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![Official portrait of Rep. Lewis, Thomas F. [R-FL-12]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000295_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,261 records where Rep. Lewis, Thomas F. [R-FL-12] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Designates the week beginning December 4, 1983, as National Senior Citizens Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1983
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide equal classification and equal duty rates for orange and other citrus juices.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from making new agricultural products or byproducts eligible articles under the Generalized System of Preferences as of January 1, 1984. Declares that no agricultural products or byproducts which are like or directly competitive with U.S. products shall be eligible under the Generalized System of Preferences after January 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Proclaims September 3, 1983, as a day of national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Child Support Enforcement Act of 1983 - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to state that the purpose of part D is to assure that all children in the United States who are in need of assistance in securing financial support from their parents will receive such assistance regardless of the economic status of their parents and that parents will prevent their children from becoming a burden on taxpayers by fulfilling to the best of their ability their financial obligations on behalf of their children. Revises provisions relating to incentive payments under part D. Provides that incentives will be computed and paid quarterly beginning in FY 1986. Provides generally that as the amount of support collected increases, the incentive payment will increase. Repeals the present incentive system as of October 1, 1985, but assures a State of receiving at least 80 percent in FY 1986, 60 percent in FY 1987, and 40 in FY 1988, of what the State would have received under the repealed incentive system. Provides for the collection of past-due support from Federal tax refunds in non-Aid to Families With Dependent Children (part A of title IV) cases. (Currently, this is done for AFDC cases.) Requires a State under part D to implement procedures providing for: (1) the withholding of child support from wages if a support order has been entered by a State; (2) quasi-judicial or administrative procedures for entering child support orders which have the same force and effect as orders entered by a court; (3) the collection of past-due support from State tax refunds; (4) placing liens on real property for amounts of past-due support; (5) the sharing of information regarding amounts of past-due support owed by absent parents with consumer credit bureau organizations; and (6) seeking employment-related health care or health insurance from the absent parent for children for whom the State is seeking financial support when such care or insurance would be available at a reasonable cost and such care or insurance could not be provided by the custodial parent. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to assist in the development or improvement of clearinghouses and other information management systems to aid in the enforcement of support by facilitating the collection and exchange, both within a State or locality and among States and localities, of child support information. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 through FY 1989. Requires that there be filed annually with the Secretary, the designee of the Secretary, data showing the number of cases by State filed on behalf of children seeking support in which all support owed was fully paid in each of the preceding 12 months, the number of such cases in which at least 80 percent of the support owed was paid in each of the preceding 12 months, the number of such cases in which less than half the support owed was paid, and the number of such cases in which no support was paid. Amends title III (Grants to States for Unemployment Compensation Administration) of the Act to require the reporting (at least quarterly) of the name, address, and wages paid to each individual with respect to whom an unemployment contribution has been made. Requires a State unemployment compensation agency to disclose to any State or local child support enforcement agency and to any State agency administering a State AFDC plan any information it has regarding an individual's: (1) wages; (2) unemployment compensation; (3) address; and (4) employment opportunities. Makes conforming amendments to sections of the Internal Revenue Code, Wagner-Peyser Act, and Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Women's Economic Parity Act of 1983 - Title I: Equitable Treatment of Spouses Under Private Pension Plans - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been made under the survivor's annuity if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date, and who survives the participant, as if such individual were the participant's spouse on the date of death, whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Subjects benefit payments to specified domestic relations orders and establishes procedural guidelines under which a plan administrator pays the alternate payee according to the terms of such domestic relations order. Provides the alternate payee named in such order with a right of action for the failure to comply with the requirements of the statutory guidelines. Specifies circumstances under which an alternate payee will be considered a participant or beneficiary under a retirement plan. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Title II: Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the earned income limitations placed on individual deductions for retirement savings (including those for married and for divorced individuals). Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; and (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income. Exempts displaced homemakers from the termination provisions relating to tax credits earned by employers who hire members of a targeted group designated under the Internal Revenue Code. Deems the performance of substantial volunteer services by a spouse as gainful employment for the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Designates a specified day as "Metropolitan Opera Day."
