United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Alcohol Fuel Tax Incentive Uniformity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the exemption from the excise tax on gasoline for gasoline mixed with alcohol. Extends such exemption to diesel fuels and special fuels which contain at least ten percent alcohol. Increases from 50 cents per gallon to 90 cents per gallon the amount of the income tax credit for alcohol used as fuel. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the tariff on alcohol imported for use as a fuel from 50 cents per gallon to 90 cents per gallon.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Establishes the National Commission on Federal Budget Deficit Reductions to review all relevant elements of fiscal and monetary policy, identify problems which may hinder the control and reduction of Federal budget deficits, and analyze all potential options which would result in deficit reductions and place the Government on a sound financial basis. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President and Congress not later than February 15, 1984, or the close of the 90th day beginning after the date of enactment of this resolution. Requires such report to contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after it submits its report.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should give priority attention, in discussions with the Japanese, to the realignment of the yen-dollar exchange rates and to achieving greater equilibrium in the flow of goods, services, and investments between the two countries; and (2) measures to achieve such equilibrium should include mechanisms for close consultations and policy coordination in order to maintain acceptable fluctuations in the value of the yen, reduce disparities in the interest-rate levels, and allow equivalent access of foreign investors to domestic capital markets.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
States that Congress: (1) deplores the assassination of Benigno Aquino; and (2) expresses its condolences to his family and to all Filipinos. Expresses the sense of the Congress that steps should be taken to achieve an independent investigation of the Aquino assassination and to bring to justice those responsible for his death. States that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support fair elections to the National Assembly in May 1984; and (2) urge the Philippine Government to take steps to secure the full participation of the opposition parties in those elections, including the reconstitution of an impartial electoral commission and the restoration of freedom of the press. Urges the United States in conducting its relations with the Philippine government to take into account the investigation and the fairness of the 1984 National Assembly elections.
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 · 5 October 1983
Small Business Competitive Procurement Act of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit Government procurement officers from using qualified bidders or similar lists to preclude small businesses from being awarded contracts without referring the matter for final disposition to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Requires the SBA to certify small businesses as eligible to perform specified Government subcontracts if the contract involved exceeds $100,000 or the approved limits of a contractor's procurement system, whichever is greater. Provides that a Government procurement officer may not refuse to include a product of a small business concern or group of small business concerns on a qualified products list without referring the matter for final disposition to the SBA. Requires the SBA to make such final disposition within 60 days. Prohibits the SBA from: (1) establishing an exemption from the requirements that Government procurement officers refer questions as to a small business' eligibility as a Government contractor to the SBA for disposition; or (2) refusing to accept such a referral. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the award of Government prime contracts and subcontracts for appropriate portions of component systems, spare parts, and services for major weapon systems. Provides that during the planning for contracts for the procurement and performance of service or for the production or assembly of goods and spare parts for major weapon systems, the head of each Federal agency shall maximize competition for such components or services so as to insure to the maximum extent practicable that small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses are not precluded from performing as prime contractors and subcontractors on such contracts. Requires Federal agencies to publicly post and make available to small businesses information concerning the agencies' solicitations, unless such disclosure of information would be a breach of security or would disclose the Government's cost estimate for the procurement. Directs the Department of Defense to use funds appropriated for the development or production of any major weapon system to acquire manufacturing data relating to such system. Requires contracts entered into by any military department for the development or production of any major weapons system to contain provisions insuring the Government's acquisition of such manufacturing data, including conditions under which the contractor waives proprietary rights with respect to data necessary for the performance of such contracts. Provides waiver authority upon notification to specified congressional committees in instances where the military department determines that manufacturing technical data is not necessary. Directs each military department, within a specified time, to complete an inventory of the manufacturing technical data which the Government has in its possession or to which it has access. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to transmit to Congress, within three years after enactment of this Act, a report evaluating each military department's efforts to compile an inventory of the manufacturing data for major weapons systems in its possession or to which it has access. States that Federal procurement rulemaking is to be covered under the Administrative Procedure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1983
States that Congress: (1) deplores the assassination of Benigno Aquino; and (2) expresses its condolences to his family and to all Filipinos. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) steps should be taken to achieve an independent investigation of the Aquino assassination and to bring to justice those responsible for his death; and (2) the President should not visit the Philippines until there has been an accounting of the assassination and until the President's security can be guaranteed. States that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support fair elections to the National Assembly in May 1984; and (2) urge the Philippine Government to take steps to secure the full participation of the opposition parties in those elections, including the reconstitution of an impartial electoral commission and the restoration of freedom of the press. Urges the United States in conducting its relations with the Philippine Government to take into account the investigation and the fairness of the 1984 National Assembly elections.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1983
Requires each commercial bank to insure its deposits with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Grants any commercial bank which fails to qualify for such insurance six months in which to modify its operations in order to qualify.
