United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Relief Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era who suffer from specified diseases which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Permits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to determine what other diseases may be due to exposure to herbicides, chemicals, or environmental hazards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the standards used to reach them.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Joint Research and Development Ventures Act of 1983 - Allows U.S. firms to conduct cooperative research and development programs by establishing qualified joint research and development ventures which shall be exempt from the antitrust laws. Includes as a U.S. firm any entity controlled by foreign firms or citizens if their nation provides U.S. firms and citizens equivalent access to research and development efforts in that nation. States the requirements for qualified ventures, including: (1) the use of identical terms for the same levels of participation by firms; (2) the identification of each research and development program to be conducted and the contributions required for a firm's participation in each program; (3) a finding by the Attorney General that the participation of any firm that accounts for a large specified percentage of worldwide industry sales of a product is critical to the program's success, is in the national interest, and will not directly affect future production of such product; and (4) the notification of the Attorney General of the formation of a venture, the parties to the venture, the programs to be conducted, the participants in the programs, and agreements under the venture. Limits a venture's activities to conducting one or more research and development programs (including programs in which universities participate) which are projected to be completed within ten years after their inception. Declares that a participant in a venture shall not be subject to restrictions on its own research and development activities or its exploitation of inventions resulting from the venture's findings. Vests authority for the management of a venture in a management board composed of one representative of each participant and at least three U.S. citizens representing nonparticipants. Directs each board to establish criteria for the selection of research and development programs, the admission or withdrawal of participants, and the licensing of venture technology. Specifies information to be considered by the board in establishing such criteria. Declares that the venture shall retain title to all inventions, patents, and know-how. Entitles any firm that is a participant in a program when an invention is discovered to irrevocable, nonexclusive, and equivalent licenses to all patents and know-how. Provides for rewarding participants according to the risks each assumed. Requires licenses to be made available to nonparticipant firms after the participants have held their licenses for three years. Directs the venture to collect any royalties on behalf of the participants. Permits the venture to retain part of the royalties as may be agreed to by the participants. Requires a venture to update its notice of formation annually if necessary. Grants qualified ventures, participants, and employees thereof immunity from Federal and State antitrust laws. Directs a court to award a defendant the costs of defending against a claim brought under the antitrust laws against a venture if the venture meets the requirements of this Act or the alleged conduct does not violate antitrust laws. Provides for the investigation of ventures by the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify a venture of the actions, if any, it must take to meet the requirements of this Act; and (2) commence a court action to dissolve a venture that fails to take such actions. Permits an aggrieved party to appeal an adverse court determination. Exempts from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act any information generated under such investigation or court action. Declares that a determination by the Attorney General, the district court, or the court of appeals shall not be admissible as evidence in an administrative or judicial proceeding in support of any claim under the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell a medal in honor of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Declares that the Secretary shall offer such medals for sale to the public at a price sufficient to cover the cost of minting and distributing of such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Cigarette Safety Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate, within 24 months, final performance standards for cigarettes and little cigars ensuring a minimal capacity for igniting smoldering fabric fires. Requires publication in the Federal Register, together with detailed reasons, of any decision not to promulgate a standard based on a finding that it is technologically impracticable or economically unreasonable. Authorizes the Commission to prohibit manufacturers from stockpiling such products to which such standards apply. Provides for judicial review of such standards in an appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Declares such cigarette safety standards to be subject to all remedial and penalty provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act for the first three fiscal years beginning after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,500. Phases out such credit in annual increments after 1988. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1983 and before January 1, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board. Limits the period of such ban to not more than three years after the Secretary has certified the identify of such person to the Comptroller General. Permits the awarding of Federal contracts to such person during the period of the ban if the Federal agency or department, after notice and opportunity for hearing to all interested parties, certifies to the Secretary that there is no other source for the material or services furnished by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Title I: Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Assistance - Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program (as title VI of such Act) for emergency mathematics and science education at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to provide elementary and secondary education assistance (Part A) under such title VI program for FY 1984 and 1985. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provision of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of Part A program funds. Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve part A program appropriations for any fiscal year: (1) one percent for allocation among Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and (2) one-half of one percent for payment to to the Secretary of the Interior for use in Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. Requires that the remainder be allocated among the States (and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) according to a specified formula. Permits the State educational agency (SEA) to reserve up to 25 percent of such a State allocation for the conduct of State programs, planning, and administration. Requires the remainder of the State allocation to be allocated by the SEA among the local education agencies (LEAs) in proportion to their most recent allocations under chapter I of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Requires LEAs to use Part A program funds for: (1) needs assessment; and (2) in-service teacher training. Permits remaining funds to be used for discretionary activities to improve mathematics and science education. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications to the SEA for such funds. Requires SEAs to use Part A program funds for: (1) in-service teacher training; (2) expenses related to teacher attendance at specified summer institutes; and (3) matching grants to LEAS to operate joint programs with other public or private groups (at least 20 percent of the SEA program allocation must be used for such grants). Permits remaining funds to be used for discretionary activities to improve mathematics and science education. Limits to 12 percent that portion of the SEA allocation which may be used for Part A program administrative costs. Requires that Part A program funds be used only to supplement, not supplant, funds from non-Federal sources. Requires SEAs and LEAs to ensure equal educational opportunity and the full participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial, and ethnic minorities, in Part A programs. Requires SEAs and LEAs to provide for the participation of private school children and teachers in Part A programs. Requires that Part A program funds and property derived from such funds, must be controlled and administered by a public agency. Requires that Part A program State plans and LEA applications for FY 1985 and thereafter contain an evaluation of programs conducted. Directs the Secretary to use the national diffusion network to disseminate information on particularly successful programs under Part A. Sets forth provisions for postsecondary assistance (Part B) under the title VI emergency mathematics and science education program. Requires that specified funds be used to award national teaching scholarships to up to 5,000 individuals for FY 1984 and 10,000 individuals for FY 1985. Limits such scholarships to an amount equal to the tuition and fee expenses of any recipient for two academic years of undergraudate or graduate education. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve up to 30 percent of the funds for such scholarships to make awards to individuals who are currently teachers for one year of study at an institution of higher education. Sets forth provisions for eligibility and nomination of national teaching scholars. Provides that a committee chaired by the Librarian of Congress shall select national teaching scholars. Obligates each national teaching scholar to: (1) teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, foreign languages, or other appropriate subject for two years for each year of the scholarship; or (2) repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest at a rate prescribed by the Secretary. Provides that such scholarships shall not be considered in determining eligibility for student assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965, but that the sum of such assistance and such scholarship shall not exceed the cost of attendance. Directs the Secretary to make specified funds for FY 1984 or 1985 available for competitive grants to institutions of higher education for undergraduate mathematics, science, and foreign language curriculum improvement and faculty development programs to improve instruction for students who have or are pursuing teaching certificates. Reserves 25 percent of funds for such programs for institutions which serve a high proportion of low income students and which are thus eligible for assistance under title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary, from specified funds for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education to support summer institutes and workshops for supervisors and certified teachers in elementary and secondary schools to improve their instructional skills and knowledge in mathematics, science, and foreign language, or other areas determined by Secretary. Permits such institutes to involve the cooperation of advanced technology firms and other private industries. Authorizes the Secretary, upon SEA request, to make grants to other public teacher training agencies established by the SEA before January 1, 1983. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective instructional methods and programs in mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Authorizations appropriations for such purpose to the Department for FY 1984 and 1985, to be made available to the National Institute of Education and the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to provisions for Part B postsecondary assistance for FY 1984. Requires that, of such total amount, at least: (1) 40 percent be available for national teaching scholarships; (2) 15 percent be available for postsecondary mathematics, science, and foreign language improvement; and (3) 35 percent be available for summer institutes. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1985 to carry out a program of teacher initiative grants (Part C). Allocates Part C program appropriations among the States in the same manner as required by Part A program provisions. Requires that States use Part C programs funds to make grants to teachers, who have completed inservice or other training under Parts A or B programs, for teacher-initiated projects to improve mathematics, science, and technology education. Prohibits any State from reserving more than one percent of Part C program funds for state administration and assistance to teachers in formulating Part C programs. Revises specified definitions under the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to conform to those under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program. Title II: National Engineering and Science Personnel - National Engineering and Science Personnel Act of 1983 - Declares that it shall be the continuing policy of the United States to maintain an adequate supply of technical, engineering, and scientific personnel to insure U.S. technological strength and security. Directs the President to take all necessary actions coordinate Federal departments and agencies in carrying out this policy. Declares that primary responsibility for developing policies of Federal support of research and development and of science, engineering, and