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983
Proclaims March 20, 1984, as National Agriculture Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Secondary Mortgage Market Equity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act and the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to set forth a formula for increasing the maximum mortgage limitation for a one- to four- family residence in certain areas where high prevailing housing sales prices have limited housing opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Designates the month of November 1983, as National Diabetes Month.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever it determines that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983
Directs the Attorney General to compensate States for costs incurred in imprisoning certain Cuban nationals permitted to enter the United States in 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Prohibits the distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene" and is transferred without sale. Increases the criminal fines for violation of this section by individuals from $10,000 to $75,000 (from $15,000 to $150,000 for a second or subsequent offense). Sets a fine of $250,000 for organizations. Provides for both criminal and civil forfeiture. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the number of cases and convictions, and the dollar amount received in forfeiture, under this section.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married individuals to compute the amount of their income tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings accounts on the basis of the earnings of their spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Title I: Comprehensive Drug Penalty Act of 1983 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to subject to forfeiture provision all land and buildings used for holding or storing controlled substances or materials used to manufacture such substances except if done without the knowledge or consent of the owner. 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 and for the expenses incurred in a forfeiture action. Requires deposit in this Fund of proceeds and profits forfeited as a 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. Title II: - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the seizure of vessels, vehicles, merchandise or baggage valued at $100,000 or less. Requires written notice of such seizure to all interested parties. Increases the surety bond for any person claiming interest in the seized property to $2,500, or ten percent of the value of the claimed property, whichever is less. Establishes in the Treasury the Customs Forfeiture Fund to pay for maintenance of forfeited property, awards to informants, and liens and mortgages. Requires the deposit in such Fund of all proceeds from the sale and disposition of property forfeited under custom law. Allows transfer of the property for forfeiture under State law. Increases from $50,000 to $250,000 the award of compensation given to informers for information leading to forfeiture. Grants customs officers arrest authority and the right to carry firearms. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code dealing with customs officers' law enforcement authority to conform to this Act. Title III: - Sets forth an effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Bankruptcy Court and Federal Judgeship Act of 1983 - Title I: Bankruptcy Jurisdiction, and Procedure - Confers upon the district courts original and exclusive jurisdiction of all cases under title 11 (the bankruptcy code). Confers original, but not exclusive, jurisdiction upon the district courts of all civil proceedings arising under title 11 or arising in or related to cases under title 11. Authorizes district courts to refer all cases and civil proceedings arising under title 11 to the bankruptcy court for the district. Confers upon such bankruptcy court all jurisdiction granted the district courts for title 11 actions and proceedings. Authorizes district courts to withdraw certain actions previously referred to bankruptcy courts. Allows district courts to abstain from hearing a particular proceeding under title 11, and precludes appeals from such decisions. Requires the district courts to abstain, upon proper motion, from adjudicating claims based upon State law where such claims will be timely instituted in an appropriate State forum. Authorizes district courts to exercise jurisdiction over all the debtor's property, wherever located, and over the bankruptcy estate. Sets venue guidelines for: (1) cases and proceedings under title 11; (2) cases to enjoin actions in a State or Federal court; and (3) actions to enjoin liens against property in such courts. Delineates procedures for removal of bankruptcy cases by a party. Authorizes courts to remand cases which have been so removed, and precludes any appeal of a remand decision. Designates bankruptcy courts for each judicial district. States that such courts shall constitute a department of the district court and be comprised of bankruptcy judges in regular active service. Requires the United States court of appeals for a circuit to appoint the bankruptcy judges for each judicial district within such circuit. Sets forth provisions for: (1) official duty stations of bankruptcy judges; (2) removal procedures of such judges; (3) salaries ; (4) outside employment; (5) division of business; (6) appointment of chief bankruptcy judgeships; (7) temporary transfers of bankruptcy judges; and (8) court personnel. Requires district courts to withdraw specified actions previously referred to the bankruptcy courts. Authorizes district courts to refer certain cases or proceedings to: (1) a bankruptcy court to serve as special master; (2) a United States magistrate; or (3) a bankruptcy judge who shall exercise all the powers of a United States magistrate. Confers jurisdiction upon the district courts to hear appeals from bankruptcy court judgments and establishes appellate procedure. Sets standards for bankruptcy judge salaries and terms of office. Title II: Omnibus Judgeship - Enumerates additional permanent circuit and district judgeships for the States. Establishes retirement guidelines for judges holding office during good behavior. Outlines retirement and resignation criteria for judges, including retirement pay and salary upon resignation. Title III: Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Provides for annuities for certain bankruptcy judges. Provides criteria for filling vacant bankruptcy judgeships.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Uniformed Services Survivors Benefits Amendments of 1983 - Extends the application of the Survivor Benefit Plan to a person who dies before or within 90 days after notification of eligibility for retired pay and is married or has a dependent child. Entitles certain surviving dependent children of such a person to an annuity equal to the difference between the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation and 55 percent of the retired pay to which the children would have been entitled. Increases the amount of retired pay which shall be reduced by a specified percentage for a person with a spouse or spouse and dependent child who has not elected to provide an annuity for such persons, or has changed such an election. Directs the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to survivors of a member or former member who died during a specified period and who would have been eligible for retired pay if he had been 60. Requires a person entitled to two annuities because of subsequent marriage to elect which annuity to receive.
