United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that more money should be made available for jobs and programs in socially productive industries by reducing the amount of tax dollars spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention, and wasteful military programs. Endorses the Jobs with Peace Week of April 10 through April 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that, in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1976 to extend until 1985 the income tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers for the handicapped and aged.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Temporary Natural Gas Market Correction Act of 1982 - Declares that any contract for the first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include a volume adjustment option with respect to any natural gas the first sale delivery of which could occur pursuant to such contract at any time after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983. Defines a volume adjustment option as a contract provision under which the purchaser may elect to refuse to take delivery under such contract of any volume of natural gas without incurring an obligation to pay any fee or charge with respect to the natural gas not delivered pursuant to such election. Provides, subject to certain exceptions, that the purchase by any natural gas pipeline company of any natural gas which is delivered on any day after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983, at an excessive price shall be considered as fraud, abuse, or similar grounds for purposes of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviewing cost passthroughs. Considers the price of natural gas delivered to any natural gas pipeline company on any day excessive if that price exceeds the price of any other natural gas not delivered to such pipeline company on that day but which could have been acquired by such pipeline company for delivery on that day under any contract to which the pipeline is a party. Requires every natural gas pipeline company to file monthly with FERC: (1) a statement concerning the volume adjustment clause, as well as steps it has taken to achieve the lowest possible weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas; and (2) a modification of the costs to be recovered by the pipeline under a purchased gas adjustment clause (as defined in the Natural Gas Act), if the weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas by the pipeline is lower because of the volume adjustment option or because of other steps taken by the pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the production of lethal binary chemical munitions after the enactment of this Act. Defines lethal binary chemical munitions to mean: (1) toxic chemicals intended to injure or kill humans; and (2) devices intended to disseminate such chemicals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for a mutual, verifiable limitation on chemical weapons.
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 · 25 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should contribute to the goal of preventing outer space from becoming an area of military confrontation. Urges the President to enter into negotiations with the Soviet Union and other states for a verifiable comprehensive treaty banning the testing, production, deployment, and use of space-based weapons and of certain ground-based or air-based weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Suspends: (1) the FY 1983 foreign military sales financing program, including loan guarantees, for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act; and (2) the international military education and training program for El Salvador under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Prohibits: (1) making available to El Salvador defense articles and defense services under the Arms Export Control Act or Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) selling arms and issuing export licenses' under the Arms Export Control Act to El Salvador; and (3) using the special draw down authority under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for El Salvador. Provides that such suspension and prohibitions shall continue until Congress expressly authorizes the resumption of said military assistance and sales to El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the President from: (1) providing any military assistance for El Salvador under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) issuing any letters of offer or guarantees or extending any credits for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act; and (3) leasing defense articles and issuing export licenses for defense articles or services for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act. Directs the President to order the prompt withdrawal from El Salvador of all U.S. military personnel performing specified functions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act. Prohibits a waiver of the requirements of this resolution.
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 of any natural gas delivered after January 6, 1983, at the maximum lawful price applicable to such sale on October 1, 1982. Provides that the maximum lawful price applicable to any first sale of natural gas delivered after January 6, 1983, for natural gas for which there was no applicable lawful price for deliveries on October 1, 1982, shall be: (1) the contract price specified for deliveries of such natural gas on October 1, 1982; or (2) if there was no contract price specified for deliveries of such natural gas on such date, the average of the prices paid on October 1, 1982, for deliveries of natural gas from the three nearest wells for which there similarly was no applicable maximum lawful price on October 1, 1982. Repeals provisions of the Act providing for the decontrol of certain natural gas prices.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit States and local governments to provide statements of tax refunds, credits, and offsets to individuals at any time during the calendar year for which such governments make a return, but not later than January 31 of the year following the year of the return. (Current law requires such statements to be furnished in January of the year following the year of the return.) Eliminates the requirement to furnish such statements with respect to any refunds, credits, or offsets made before January 1, 1983.