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
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) urge the Council of European Community Ministers to reject their Commission's proposals that seek to shift to other countries the financial burden of disposing of their agricultural surpluses; and (2) continue to oppose proposed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) modifications that would adversely affect the access of U.S. agricultural exports to European Community markets. States, also, that if the European Community adopts such proposed CAP modifications, then it is the House's sense that measures should be implemented to protect U.S. trade interests.
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
Department of Defense Procurement Procedures Act of 1983 - Sets forth a formula for determining the applicable percentage of Department of Defense procurement of property and services which must be made through formal advertising for fiscal years after FY 1983. Prohibits the Department of Defense from expending funds for negotiated contracts in any fiscal year following a fiscal year where the purchases and contracts made through formal advertising fall below the applicable percentage. Removes such prohibition if the Department meets or exceeds the applicable percentage during or after that fiscal year. Requires that specified information concerning a negotiated contract be part of the records of the contracting agency, including all cost and pricing data submitted by a contractor and the name of each Government official who participated in the negotiating or awarding of such contract. Requires that agency records on negotiated contracts containing classified information be maintained for at least ten years and be made available to Congress and the Comptroller General upon request. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish procedures which are similar to formal advertising procedures for the purchase of or contracting for personal or professional services. Sets forth investigatory procedures to determine the need for and price of services by a university or other educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Drought Assistance act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out an emergency feed program in designated disaster areas to assist family farms in preserving livestock and poultry affected by the 1983 drought. Reallocates specified Commodity Credit Corporation funds for such program. Establishes graduated interest payments (three percent on first $50,000, five percent on next $50,000, eight percent on amounts above $100,000) for drought-related emergency loans for family farmers otherwise unable to get sufficient credit.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1983
Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution - Authorizes the President, for purposes of the War Powers Resolution, to continue the participation by U.S. armed forces in the Multinational Force in Lebanon, subject to specified conditions. States that such conditions will not preclude such protective measures as are necessary to ensure the safety of such Multinational Force in Lebanon. Requires the President to report to Congress, at least every six months, with respect to the situation in Lebanon. Requires specified information to be included in such reports. Declares the participation of the armed forces of other countries in the Multinational Force in Lebanon to be essential. States Congress' belief that U.S. policy should promote Israeli, Syrian, and Lebanese discussions aimed at the withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon and the establishment of conditions that will permit the Lebanese armed forces to carry out their responsibilities in the Beirut area. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should discuss with members of the U.N. Security Council the establishment of a U.N. peacekeeping force to replace the Multinational Force in Lebanon. Requires an analysis of the implications of the response to such discussions to be included in the President's report to Congress. Provides that the continued participation of the U.S. armed forces in the Multinational Force in Lebanon shall be authorized for 18 months, unless the Congress extends it for a longer period. Requires such participation to terminate sooner upon the: (1) withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, unless the President makes a specified certification to the Congress; or (2) assumption by the United Nations or Lebanon of the responsibilities of the Multinational Force in Lebanon; or (3) implementation of other effective security arrangements in the area. Provides that nothing in this resolution shall: (1) preclude the President from withdrawing U.S. armed forces participation in such Multinational Force in Lebanon if circumstances warrant it or Congress directs such a withdrawal; or (2) modify, limit, or supersede any provision of the War Powers Resolution or a specified part of the Lebanon Emergency Assistance Act of 1983 (relating to congressional authorization for the expansion in the number or role of U.S. armed forces in Lebanon).
