United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity) of the Civil Rights Act to 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against any individual who is physically or mentally handicapped.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that, for purposes of determining whether a private foundation is an operating foundation, the private foundation may use the estate tax valuation for a farm: (1) owned by the foundation on January 1, 1982; or (2) acquired by the foundation from a decedent dying after December 31, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Women's Equal Rights Act of 1983 - Declares that in order to protect the rights secured for all persons by the equal protection clause of the Constitution, it is necessary to establish a uniform nationwide standard governing classifications based on gender. Prohibits the Federal Government and any State or local government from making and enforcing a classification based upon gender unless it is necessary to achieve a compelling interest of that government and is the least burdensome alternative possible.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Title I: National Jobs Creation - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide that such Act may be cited as the National Jobs Creation Act of 1983. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for a portion of the cost of projects submitted in a jobs creation strategy, upon application of States, local governments, Indian tribes, public nonprofit organizations established for jobs creation purposes, or multijurisdictional units within a State which meet certain eligibility criteria. Permits such job creation assistance to be for: (1) construction, repair, rehabilitation, and improvement of public facilities, including the acquisition of land and other public works improvements to encourage and support private development; (2) revolving loan funds to promote establishment and growth of small businesses and to retain indigenous firms and entrepreneurs which contribute to the creation, retention, and expansion of private sector jobs; and (3) jobs creation activities which address and prevent economic dislocation and facilitate economic adjustment which contributes to economic diversification and long-term economic vitality of the area. Permits States local governments, Indian tribes, or multijurisdictional units within a State which meet eligibility "distress requirements" to apply for such grants. Requires grant applications to include: (1) a certification that the area for which the grant is to be made meets the distress requirements; (2) a certification relative to the performance of any responsibilities which the Secretary has agreed to accept under specified provisions of this Act; and (3) a jobs creation strategy prepared in accordance with specified provisions of this Act. Sets forth factors which the Secretary must consider in approving grant applications. Sets forth "distress requirements." Requires that any area receiving such a grant have: (1) a per capita income of 80 percent or less or the national average; (2) an unemployment rate two percent above the national average for the most recent 24-month period for which statistics are available; or (3) experienced or about to experience a sudden economic dislocation resulting in job loss that is significant both in terms of the number of jobs eliminated and the effect upon the employment rate of the area. Requires that documentation of distress be: (1) supported by Federal data, when available through the State government; (2) accepted by the Secretary unless it is determined to be inaccurate; and (3) gathered from the most recent statistics available. Sets forth requirements for the job creation strategy which a grant applicant must prepare. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants under this title to an applicant to establish a revolving loan fund for making or guaranteeing loans to: (1) small businesses for initial or working capital or the purchase of facilities or equipment; (2) businesses where capital is needed to complete financing necessary to retain the business in the area. Limits any grant for the establishment or recapitalization of a revolving loan fund to $1,000,000. Prohibits loans or guarantees from such a fund unless: (1) such financial assistance is not otherwise available from private lenders on specified terms; and (2) reasonable assurance of repayment is provided. Requires the grantee to administer the fund. Prohibits the United States from exercising any control over such administration. Provides that any grant for a project for any eligibility activity under this title shall be in an amount which, when added to that available from all other sources, is sufficient to complete the project, but limits such grant amount to 50 percent of the project completion cost as determined at the time of the grant application. Prohibits any additional funds from being granted or otherwise made available under this title for any project for which such a grant has been made. Limits the amount of any grant for the establishment of a revolving loan fund under this title to an amount equal to that available from all other sources. Limits the amount of any additional grant for the recapitalization of such a fund to one-third of the amount available from all other sources. Prohibits the expenditure in any one State of more than 15 percent of the appropriations made pursuant to this title. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title for FY 1983 and 1984. Prohibits approval of any grant under this title unless the Secretary is satisfied that the project will be properly and efficiently administered, operated, and maintained. Authorizes the Secretary to discharge any responsibilities of his or her relative to a project for which a grant may be made under this title by accepting a certification by the applicant of the applicant's performance of such responsibilities. Authorizes the Secretary to rescind such acceptance, if necessary. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on operations under this title for FY 1983 and thereafter, by February 1 of the following year. Directs the Secretary to maintain a list of applications approved for a grant under this title, as a permanent part of the Department of Commerce records and available for public inspection. Requires each grant recipient to keep specified records for audit purposes. Grants the Secretary and the Comptroller General access for audit and examination to pertinent records of grant recipients. Title II: Appalachian Regional Transition Assistance - Appalachian Transition Act of 1983 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to declare that investments under such Act shall also be made in severely distressed and underdeveloped counties lacking resources for basic services and in areas without access to sufficient health services. Adds as a purpose of such Act the orderly transition from special Federal assistance to increased State, local, and private investment in Appalachian regional development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through FY 1984. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1984 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases from 70 to 80 percent the subsequent Federal share of an Appalachian development highway segment when a participating State proceeds to construct a segment of such a highway without the aid of Federal funds. Applies such increase to projects approved after March 31, 1979. Extends to October 1, 1984, the date by which specified Federal grant-in-aid programs must be authorized in order to be covered by provisions for supplements to such programs. Authorizes the Commission, after September 30, 1983, to make grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects to assist: (1) in creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs, upgrading of the region's manpower, or attraction or private investment; (2) severely distressed and underdeveloped counties which lack financial resources for improving basic services; or (3) in reducing infant mortality or in providing adequate health manpower or reasonable access to primary health care for every resident of the region. Prohibits approval of any project for assistance under such Act after September 30, 1983 (except for development highways and local development district support, research, and technical assistance) unless the Commission determines such project: (1) is necessary for a related private sector commitment which assures either the direct creation or retention of jobs in the region of a specific private investment substantially enhancing area economic development potential; (2) will upgrade manpower for jobs in the region through training relevant to the regional job market; (3) assists a facility to provide safe drinking water, affordable waste disposal, or other similar basic service in a county designated by the Commission as severely distressed or under developed; or (4) assists, for a limited period, the provision of primary health care, infant mortality reduction, or recruitment of health manpower in designated areas. Limits, after September 30, 1983, grants under such Act to 50 percent of project costs (except development highways projects). Permits such grants to increase the Federal contribution to any project to such percentage as the Commission determines within the limitations in such Act. Prohibits funds authorized under this title from being approved under such Act for projects for: (1) libraries, cultural centers, or recreation facilities; (2) construction of schools, hospitals, or government office buildings; (3) community centers, or social services facilities (with specified exceptions); or (4) operations, except costs for startup and first year. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act for FY 1984 (in addition to the appropriations authorized for administrative expenses and for the Appalachian development highway system and local access roads). Extends the termination date of such Act to October 1, 1984. (Such termination does not apply to the Appalachian development highway system provisions of such Act). Repeals specified provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Act to require bankruptcy courts to give priority to allowed unsecured claims of farmers arising from the sale or conversion of farm produce to or by a debtor who operates a farm produce storage facility. Specifies that such sale or conversion must have occurred within 180 days before the filing of the petition or before the cessation of the debtor's business, whichever occurs first. Limits the payment of any such claim to $2,000 per individual. Permits a bankruptcy court to expedite the procedures for determining interests in and the disposition of grain and proceeds held by debtors who own or operate grain storage facilities. Requires the court to expedite such procedures if requested by a trustee or a claimant. Sets forth factors for the court to consider before deciding whether to shorten the time periods for procedures. Lists the procedures which may be expedited. Specifies administrative details.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require a blind person to have at least six quarters of coverage in order to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth the method of computing the average indexed monthly earnings of a blind individual for purposes of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that the benefits of a blind person shall not be reduced because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Requires recomputation of the disability insurance benefit of a blind individual who applies for a recomputation if such recomputation would result in a higher primary insurance amount.