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
Foreign Investment Reorganization Act of 1983 - Title I: Foreign Investment Commission - Part A: Functions and Authority - Establishes an independent Foreign Investment Commission. Transfers to the Commission all functions relating to monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the nature, extent, and impact of foreign investment in the United States and U.S. investment abroad: (1) of the Secretaries and Departments of Commerce and the Treasury and the Director and the Office of Management and Budget under the International Investment Survey Act of 1976; and (2) of the Secretary and the Department of Energy under a specified section of the Department of Energy Organization Act. Transfers to the Commission all functions relating to formulating, developing, and implementing U.S. policy with respect to foreign investment in the United States: (1) of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States under section one of Executive Order 11858; and (2) of the United States Trade Representative under Reorganization Plan 3 of 1979. Transfers to the Commission all functions relating to enforcing prohibitions and restrictions on foreign investment control, and influence in vital national interest sectors of the U.S. economy of the: (1) Secretary and the Department of Defense under the defense industrial security program; (2) Federal Communications Commission under the Communication Act of 1934; and (3) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Transfers to the Commission all functions relating to reviewing, examining, and limiting foreign investment in sensitive national interest sectors of the United States economy of the: (1) Civil Aeronautics Board under the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938; and (2) the Secretary and the Department of the Interior under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, insofar as such functions relate to reciprocity determinations and enforcement as applied to foreign citizens. Transfers to the Commission all functions relating to encouraging and promoting beneficial and nonsensitive foreign direct investment in new plant and equipment of the International Trade Administration and the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce. Transfers to the Commission specified agencies (or portions thereof) from the following Departments: (1) the Department of Commerce; (2) the Department of State; (3) the Department of the Treasury; (4) the Department of Energy; (5) the Department of Defense; (6) the Office of the United States Trade Representative; and (7) the Department of the Interior. Requires the Commission to: (1) monitor, evaluate, analyze, and report on the extent and impact of foreign investment in the U.S. economy; (2) develop and implement U.S. policy with respect to foreign investment; (3) enforce prohibitions on foreign acquisition in vital national interest sectors; (4) review and examine foreign acquisitions in vital national interest sectors; (5) issue advisory opinions; (6) participate in the negotiation of bilateral and multinational agreements relating to international investment; (7) promote beneficial foreign investment in nonsensitive sectors of the economy; (8) monitor the behavior of foreign owned corporations in vital and important national interest sectors; (9) compile complaints and objections from U.S. business enterprises on the lack of reciprocity in other countries to investment in nonsensitive sectors of their economies; and (10) investigate possible violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any foreign person to acquire a significant interest in any business which is engaged, or has been within a specified number of the preceding years, in activities in a vital or sensitive national interest sector of the U.S. economy, subject to certain exceptions. Requires specified information to be furnished to the Commission by prospective buyers. Authorizes the Commission to require the establishment of a voting trust for any foreign person acquiring an interest in sensitive national interest sectors. Requires the Commission, in determining whether or not to permit an exception to the prohibition against foreign investment in sensitive national interest sectors of the economy to consider: (1) any benefits of such acquisition; (2) the possible effects on national security; (3) the foreign policy implications of the acquisition; and (4) the effects of the acquisition on domestic and international competition. Requires the Commission to prepare a statement of the legal and factual basis of each determination. Grants the Commission investigative and enforcement authority, including: (1) the power to issue subpoenas; and (2) the authority to bring suit in the appropriate court for violations of this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Establishes under the administrative jurisdiction of the Commission, an Advisory Committee on Foreign Investment, to be composed of representatives designated by the heads of specified agencies. Abolishes the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Directs the Commission to prepare an annual report to be submitted to the President and Congress on the administrative functions of the Commission for the preceding fiscal year. Part B: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth relevant administrative provisions concerning the Commission, including the establishment of a working capital fund for the expenses of administrative services. Part C: Transitional and Savings Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the transfers and allocation of appropriations and personnel; (2) officers and employees; and (3) experts and consultants. Terminates specified agencies which have had all of their functions transferred to the Commission. Part D: Definitions - Defines a business engaged in activities in a "vital national interest sector of the United States economy" as one conducting activities in any one or more of the following areas: (1) armaments and defense goods and services (2) nuclear energy; (3) nuclear weapons production or facilities operation; and (4) telecommunications. Defines a business engaged in activities in a "sensitive national interest sector of the United States economy" as one engaged in any one or more of the following areas: (1) banking; (2) transportation; (3) power