technical personnel lies with the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) a special Engineering and Science Personnel Fund to promote and develop the quality of U.S. technical, engineering, and scientific personnel resources. Directs NSF to administer the Fund and, in directing policy for the Fund, to consider current and predicted supply and demand for trained personnel. Requires that grants from the Fund be matched by other private or public sector funds. Establishes the Fund for only five years after enactment of this title, requiring specific congressional authorization for Fund continuance beyond such period. Directs NSF to report to the Congress at least biennially concerning expenditures under the Fund. Sets forth the following priorities for use of the Fund, with minimum required expenditures for some priorities: (1) recruitment and retention of new engineering faculty, (2) two-year and community college faculty and instructor development in high technology fields (20 percent minimum expenditures); (3) development of programs of instructional instrumentation and systems for postsecondary technical, engineering, and scientific education, with special emphasis on computer accessibility (15 percent minimum expenditures); (4) pre-college science and mathematics education and training, including programs promoting cooperation and exchange of resources and personnel with industry and other elements of the private sector (15 percent minimum expenditures); (5) public understanding of science and mathematics; (6) developing and disseminating instructional materials and resources for improved education in engineering, mathematics, and science, and (7) four-year college faculty and instructor development in high technology fields, including instructional development and instrumentation. Makes the Office of Science and Technology Policy responsible for coordination of the activities of the Department of Education and the NSF under this Act, except for activities under provisions for the "Part A" program of elementary and secondary assistance for emergency mathematics and science education. Requires the Department and the NSF to report jointly to the Congress on their activities under this Act, within one year from the date of enactment and biennially thereafter. Authorizes appropriations to the Engineering and Science Personnel Fund for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Neighborhood Development Demonstration Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a three-year demonstration program to determine the feasibility of assisting neighborhood development activities by providing Federal matching funds to certain nonprofit neighborhood development organizations on the basis of amounts received from the private sector. Authorizes the Secretary to select, through a competitive process, up to 100 organizations to participate in the program in the first year, 200 in the second, and 300 in the third. Directs the Secretary to establish a neighborhood development advisory council to evaluate the applicants and recommend selections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign each participating organization a program year during which time voluntary private contributions shall be eligible for matching; and (2) establish a ratio of between three and ten Federal dollars for each dollar contributed which the Secretary shall pay to each organization at the end of each three-month period of the organization's program year. Limits the maximum amount the Secretary may pay to any organization for a year to $50,000. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) assistance is provided to organizations only if their applications include certification by the local government of the area involved that such assistance is consistent with the housing and community development, conservation, and revitalization objectives of such governments; and (2) the neighborhood development activities conducted comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and any findings or recommendations concerning the demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1983, to delay until July 1, 1984, the effective date for the denial of Federal educational assistance to students who have failed to comply with the registration requirements under the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-43) relating to economic development assistance programs, as transmitted by the President to the Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Emergency Housing Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of certain delinquent mortgagors in a district when, for three consecutive months, the amount of delinquent mortgage loans exceeds a specified percentage of the amount of all loans accounted for in the mortgage delinquency series maintained by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board for such district or the nation. Provides for the discontinuation and reinstitution of such assistance program depending on such delinquency rate condition. Lists the conditions for assistance eligibility, which include requirements that: (1) the mortgage is not federally insured under the National Housing Act or the Housing Act of 1949; (2) the mortgagor has suffered a substantial reduction in income as a result of circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control which renders the mortgagor unable to make full mortgage payments; and (3) the Secretary has determined that assistance is necessary to avoid foreclosure and that it is likely that the mortgagor will be able to resume full mortgage payments within 36 months and pay the mortgage in full by its maturity date. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a mortgagor will be able to resume making full payments and pay the mortgage in full if the mortgagor suffered a reduction in income because of a loss of, or reduction in, employment. Requires each financial institution or mortgagee, at least 30 days before instituting any foreclosure proceeding, to notify the mortgagor involved of the availability of assistance under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide homeownership counseling to persons assisted under this Act; and (2) approve or disapprove an application for assistance within 45 days. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to recapture assistance provided under this Act. Creates the Homeowners Emergency Relief Fund to be available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations and limits expenditures for assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary and certain Federal agencies which supervise financial institutions to waive or relax limitations pertaining to the operations of certain mortgagees and financial institutions with respect to mortgage delinquencies in order to encourage forebearance in residential mortgage loan foreclosure. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every 60 days on: (1) the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures in various housing markets; (2) the prospects of voluntary forebearance by mortgagees in such areas; (3) Government actions to encourage such forebearance and to provide assistance under this title; and (4) the default status of mortgagees on multifamily properties with recommendations on curing and avoiding such defaults. Directs the Secretary to study and report on the use of alternative mortgage delinquency series under this title. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for grants by the Secretary to local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations for the provision of shelter and essential services for individuals who are subject to life-threatening situations because of their lack of housing. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, prior to taking any action that would result in a borrower losing housing financed by a rural housing loan, to grant a moratorium on loan payments if the borrower shows that he or she is unable to continue making payments because of circumstances beyond his or her control. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that delinquent borrowers are informed of the availability of such assistance; and (2) provide technical assistance to borrowers applying for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to reamortize the accrued debt of a borrower if reamortization is likely to result in the resumption of payments by the borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to revise State trigger provisions to provide that extended benefits will be payable in any State in which the seasonally adjusted rate of regular unemployment averaged seven percent or more for the most recent three calendar months for which data are available. Permits States to pay extended benefits on the basis of area triggers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
International Competitive Finance Act of 1983 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act Amendments of 1978 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to begin an inquiry immediately after receiving information that foreign sales to the United States are being seriously offered involving foreign official export credits that breach international agreements. Requires the inquiry to determine the accuracy of the information. Directs the Secretary to authorize the Export-Import Bank to provide competitive U.S. sellers with matching financing if: (1) the Secretary finds the information is accurate and requests the withdrawal of the foreign financing; and (2) the foreign financing is not withdrawn within ten days of the request.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to repeal the prohibition against providing student loans for persons who were required to but have not registered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum, or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws should develop a model State act (and interstate recognition and enforcement procedures) providing grandparents with adequate rights to petition in State courts for privileges to visit their grandchildren after a dissolution of the parents' marriage; (2) States should adopt such model State act; and (3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, should provide technical assistance to States in developing guidelines which help determine the "best interests of the child" in such cases and which take into account the ability of grandparents to help satisfy such child's need for continuity of care.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Authorizes the Academy to: (1) conduct research on the causes of war and the elements of peace; (2) provide peace education and research programs; (3) conduct training in conflict resolution; (4) disseminate information on peace learning; (5) establish a Center for International Peace; and (6) establish a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Directs the President to resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on a treaty prohibiting: (1) the testing, deployment, production, or use of any weapons system designed to damage or interfere with a spacecraft; and (2) the stationing in outer space of any weapon designed to inflict injury or damage on the Earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Requires such a treaty to provide for verifying compliance with its terms. Directs the President to request the United Nations to bring about multilateral negotiations banning all weapons based in space.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Prohibits any cooperation with South Africa with respect to atomic energy. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing any license or authorization for the export of any nuclear materials, equipment, or technology to South Africa. States that the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 may not be used to distribute any nuclear material, source material, or byproduct material to South Africa. Prohibits any U.S. agency or official from permitting the transfer to, or use by, South Africa of nuclear material, equipment, or technology. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any activity which would constitute engaging in the production of special nuclear material in South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing an export license for any goods or technology which: (1) are intended for a nuclear related end use or end user; (2) have been identified as items which could be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes; or (3) are otherwise subject to certain procedures of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Secretaries of Commerce, Energy, and State to prepare lists of goods and technology transferable to South Africa notwithstanding the provisions of this Act which could help that country develop a nuclear capability. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit the export of such goods and technology. Prohibits any officer or employee of the executive branch from making available to South Africa any technology or other information which could increase that country's nuclear capability. Terminates any license or authorization described in this Act which was issued before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
