United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding for community service employment programs for senior citizens under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years should be provided at levels sufficient to maintain or increase the number of employment positions provided under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Bail Reform Act of 1983 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Authorizes pretrial release upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond. Expands the discretionary release conditions to require that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) forfeit designated property upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the detention for up to ten days of a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, if no conditions will assure his appearance and the safety of the community and any other person. Provides for the detention of an alien whose presence in the United States is not under color of law. Authorizes a judicial officer to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that: (1) no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community; and (2) there is a substantial probability that the person committed the offense. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years imprisonment; or (4) any offense committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Permits the government or the court to move for a detention hearing in any other case involving a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Provides additional penalties for failing to appear before the court or surrender for service of sentence as required. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates certain pretrial release conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use certain computers with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Limits the kinds of computers covered by this Act to those operating in interstate commerce, or operating on behalf of the Federal Government or of a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation). Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1983 - Extends copyright protection to mask works. Defines a mask work as a series of related images: (1) having the predetermined, three- dimensional pattern of metallic, insulating, or semiconductor material present or removed from the layers of a semiconductor chip product; and (2) in which the relation of the images to one another is that each image has the pattern of the surface of one form of the chip product. Excludes masks and mask works from the pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works categories. Sets forth the exclusive rights the owner of copyright holds, including the right to: (1) embody the mask work in a mask, a two-dimensional partially transparent and opaque sheet; (2) distribute a mask embodying the mask work; (3) reproduce such work on material intended to be part of the semiconductor chip product; and (4) manufacture and distribute semiconductor chip products incorporating such masks. Sets forth limitations on such exclusive rights, including compulsory licensing, as specified. Sets the copyright term for masks at ten years from first authorized distribution, use, or manufacture. Excludes an innocent purchaser in good faith of a semiconductor chip product from infringement liability. Permits the impoundment and seizure of masks made or used in violation of the copyright owner's exclusive rights.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Transfers methaqualone from Schedule II (abuse potential, but with accepted U.S. medical use) to Schedule I (abuse potential, with no accepted U.S. medical use) of the Controlled Substances Act. Makes this Act effective within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, when making a pretrial release determination, to consider whether a person charged with possession or transfer of a controlled substance will pose a danger to any other person or the community. Requires the judicial officer to hold a hearing for such persons to determine whether surety resources have been obtained by noncriminal means.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Urges the United States Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating members of the uniformed services who have been prisoners of war or missing in action especially those missing as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
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
Social Security Benefit Termination Reform Act of 1982 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that monthly insurance benefits shall be paid for the month in which a beneficiary dies. Requires that the amount of such benefits be proportionate to the number of days of such month preceding the date of the beneficiary's death.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit entitlement to title II benefits in the case of an individual who is not a U. S. citizen or national if such individual: (1) is not a permanent resident of the United States; or (2) is outside the United States. Prohibits the payment of title II benefits to any dependent or survivor of such an individual on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income. Makes such prohibition inapplicable if the benefit involved is payable to such an individual as the dependent or survivor of: (1) a U. S. citizen or national; (2) a permanent resident of the United States; or (3) a U. S. citizen or national residing outside the United States if the relationship required for such individual's entitlement already existed at the time such national or citizen reached age 50. Authorizes the payment of title II benefits to an individual who is not entitled to benefits pursuant to this Act until the total amount of such benefits equals the total amount of any taxes paid on the wages and self-employment income on which the benefits are based.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit to any individual who maintains a household which includes one or more elderly qualified persons. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 for each such elderly person living in the household. Limits the aggregate amount creditable to $2,000 on any return for the taxable year. Defines "qualified elderly person" as any individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) has an impairment which, as determined by a physician, renders such individual physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself and has lasted or is expected to last six months or longer; and (3) has as a principal place of abode for more than half of the taxable year the home of the taxpayer.
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
Authorizes a transportation allowance for a member of a uniformed service stationed overseas for each dependent child attending secondary school or college in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which a beneficiary may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $2,500 the maximum deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans. Allows certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses, without regard to any community property laws.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Declares that the House of Representatives considers Arland D. Williams, Jr., to be a national hero for his sacrifice after the airplane crash into the Potomac River on January 13, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Computer Contribution Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase for one year the maximum allowable charitable contribution income tax deduction for corporations which donate computers during 1984 to primary and secondary schools. Requires that contributions be nondiscriminatory as to geographic areas or economic status of the donees, and be used directly in the education of students.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for, and as a condition for, such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Permits a reserve commissioned officer on active duty who is promoted to a higher reserve grade to continue to serve on active duty in such higher grade.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Natural Wetlands Inventory and Evaluation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to formulate and carry out a continuous program which: (1) classifies and inventories the Nation's wetlands; (2) measures the degradation and loss of wetlands; and (3) evaluates the contribution of wetlands to fish and wildlife conservation, land and water conservation, and the quality of the human environment. Directs all departments and agencies of the Federal Government to furnish information concerning the extent of destruction, alteration, and uses of wetlands under their respective programs. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with educational institutions, State fish and wildlife agencies, and private organizations to collect and analyze data for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Repeals specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 which for FY 1983 through 1985: (1) reduce and delay cost of living increases in annuities and retired or retainer pay based on Government service; and (2) reduce, in relation to the amount of such increases, the pay of members and former members of the uniformed services holding Federal civilian positions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
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 · 6 January 1983
Youth Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit employers, without prior certification by the Secretary of Labor, to pay 85 percent of the minimum wage: (1) to youths under age 20, for a 365-day period; and (2) to full-time students, with proof of enrollment at an institution of higher education, for part-time work up to 20 hours per week or full-time work during vacation periods. Directs the Secretary to insure against specified violations of requirements for such special minimum wages for youths and students. Makes employers liable for unpaid wages and overtime compensation for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to eliminate all provisions authorizing union security agreements (agreements which require union membership as a condition of employment).