generation and distribution; (4) petroleum and natural gas exploration; (5) mining or mineral extraction; (6) chemicals; (7) pharmaceuticals; (8) advanced technology having possible defense applications; and (9) forestry operations and holdings. States that a foreign person has acquired a signficant interest: (1) in any corporation whose equity securities are publicly traded; upon acquiring more than five percent of any class of any equity security of the corporation; (2) in any corporation whose equity securities are not publicly traded, upon acquiring more than ten percent of any class of any equity security of the corporation; (3) in any unincorporated business, upon acquiring more than 20 percent of the voting securities; (4) in the assets of a business enterprise, upon acquiring so much of the assets or other property of such enterprise as is sufficient to carry out one or more of the business activities of such enterprise; (5) in any business enterprise, upon acquiring more than 25 percent of the total outstanding debt of such enterprise; (6) in any business enterprise, whenever such foreign person directly or indirectly exercises by means of any agreement control or substantial influence over the conduct of the business; and (7) in any business in a vital national interest sector whenever such foreign person accounts for 25 percent or more of the gross sales, total income, or net profit of the business, or when 50 percent or more of the gross sales, total income, or net profit is derived from a single country. Part E: Effective Date; Related Provisions - Sets forth provisions relating to the effective date and interim appointments. Title II: Amendments to the International Investment Survey Act - Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 (the Act) to direct the President to annually publish a report on all foreign direct and portfolio investment, on a country-by-country and industry subsector basis. Requires each foreign person and foreign affiliate, within 15 days of taking any action which results in an international direct investment, to register such investment with the President. Excludes investment in a residence for personal use or in a U.S. business whose gross sales, total income, and net profit are each less than $5,000,000. Revises provisions under the Act relating to access to information determined to be necessary to carry out international investment surveys and studies conducted under the Act. Directs the President to furnish access to such information, including statistical data, to researchers, analysts, academicians, students, and to: (1) publish an inventory of such information; (2) establish procedure to gain access to the information; (3) prepare the data in a way which does not specifically identify the name of the person furnishing such information; and (4) make such information available in a manner which is not financially prohibitive to persons requesting it. Revises the enforcement provisions under the Act. Sets the maximum civil penalty at $1,000,000, for failure to furnish information required or for knowingly furnishing misleading information. Permits imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine of up to $15,000 as criminal penalties for the above. Redefines "direct investment" to mean the ownership or control by one person of: (1) five percent or more of the voting securities of an incorporated business, if the equity securities are publicly traded; (2) ten percent or more of the voting securities of an incorporated business, if the equity securities are not publicly traded; or (3) an interest equal to ten percent of the voting securities in an unincorporated business. Provides further that "direct investment" shall mean the holding by one person of 25 percent or more of the outstanding debt of a business.
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
States that as part of the strategic arms reduction negotiations (START) the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) place the highest priority on eliminating the fear of a first-strike by either nation; and (2) seek a verifiable agreement that produces a stable strategic relationship by ensuring that neither nation possesses capabilities of a first strike.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Prohibits the sale or licensing of spare parts for helicopters or for A-37 aircraft under the Arms Export Control Act for the armed forces of Guatemala. Prohibits using the authorities provided by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to make any such spare parts available to the armed forces of Guatemala.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Encourages the President's efforts to achieve deep cuts in the amounts of nuclear weapons held by each nation and to establish an enduring peace. Endorses a complete halt to the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, including a mutual verifiable freeze on the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons. Declares that Congress would welcome an international agreement based on specified principles providing for: (1) the staged disarmament of all nations until nonthreatening force levels are reached under effective international inspection and control; and (2) concurrent agreements providing methods for the peaceful settlement of international disputes and the creation of a United Nations police force. Requests the President to: (1) transmit copies of this resolution to the heads of government of all nations and to invite them to participate in negotiations on such an international agreement; and (2) report to Congress on the steps taken respecting this resolution and the responses received.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to provide that individuals filing claims for compensation (including regular, extended, additional, or supplemental compensation) shall be counted in the State insured unemployment rate, for purposes of determining whether there are State "on" or "off" indicators ("State triggers") for the extended unemployment compensation program. Revises State trigger provisions under such program. Permits States to pay extended benefits on the basis of area triggers. Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to extend the Federal supplemental compensation program through weeks beginning on or before September 30, 1983. Provides for a ten-week increase in the number of weeks for which benefits are payable under such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to establish a new program entitled "Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction." Establishes an "acid deposition region" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State. Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction ("reduction"). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act. Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules. Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of oxides of nitrogen emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program: (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate. Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act). Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable State implementation plans. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Federal Oil and Gas Corporation Act - Creates a Federal Oil and Gas Corporation to establish and administer a national program of natural gas and oil exploration and development on Federal lands. Establishes a three-member Board of Directors for the Corporation, to be appointed for seven-year terms by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that members of the Board may be removed for cause by joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives. States that Board members shall not receive compensation from private concerns for activities related to the Corporation for a period of one year after leaving office. Prohibits Directors from holding any financial interests in oil and gas corporations while serving on the Board. Grants the Corporation specified powers, including the right to: (1) explore for natural gas and oil on Federal, State, foreign, or private lands; (2) develop and sell natural gas or oil discovered by exploration or obtained otherwise; (3) build and operate those facilities necessary for the development or sale of such resources; and (4) engage in research directed toward the development or utilization of abundant and nonpolluting supplies of energy. Requires that sales of natural gas or oil by the Corporation shall be made at fair and reasonable prices designed to promote competition among suppliers of these energy resources. Establishes procedures governing the operation of the Corporation. Exempts the Corporation from State and local laws which would impede its ability to perform. Declares it the objective of the Corporation, in conducting its activities, to prevent adverse environmental impacts and to promote conservation of natural resources. Directs the President to appoint an environmental advisory committee to assist the Corporation. Requires the preparation of environmental impact statements for specified actions, subject to the approval of the committee. Requires the Corporation to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Imposes penalties for defrauding, and for conspiracy with intent to defraud, the Corporation. Grants the Corporation powers of condemnation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Energy Competition Act - Prohibits any individual engaged in the production of crude petroleum or petroleum products from directly or indirectly: (1) acquiring any interest in coal, uranium, or geothermal power assets; or (2) holding a controlling interest in any U.S. energy company. Directs the Attorney General to enforce the provisions of this Act by requiring submission of plans for divestiture of prohibited assets. Requires persons subject to the provisions of this Act to file information and reports on regulated assets with the Attorney General. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of this Act: (1) in the case of an individual, fines not to exceed $500,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years; and (2) in the case of corporations, fines not to exceed $5,000,000 and/or suspension of the right to do business in interstate commerce for up to ten years. States that corporate representatives shall also be subject to criminal sanctions as individuals. Imposes civil penalties of up to $100,000 for each violation of orders lawfully issued under this Act. States that, in the case of a continuing violation, each day shall be deemed a separate offense.
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 · 14 December 1982
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that more money should be made available for jobs and programs in socially productive industries by reducing the amount of tax dollars spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention, and wasteful military programs. Endorses the Jobs with Peace Week of April 10 through April 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1982
Temporary Natural Gas Market Correction Act of 1982 - Declares that any contract for the first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include a volume adjustment option with respect to any natural gas the first sale delivery of which could occur pursuant to such contract at any time after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983. Defines "volume adjustment option" as a contract provision under which the purchaser may elect to refuse to take delivery under such contract of any volume of natural gas without incurring an obligation to pay any fee or charge with respect to the natural gas not delivered pursuant to such election. Provides, subject to certain exceptions, that the purchase by any natural gas pipeline company of any natural gas which is delivered on any day after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983, at an excessive price, shall be considered as fraud, abuse, or as similar grounds for purposes of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) review of cost passthroughs. Considers the price of natural gas delivered to any natural gas pipeline company on any day excessive if that price exceeds the price of any other natural gas not delivered to such pipeline company on that day, but which could have been acquired by such pipeline company for delivery on that day under any contract to which the pipeline is a party. Requires every natural gas pipeline company to file monthly with FERC: (1) a statement concerning the volume adjustment clause, as well as steps it has taken to achieve the lowest possible weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas; and (2) a modification of the costs to be recovered by the pipeline under a purchased gas adjustment clause (as defined in the Natural Gas Act), if the weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas by the pipeline is lower because of the volume adjustment option or because of other steps taken by the pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1982