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce the 1984 feed grain program by September 30, 1983, the 1985 feed grain program by September 30, 1984, and the 1985 wheat program by July 1, 1984 (under present law announcement deadlines are November 15 for feed grains, and August 15 for wheat). Authorizes the Secretary to make adjustments in the program announcement within 30 days if a significant supply change occurs.
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 · 2 August 1983
Peace Corps Strategy Commission Act - Establishes the Peace Corps Strategy Commission to evaluate the potential and future role of the Peace Corps and to provide for public participation in the evaluation. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit reports to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Export Administration Amendments Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Export Administration Act of 1979 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to set forth penalties for: (1) conspiring or attempting to export goods in violation of such Act; (2) attempting to evade the provisions of such Act; and (3) possessing goods or technology with the intent to export them in violation of a national security or foreign policy export control or with the knowledge or reason to believe they would be so exported. Permits a waiver of the revocation of the authority to export goods or technology only if specified congressional committees are first consulted. Requires persons convicted of violating a national security or foreign policy export control to forfeit: (1) the goods or technology that were the subject of the violation or that were used in the violation; and (2) the proceeds from the transaction from which the violation arose. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate Commerce Department employees to take specified actions to enforce the Export Administration Act. Limits the authority of customs officers with respect to such Act to: (1) inspection and seizure of goods or technology at those places in which such officers are lawfully authorized to conduct such searches and seizures; and (2) investigations conducted before such inspection, search, or seizure. Limits the U.S. Customs Service inspections of goods and technology in the enforcement of this Act to those goods and technology about which the Customs Service has received information of possible violations. Prohibits the Customs Service from conducting random inspections. Limits the amount of money which the Customs Service may spend in enforcing export controls. Amends the congressional findings and the declaration of policy of the Export Administration Act to declare that it is the U.S. policy to: (1) sustain vigorous scientific enterprise; and (2) control the export of goods and substances banned or severely restricted for use in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses authorizing multiple exports instead of a validated license for each export including: (1) a qualified general license, authorizing exports for approved end uses; (2) distribution licenses; (3) project licenses; (4) service supply licenses; and (5) comprehensive operations licenses. Authorizes the President to prohibit or curtail the transfer of goods or technology which are subject to national security export controls to foreign embassies or affiliates of foreign countries located within the United States. Prohibits requiring permission for the exportation of goods or technology covered by national security controls if they are being exported to countries which maintain export control cooperatively with the United States, except that the Secretary may require an export license in certain circumstances and may require the exporter to notify the Commerce Department of such exports. Makes technology and related goods, including militarily critical technologies, eligible for a comprehensive operations export license. Makes exports of goods and technology eligible for a distribution license or other licenses authorizing multiple exports. Provides that one criterion for determining whether to eliminate the requirement of having a validated export license or a qualified general export license shall be the anticipated military needs of countries which are subject to national security export controls. Requires the Secretary to negotiate with other countries, including countries not participating in the group known as the Coordinating Committee, to obtain their cooperation in restricting certain exports. Requires the removal of a national security export control on a good if all applications for an export license of such good to a country group during the previous year have been granted, except that the Secretary may require an export license for exports to certain end users in such country group. Exempts from such requirement all export controls which the United States maintains cooperatively with another country. Prohibits imposing a national security export control on a good solely because the good contains a nonreprogrammable embedded microprocessor. Permits imposing an export control on such a good only if the functions of the good are such that, if exported, it would make a significant contribution to the military potential of a country that would be detrimental to U.S. national security. Adds to the objectives of the President's negotiations with the group known as the Coordinating Committee. Limits the duration of national security export controls on goods or technology that are available in foreign countries. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a validated license for the export of such goods or technology if the availability has not been eliminated within six months of the President's determination that the absence of such export controls would be detrimental to national security. Requires the Secretary to accept the representations of export license applicants with respect to the foreign availability of goods or technology unless the representations are contradicted by reliable evidence. Directs the Secretary to establish in the Department of Commerce an Office of Foreign Availability which shall collect information necessary for determinations of foreign availability under the Export Administration Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within 90 days on a finding by a technical advisory committee that goods or technology subject to national security export controls are available in foreign countries. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a validated export license for such goods or technology if, after six months, the foreign availability has not been eliminated. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to complete the integration of the list of militarily critical technologies into the commodity control list not later than April 1, 1985. Requires the list to include only goods or technologies which are not possessed by nor available to countries to which national security controls apply. Requires the Secretaries to specify to Congress why U.S. military or national security is benefitted if the list includes a good or technology which is available in other countries. Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO) to evaluate the attempt to integrate the list of militarily critical technologies into the commodity control list. Sets forth matters to be considered. Requires the GAO to report its findings to Congress by April 1, 1985. Requires the Secretaries and the GAO to consider mechanisms to reduce the list of militarily critical technologies, including removing from the list: (1) goods and technology the transfer of which would not lead to a significant near-term improvement in the defense capability of a country to which exports are controlled; (2) slowly evolving technologies; (3) technology that is not process-oriented; and (4) components used in militarily sensitive devices that in themselves are not sensitive. Sets forth the criteria the President shall consider in determining whether to impose export-control for foreign policy purposes. Requires the President, before imposing foreign policy export controls, to consult with the countries with which the United States maintains export controls cooperatively. Authorizes the President to impose, expand, or extend foreign policy export controls only after consulting with specified congressional committees and making a specified report to Congress. Requires the President to submit a report to Congress within ten days of imposing, expanding, or extending foreign policy export controls. Requires such report to include the extent and results of consultations with industry and other countries before the foreign policy export controls were imposed. Prohibits any export controls imposed for foreign policy reasons from affecting: (1) export contracts entered into before the controls were imposed; or (2) export licenses issued before such time. Provides that the export controls shall affect existing contracts or export licenses if the controls relate directly to actual or imminent gross acts of aggression or of international terrorism, to actual or imminent gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, or to actual or imminent nuclear weapons tests. Prohibits export controls imposed on goods or technology in short supply from affecting export contracts entered into before the controls were imposed. Prohibits foreign policy export controls from authorizing export controls on donations of goods intended to be used to relieve human suffering. Permits such controls, even with regard to such goods, in order to control the export of goods and substances banned or severely restricted for use in the United States. Authorizes the President to prohibit or curtail the exportation from the United States of any goods, technology, or other information produced in the United States to the extent necessary to further significantly U.S. foreign policy or to fulfill U.S. international obligations. Applies foreign policy export controls to activities undertaken with the intent to evade such controls even if such controls would not otherwise apply to such activities. Authorizes the President to impose foreign policy export controls with respect to an expanded number of goods or technology if: (1) the President reports to Congress on the proposed controls; and (2) a law is enacted authorizing such controls. Sets forth the method for considering a joint resolution authorizing such controls. Requires that determinations of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to including items on the commodity control list or approving or denying export licenses for crime control or detection instruments shall be made in concurrence with the Secretary of State. Reimposes for one year the foreign policy export controls which were in effect on February 28, 1982, and ceased to be effective on March 1, 1982, September 15, 1982, and January 20, 1983 (except those controls with respect to the 1980 summer Olympic games). Authorizes one year extensions of such controls. Prohibits the President from rescinding a determination that a country supports international terrorism unless the President submits a report to Congress justifying the rescission and certifying that the country has not provided such support for a year. Authorizes entities which represent an industry or a substantial segment of an industry which processes metallic materials capable of being recycled to petition the Secretary to monitor exports of such material or impose export controls on such material if: (1) a domestic price increase or a domestic shortage resulting from increased exports has or may have a significant adverse effect on the economy or on a domestic industry; and (2) a significant increase in exports is or may be a substantial cause of adverse effect on the economy or on a domestic industry. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations defining specified terms. Sets forth the criteria the Secretary shall use in determining whether to impose monitoring or controls on such materials. Prohibits the Secretary from considering another petition with respect to such material within six months of the final action on the prior petition. Deletes the provision permitting the Secretary to impose temporary controls on such materials after a petition has been filed. Requires specified procedures to be followed before export controls on such materials may be imposed. Authorizes the export of domestically produced crude oil transported by pipeline over rights-of-way granted pursuant to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act only if: (1) the President recommends exporting the oil after making and publishing certain findings; and (2) the President includes such findings in the recommendation to Congress and Congress, within 60 days of receiving the recommendation, agrees to a joint resolution approving such exports. Extends the short supply export controls on domestically produced crude oil until September 30, 1987. Requires the President to notify Congress whenever the President determines that short supply export controls should be imposed on refined petroleum products. Declares that foreign policy or short supply controls imposed on agricultural commodities shall cease to be effective if, within 60 days of receiving the President's report on such controls, the Congress does not adopt a joint resolution approving the controls. Requires the Secretary to issue or deny within 60 days of submission those export license applications which are not referred to another department or agency. Requires the Secretary to allow an export license applicant 30 days to respond to a decision to deny the license application. Prohibits the Secretary from returning a license application without action if the license requirements are changed after the application has been submitted. Authorizes the Secretary to request additional information in such a case. Requires the Secretary to provide a proper classification of a good or technology on the commodity control list within 10 days of receiving a request for such classification. Requires the Secretary to respond within 30 days to an inquiry about the applicability of export license requirements to a proposed export transaction or series of transactions. Requires the Secretary to include in the annual report to Congress on the administration of the Export Administration Act detailed information on the removal of export controls pursuant to a specified section. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act for FY 1984 and 1985. Extends the authority granted by such Act until September 30, 1985. Requires the Secretary to modify the office hours of the Office of Export Administration on at least four days of each workweek to accommodate exporters throughout the United States. Title II: Export Promotion Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out Commerce Department export promotion programs. Directs the President, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a contingency plan for bartering surplus farm commodities for petroleum and petroleum products and for other materials vital to the national interest. Authorizes the President to: (1) barter farm commodities for petroleum and petroleum products and for other materials vital to the national interest; and (2) purchase such products and materials which are produced abroad and acquired by persons in the United States through barter for farm commodities through normal commercial trade channels. Title III: South Africa - United States Policy Toward South Africa Act of 1983 - Subtitle I: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to insure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to insure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Subtitle II: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. bank from making a loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing, or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Subtitle III: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1983
Urges the President to encourage: (1) Government-wide participation in implementing the recommendations of the United Nations World Assembly on Aging and in planning for the scheduled 1985 review by the United Nations of the implementation of the Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging; (2) the exchange of information and the promotion of research on aging among the States, the Government, international organizations, and other nations; and (3) greater private sector involvement in responding to the concerns of the aging. Urges the President to inform developing nations that the United States recognizes aging as an important issue requiring national attention.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce 1984 feed grain acreage limitations or set-asides by September 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Exchange for Understanding Act - Establishes the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe Exchange Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Establishes the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe Exchange Commission. Requires the Commission to issue regulations, within 90 days, governing its operation and the use of Commission funds. Provides for Commission membership and for a Commission director and staff. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to use the U.S. mails as do other U.S. agencies. Directs that interest on obligations held in the Fund be available for payments to the Commission for specified uses. Requires the Commission to use such funds to make grants to support exchanges between the United States and the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe. Sets forth the projects to which the Commission shall give priority. Grants the Commission the exclusive authority to determine the number and types of exchanges to be supported each year. Directs the Secretary of State to cooperate with the Commission to ensure that the exchanges are coordinated with the countries involved and to ensure that the participants receive appropriate briefings and information. Authorizes specified funds for the Commission's operating expenses. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest that portion of the Fund not required for current withdrawals in specified U.S. obligations or U.S. guaranteed obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to sell obligations acquired by the Fund and to credit the Fund with any interest on and the proceeds from such sale. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports, describing the Commission's activities, to the President and to Congress. Requires the Commission to terminate October 1, 1994. Directs all investments to be liquidated and all remaining funds to be deposited in the Treasury upon termination.