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 · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the changes in the Federal estate tax laws which were made by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 are vital to the continuation of the family farm and small business, and should not be repealed or amended.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Credit Card Counterfeiting and Fraud Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it an offense to knowingly and unlawfully produce, buy, sell, or transfer a credit card or account which is counterfeit, forged, lost, or stolen. Makes it a federal offense to possess with the intent to defraud five or more credit cards or fraudulent payment devices. Makes it unlawful to produce, buy, sell, transfer, or possess equipment used in the production of such fraudulent payment devices. Includes within the prohibition of the Act any individual who attempts or conspires to commit any of these offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported tomatoes to the same packing restrictions that apply to domestic tomatoes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as National Disabled Veterans Week.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Designates October 1, 1983, the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Designates the month of September 1983, as National Professional Security Month.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should insist on Soviet compliance with the Helsinki accords and the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights as they relate to the emigration of Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Designates the week of October 2 through October 8, 1983, as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
ERISA Simplification Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Definitions - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to authorize the Secretary of labor to exempt by regulation any severance pay or supplemental income arrangement from provisions applicable to welfare plans and to provide alternative methods of compliance with any such provision. Conforms the definitions of "party in interest" and "governmental plan" with the Internal Revenue Code. Revises the definitions of "normal retirement age" and "relative." Subtitle B: Amendments to Reporting and Disclosure Provisions - Eliminates requirements regarding the filing of a plan description with the Secretary of Labor. Requires qualified public accountants and actuaries to rely on the correctness of actuarial or accounting matters certified by an enrolled actuary or with respect to which a qualified public accountant has expressed an opinion for purposes of the preparation of annual reports. Eliminates certain automatic filing requirements. Revises requirements regarding simplified annual reports for pension plans with less than 100 active participants and not more than 200 participants. Exempts from reporting and disclosure requirements welfare plans providing exclusively apprenticeship and other training benefits. Eliminates the requirement of a summary annual report. Limits to $10 the fee for obtaining a plan's lastest annual report. Revises requirements regarding the disclosure to a participant or beneficiary of benefit rights and account information. Directs administrators to issue reports to certain plan participants who have separated from service stating the nature, amount, and form of the deferred vested benefit to which they are entitled. Requires employers to maintain records regarding each employee sufficient to determine the benefits due to the employee. Requires, rather than allows, the Secretary to prescribe an alternative method of compliance with reporting requirements under certain circumstances. Specifies circumstances in which the administrator of a multiemployer plan may use an alternative method of information distribution. Revises requirements of notice to interested parties before issuance of determination letters. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, to conduct a study of the means by which the reporting of information pursuant to ERISA may be approved. Specifies matters to be analyzed by such study. Subtitle C: Amendments to Participation and Vesting Provisions - Permits the determination of pension plan eligibility on a plan year basis. Specifies that the notification and election requirement triggered by a change in vesting schedules shall be applicable only to employees who would be adversely affected by the change. Makes 125 days of service in any maritime industry equivalent to 1,000 hours of service for purposes of satisfying benefit accrual requirements. Requires a plan offering an optional benefit form, in order not to be treated as having altered a participant's accrued benefit by reason of a change in actuarial assumptions, to set forth such assumptions in a separate document. Requires plans in which a majority of employees are seasonal employees to use 500 hours, rather than 1000 hours, for purposes of defining a year of service. Revises joint and survivor annuity requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe methods of measuring services based upon the elasped time of an employee's service. Subtitle D: Amendments for Funding Provisions - Makes certain revisions with respect to funding, including a requirement that changes in funding method or plan year need be approved only when made more than once in a three-year period, and a requirement that a funding method take into account future benefit changes. Subtitle E: Amendments to Fiduciary Responsibility Provisions - Permits the return to an employer of an overpayment of withdrawal liability: (1) in the case of a multiemployer plan; and (2) in the case of a multiemployer plan maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements where it is determined that a contribution was made by a mistake of fact or law. Requires the definition of "qualifying employer real property" for purposes of the limitation on the acquisition and holding of real property by a plan. Provides for allocation of prohibited transaction enforcement responsibilities. Conforms certain