The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000139_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
1,374 records where Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1984
American Passbook Savings Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $5,000 ($10,000 for joint returns) of the interest earned on a passbook savings account.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1984
Requires members appointed to the Interstate Commerce Commission to have backgrounds in and represent the interests of industries involved in: (1) the production or distribution of agricultural products; (2) the production or distribution of natural resource products; (3) the processing or consuming of agricultural products; and (4) the processing or consuming of natural resource products. Requires the next four appointments to the Commission after the date of enactment of this Act to be made in accordance with its provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1984
Acid Deposition Control Act of 1984 - Title I: Acid Deposition Control Program - Amends the Clean Air Act ("the Act") to establish an acid deposition control program. Defines an "acid deposition impact region" as the 31 States east of or bordering on the Mississippi River and the District of Columbia. Requires that by January 1, 1996, the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions in the acid deposition impact region not exceed a level 11,000,000 tons less than the actual level of such emissions in 1980. Requires that one-half of such reduction be completed within six years after the enactment of this Act, or January 1, 1991, whichever is earlier. Provides that sulfur dioxide emissions from major stationary sources which did not begin operation before January 1, 1981, or which have increased emissions since such date (to the extent such emissions do not exceed one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input on a 30-day basis), calculated on an annual basis, shall not be added to the amount of sulfur dioxide which the State in which such sources are located is required to reduce by January 1, 1996, under provisions for regional reduction allocation and State reduction requirements. Provides that no emissions from such sources shall be added in any State which during 1980 had no major stationary source which was a utility boiler which had an actual annual average emission rate greater than one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input. Provides that increases in sulfur dioxide emissions from utility boilers which are coal capable as defined under the Fuel Use Act and which convert to the use of coal as a primary fuel shall be so added only to the extent such emissions from a particular source exceed one and one-half pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input on an annual average. Prohibits any major stationary source of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides from commencing operation after January 1, 1996, in such region unless there has been identified for such source a simultaneous net reduction in emissions of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, or both, at one or more points in such region: (1) in excess of the emissions which potentially would result from the proposed new source; and (2) not otherwise required by a State implementation plan. Exempts from such prohibition any major stationary source which: (1) adopts the best available control technology, as defined under specified provisions of the Act as appropriate for the location of the proposed new source; and (2) attains at least the most stringent emission limitation shown by an adequate operating history to have been achieved in practice by a major stationary source of the same size, type, and class within the region. Directs the Governors of all 31 States within the region to enter into negotiations to establish sulfur dioxide emission reduction requirements for each such State sufficient to achieve the total reduction required for the region. Makes such an agreement binding and enforceable on each such State, but only upon notification to the Administrator by the Governors of 75 percent of the States in the region, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, that such agreement has been reached. Requires each such State, if the Governors fail to reach agreement within such 18 months, to achieve its share of the reduction in annual sulfur dioxide emissions required for the region. Bases such share on the actual utility emissions which are in excess of one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input averaged over 1980. Authorizes the Governors of any two or more States in the region to reallot among agreeing States such required reductions, provided that the total reductions equal the required total. Requires each such State, within 30 months after the enactment of this Act, to adopt enforceable measures to achieve the required reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, including emissions limitations and schedules for compliance for sources within such State and other means of emissions reduction in accordance with specified provisions. Directs the Governor of such State to submit such measures to the Administrator for review and to the Governors of all other States in the region for comment. Provides for such review and approval according to specified procedures. Directs the Administrator to approve such measures if, taking into consideration the comments of the other State Governors, the Administrator finds that such measures: (1) contain enforceable requirements for continuous emission reduction; (2) contain requirements for monitoring by the source and enforcement agencies to assure that the emission limitations are being met; and (3) are adequate to meet the required reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions for such State by the deadline under this Act. Makes each emission limitation, compliance schedule, or other measure approved under this Act a requirement of an applicable implementation plan and an emission limitation for purposes of specified provisions of the Act. Provides that, in the case of any major stationary source which is in any State in the region and which is not by December 31, 1986, in full compliance with the applicable implementation plan in effect on January 1, 1981, the owner or operator shall be subject to: (1) the emission limitation established under specified provisions of this Act for all facilities in such State owned or operated by such owner or operator; and (2) a noncompliance penalty for each such source or facility, including each electric generating facility, for the period from the original date for compliance under the applicable implementation plan until actual compliance with such emission limitation. Requires that such enforceable measures adopted by States in the region include compliance schedules which specify actions to be performed leading toward final compliance and increments of progress to be achieved by dates in advance of dates by which the State requires each particular source to comply with the emission limitation necessary to attain the reduction for such State. Requires the State in adopting (and the Administrator in reviewing) such measures to stage or phase such compliance dates so that to the maximum extent practicable one-half of the total emission reduction under this Act is achieved within six years of enactment, or prior to January 1, 1991, whichever is earlier. Requires each major stationary source which proposes to comply with an emission limitation established under this Act by any means other than an innovative system of continuous emission reduction technology or the replacement of existing facilities with new facilities of substantially lower emissions to comply with such emission limitation by January 1, 1994. Sets forth major stationary source sulfur dioxide reduction requirements to apply in any State in the region which has not: (1) adopted, within 30 months after enactment of this Act, measures to achieve the required reduction; or (2) had such measures approved by the Administrator within six months after their submission. Requires, in such States, the owner or operator of each fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facility which is a major stationary source which is not subject to specified performance standards for new stationary sources to comply with an emission limitation or limitations for all such facilities owned or operated by the same entity in such region equivalent to an average among such facilities of one and two-tenths pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu of heat input on a 30-day average. Requires the owner or operator of each such facility to submit to the Administrator a plan or schedule of compliance for achieving such emission limitation or equivalent emission reduction in accordance with provisions for enforceable mission reduction programs, within three years after the enactment of this Act or six months after the