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 · 30 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) renew the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union on space cooperation for peaceful purposes; (2) initiate talks with the Soviet Union and other interested governments on opportunities for cooperative East-West space ventures as an alternative to an arms race in space; and (3) submit to the Congress a report detailing the provisions of such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that further expansion of cargo preference requirements, either for commercial or other trade, should not be imposed.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Surplus Dairy Products Exchange Act - Declares that it is in the national interest to promote the exchange of surplus dairy stocks for critical and strategic materials. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, during FY 1984 and 1985, to accept offers from individuals or commercial firms to exchange strategic and critical materials for surplus dairy stocks provided specified conditions relating to value determination and protection of export markets are met. Requires the Secretary to export, if possible, at least 15 percent of uncommitted surplus dairy stocks in each of FY 1984 and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Export Administration Amendments Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Export Administration Act of 1979 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 (the Export Administration Act) to set forth penalties for: (1) conspiring or attempting to export goods in violation of such Act; (2) attempting to evade the provisions of such Act; and (3) possessing goods or technology with the intent to export them in violation of a national security or foreign policy export control or with the knowledge or reason to believe they would be so exported. Permits a waiver of the revocation of the authority to export goods or technology only if specified congressional committees are first consulted. Requires persons convicted of violating a national security or foreign policy export control to forfeit: (1) the goods or technology that were the subject of the violation or that were used in the violation; and (2) the proceeds from the transaction from which the violation arose. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate Commerce Department employees to take specified actions to enforce the Export Administration Act. Limits the authority of customs officers with respect to such Act to: (1) inspection and seizure of goods or technology at those places in which such officers are lawfully authorized to conduct such searches and seizures; and (2) investigations conducted before such inspection, search, or seizure. Limits the U.S. Customs Service inspections of goods and technology in the enforcement of this Act to those goods and technology about which the Customs Service has received information of possible violations. Prohibits the Customs Service from conducting random inspections. Limits the amount of money which the Customs Service may spend in enforcing export controls. Declares that it is U.S. policy to sustain vigorous scientific enterprise and to control the export of goods and substances banned or severely restricted in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses authorizing multiple exports instead of a validated license for each export, including: (1) a qualified general license, authorizing exports for approved end uses; (2) distribution licenses; (3) project licenses; (4) service supply licenses; and (5) comprehensive operations licenses. Authorizes the President to impose restrictions on the transfer of goods or technology within the United States to embassies and affiliates of countries which are subject to national security export controls. Prohibits requiring permission for the exportation of goods or technology covered by national security controls if they are being exported to countries which maintain export controls cooperatively with the United States, although the Secretary may require an export license for exports to certain end users. Authorizes the Secretary to require exporters to notify the Commerce Department of such exports. Makes technology and related goods that are subject to national security export controls, including militarily critical technologies, eligible for a comprehensive operations export license. Makes exports of such goods and technology eligible for a distribution license or other licenses authorizing multiple exports. Authorizes the Secretary to establish as one criterion for removing the requirement of validated and qualified general export licenses the anticipated needs of the military of countries subject to national security export controls. Requires that a national security export control on a good to a specific country group shall be removed if, during the previous year, all applications for export licenses for such good to that country group have been granted. Permits the Secretary to require an export license for the export of that good to certain end users in such country group. Exempts from such requirements all export controls which the United States maintains cooperatively with another country. Prohibits imposing a national security export control on a good solely because it contains an embedded microprocessor if the microprocessor cannot be used or altered to perform functions other than those it performs in the good in which it is embedded. Permits imposing an export control on such a good only if the functions of the good are such that, if exported, it would make a significant contribution to the military potential of a country that would be detrimental to U.S. national security. Adds to the list of objectives which the President shall attempt to accomplish in negotiating multilateral export controls. Limits the duration of national security export controls on goods or technology that are available in foreign countries. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a validated license for the export of such goods or technology if the availability has not been eliminated within six months of the President's determination that the absence of such export controls would be detrimental to national security. Requires the Secretary to accept the representations of export license applicants with respect to the foreign availability of goods or technology unless the representations are contradicted by reliable evidence. Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of Foreign Availability which shall be responsible for gathering and analyzing information relating to determinations of foreign availability under the Export Administration Act. Requires such information to be made available to the Congress every six months. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within 90 days on a finding by a technical advisory committee that goods or technology subject to national security export controls are available in foreign countries. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a validated export license for such goods or technology if after six months, the foreign availability has not been eliminated. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to complete the integration of the list of militarily critical technologies into the commodity control list. Requires the Secretaries to report to the appropriate congressional committees before April 1, 1985, any circumstances that would prevent the integrated list from being completed by that date. Requires the list to include only goods or technologies which are not possessed by nor available to countries to which national security controls apply. Requires the Secretaries to specify to Congress why U.S. military or national security is benefitted if the list includes a good or technology which is available in other countries. Requires the General Accounting Office to evaluate the attempt to integrate the list of militarily critical technologies into the commodity control list and to report its findings to Congress by April 1, 1985. Requires the Secretaries and the task force to consider mechanisms to reduce the list of militarily critical technologies, including removing from the list: (1) goods and technology the transfer of which would not lead to a significant near-term improvement in the defense capability of a country to which exports are controlled; (2) slowly evolving technologies; (3) technology that is not process-oriented; and (4) components used in militarily sensitive devices that in themselves are not sensitive. Lists criteria which the President shall consider when imposing, expanding, or extending foreign policy export controls. Requires the President, before imposing foreign policy export controls, to consult with certain countries, including the countries with which the United States maintains export controls cooperatively. Authorizes the President to impose, expand, or extend foreign policy export controls only after consultation with the appropriate congressional committee. Requires the President to submit a report to Congress before imposing, expanding, or extending such controls. Lists information to be included in such report. Prohibits foreign policy export controls from affecting: (1) export contracts entered into before the controls were imposed; or (2) export licenses issued before such time. Declares that this prohibition shall not apply to export controls that relate to actual or imminent acts of aggression or of international terrorism, to actual or imminent gross violations of human rights, or to actual or imminent nuclear weapons tests. Prohibits export controls imposed on goods or technology in short supply from affecting export contracts entered into before the controls were imposed. Declares that foreign policy export controls do not authorize export controls on donations of goods intended to be used to relieve human suffering. Authorizes the President to impose export controls on medicine, food, and donations of goods which are restricted in the United States. Authorizes the President to prohibit or curtail the exportation from the United States of any goods, technology, or other information produced in the United States to the extent necessary to further, significantly, U.S. foreign policy or to fulfill U.S. international obligations. Applies foreign policy export controls to activities undertaken with the intent to evade such controls even if such controls would not otherwise apply to such activities. Authorizes the President to impose foreign policy export controls even if such controls would not otherwise apply to such activities. Authorizes the President to impose foreign policy export controls with respect to an expanded number of goods or technology if: (1) the President reports to Congress on the proposed controls; and (2) a law is enacted authorizing such controls. Provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution authorizing such controls. Requires that any determination of the Secretary with respect to exporting or granting export licenses for crime control instruments shall be made with the concurrence of the Secretary of State. Reimposes for one year the foreign policy export controls which were in effect on February 28, 1982, and ceased to be effective on March 1, 1982, September 15, 1982, or January 20, 1983, (except those controls with respect to the 1980 summer Olympic games). Authorizes one year extensions of such controls. Prohibits the President from rescinding a determination that a country supports international terrorism, unless the President submits a report to Congress justifying the rescission and certifying that the country has not provided such support for a year. Authorizes entities which represent an industry or a substantial segment of an industry which processes metallic materials capable of being recycled to petition the Secretary to monitor exports of such material or impose export controls on such material if: (1) a domestic price increase of a domestic shortage resulting from increased exports is or may be a substantial cause of adverse effect on the economy or on a domestic industry; and (2) a significant increase in exports is or may be a substantial cause of adverse effect on the economy or a domestic industry. Requires such petition to include information demonstrating that specified criteria are satisfied. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations defining specified terms. Sets forth the criteria the Secretary shall use in determining whether to impose monitoring or controls on such materials. Prohibits the Secretary from considering another petition with respect to such material within six months of the final action on the prior petition. Deletes the provision permitting the Secretary to impose temporary controls on such materials after a petition has been filed. Requires specified procedures to be followed before export controls on such materials may be imposed. Terminates the short supply export controls on domestically produced crude oil on September 30, 1987. Requires the President to notify Congress whenever the President determines that short supply export controls should be imposed on refined petroleum products. Declares that foreign policy or short supply controls imposed on agricultural commodities shall cease to be effective if, within 60 days of receiving the President's report on such controls, the Congress does not adopt a joint resolution approving the controls. Requires the Secretary to issue or deny within 60 days of submission those export license applications which are not referred