provisions regarding transactions by parties in interest with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Extends the prohibited transaction exemption procedure to owner-employees. Subtitle F: Amendments to Administration and Enforcement Provisions - Creates a civil cause of action for collection by a fiduciary of a multiemployer plan of delinquent employer contributions, subject to a six-year statute of limitations (three years after the date of actual knowledge of the cause of action). Makes available to the Department of Labor for purposes of administering ERISA any amounts which become available through the public request of information. Revises the composition of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to require that one of the employer members be a representative of employers maintaining small plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish at least annually reports showing the number of plans and participants; amounts of assets, income, and expenses; and certain other information categorized by plan size and type. Deems as preempted by ERISA certain provisions of State law: (1) regarding benefits provided by an insurance policy issued to an employee benefit plan; and (2) which treat a participant's interest in a plan as a security or similar right. Deems as not preempted by ERISA certain provisions of State law: (1) which require an insurance policy issued to a plan to permit a participant to convert or continue protection after the termination of the insurance coverage under the plan; and (2) which prohibit such an insurance policy from classifying health care services as ineligible for coverage solely because the provider is licensed as a provider of services other than those rendered by a medical doctor. Allows the assignment of pension plan benefits pursuant to a specific State or foreign decree of divorce, annulment, legal separation, or family support or a court order relating marital property rights. Prescribes notification and administrative requirements with respect to any such assignment. Subtitle G: Clarifying and Technical Amendments - Makes certain technical changes and corrections. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Subtitle A: Amendments Related to Title Amendments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make conforming changes in accordance with the provisions of title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund Self-Sufficiency Act of 1983 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) to eliminate the requirement for a State certificate of convenience and necessity before the Administrator may make loans to provide rural telephone service. Revises the liabilities and uses of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund established under the REA to provide that notes of the Administrator to the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain funds for loans shall be equity capital of the Fund. States that assets of the Fund shall be available only for: (1) payment of interest and principal on loans to the Administrator from the Secretary of the Treasury; and (2) for certificates of beneficial ownership issued to such Secretary or in the private market. Requires the Administrator to maintain two separate accounts within the fund: (1) the Electrification Account; and (2) the Telephone Account. Lists the items that shall be accounted for in each Account respectively, and restricts the purposes for which the assets of each Account shall be available. Authorizes the Administrator to repurchase specified certificates of beneficial ownership under certain conditions affecting their interest rates. Establishes guidelines for interest-bearing insured loans made by the Administrator to electric and telephone borrowers. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to request in each annual supplemental budget estimate the amount needed to replenish the Fund for anticipated and actual costs resulting from loans made at less than a specified rate during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to guarantee loans to specified borrowers or to accommodate or subordinate liens or mortgages held in the Fund, according to prescribed rules and regulations. Directs the Administration to promulgate such rules and regulations within 90 days after the effective date of this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which certain lenders are authorized to adjust interest rates on loans guaranteed by the Administrator. Requires rural electrification borrowers to obtain concurrent supplemental financing according to prescribed guidelines in any fiscal year in which the minimum loan level for insured rural electrification loans is less than $1,000,000,000. Repeals the loan-making authority of the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank which require approval by the Secretary of Agriculture of facilities or lines to be acquired with such loans. Eliminates loan restrictions placed upon potential borrowers whose net worth exceed their assets by twenty percent.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) to declare that contributions, gifts, or payments by union members to a separate fund which is used by the union for political purposes must be voluntary and unrelated to moneys required as a condition of employment. Declares it to be unlawful to use moneys paid to an organization as a condition of employment for any type of election or campaign activities by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Designates February 11, 1984, as National Inventors' Day.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 8 to June 19, 1983, as Family Reunion Month.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Permits the Secretary of Defense to provide air transportation to annual national meetings within the continental United States sponsored by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia to the next of kin of persons missing in action in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era, or reported dead without repatriation of the remains.