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
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer in public schools or institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Deauthorizes the William L. Springer Lake portion (located on the Sangamon River near Decatur, Illinois) of the flood control project for the Illinois River and tributaries (Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana). Requires the lands acquired for such portion to be made available for purchase by the city of Decatur, before such lands are sold or otherwise disposed of at the price the United States acquired such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Danny Thomas in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding work as an American. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by said Secretary. Provides, effective October 1, 1983, funds not to exceed $22,000 to carry out the purposes of the Act. Provides that the Secretary may cause bronze duplicates of the medal to be coined and sold under regulations prescribed by the Secretary at a price sufficient to cover the costs of producing the gold medal. Directs that the appropriation used to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be reimbursed out of the proceeds from such coin sales. Provides that the medals are to be national medals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to remove the prohibitions against: (1) using contributions to the United Nations Development Program for Cuban economic or technical assistance projects; and (2) furnishing assistance under such Act to Cuba. Repeals the law expressing the determination of the United States to contain the aggressive or subversive activities of the Cuban Government and to support the aspirations of the Cuban people for self-determination. Nullifies Presidential Proclamation 3447 of February 3, 1962, imposing a trade embargo against Cuba.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Increases the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator of Veterans Affairs shall pay to the States for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities. Directs the Administrator to report to the Veterans' Affairs Committees every two years on the appropriate rates for payments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit a creditor from discriminating against an applicant for credit (other than credit secured by the applicant's residence) on the basis of the geographical location of such residence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Directs the U.S. Postal Service to submit to Congress (rather than to the Postal Rate Commission) any proposed change in the nature of postal service which would have nationwide impact. Requires any statement of proposed change to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels, and postal finances. Provides that no proposed change shall become effective if either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving it within 60 days after it is submitted to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program 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 under such program for the first two fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of such program funds among the States. Permits States to reserve five percent of such allocation for State administration and planning activities. Requires States to distribute the remainder among local educational agencies, with 75 percent allocated on the basis of school-age population and 25 percent on the basis of number of children from low income families. Sets forth permitted uses of program funds by local educational agencies. Sets forth requirements for State educational agency use of program funds. Requires that sums available for postsecondary assistance be used to award congressional scholarships to 300 individuals in the first fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act and to 600 individuals in the second such year. Sets forth requirements for eligibility nomination, and selection of congressional scholars. Provides that such scholars shall be selected by a committee composed of the Librarian of Congress the Secretary of Education, the Director of the Office of Science of Science and Technology Policy, and two individuals appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader respectively. Obligates such congressional scholars to teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, or other appropriate subjects for at least five years or to repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest at a rate prescribed by the Secretary of Education. Directs the Secretary to make available funds appropriated for FY 1984 or 1985 for postsecondary assistance under the program for grants for mathematics and science improvement and employment-based education programs in new and emerging technologies in the following amounts: (1) ten percent to institutions of higher education; and (2) 25 percent to community and junior colleges. Directs the Secretary of Education, from funds available for such purpose for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education for summer institutes and workshops for teachers and supervisors of mathematics and science programs. Permits such institutes to be conducted in other areas of national need, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective methods of mathematics and science instruction. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 and 1985. Directs the Secretary to make challenge grants available to provide up to one-third of the cost of: (1) purchase of modern scientific equipment for use in teaching and research; (2) training of faculty in the use of new laboratory and research equipment; and (3) sharing scientific and engineering equipment among academic and business laboratories and research centers. Limits the amount which may be made available for such challenge grants for FY 1985. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to assess, before September 30, 1984, the current need for improvements in and purchases of laboratory equipment and facilities. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to this Act for FY 1984. Limits the amount of such appropriation which may be available for elementary and secondary assistance and for postsecondary assistance. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Pre-College Science Teacher Training program; and (2) the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the executive branch of Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Expresses the support of Congress for the present strategic arms reductions talks. Urges the Soviet Union to join with the United States to: (1) conclude an equitable and verifiable agreement which freezes strategic nuclear forces at equal and substantially reduced levels; (2) negotiate an effective means of verification of the terms of such agreements; (3) negotiate measures which are likely to reduce the risk of nuclear war by error or misunderstanding; and (4) concentrate on reducing weapons which are judged to be destabilizing.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1982
Railroad Retirement Amendments Act of 1982 - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to require the Railroad Retirement Board to report to the President and Congress for any fiscal year during which benefits must be reduced and taxes raised (currently, when benefits must be reduced). Repeals provisions excluding tips and voluntary tax payments by employers as compensation under such Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. Eliminates the time limitations on judicial review of Board decisions respecting personnel rights and liabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1982
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to pre-empt State and local requirements for tamper-resistant packaging and related labeling for non- prescription drugs. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt from such pre-emption State and local requirements that meet specified criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to issue an order requiring that up to ten percent of government gasoline-powered passenger motor vehicles be equipped with the Webster-Heise valve. Conditions such order upon a favorable determination by the Secretary of Transportation that such valve will increase fuel efficiency and decrease the volume of air pollutants emitted by government vehicles. Makes such order applicable to motor vehicles manufactured for model year 1984 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1982
National Debt Retirement Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the cash proceeds from the transfer, lease, or disposal of surplus government property, with specified exceptions, to be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury and used solely to retire the national debt.
![Official portrait of Rep. Madigan, Edward R. [R-IL-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000041_200.jpg)