High Technology Trade Act of 1983 - Authorizes the President to negotiate with foreign governments and instrumentalities to obtain and preserve maximum openness in international trade and investment in high technology goods and services and to strengthen the international trading system. Authorizes the President to enter into bilateral and multilateral agreements to achieve the objectivies of this Act. Authorizes the President, in order to carry out an agreement under this Act, to proclaim tariff changes and to use procedures contained in the Trade Act of 1974 if changes in U.S. law are required. Requires the President to determine whether or not a key country is providing national treatment for U.S. exports of high technology products and investments in high technology industries. Defines "key country" to mean Japan, the European Economic Community, Canada and any other foreign country so designated by the President. Defines "national treatment" to include treatment not less favorable than that accorded to any national in specified economic respects. Requires the President to enter into consultations with key countries not providing national treatment. Requires the President to consider taking necessary actions under trade agreements if such consultations do not establish national treatment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on: (1) the extent to which any key country uses industrial policies or measures that distort international trade and have significant adverse effects on the U.S. high technology industry; and (2) the measures the United States is taking to remedy such adverse effects. Sets forth material to be analyzed in such report. Directs the President to take whatever steps are necessary to eliminate foreign industrial policies which: (1) significantly distort international trade or investment to the detriment of any U.S. high technology industry; and (2) may result in sales of articles at less than fair value in the U.S. market or subsidization of imports and cause material injury to any U.S. high technology industry. Directs the Secretary to analyze high technology trade and investment patterns, to evaluate the equivalency of competitive opportunities, and to further the objectives of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President on such analysis. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary to report annually to the President concerning: (1) measures in violation of U.S. international agreements; or (2) unreasonable or discriminatory burdens or restrictions on U.S. high technology products, services, or investments. Directs the President to consider what action may be taken to reduce or eliminate such measures. Directs the Secretary and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to establish a High Technology Industry Advisory committee. Requires the USTR and the Secretary to consult with the Committee on negotiating positions, concluding agreements, imposing restrictions under this Act, and monitoring the results of any such agreement or restriction. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to add to the actions the President may take to enforce U.S. trade rights and respond to foreign trade practices. Authorizes the President to impose restrictions on direct investment by foreigners in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that, in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Regulatory Negotiations Commissions Act of 1983 - Directs the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to announce the availability of funds for the creation of five regulatory negotiation commissions comprised of representatives of business, local government, and public interest organizations to negotiate and make recommendations concerning regulatory policy in the areas of health, safety, and the environment. Permits interested persons proposing to form such a commission to apply for such funding. Sets forth the required contents of the application and the criteria for approving a commission to receive funds. Requires a commission to have sufficient representation of all persons significantly affected by the area of regulation concerned. Directs each commission receiving such funding to submit to the Chairman annual reports on its activities and a final report containing its recommendations for regulatory policy. Directs the Chairman to transmit the recommendations to all agencies concerned with such area of regulatory policy for their consideration and comments. Requires any agency, when requested by a commission, to send observers to commission meetings to provide requested information. Directs the Chairman to report to Congress by January 1, 1984, on the results of commissions funded under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and 1984. Exempts such commissions from provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
National Industrial Development Act - Establishes the National Industrial Development Board which shall: (1) publish reports setting forth its recommendations on national industrial development priorities; and (2) at the request of a congressional committee or Federal agency, provide policy recommendations and reports on issues of national industrial policy pending before such committee or agency. Permits the Board to decline to respond to such a request if the Board determines that it concerns a matter that is not of immediate importance, unless: (1) it relates to a Government loan or loan guarantee; or (2) the President notifies the Board that it relates to an emergency situation. Directs the Board to establish procedures to ensure that no report is released to the public before seven days after it is issued, unless the Board determines that an earlier release is appropriate. Declares that members of the Board shall not be required to file any financial disclosure report under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the Board and personal staff for Board members without regard to specified Federal provisions governing civil service employment and compensation. Exempts the Board from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Board to submit to the President and each House of Congress an annual report on the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet such priorities, along with any findings and legislative or administrative recommendations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Specialty Steel Fair Trade Act of 1983 - Establishes quotas on imports of stainless steel and alloy tool steel. Sets forth the method for calculating the quotas. Authorizes the President to negotiate agreements allocating portions of the U.S. imports of such steel products among supplying countries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to administer the import limitations established by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take certain actions to avoid disruption of regional markets. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress four and one-half years after enactment of this Act on whether the quotas should be continued, modified, or revoked and on the effects of the quotas established by this Act on the: (1) economic soundness and employment opportunities in the specialty steel industry; (2) general economy; (3) U.S. balance of payments; and (4) national security. Requires the quotas to continue in effect for at least five years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that early retirement benefits of a defined benefit plan established for policemen and firemen shall be limited by actuarial adjustments made by reference to age 55 (instead of age 62).