date on which such owner or operator becomes subject to such emission limitation, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator to approve such plan and compliance schedule if it: (1) contains enforceable requirements for continuous emission reduction; (2) contains requirements for monitoring by the source and enforcement agencies to assure that the emission limitations are being met; and (3) will achieve the required emission reduction in a manner consistent with a specified schedule established under provisions for State enforceable measures, or otherwise at the earliest practicable date, but no later than January 1, 1994. Makes specified violations of such requirements violations of emissions limitations for purposes of certain provisions of the Act. Sets forth provisions for enforceable emission reduction programs. Permits alternative methods or programs for net emission reduction to be used to maintain emission limitations or attain emission reductions required under specified provisions of this Act. Permits a State or the owner or operator of a source to use such alternative methods or programs, in addition to enforceable continuous emission reduction measures, if emissions limitations under such methods or programs are enforceable by the Federal Government, States other than those in which the emissions occur, and citizens under specified provisions of the Act. Includes among such alternative methods or programs: (1) least emissions dispatch to meet electric generating demand and existing generating capacity; (2) retirement of major stationary sources at an earlier date than provided in schedules on file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, or State utility regulatory agencies; (3) investments in energy conservation where reductions in emissions can be identified with such investments; (4) trading of emission reduction requirements and actual reductions on a State or regional basis, for which States and the Administrator are authorized to establish emission reduction banks or brokerage institutions to facilitate such trading; (5) precombustion cleaning of fuels; and (6) fuel substitution. Permits a State or the owner or operator of a source required to achieve emission reductions under specified provisions of this Act to substitute reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions, at a rate of two units by weight of nitrogen oxides for each unit of sulfur dioxide. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of air pollution problems associated with the long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition impact region; and (2) report the results of such study to the Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force established under the Energy Security Act to submit to specified congressional committees two comprehensive reports, one by December 31, 1986, and one by December 31, 1988. Requires that such reports present specified research findings and recommendations, based on existing scientific knowledge, for reducing acid deposition and its effects. Directs the Task Force to provide for appropriate scientific peer review of such research and of its reports. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 in addition to any other funds authorized to be appropriated to the Task Force to carry out specified research activities under such Act. Directs the Administrator, promptly after the date established under provisions for major stationary source sulfur dioxide reduction requirements, to report to specified congressional committees on emission limitation and other enforceable measures adopted by the States and approved by the Administrator or in effect under such provisions, for all States in the region. Directs the Administrator to develop an inventory of sources of nitrogen oxides in the region and in each State in the region. Directs the Administrator, within four years after enactment of this Act, to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) such inventory; (2) control technology and methods for new and existing sources of nitrogen oxides; and (3) any recommendations for requirements to reduce existing emissions or control new emissions of nitrogen oxides to reduce acid deposition, including but not limited to the question of whether levels of such emissions should be strictly limited or reduced. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality Employment Impacts to study and report to Congress on the direct and indirect impacts on employment in domestic coal mining that would result from the reduction of emissions required by this Act. Authorizes the Commission, if it deems it appropriate, to study and report on other direct employment impacts of this Act on industries related to coal mining. Requires that the Commission's report be filed with specified congressional committees by December 31, 1987. Permits such report to include: (1) legislative recommendations to correct any substantially adverse impact on employment dislocations in coal mining regions caused by this Act; and (2) recommendations to States, counties, cities, or private industrial entities to aid in the correction of said employment dislocation. Provides for Commission membership, including representatives of specified congressional committees, a representative of the United Mine Workers, and representatives of the coal industry. Provides for cooperation, information, and technical assistance from Federal agencies for the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon completion of its report. Authorizes the Commission, in the conduct of the study, to contract with nongovernmental entities competent to perform research or investigations in areas within the Commission's mandate, and to hold public hearings, forums, and workshops to enable full public participation. Authorizes the Commission to contract with nonprofit technical and scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, to develop necessary technical information for a specified authorized study. Authorizes the Commission to expend up to $3,000,000 to carry out its required functions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1984
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives to urge the various House committees to apply an across-the-board budget-freeze approach to their formulation of the FY 1985 budget.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1984
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to extend Federal Grain Inspection Service user fee and advisory committee authorities through FY 1988. Eliminates the 35 percent cap on related administrative and supervisory costs. Authorizes FY 1985 through 1988 appropriations for standardization and compliance activities, foreign monitoring activities, and other necessary expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1984
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an heir may rent his or her interest in a farm to a family member who is a qualifying heir on either a cash or crop-share basis without risking the loss of that farm property qualifying for the special use valuation for estate tax purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Directs the President to: (1) secure from the Indochina nations a full accounting of Americans captured or missing as a result of the Vietnam conflict; and (2) work for the release of captive Americans and the return of the remains of those American servicemen and civilians who died in Southeast Asia. Requires the President to submit two reports to Congress on American POW/MIAs in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Authorizes the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Incorporated to erect a National Law Enforcement Heroes Memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and recognition of law enforcement officials in the United States who died in the line of duty. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Fund, to select with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial other than expenses incurred in the process of site selection and approval of design and plans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Designates the week of April 23 through April 27, 1984, as National Student Leadership Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Sand, Gravel, and Stone Mine Safety and Health Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to add a new title VI entitled "General- Sand, Gravel, and Stone Mines." Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to develop, and from time to time revise, and promulgate health and safety standards for the purpose of the protection of life, the promotion of health and safety, and the prevention of of accidents in sand, gravel, and stone mines (mines). Directs the Secretary to designate as mandatory standards those standards promulgated which deal with conditions or practices which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm. Requires mine operators to comply with such mandatory standards. Requires the publication in the Federal Register of the proposed standards. Provides an opportunity to file objections, for public hearings, and judicial review. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating mandatory standards dealing with toxic materials or harmful physical agents, to set standards which most adequately assure that no miner will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity even if such miner has regular exposure to the hazards dealt with by such standard for the period of his or her working life. Requires the Secretary to consider the feasibility of the standards. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for each toxic material or harmful physical agent which is used or found in a mine, to determine on a continuing basis whether such material or agent is potentially toxic at the concentrations in which it is used or found in a mine. Requires: (1) such determinations to be submitted to the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary to propose new standards if necessary. Requires any mandatory health or safety standard to prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning as are necessary to insure that miners are appraised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and treatment, and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure. Requires a mandatory standard, where appropriate, to provide that where a determination is made that a miner may suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity by reason of exposure to a covered hazard, then the miner shall be removed from such exposure and reassigned. Requires a miner so transferred to continue to receive pay at at least the same rate as was received prior to the transfer. Prohibits any mandatory health or safety standard promulgated under this Act from reducing the protection afforded miners by an existing mandatory health or safety standard for stone, sand, or gravel. Directs the Secretary to provide for an emergency temporary mandatory health or safety standard to take immediate effect upon publication in the Federal Register if: (1) miners are exposed to grave dangers; and (2) the emergency standard is necessary to protect miners from such dangers. Requires the Secretary to promulgate a mandatory health or safety standard no later than nine months after publication of the emergency temporary standard. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the petition of an operator or the miners, to modify any mandatory health or safety standard for a mine if: (1) an alternative method exists of achieving the same results as the standard; or (2) the standard will make the mine less safe. Permits any person who may be adversely affected by a mandatory health or safety standard promulgated under this Act to challenge the standard in U.S. district court. Requires the Secretary to send a copy of every proposed mandatory health or safety standard to each mine operator and each representative of the miners. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee for assistance in the development of health and safety standards for sand, gravel, and stone mines and for advice on other matters relating to health and safety in such mines. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assist mine operators in improving safety and health; (2) obtain, utilize, and disseminate information relating to health and safety conditions, the cause of accidents, and the causes of diseases and physical impairments originating in mines; and (3) gather information with respect to mandatory health or safety standards. Provides for: (1) enforcement inspections of mines; and (2) an inspection closeout conference at the conclusion of any enforcement inspection at which time all parties shall have an opportunity to discuss the inspection. Requires a copy of the inspection statement to be made available to both the miners and the mine operator. Provides for an informal health and safety conference if either the miners or operators are dissatisfied with the inspection closeout conference. Requires the issuance of regulations requiring mine operators to maintain accurate records of employee exposures to potentially toxic materials which are required to be monitored. Requires such regulations to provide miners with an opportunity to observe the monitoring and to have access to the monitoring records. Requires operators to: (1) promptly notify any miner exposed to toxic materials exceeding prescribed levels; and (2) inform any miner of corrective actions being taken. Provides both miners and operators an opportunity to accompany the Secretary on any physical inspection of a mine. Permits miners to request an inspection by the Secretary and requires that the names of those requesting an inspection not be made available to the operator. Requires mine operators to: (1) maintain records and file reports as required by the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and (2) in the event of an accident, take appropriate measures to prevent the destruction of evidence. Authorizes the Secretary, in the event of an accident, to take whatever action is appropriate to protect the life of any persons. Directs the Secretary to issue a notice of violation to an operator if it is found that any mandatory health or safety standard has been violated, unless there is a violation that could be a significant safety and health hazard in which case a citation shall be issued. Requires a notice of violation or citation to allow a reasonable time for the abatement of the violation. Prohibits entry, except for certain necessary personnel, into an area described in a notice, if the violation has not been abated within the specified time period. Prohibits entry into a mine by a miner who has not received requisite safety training. Directs the Secretary after issuing a citation to notify the mine operator of the civil penalty proposed and the time period within which the operator must notify the Secretary as to whether or not the citation or penalty will be contested. Provides that if the operator does not contest, then the citation or penalty shall be deemed a final order. Permits granting temporary relief from any citation or order in certain instances. Prohibits discrimination against any miner or applicant for mine employment because of filing or making a complaint about health or safety conditions at a mine. Permits a miner or applicant for mine employment to file a complaint with the Secretary if such miner or applicant has been the victim of such discrimination. Permits review of orders issued under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 in the appropriate U.S. district court. Prohibits entry, except for certain necessary personnel, into a mine area if an inspection or investigation reveals an imminent danger, until such imminent danger and the practices which caused such danger no longer exist. Authorizes the Secretary to issue an injunction or to seek other appropriate relief whenever a mine operator: (1) violates or fails to comply with any order or decision issued under this Act; (2) interferes with those carrying out provisions of this Act; (3) refuses to admit the Secretary; (4) refuses to permit the inspection of the mine; (5) refuses to furnish requested information; or (6) refuses access to records. Requires each mine to: (1) maintain an office with a conspicuous sign designating it as the the office of the mine; and (2) have a bulletin board in such office on which all orders, citations, notices and decisions required by law shall be posted. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties applicable to individuals violating provisions of this Act. Entitles miners prevented from working because of a mine being closed pursuant to provisions of this Act to their regular pay for the period the mine is closed. Provides that the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission shall have the same authority and responsibility over sand, gravel, and stone mines as it does over coal and other mines. Authorizes appropriations. Requires each mine to have a health and safety training program. Authorizes the Secretary to make compliance assistance visits to any mine. Permits State jurisdiction over any mine safety or health issue with respect to which there is no standard in effect under this Act. Permits any State desiring to assume responsibility for the development and enforcement of mine safety and health standards to submit its own plan to the Secretary for approval. Sets forth the requirements such a plan must meet. Directs the Secretary to make a continuing evaluation of each approved State's plan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to delay until after December 31, 1985, mandatory coverage under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program for employees of tax-exempt religious or apostolic organizations which do not have in effect on January 1, 1984, a waiver certificate (which waives such an organization's exemption from taxation for purposes of the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program).