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during which such individual has such illness.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the five-month period which is presently a prerequisite of eligibility for disability insurance benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to provide mortgage protection life insurance to certain veterans unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a standard rate because of service-connected disabilities. Establishes guidelines for such insurance regarding: (1) amount of insurance; (2) premium rates; (3) payment of insurance; and (4) policy provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Directs the President to negotiate an agreement with the Soviet Union for the establishment of a permanent joint United States-Soviet Communications Center to provide an additional channel for communications between the United States and the Soviet Union in order to reduce the threat of an accidental nuclear war. Declares that the agreement should provide that: (1) the function of the Center would be to serve as a direct and secure means of communications between the two countries; (2) the Center would have no intelligence gathering capabilities and would not be used for espionage; (3) the Center would be located in an agreed upon third country with the operating costs shared equally; and (4) the Center would be staffed by an equal number of personnel from each country. Requires the agreement to be either a treaty or an executive agreement which will enter into force only upon its approval by both Houses of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Postal Management Reform Act of 1983 - Abolishes the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service. Delegates the powers, functions, and duties of the Board (excluding the establishment of postal rates and the classification of mail) to the Postmaster General who shall be appointed by the President. Directs the Postmaster General to appoint the Deputy Postmaster General. Authorizes the Postal Rate Commission to fix postal rates and fees and to change the mail classification schedule at the request of the Postal Service or upon its own initiative. Provides for judicial review of decisions of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Hobbs Act Amendment of 1983 - Amends the Hobbs Act to establish penalties for obstructing, affecting, or interfering with commerce by willfully injuring, damaging, burning, or destroying to the value of $2,000 or more any real or personal property of any person at or near any place where work or business of an employer or owner is carried on or where such employer or owner transports, stores, or maintains property for business or other purposes. States that such violation, as well as the offense of interfering with commerce by extortion, shall not be nullified or mitigated even if committed in the course of a legitimate labor dispute.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Bankruptcy Code to provide that if the trustee rejects a debtor's executory contract for the sale of an interest in a timeshare plan, where the purchaser has not given up his right to use the timeshare premises, such purchaser may treat the contract as terminated and receive a lien on the timeshare interest for any part of the price already paid (except payments in previous years). Requires such election to take place within 45 days after entry of the order authorizing the rejection. Permits the purchaser, in the alternative, to continue to exercise his rights to use the timeshare premises if he continues to make installment and maintenance payments. Permits the purchaser to offset against such continued payments any damages occurring after the trustee's rejection caused by the nonperformance of any of the debtor's obligations. Permits the purchaser, where the trustee has assigned the contract to a third party, to terminate his contract rather than participate with the assignee in the premises.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any tax deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of or personal data concerning any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which conflicts with rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Florida Wilderness Act of 1983 - Designates the following lands in Florida as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Bradwell Bay Wilderness Addition in the Apalachicola National Forest; (2) the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness in the Apalachicola National Forest; (3) the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness in the Osceola National Forest; (4) the Alexander Springs Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest; (5) the Juniper Prairie Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest; (6) the Little Lake George Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest; and (7) the Billies Bay Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest. Prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing phosphate leases in the Osceola National Forest until the President recommends to Congress that such leases be permitted in a specified area of the forest, based upon a national need for phosphate. Requires the President to submit the basis for such recommendation, a statement of conditions governing the activity, and the required environmental impact statements. Makes a Presidential recommendation effective within 90 days after its submission to Congress unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution disapproving it. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to determine if specified phosphate preference right lease applicants have discovered valuable deposits of phosphate. Requires the Secretary, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to determine the fair market value of phosphate leases which would be issued to such lease applicants absent the leasing ban under this Act. Directs the Secretary to acquire by exchange, monetary credit, lease issuance suspension, or purchase any valuable phosphate lease rights from such lease applicants within three years after enactment of this Act. Provides that the designation of the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness will not alter phosphate lease rights applicable to lands within the wilderness. Allows waivers of the time deadlines under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
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
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance to any country which is a known source of illicit drugs, unless the President has certified to Congress during the fiscal year that the governing authorities of that country are fully cooperating with the United States in its efforts to reduce the flow of illicit drugs from that country. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit issuing letters of offer and export licenses and to prohibit extending credits or guarantees to any country which is a known source of illicit drugs, unless the President has certified to Congress during the fiscal year that the governing authorities of that country are fully cooperating with the United States in its efforts to reduce the flow of illicit drugs from that country.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Requires written consent of the parties before Federal magistrates may conduct evidentiary hearings in habeas corpus proceedings attacking State custody of petitioners under State court judgments. Limits the circumstances under which Federal courts may consider petitions for habeas corpus in State court cases. Creates a three-year statute of limitations for filing habeas corpus petitions. Revises standards governing Federal court review of State court judgments.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal census provisions to require Federal agencies to use the most recent population data (rather than the most recent decennial census data) in determining the amount of benefits due State and local governments under Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; or (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for staggered four-year terms for Members of the House of Representatives. Prohibits persons from being elected to the House more than four times or more than three times to four-year terms. Prohibits persons from being elected to the Senate more than twice.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 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.
![Official portrait of Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000350_200.jpg)