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the manufacturers excise tax on trucks: (1) any fire or rescue vehicle; and (2) any chassis sold for conversion to use as an ambulance, hearse, combination ambulance-hearse, or fire or rescue vehicle. Permits the credit or refund of overpayments of the excise tax imposed on chassis sold for such conversion.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the Government that: (1) Federal procurement should be accomplished on a competitive basis wherever possible through the General Services Administration (GSA); (2) the use of multiple award schedules should be restricted to cases where competitive single awards are not feasible, sales volume justifies centralized procurement, and a valid need exists for functionally similar items with different prices and features; and (3) where the volume of products purchased is too low to provide a price advantage and commercial "off-the-shelf" products can be substituted for products designed to Government specifications, individual agencies should purchase items locally subject to review by GSA. Directs the Administrator of GSA to implement such policy, the recommendations on procurement contained in the Comptroller General's report of May 2, 1979, and the policy statement prepared by the Office of Acquisition Policy in response to such report. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days after enactment, to issue transitional regulations governing purchases from any multiple award schedule. Requires that such regulations: (1) include the requirement that whenever any agency procurement officer or employee determines that an item in such a schedule is available from a commercial source in the area at a lower cost and under conditions which are no less favorable to the Government than is the case under the schedule, the item shall be purchased from that source; and (2) establish procedures for the audit and review of any such purchase and the enforcement of such regulations by GSA. Repeals such regulations on the effective date of the regulations which are issued to implement the procurement policy declared by this Act and which apply to any item on a multiple award schedule. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress periodic reports on actions taken, and legislation needed, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the production of lethal binary chemical munitions after the enactment of this Act. Defines lethal binary chemical munitions to mean: (1) toxic chemicals intended to injure or kill humans; and (2) devices intended to disseminate such chemicals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for a mutual, verifiable limitation on chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Suspends: (1) the FY 1983 foreign military sales financing program, including loan guarantees, for El Salvador under the Arms Export Control Act; and (2) the international military education and training program for El Salvador under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Prohibits: (1) making available to El Salvador defense articles and defense services under the Arms Export Control Act or Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) selling arms and issuing export licenses' under the Arms Export Control Act to El Salvador; and (3) using the special draw down authority under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for El Salvador. Provides that such suspension and prohibitions shall continue until Congress expressly authorizes the resumption of said military assistance and sales to El Salvador.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
National Engineering and Science Personnel Act of 1983 - Places responsibility for developing policies for Federal support of research and development and of science, engineering, and technical personnel with the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. Authorizes all Federal departments and agencies to establish or cooperate with other levels of government or the private sector in establishing programs and activities for the training and education of such personnel. Establishes in the National Science Foundation (NSF) a special Engineering and Science Personnel Fund to promote and develop the quality of U.S. technical, engineering, and scientific personnel resources. Authorizes the NSF to expend funds through a system of 50-50 matching grants with other private or public sector sources. Terminates the Fund after five years. Requires the NSF to report to Congress at least biennially on expenditures from the Fund. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984-1988.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in an employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) the spouse of an enrollee whose marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment, if the enrollee was enrolled for self and family; (3) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (4) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans to require carriers to: (1) reinsure with other participating companies; (2) enter into an agreement approved by OPM with an underwriting subcontractor licensed to issue group health insurance in all States and the District of Columbia; and (3) meet minimum financial standards prescribed by OPM. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; and (3) comprehensive dental benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, within the Department, an Office of Housing for the Elderly. Lists the responsibilities of the Office which include coordinating housing programs for the elderly and representing the Assistant Secretary for Housing on matters concerning housing for the elderly. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to submit to Congress an annual report on housing for the elderly. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish an Advisory Committee on Housing for the Elderly.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lundine, Stanley N. [D-NY-34]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000516_200.jpg)