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Designates January 1 through December 31, 1984, as the Year of Excellence in Education.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Agricultural Efficiency and Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Acreage Base and Program Yield System - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish farm acreage and crop acreage bases for each program crop based on the preceding five crop years. Permits producer crop acreage base adjustment. Requires program participation in order to receive price support assistance. Sets forth exceptions. Requires the Secretary to provide for a farm program yield for each crop based on the preceding five years. Sets forth related county committee recordkeeping responsibilities. Title II: Price-Support Levels for Program Crops - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide: (1) that price supports for peanuts for which marketing quotas have been disapproved shall be 50 percent of parity; and (2) no supports for tobacco for which marketing quotas have been disapproved.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Water Project Financing and Insurance Fund Act of 1983 - Establishes the Water Project Insurance Fund to provide for the insurance of tax-exempt bonds to finance the costs of acquisition and construction of reclamation, irrigation, and other water-related projects. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer such Fund in accordance with provisions of this Act. Exempts projects funded under such Act from Federal reclamation laws unless such projects are otherwise subject to such laws.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or a new license to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the news media should voluntarily refrain from projecting election results before the polls close; and (2) the news media and industry, trade and professional organizations should voluntarily adopt guidelines to assure that exit interview data is not used to project election results before the polls close.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the failure of the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate rail service in a manner to protect the interests of the public and shippers is not in the best interests of the United States. Directs the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy to report jointly to Congress, within 60 days of adoption of this resolution, on the results of studies of the application of existing Federal laws to shippers. Requires the Commission to make such report to Congress within the same time limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should return to Cuba those Cuban nationals from the 1980 Mariel boatlift who are excludable because of criminal activity.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Allows the President an item veto of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing such a bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Subjects such bills to the same proceeding as other bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for four-year terms for Members of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for FY 1985 through 1989 to assist States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute at one public college or university (or private college or university if a State does not have an eligible public college or university) in the State meeting eligibility requirements. Provides that such funds when appropriated shall be made available for grants to be matched on a basis of no less than one and one-half non-Federal dollars for each Federal dollar during FY 1985 and 1986 and no less than two non-Federal dollars for each Federal dollar during FY 1987 through 1989. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for FY 1985 through 1989 which shall be made available to institutes to meet the necessary expenses of: (1) specific mineral research and demonstration projects of broad application which could not otherwise be undertaken; and (2) research into any aspects of mining and mineral resources problems related to the mission of the Department of the Interior which are not otherwise being studied. Sets forth funding criteria. Requires each institute to: (1) set forth its plan to provide for the training of individuals as mineral engineers and scientists; (2) set forth policies and procedures to assure that Federal funds made available under this Act will supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of funds that would, in the absence of such Federal funds, be made available for purposes of this Act, and in no case supplant such funds; and (3) report annually to the Secretary concerning amounts received under this Act and projects undertaken pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe necessary rules and regulations; and (2) report to Congress annually concerning the receipts, expenditures, and work of the institutes in all States under the provisions of this Act. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to authorize Federal control of education at any college or university. Directs the Secretary to assure that programs authorized by this Act are not redundant with respect to established mining and minerals research programs. Authorizes appropriations necessary to print and publish the results of activities carried out by institutes under this Act and for administrative planning and direction. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in all fields of mining and mineral resources. Directs the President to clarify agency responsibility for Federal mining and mineral resources research and provide interagency coordination of such research. Directs the Secretary to appoint a Committee on Mining and Mineral Resources Research to consult with and make recommendations to the Secretary on all matters relating to mining and mineral resources research as required by this Act. Requires the Committee to: (1) develop a national plan for research and development in mining and mineral resources and to formulate and recommend a program to implement the plan utilizing resources provided for under this Act; and (2) submit such plan to the Secretary, the President, and Congress by March 1, 1986, and update the plan annually. Requires the Committee to determine the eligibility of a college or university to participate as a mining and mineral resources research institute under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest on securities held by the taxpayer before the date of the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1983 shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Cable Telecommunications Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize any governmental entity empowered to grant a cable television franchise to require: (1) that a reasonable amount of channel capacity be designated for public, educational, or government purposes; and (2) that rules be promulgated governing the use of such channel capacity, including rules for creating an agency or nonprofit organization to administer the use of such channel capacity. Allows the cable system operator to use such channel capacity for other purposes until there is a demand for use of such capacity for public, educational, or governmental purposes. Prohibits a cable operator from exercising any editorial control over any video programming for such purposes. Requires a cable operator to designate a specified percentage of its channel capacity not required for use under Federal law for commercial use by persons unaffiliated with the operator. Prohibits any Federal, State, or local authority from requiring the designation of a greater percentage of channel capacity for commercial use by unaffiliated persons. Allows an operator to continue using such designated capacity until a written agreement with an unaffiliated person is obtained. Directs the operator to establish prices, terms, and conditions for such use that are sufficient to assure that the operation, financial condition, and market development of the cable system are not adversely affected. Prohibits a cable operator from exercising any editorial control over video programming for such use except to the extent necessary to assure that such cable system is not adversely affected. Prohibits the use of such channel capacity to provide a cable service being provided on the enactment date of this Act in order to avoid providing a diversity of information sources. Authorizes any person aggrieved by the failure of an operator to make channel capacity available for such commercial use to seek to compel that such capacity be made available by bringing an action in the appropriate Federal district court or by petitioning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Authorizes the FCC to prescribe rules necessary to assure that a cable operator or owner provides for a diversity of information sources over the cable system: (1) upon finding that prior adjudications constitute a pattern of such failure by such person; and (2) whenever cable systems with 36 or more activated channels are available to 70 percent of U.S. households and are subscribed to by 70 percent of the households to which such systems are available. Prohibits a person from owning or controlling a cable system if such person: (1) is the licensee of a television broadcast station the predicted grade B contour (field strength) of which covers any part of the community served by such cable system; (2) owns or controls a daily newspaper published in such community; or (3) is a common carrier providing telephone exchange service in any part of such community, excluding specified rural areas. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe rules concerning the common ownership or control of cable systems by persons who own or control other media of mass communications serving the community served by the cable system. Prohibits any State or local authority from regulating the diversity of ownership of mass media interests. Prohibits any State or local authority that has an interest in any cable system from directly or indirectly controlling the content of any programming on such system, except programming on educational, public, or government channels, unless such authority establishes an independent board or separate management company. Prohibits the owner of a multiple unit dwelling from interfering with the provision of cable service requested by a resident. Permits the owner to require that: (1) the costs of installation, construction, operation, or removal of the cable facilities be borne by the subscriber, the operator, or both; (2) the condition of the dwelling and the safety and convenience of other residents are not adversely affected by the installation or construction of such facilities; and (3) the owner be fully compensated by the cable operator for any damages caused by such facilities. Directs the FCC to establish the amount of just compensation to which the owner is entitled. Authorizes a governmental or franchising authority to award one or more cable franchises within its jurisdiction. Directs such authority to assure that the opportunity to purchase cable service is not denied to any class of potential subscribers because of income or economic status. Provides that a franchise shall be construed to authorize the construction of a cable system over public rights-of-way and through easements dedicated for compatible uses, provided the property owners are compensated for any resulting damages. Prohibits a cable system from providing cable service without a franchise. Permits a governmental or franchising authority to require the construction of cable system facilities or the provision of certain equipment as part of an initial franchise or a franchise renewal proceeding. Directs such authority to negotiate and, if necessary, enter binding arbitration with a cable operator over the termination, modification, or deferral of a requirement for facilities or equipment (excluding facilities or equipment for educational, public, or government use) that the operator shows to be impracticable as a result of a significant change in circumstances. Provides that the terms of any franchise agreement resulting from a request for proposals originally issued on or before September 30, 1982, shall remain in effect for the remaining term of the franchise. Declares that no cable system shall be subject to regulation as a common carrier or utility by reason of providing cable service. Authorizes a governmental or franchising authority to require a cable operator to pay a franchise fee not to exceed an annual aggregate of five percent of such operator's gross revenues. Permits a cable operator to pass the cost of any increase in the franchise fee through to subscribers. Prohibits a governmental or franchising authority from requiring the provisions of services, facilities, or other items not related to the provision of cable service under a franchise. Authorizes a franchising authority to regulate the rates for the provision of basic cable service and the installation or rental of equipment necessary for the receipt of such service for any cable system that is not located within the grade B contour of four or more full power television signals with at least one affiliate of each of the three power commercial television networks. Authorizes such an authority to regulate the rates of a franchise in effect on the enactment date of this Act for the greater of five years or one-half of the remaining term of the franchise. Authorizes annual rate increases not exceeding the regional consumer price index if subscribers are given 30 days notice. Provides that requests for rate increases shall be deemed to be granted if not acted upon within 90 days. Bars any other regulation of rates, with specified exceptions, by any Federal, State, local, or other franchising authority. Prohibits any such authority from regulating the provision or content of cable services, except that: (1) any applicable FCC regulation in effect on September 21, 1983, may remain in effect; (2) a franchising authority may enforce the terms of a franchise agreement under which the cable operator agrees to provide particular services; (3) a franchising authority and a cable operator may specify that certain services that are obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution may not be provided; and (4) an operator may be required to offer basic cable services. Allows an operator to rearrange, replace, or remove a service specified in a franchise if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Requires a franchising authority to grant an application for the renewal or extension of an operator's franchise, unless: (1) the operator has not substantially complied with the franchise or applicable law or has committed a felony; (2) there has been a change in the operator's qualifications that impairs the provision of service; (3) the facilities to be provided by the operator are unreasonable in terms of cost and community need; (4) the signal of the operator's system has not met the FCC's technical standards; or (5) the proposals of the application are otherwise unreasonable. Sets forth time requirements and procedures governing the filing, consideration, and denial of applications and the judicial review of adverse decisions. Prohibits a franchising authority, upon the expiration of a franchise, from acquiring an ownership interest in a cable system, or requiring a sale of a system to another person, at less than the system's fair market value. Prohibits a franchising authority from acquiring an ownership interest in a system subject to a franchise termination resulting from a material breach by a cable operator, unless the operator was provided notice of, and a reasonable opportunity to remedy, the breach. Prohibits any cable operator or any other person who provides cable services from using the cable system to collect personally identifiable information on a cable subscriber without the written or electronic consent of the subscriber. Permits the collection of such information solely for billing purposes or for monitoring unauthorized receptions of cable telecommunications. Requires such information to be destroyed when it is no longer used for such purposes. Prohibits the disclosure of such information without the consent of the subscriber or a court order authorizing such disclosure. Requires cable operators to notify subscribers of their rights under the privacy provisions of this Act. Requires each subscriber to have access to all of their personally identifiable information collected and maintained by a cable operator or other person providing cable services. Authorizes civil damages for violations of these privacy provisions. States that cable operators have no liability for programs on public, educational, or governmental channels or for channels designated for commercial use by unaffiliated persons. Prohibits any person from intercepting or receiving cable services or assisting in intercepting or receiving cable services without specific authorization by a cable operator or by law. Sets forth provisions governing civil remedies, the determination of civil damages, and criminal penalities for violations of such prohibition. Provides that a State shall not be considered to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments unless: (1) the State has issued and made effective regulations implementing such regulatory authority; and (2) the State takes final action on a complaint about an individual matter within 60 days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Alcohol Fuel Tax Incentive Uniformity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the amount of the exemption from the excise tax on gasoline for gasoline mixed with alcohol. Extends such exemption to diesel fuels and special fuels which contain at least ten percent alcohol. Increases from 50 cents per gallon to 90 cents per gallon the amount of the income tax credit for alcohol used as fuel. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the tariff on alcohol imported for use as a fuel from 50 cents per gallon to 90 cents per gallon.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to set 1984 and 1985 target prices for wheat, corn, upland cotton, and rice, but at not less than 1983 levels. Requires the Secretary to carry out a 1984 and 1985 wheat export incentive program through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Sets forth program provisions. Limits 1984 wheat acreage reductions to a maximum of 25 percent. Provides for in-kind land diversion payments at a rate of 85 percent of a farm's program payment yield. States that registration for the 1984 wheat program shall be until April 1, 1984. Determines 1984 and 1985 wheat acreage based on the five preceding crop years, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Food Safety Modernization Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define "safe", as applied to food additives, color additives, pesticide residues, and other specified substances, to mean a reasonable certainty that the risks of a substance under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit, under specified conditions, the gradual elimination or phase-out of substances from the food supply if the FDA determines that there will be no unreasonable risk to the public health from continued use of a substance while it is phased out and there is no practicable substitute. Permits an extension for up to an additional five years. Provides that certain cancer-causing substances shall not be banned (and may be approved) if the proponent of use demonstrates on the basis of credible experimental evidence that the risks to humans under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the FDA to consider the benefits to human health from a long-used additive with no practicable substitute before prohibiting its use on the basis of risks to human health. Permits continued use of an additive if the risks to human health are acceptable on account of the benefits to human health, such as the effects of its use on the nutritional value and availability of food and uses for dietary management and other health-related purposes. Directs the FDA to establish an independent scientific peer review committee to study and give advice on substantial scientific issues related to food safety. Requires the FDA, within two years of enactment of this Act, to establish by regulations standards to determine under what circumstances the use of a substance in a food contact situation (i.e., an indirect additive) meets the food additive definition of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the FDA, in issuing regulations, to consider the extent of human exposure to a substance under its intended conditions of use and the toxicological characteristics of the substance. Title II - Amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act to provide that a meat, poultry or egg product is adulterated because it contains an added poisonous or added deleterious substance when the presence of the substance renders the food unsafe within the meaning of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for added poisonous or added deleterious substances in meat, poultry and egg products but only if the FDA has not already done so. Authorizes the Secretary to phaseout the use of substances in meat, poultry, and egg products for which the Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent scientific peer review system. Title III - Effective Date - Provides that the Act shall become effective upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to set 1984 and 1985 target prices for wheat, corn, upland cotton, and rice, but at not less than 1983 levels. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require that 1984 and 1985 wheat deficiency payments be made only with respect to domestic-intended production. Requires the Secretary to carry out a 1984 and 1985 wheat export incentive program through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Sets forth program provisions. Limits 1984 wheat acreage reductions to a maximum of 25 percent. Provides for in-kind land diversion payments at a rate of 85 percent of a farm's program payment yield. States that registration for the 1984 wheat program shall be until April 1, 1984. Provides for 1984 wheat advance deficiency payments and loans. Determines 1984 and 1985 wheat acreage based on the five preceding crop years, respectively.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983
Wheat Improvement Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to reduce target prices: (1) for the 1984 wheat crop from $4.45 per bushel to $4.38 per bushel; and (2) for the 1985 wheat crop from $4.65 per bushel to $4.45 per bushel. Requires wheat farmers, in order to qualify for 1984 price support assistance, to reduce their planted acreage by 30 percent under a combined acreage reduction (20 percent) and diversion (ten percent) program. Requires diverted land to be used for conservation purposes. Sets the program signup date at not earlier than March 30, 1984. Provides, with regard to the 1984 diversion program, for payments of not less than $3.00 per bushel, except that the Secretary may reduce such payments by up to ten percent if appropriate to meet program objectives. Requires advance payments of at least 50 percent. Sets payment-in-kind rates at not less than 85 percent of the farm program yield. Provides for 1984 wheat crop advance deficiency payments.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to: (1) double the maximum amount of the personal expense allowance provided for eligible individuals and eligible spouses who are in medical institutions; and (2) provide that subsequent annual increases in such amounts include cost of living adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce the 1984 feed grain program by September 30, 1983, the 1985 feed grain program by September 30, 1984, and the 1985 wheat program by July 1, 1984 (under present law announcement deadlines are November 15 for feed grains, and August 15 for wheat). Authorizes the Secretary to make adjustments in the program announcement within 30 days if a significant supply change occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Designates the week beginning February 12, 1984, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to single parent youths.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
States that the United States: (1) condemns the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7; (2) calls for an explanation from the Soviets; (3) extends its sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and supports their rights to obtain reparations from the Soviets; (4) calls on the Soviets to assist in the recovery of the remains of the victims; (5) calls for an international investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) declares its intention to demand that the Soviets modify their air defense procedures to assure the safety of commercial airliners; (7) finds that this incident will make it difficult for the U.S. and other nations to accept the Soviets as responsible members of the international community; and (8) urges our allies and other nations to cooperate with specified demands on the Soviets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Coin-Operated Phonorecord Player Copyright Act of 1983 - Revises the scope of the limitations on the performance of a nondramatic musical work on a coin-operated phonorecord player (jukebox) to require: (1) the manufacturer or importer of the player, rather than the operator, to register and pay a one-time only compulsory licensing fee of $50, rather than an adjusted annual fee, to the Copyright Royalty Tribunal for distribution to the copyright holders; and (2) the operator of a currently owned player to pay a compulsory licensing fee of up to $25 based upon the number of years of useful life remaining in the player. Directs the Register of Copyright to keep a list of all registered players. Restates the royalty distribution procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine with 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide a mandatory additional prison term of five years for any person who carries or uses, during a commission of a felony, armor-piercing bullets. Requires the court to not suspend any sentence, grant probation or parole, or impose concurrent sentences.