Comprehensive Victim and Witness Protection and Assistance Act of 1982 - Amends rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that presentence reports contain: (1) information concerning any harm or loss suffered by the victim; (2) information that may aid the court in sentencing; (3) a statement of the circumstances of the commission of the offense; and (4) any prior criminal record of the defendant. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish as offenses "tampering with a witness or an informant" and "retaliating against a witness or an informant." Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate civil proceedings to restrain any harassment of a victim or witness. Authorizes a sentencing court to order the defendant to make restitution. Requires the court to state for the record the reasons for not ordering restitution. Prescribes a procedure for the issuance of restitution orders. Directs the Attorney General to develop Federal guidelines for the fair treatment of crime victims and witnesses. Requires the Attorney General to consider certain objectives in preparing the guidelines, including: (1) ensuring that victims receive prompt social and medical services; (2) giving victims and witnesses notice of important criminal justice proceedings and scheduling changes; (3) arranging for the prosecution to obtain the nonbinding views of victims of serious crimes during such stages as plea bargaining and pretrial release; (4) encouraging employers to continue to pay victims and witnesses for work absences to assist investigations and prosecutions; (5) training law enforcement personnel in victim assistance; and (6) informing victims or witnesses on legal steps for protection from intimidation. Directs the Attorney General to recommend to Congress any laws that are necessary to ensure that no Federal felon derives any profit from the sale of his or her story until any victim of the offense receives restitution. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to require as a condition of pretrial release that the defendant not commit certain offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1982
Comprehensive Drug Penalty Act of 1982 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to include within the forfeiture provisions all land and buildings used for holding or storing controlled substances or materials used to manufacture such substances. Provides that a procedure for forfeiture may be brought in the judicial district in which the defendant owning such property is found or in the judicial district in which the criminal prosecution is brought. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund known as the "Drug Enforcement Fund." Allows the fund to be used for the payment of rewards for information that results in a forfeiture. Requires deposit in this fund of proceeds and profits forfeited as the result of drug violations. Authorizes appropriations from the fund for fiscal years 1984 and 1985. Sets the maximum reward for information at $250,000. Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the maximum authorized fines for certain drug offenses. Permits imposition of an alternative fine up to twice the gross gain derived from the offense. Provides Judicial procedures for seizure of property subject to criminal forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1982
Revises Federal law pertaining to the jurisdiction and venue of bankruptcy courts. States that the bankruptcy court for the district in which a case is pending shall exercise all of the jurisdiction conferred on the district courts. Permits a district judge to recall such a case on his own motion or the motion of a party or of the bankruptcy judge. Provides that any bankruptcy judge may be designated to serve as a special master for the district courts pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Revises rules pertaining to venue of proceedings arising under or related to bankruptcy.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1982
Title I: Protection of Government Witnesses - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to relocate and protect witnesses and their families involved in Federal or State trials of violent offenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to take action to protect the person from bodily injury or otherwise to assure the health, safety, and welfare of that person. Requires any person protected under this Act to enter into an agreement with the Attorney General. Requires the agreement to set forth such person's responsibilities, including agreement: (1) if an actual or potential witness, to provide information to all appropriate law enforcement officials and testify in all proceedings; (2) to refrain from committing any act punishable by a prison term; (3) to take all necessary steps to avoid detection by others of the facts concerning the protection provided; and (4) to cooperate with all reasonable requests of government employees. Establishes a procedure for the termination of protection upon substantive breach of such agreement. Allows for notice to the witness with an opportunity for a hearing. Provides for service of process on a protected person and compliance with a judgment in a civil proceeding. Requires all Federal agencies to cooperate with the Attorney General in carrying out this Act. Allows the Attorney General to agree with a State government to provide protection for a person. Title II: United States Marshals Service and Service of Process - Revises the United States Marshals Service System. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint a director and other officials. Specifies the powers and duties of the Service. Grants an official of the Service the same powers that a State sheriff may exercise. Prescribes the schedule of fees that the Service may collect. Amends Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to revise service of process.
![Official portrait of Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000020_200.jpg)