to another department or agency. Requires the Secretary to inform an export license applicant in writing if the Secretary receives questions or negative recommendations from other departments or agencies with respect to the application. Entitles such an applicant to respond in writing to such questions or recommendations and to respond in person to the department or agency raising such questions or recommendations. Requires the Secretary to allow an export license applicant 30 days to respond to a decision denying the license application. Prohibits the Secretary from returning a license application without action if the license requirements are changed after the application has been submitted. Authorizes the Secretary to request additional information in such a case. Requires the Secretary to provide a proper classification of a good or technology on the commodity control list within ten days of receiving a request for such classification. Requires the Secretary to respond within 30 days to an inquiry about the applicability of export license requirements to a proposed export transaction or series of transactions. Requires the Secretary to include in the annual report to Congress on the administration of the Export Administration Act detailed information on the removal of export controls pursuant to a specified section. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act for FY 1984 and 1985. Extends the authority granted by such Act until September 30, 1985. Requires the Secretary to modify the office hours of the Office of Export Administration or at least four days of each workweek to accommodate exporters throughout the United States. Title II: Export Promotion Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out Commerce Department export promotion programs. Directs the President to report to Congress, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, on a contingency plan to promote agricultural exports by bartering surplus agricultural commodities for petroleum, petroleum products, and other vital materials. Authorizes the President: (1) to barter farm commodities for such materials in situations in which sales would otherwise not occur; and (2) to purchase such materials which are produced abroad and acquired by persons in the United States through barter from farm commodities produced in and exported from the United States through normal commercial trade channels. Directs the President to take steps to safeguard existing export markets for farm commodities operating on conventional business terms. Title III: South Africa - United States Policy Toward South Africa Act of 1983 - Subtitle I: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to insure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to insure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Subtitle II: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. bank from making any loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing, or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Subtitle III: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that hospice care is a necessary and humane alternative to traditional health care for the terminally ill.
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 · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it supports the reduction of child mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Urges the President to promote and undertake activities to further the objectives of the child health revolution. Directs appropriate Government agencies to support UNICEF and other specified international agencies and public and private organizations in fostering the child health revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1983 - Title I - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (the Superfund Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to States to assist States in: (1) carrying out hazardous waste enforcement programs under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) carrying out remedial actions and other response measures necessary with respect to the release, or substantial threat of release, of any pollutant or contaminant from a facility not on the 400 top priority known response targets list but which the State determines may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare; and (3) providing technical assistance to companies engaged in the recycling of hazardous substances. Requires that at least $200,000,000 of the amounts appropriated to the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund shall be reserved to make such grants to States. Revises provisions for audits by each Inspector General of each department or agency delegated responsibility to obligate money in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Directs each such Inspector General to report annually to the President and the Congress on such auditing of the Fund and to specifically identify any improper uses of the Fund. Provides for reimbursement to the Fund for any improper expenditures. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Increases the yearly amount of such authorization of appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 (above the yearly amount currently authorized through FY 1985). Amends the hazardous waste management provision of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976) to establish a hazardous waste quantity assessment program. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the States, to develop and implement methods to estimate the quantities of hazardous waste which are generated in each calendar year, on the basis of specified data. Directs the Administrator to report at least annually to the Congress, comparing the quantities of hazardous waste estimated to have been generated during the preceding calendar year and the quantities of waste on which the recycling incentive tax on disposal of hazardous wastes was paid. Title II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace (effective October 1, 1985) the environmental taxes on petroleum and chemical feedstocks with a recycling incentive tax on disposal of hazardous wastes (effective for FY 1985 through 1995). Sets forth tables for determining the amount of such tax. Distinguishes between: (1) toxic and nontoxic hazardous waste; (2) waste disposal before and after the end of FY 1990; and (3) disposal of waste and storage of waste for more than one year. Imposes such tax on the person disposing of such waste. Sets forth requirements for records, statements, and returns relating to such tax. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe any such requirements, as necessary, for persons involved in the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes. Extends through FY 1995 the authority to collect taxes conferred by the Superfund Act.