and 1984, with an increase for FY 1984, but requires new funding authority thereafter. Increases Medicaid funding to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Title II: Internal Revenue Code Amendment and Miscellaneous Provision - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose, until December 31, 1986, a tax on employers of 25 or more individuals equal to ten percent of the amount of the nonqualified employee health expenses paid or incurred annually. Defines "nonqualified employee health expenses" as the expenses paid or incurred by the employer for a group health plan to the extent such expenses are allocable to a period during which such plan does not meet each requirement contained in part B of title XXI. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set the "cap amount" used for computing payment for hospice care at $6,500 annually (to be adjusted annually according to the consumer price index).
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Revises the membership of the Special Medical Advisory Group of the Veterans Administration Department of Medicine and Surgery to include persons deemed by the Chief Medical Director to have pertinent experience with respect to the mission of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate jointly to present, on behalf of the Congress, a bronze medal to families of American personnel missing or otherwise unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1983 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap", "aggrieved person", and "familial status". Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Defines "familial status" as one or more minors being domiciled with their parent or guardian. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or fewer single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. States that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Prohibits discrimination against families with children. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin or familial status of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin or familial status. Includes within such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. States that nothing in this Act is to be construed to defeat any reasonable local, State or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. Provides that familial status does not apply to any State or Federal programs aimed at assisting elderly persons. Establishes the Fair Housing Review Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practice on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a petition for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1983
Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to extend the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program for an additional six months, through March 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever it determines that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Repeals provisions of the Energy Security Act which establish the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation. Requires projects and funds transferred to the Corporation pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations and Rescission Act, 1980 or initiated through contractural agreements by the Corporation to be transferred to the Department of Energy. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to terminate the affairs of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1983
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury a World Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments. Defines a conscientious objector as an individual who is opposed to war in any form and who has been exempted from combat training in the Armed Forces under the Military Selective Service Act, or who satisfactorily demonstrates that he is conscientiously opposed to war in any form. Requires tax forms to contain a checkoff for taxpayers who wish to claim conscientious objector status and designate their tax payments for the World Peace Tax Fund. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1979 if the taxpayer pays the tax and satisfactorily establishes that the nonpayment was due to his religious beliefs. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding fiscal year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a World Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to furnish a veteran who is determined to require evaluation and treatment for a mental condition the necessary hospital care and medical services for such evaluation and treatment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Elephant Protection Act of 1983 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) the nation involved has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes, with respect to elephants and elephant products, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and State laws determined to be in conflict with this Act. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Extends until August 13, 1984, the period in which an heir must use certain farm and business property eligible for special use valuation tax treatment in order to avoid the recapture of estate tax.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jacobs, Andrew, Jr. [D-IN-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000033_200.jpg)