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for calendar years 1985 through 1990 the cost-of-living adjustment for the individual income tax rates and the personal tax exemption shall take into account only inflation in excess of two percent per year. Provides a similar limitation on cost-of-living adjustments to benefits for the following programs for FY 1985 through 1990: (1) old age, survivors and disability benefits; (2) armed service retirement and retainer pay; (3) retired pay and retainer pay of members and former members of the Coast Guard; (4) retired pay of commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Public Health Service; (5) civil service retirement benefits; (6) foreign service retirement benefits; (7) Central Intelligence Agency retirement benefits; (8) Federal workers' compensation; and (9) benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the reporting of tips by large food or beverage establishments in lieu of allocation requirements if reported tips do not equal eight percent of gross receipts. Allows for a reduction of such percentage under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Standards of Disability - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who is receiving disability benefits or child, widow's, or widower's insurance benefits based on disability may be determined not to be entitled to such benefits on the grounds that the disability involved has ceased, does not exist, or is not disabling, only if: (1) there has been medical improvement in the individual's impairment so that the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity; (2) the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity as a result of medical or vocational therapy or technology; or (3) on the basis of new or improved diagnostic techniques, the individual's impairment is not considered as disabling as it was at the time of the most recent prior disability determination and the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, on the use of subjective evidence of pain in making disability determinations; and (2) submit the study results to specified congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to consider the combined effect of all of an individual's impairments in determining whether such individual is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. Title II: Disability Determination Process - Requires the Secretary to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in effect under part 404 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations which are used to make individualized determinations of disability for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from carrying out continuing eligibility reviews with respect to individuals previously determined to be under a disability due to mental impairment until such revisions have been established by final regulation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in any case involving fraud or where an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth requirements for the redetermination of disability determinations made after the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Secretary's revisions are established by final regulation. Provides that an initial disability determination by the Secretary or by a State agency which is unfavorable to a disability benefit applicant shall remain pending until after notice and opportunity for review. Requires that such a determination contain a statement of the case which indicates the basis of the disability determination, the right to a review, and the right to submit additional medical evidence before such review. Entitles the applicant or the applicant's spouse, divorced spouse, surviving divorced spouse, surviving spouse, surviving divorced mother, child, or parent to a review of a pending disability determination upon request and upon a showing that his or her rights may be prejudiced by such determination. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such a review. Requires the Secretary or the State agency to affirm or modify a pending disability determination on the basis of such a review. Provides that an initial decision by the Secretary as to an individual's eligibility for disability benefits which is based upon an initial disability determination and which is unfavorable to such individual shall contain a statement of the case which indicates the basis of such decision, the individual's right to a hearing, and the individual's right to submit additional evidence before or at such hearing. Entitles an individual who is dissatisfied with an initial decision by the Secretary to judicial review. Requires the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects in at least five States implementing the amendments made by this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on such projects. Removes certain time restrictions on the continued payment of disability benefits during the appeal process. Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effect of the continued payment of benefits during the appeal process upon the expenditures of the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund; and (2) the rate of appeals to administrative law judges of unfavorable disability benefit entitlement determinations. Provides that a disability determination in the case of an individual with a mental impairment shall be made only after a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist employed by the State agency or the Secretary has made the proper medical evaluation. Requires the Secretary to prescribe standards with respect to consultative examinations which must be obtained for disability determinations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the application of Federal rulemaking and administrative procedure requirements to disability determinations under title II of the Social Security Act. Specifies certain decisions by a U.S. court of appeals with which the Secretary and the Department of Health and Human Services must comply, unless there is a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Expands the types of cases with respect to which States may be reimbursed by the Secretary for the costs of furnishing vocational rehabilitation services. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Council on the Medical Aspects of Disability, which shall advise and make recommendations to the Secretary on disability standards, policies, and procedures. Terminates the Council on December 31, 1985. Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to require that each report by the Secretary to Congress on the administration of the Social Security Act contain a description of the current status of the disability insurance program under title II of such Act. Requires the Secretary to establish enough attorney adviser positions in the Department of Health and Human Services to insure adequate opportunity for career advancement for attorneys in the Social Security Administration. Requires that such attorneys be given qualifying experience for appointment to administrative law judge positions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees with respect to complying with these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Hunters' Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to obstruct or impede the participation of any person in a lawful hunt or hunting season. Provides for a fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not longer than 60 days or if violence or the destruction of property occurs a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than five years.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Firearms Manufacturers Protection Act of 1983 - Establishes immunity for firearms manufacturers from any liability imposed by Federal, State, or local law on the grounds that the firearm would be used for illegal purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Grants anyone lawfully possessing a firearm in one's residence the right to possess that firearm anywhere in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Firearms Owners' Protection Act of 1983 - Establishes immunity for firearm owners or dealers from any liability imposed on the grounds that the firearm would be used without permission for illegal purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Federal Communications Commission's telecommunications access-charge plan scheduled to take effect January 1, 1984, should be delayed for one year; (2) the Commission should require interim agreements between local telephone companies and long-distance carriers until legislation is enacted which addresses the issues relating to such plan and the restructuring of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) and its affiliates; (3) such agreements should reflect the new service areas and the new relationship between AT&T and local telephone companies and should maintain the categorization and allocation of costs in effect on December 20, 1982; and (4) House and Senate committees should act expeditiously to bring comprehensive legislation addressing all major telecommunications issues before the House and Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $100,000 and, on a subsequent conviction from $15,000 to $200,000. Prohibits the distribution involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene." Eliminates the requirement that persons distributing such material in