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Designates the week beginning November 27, 1983, as National Home Health Care Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Proclaims September 3, 1983, a day of national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Secretary of the Treasury from investigating or auditing churches unless the Secretary possesses evidence causing him to believe that a church: (1) is carrying on an unrelated trade or business; or (2) should not be granted tax-exempt status. Restricts the Secretary from beginning any investigation unless he has first provided the church with written notice that an investigation is being commenced. Sets forth the requirements of such notice. Requires that the Secretary must first approve an application by the regional counsel of the internal revenue region for examination of church records and religious activities before beginning any such examination. Requires the Secretary, prior to the approval of any such application, to offer in writing an opportunity for a conference to discuss facts, evidence, and issues relevant to the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the church in writing of the approval of the application for examination at least 15 days prior to the commencement of such examination. Limits the examination of religious activities to that necessary to determine whether an organization is a church or convention or association of churches. Limits the examination of church records to that necessary to determine the amount of tax imposed. Allows an organization which claims that the Secretary has violated the provisions of this Act to bring a civil action for injunctive relief against the Secretary. Reduces the statute of limitations for collection after assessment of tax to three years in the case of any organization which is a church or convention or association of churches.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to define "small agricultural cooperative," for purposes of eligibility for disaster loans under such Act, as an association: (1) acting pursuant to the Agriculture Marketing Act; (2) whose size does not exceed the size standard established for other agricultural small business concerns; and (3) whose board members or governing members each qualify as a small business concern.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Designates the week beginning September 4, 1983, as Youth of America Week.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Ocean Freight Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to exclude federally financed agricultural commodities from the requirement that cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by the United States be transported on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels and vessels of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make it a Federal offense for any person to knowingly or intentionally obtain possession of a controlled substance from a distributor, manufacturer or practitioner by robbery, theft or extortion. Provides for a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000, if a dangerous weapon is used, or if death results, a prison term of up to 40 years and a fine of up to $20,000.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Home Ownership Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for contributions of cash, stocks, bond, or other securities tradeable on an established exchange to a tax-exempt trust account established for the exclusive purpose of purchasing the taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $1,000 with a maximum lifetime deduction of $10,000. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income if they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first principal residence. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions from an individual housing account which are not used for the purchase of a principal residence. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to report on the maintenance of the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to file required reports.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of 1983 - Title I: Declaration of Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the findings and purposes of Congress concerning the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Title II: General Program Authorizations and Reporting Requirements - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce for FY 1984 and 1985 in the following categories: (1) ocean research; (2) atmospheric programs; (3) satellite and environmental data and information services; and (4) the National Climate Program Office. Prohibits the transfer of funds among categories in excess of ten percent of the funds authorized unless Congress is given 30 days written notice or each committee having jurisdiction transmits a notice of no objection to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to keep all appropriate committees informed of the activities of NOAA. Requires the Administrator to include a report in the annual budget request. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President with the FY 1985 budget request a report on the importance of meteorological satellites to weather forecasting, including lifetimes and replacement times for NOAA weather satellites. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from transferring ownership or management of any civil land, meteorological, or ocean remote sensing space satellite system and associated ground equipment until such Secretary presents to Congress a comprehensive plan and Congress then enacts a law containing necessary procedures and limitations. Earmarks funds for the continuation of a civil land remote sensing satellite system if no alternative is implemented. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Research Council of the Academies of Science and Engineering to conduct a study of the National Weather Service and related activities. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress within six months on the NOAA's efforts to negotiate such study. Requires that a final report be made to Congress within two years. Authorizes appropriations for such study for FY 1984 and 1985. Title III: National Climate Program - National Climate Program Amendments of 1983 - Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain an interagency Climate Program Policy Board (Board) to coordinate planning, review all executive branch budget requests relating to climate, and establish other groups as necessary. Establishes the position of Director to head the National Climate Program Office, represent the Board, and be the spokesperson for the program. Requires the Office to analyze agency budget requests, coordinate interagency participation in international climate-related activities, and work with the National Academy of Sciences and other groups in preparing and implementing the five-year climate plan. Permits the Office to provide financial assistance for activities needed to meet the goals of the program set forth in such plan. Expands the mechanisms for intergovernmental climate-related studies and services under the program. Requires that the plan be revised and extended not more than biennially but not less than quadrennially. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985. Requires that at least 25 percent of such authorizations be made available each fiscal year for intergovernmental climate-related activities and at least 20 percent for experimental climate forecast centers. Title IV: Ocean Pollution Research - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to consolidate various reporting requirements into an annual report to Congress due each March. Includes within National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) long-term research activities: (1) techniques to define and quantify marine environment degradation; (2) assessment of marine adaptability; (3) continuation of ongoing monitoring programs; and (4) dumping improvements. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) in cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies to study comprehensive regional waste management plans; and (2) in cooperation with NOAA, to report to Congress within one year on sewage sludge disposal options in the New York region. Authorizes FY 1984 and 1985 appropriations, including amounts for such New York study. Title V: Miscellaneous - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out out such Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide at least 60 days notice to affected persons of any weather service office closure or consolidation. Sets forth the criteria the Secretary must use in making a determination, including the effect on the community served and the employees of the office. Requires the Secretary to keep written records of all aspects of such a determination. Requires any decision to close or consolidate to be in writing. Prohibits the Secretary from acting until 60 days have elapsed from the time the written decision is made available. Permits an affected State to sue for review of any such determination. Deems any determination or decision by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to close or consolidate a Weather Service Office to have been made by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Credit Card Protection Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit the disclosure of credit card numbers or other access codes to customer's accounts. Sets forth those circumstances in which the access codes may be disclosed. Extends the current prohibition against the fraudulent use and transportation of credit cards to cover, additionally, credit card numbers, debit cards, electronic banking cards, or other access devices to a customer's account. Makes possession, with unlawful or fraudulent intent, of ten or more illegally obtained credit cards, codes, or other means of accessing an account a Federal crime. Confers Federal jurisdiction over any offense where multiple credit cards, access numbers, and so forth, are used so long as the fraudulent charges amount to $1,000 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause two named vessels to be documented as vessels of the United States entitled to engage in the coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Designates August 3, 1983, as National Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a business expense income tax deduction for additions to a reserve established for the cost incurred by a regulated public utility in decommissioning (retiring) a nuclear powerplant. Limits the deduction to the amount which the regulatory body having ratemaking jurisdiction over the utility permits as addition to a reserve and which is included in its cost of service for ratemaking purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit married couples to elect a spousal individual retirement account without regard to whether the nonworking spouse has any earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Correctional Facilities Act of 1983 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to State and local governments to construct, expand, repair, renovate, or modernize correctional facilities. Provides a distribution formula based on State population, criminal population, and corrections expenditures. Allows States to utilize the grants to fund 75 percent of their corrections construction expenditures. Provides grants for demonstration projects. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to transfer or convey to State and local governments surplus property that the Attorney General recommends to be suitable for correctional facility use.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to extend medical benefits to a former spouse who was married at least 20 years to a member with at least 20 years of service when a minimum of ten years rather than 20 years of such marriage and service coincide. Repeals the requirements that the former spouse be unmarried and have no medical coverage under an employee-sponsored health plan. Grants medical benefits to a former spouse who has a disease or disability attributable to the nature or location of a member's or former member's military service. Limits the health care available to such former spouses to that necessary for the treatment of such a disease or disability. Applies this Act to all eligible former spouses, regardless of the date of divorce.