interstate commerce do so for purposes of sale. Raises the age of a minor to include any person under the age of eighteen. Redefines "sexually explicit conduct" to exclude simulated conduct when there is little or no possibility of harm to the minor and when there is redeeming social, literary, educational, scientific or artistic value. Permits authorization for the interception of wire or oral communications in the investigation of such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Sales Representation Contractual Relations Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Subjects a principal to an indemnification action by a sales representative where a written contract exists between them under which the sales representative solicits orders from accounts and prospective accounts for the merchandise of the principal. Enumerates items to be included in any such written contract in order to conform with this Act. Title III: Indemnification - Exempts a principal from any indemnification action brought under this Act where: (1) a contract exists between the principal and sales representative which meets the requirements of Title I; or (2) the conduct of the principal for which indemnification is sought occurred before the sales representative had solicited orders on behalf of the principal for a period of 18 months. Permits a sales representative to bring an action for indemnification against a principal in any U.S. district court or State court where the principal: (1) terminates, without good cause, a sales representative from the assignment to solicit orders; or (2) reduces the size of any geographical territory assigned, the rate of commission paid, or the number of accounts assigned to a sales representative. Sets forth a formula for the computation of the amount of indemnification a principal shall pay in such an action. Provides that in an indemnification brought under this Act, the burden of proof shall be placed on the principal to show that the termination or reduction was for good cause if the sales representative presents certain evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce 1984 feed grain acreage limitations or set-asides by September 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1983
Universal Telephone Service and Ratepayer Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for the establishment of the Universal Service Board (the Board) and a Universal Service Fund (the Fund). Directs the Board to establish: (1) a system of charges to compensate exchange common carriers for interstate exchange access, and to reform the system of jurisdictional separation of carrier property and expenses; and (2) a system of charges to be collected from persons owning or operating facilities which are for the origination or termination of interstate transmissions, which do not directly or indirectly interconnect with exchange service, but which provide comparable services. Requires the Fund to include an account consisting of the the total amount collected under the charges established in clause two from persons not interconnecting with exchange service. Requires an exchange common carrier to file a tariff for interstate exchange access for each of its exchange areas to the Commission. Authorizes a carrier to file, or the Federal Communications Commission may require a carrier to file, a joint tariff for interstate exchange access for all of its exchange areas within a single State. Directs the Commission to delegate to each State commission such authority, subject to certain conditions. Authorizes a State commission to require or authorize exchange common carriers within the State to divide revenues received from charges for interstate exchange access. Requires each tariff for interstate exchange access to specify separate charges for each type of interstate exchange access on an element-by-element basis. Requires charges for each type of interstate exchange access to be justified by costs. Requires each tariff to consist of four charges, three of which shall encompass all costs associated with interstate exchange access and one of which shall be a surcharge. Directs the Commission to establish: (1) practices and methods to ascertain and fully apportion the cost of services, facilities, and other factors used jointly or in common to provide exchange services and intrastate interexchange access and interstate exchange access; and (2) the forms for records, accounts, and memoranda to be kept by carriers providing interstate exchange access in order to facilitate processing tariffs of such carriers. Provides that effective as of enactment the decisions and orders of the Commission in C.C. Docket Number 78-72 (adopted December 22, 1982) shall cease to have an effect. Directs the Board to establish: (1) a Universal Service Fund (the Fund) to assure the continued availability of universal transmission services, including service in high-cost areas, at reasonable rates and affordable charges; and (2) and oversee an administrative committee to administer the accounts of the Fund. Directs the Board to determine annually uniform surcharges on amounts collected by exchange common carriers, and from all interstate interexchange customers directly or indirectly interconnecting with exchange service. Directs the Fund to include an account: (1) consisting of the total amount the Board determines necessary to ensure that the costs of eligible carriers for exchange facilities, including traffic-sensitive and nontraffic-sensitive costs, per customer-access line which exceed 115 percent of the national average for such costs will not be borne directly by exchange ratepayers or recovered through charges for interstate exchange access; and (2) to ensure that the subscriber rate for interexchange telephone service between any two points in the United States does not exceed 115 percent of the national average interexchange rates. Directs the Board to determine the uniform surcharge so that the amount of surcharges paid is sufficient to finance the above accounts, taking into consideration the amount available from the account derived from charges on persons who do not interconnect with exchange service. Requires the accounts of the Fund to be administered in a manner which expedites the disbursement of funds to exchange common carriers through the use of rules and procedures which eliminate burdens or delays in the certification or application process to the maximum extent practicable, and which permit disbursement decisions to be made on the basis of uniform, general, simplified standards of eligibility which are readily applied to the information and other data included in each application. Provides that payments from the accounts to individual exchange common carriers shall be subject to audit and adjustment by the Board. Directs the Commission to establish a joint board, the Universal Service Board, consisting of two commissioners of the Commission and three State commissioners. Directs the Board to: (1) establish and maintain formulas (by which the Commission shall be bound), for determining the amounts and means necessary to fund the accounts of the Fund, and to oversee the distribution of funds from the Fund; (2) make such changes and modifications in the system of jurisdictional separation of carrier property and expenses presently in force as may be necessary or appropriate for the orderly transition to the system of charges for interstate exchange access established by this Act; and (3) determine at regular intervals the relative assignment by exchange common carriers of the cost of factors of production which are used jointly or in common to provide exchange service and interstate exchange access. Authorizes any State commission to exercise the authority it has under State law with respect to: (1) exchange service, interexchange service, and comparable two-way communication service, to the extent such service involves intrastate communications; and (2) facilities to the extent used to provide such service. Provides, however, that the Commission shall not be restricted from exercising technical regulatory authority over services and facilities. Authorizes a State commission to require any exchange common carrier to lease and maintain on request a single basic one-line telephone instrument to any subscriber within the State on the basis of a tariff that includes all costs of providing and maintain such instrument and wiring.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Secondary Mortgage Market Equity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act and the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to set forth a formula for increasing the maximum mortgage limitation for a one- to four- family residence in certain areas where high prevailing housing sales prices have limited housing opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that further expansion of cargo preference requirements, either for commercial or other trade, should not be imposed.