United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations to introduce before the U.N. General Assembly a resolution calling for the withdrawal of Syrian and Syrian-controlled forces from Lebanon in order to facilitate the return of peace to the country.
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 · 11 November 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add a new title - Title V: Assistance to States for Voter Registration Programs. Defines "door-to-door voter registration program" as a door-to-door canvass on a nonpartisan basis. Directs the Federal Election Commission to make grants to the States to support door-to-door voter registration programs. Conditions such grants upon a determination that a State's program is likely to be successful. Provides for apportionment of such grants among the States. Vests responsibility for grant administration in the State officer normally responsible for election administration. Authorizes States to allocate any part of a grant to local and municipal governments. Authorizes appropriations. Conditions free return mail for State post card voter registration programs upon State reallocation of specified funding to a general voter registration or to a door-to-door voter registration program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Imposes penalties upon persons who operate a vessel while intoxicated. Requires marine casualty reports to include information on whether alcohol was a cause of the casualty. Requires State boating safety education programs to include information on the hazards of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol.
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 · 9 November 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy investment tax credit for equipment designed to use sail power on vessels. Specifies that qualified equipment shall include: (1) masts; (2) standing and running rigging; (3) sails; (4) deck hardware related to hoisting, trimming, or otherwise controlling sails; and (5) rotor systems. Specifies that such credit shall apply to periods after December 31, 1984, and prior to January 1, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to clarify the meaning of least restrictive setting for the mentally ill for purposes of community mental health grants.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast licensee to provide any person whose personal qualities are attacked during the presentation of views in a broadcast on a controversial issue of public importance with: (1) notification of the time, date, and identification of the broadcast; (2) a script or tape of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Excludes from such requirement any attack: (1) on a foreign group or foreign public figure; (2) made by a legally qualified candidate for public office during the use of a broadcast station; (3) made by such a candidate on another such candidate; or (4) made on a bona fide news show. Requires any licensee which endorses or opposes any candidate in an editorial to transmit to the opposing candidates (in the case of an endorsing editorial) or to the candidate (in the case of an opposing editorial): (1) notification of the date and time of the editorial; (2) a script or tape of the editorial; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Terminates the application of this Act on December 31, 1984. Suspends the personal attack rule and the political editorial rule of the Federal Communications Commission until after such date. Prohibits the Commission from repealing or modifying such rules after October 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1985. Voids any such action taken by the Commission after October 31, 1983, and before enactment of this Act. Allows the Commission to repeal or modify such rules beginning on January 1, 1985, provided that no repeal or modification shall become effective until 120 days of continuous session of Congress after it is published as final.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983
Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the Interstate High Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Network Compact as participated in by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983
Cable Consumer Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to add a new title dealing with cable telecommunications. Grants the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the States, and local franchising authorities jurisdiction over cable systems. Authorizes any State or local government or franchising authority to award, in accordance with the provisions of the new title, cable franchises within its jurisdiction. Prohibits cable operators, other than those operating on December 31, 1983, from providing its cable system basic service, cable service, or telecommunications service without a cable franchise. Grants State and local franchising authorities jurisdiction to assure the availability and fair terms of any basic service and any telecommunications service. Authorizes the FCC to establish minimum cable system standards for: (1) technical specifications; (2) public, governmental, and educational access capacity; (3) system interconnection; (4) equal employment opportunity and affirmative action; and (5) cross ownership of cable and other media. Authorizes State and local governments or franchising authorities to establish additional requirements to assure that cable systems are constructed and operated in the public interest. Prohibits a State or local government or franchising authority from regulating cable service unless that service is not subject to competition in the relevant market. Requires cable services to be presumed to be subject to effective competition. Authorizes a cable operator to contract with a franchising authority to provide specific cable services under specific conditions. Authorizes the FCC and State or local franchising authorities to adopt regulations to encourage fair and reasonable treatment of cable subscribers. Declares that nothing in the Act shall be construed as prohibiting a franchising authority and cable operator from agreeing that certain cable services shall not be provided or shall be provided subject to conditions if such cable services are obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution. Authorizes the imposition of franchise fees by State or local governments or franchising authorities. Limits the amount of a franchise fee to five percent of the cable operator's gross revenues. Excludes certain taxes and charges from the definition of franchise fee. Requires franchise renewal applications to be filed 24 to 36 months before expiration of a franchise. Sets forth the schedule for consideration of a renewal application by the franchising authority. Prohibits cable operators or cable subscribers from using the cable system to collect personally identifiable information with respect to a cable subscriber without the prior written consent of that subscriber. Permits the collection of such information for billing purposes, to monitor cable operator performance, to monitor for unauthorized reception of telecommunications, or to collect aggregate information about subscriber viewing patterns. Requires such information to be destroyed when it is no longer used or to be used for such purposes. Prohibits disclosure of personally identifiable information obtained for such purposes or personally identifiable information with respect to the services provided to or received by a particular cable subscriber except upon the prior written consent of the subscriber or pursuant to a court order. Requires that a subscriber's consent shall be valid for no more than one year and shall be revocable. Prohibits imposing a penalty or offering an incentive to obtain such consent. Requires the consent to be expressed and signed on a document intended solely for evidencing the subscriber's consent. Requires the cable subscriber to be notified at least 14 days before personally identifiable information is disclosed pursuant to a court order. Requires cable operators to inform subscribers of their right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information. Requires that a subscriber shall have access to all personally identifiable information regarding that subscriber which is collected and maintained by a cable operator or other cable subscriber. Provides for civil damages for violations of subscriber privacy. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting existing cable franchises. Authorizes making such franchises subject to this Act. Authorizes a cable operator to invoke this Act if within one year after its enactment the cable operator can prove that its franchise is an unconscionable contract. Prohibits any person from using the mail or any means of interstate commerce in furtherance of an offer to pay money or give something of value to an official in order to influence the official's decision or to induce the official to influence a franchising authority decision relating to a cable television franchise. Prohibits any person from using the mail or any means of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer to pay money or give something of value to any person while knowing or having reason to know that such payment will be offered, given, or promised to an official to influence the official's decision or to induce the official to influence a franchising authority decision relating to a cable television franchise. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Prohibits any person or government authority from intercepting or receiving broadband telecommunications unless specifically authorized to do so or otherwise specifically authorized by Federal law. Requires a State or local franchising authority to adopt regulations to assure that no landlord, mobile home park owner, or governing body of a condominium or cooperative shall interfere with the installation of cable television facilities upon their property except for imposing certain safety and compensation requirements. Requires the FCC to report to Congress every five years on whether it believes changed circumstances in telecommunications services and basic services warrant amendment or repeal of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983
Requires that local government emergency personnel (including police and firefighters) be notified at least 48 hours in advance of the shipment of high-level nuclear waste through local government jurisdictions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983
Amends the Act of February 12, 1929, to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to invest Indian trust funds in public debt securities bearing interest as the Secretary determines, considering current market yields (currently such funds are fixed at 4 percent per annum).
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983
Eliminates the statutory position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior. Replaces it with the statutory position of Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Considers presidential appointments of persons as Assistant Secretary for the Department of the Interior responsible for Indian affairs to be appointments as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Title I - Federal Reclamation Hydroelectric Powerplants Authorization Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the following hydroelectric powerplants: (1) the Whiskeytown powerplant in California; (2) the Yellowtail Afterbay powerplant in Montana; (3) the Red Bluff powerplant in California; (4) the Palisades powerplant enlargement in Idaho and Wyoming; (5) the Anderson Ranch powerplant in Idaho; (6) the Minidoka powerplant rehabilitation and enlargement in Idaho and Wyoming; and (7) the Guernsey powerplant enlargement in Wyoming. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to construct, operate, and maintain transmission facilities for such powerplants and to purchase replacement capacity and energy in order to maintain contractual deliveries to customers during unit outages caused by powerplant construction. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to minimize the loss of capacity and energy to power customers due to unit outages resulting from such powerplant construction. Directs the Secretary of Energy to maintain deliveries of capacity and energy at contract prices to customers affected by such unit outages. Requires that the hydroelectric power generated by such facilities be marketed through specified Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems. Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1985 to the Secretary of the Interior for construction, operation, and maintenance of the powerplants authorized under this Act and the cost of replacement capacity and energy. Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1985 to the Secretary of Energy for transmission facilities and the purchase of replacement capacity and energy. Title II - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to increase the capacity of existing generating equipment at Hoover Powerplant (the uprating program) and to improve parking, visitor facilities, roads, and other facilities which will contribute to the safety and sufficiency of visitor access to Hoover Dam and Powerplant (the visitor facilities program). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct a Colorado River bridge crossing immediately downstream from Hoover Dam in order to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce safety hazards. Amends the Colorado River Basin Project Act of 1968 to provide that non-Federal funds advanced for the Central Arizona Project and the Orme Dam and Reservoir project shall be credited to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund and shall be available without further appropriation for such projects. Provides that the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund shall include all revenues collected in connection with the operation of facilities with respect to the Central Arizona Project and with respect to the Orme Dam and Reservoir until completion of repayment requirements of the Central Arizona Project. (Under current law, such fund shall include all such revenues including revenues which are determined to be surplus after the completion of the Central Arizona Project.) Requires the Secretary of Energy to provide for surplus revenues for the Boulder Canyon Project and for the Parker- Davis Project by increasing the rates charged to purchasers of electricity in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Provides that after the repayment period for the Central Arizona Project, the rates charged to such purchasers shall include an additional charge to provide revenues for repayment of costs in connection with the operation of Hoover Dam, certain salinity control units for the Colorado River, and certain water supply augmentation units for the Colorado River. Amends the Boulder Canyon Project Act of 1928 to eliminate the ceiling on the aggregate amount of advances which the Secretary of the Treasury may make to the Colorado River Dam fund to carry out such Act. Increases the ceiling on the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act. Permits the adjustment of the funds required for the uprating program and the visitor facilities program at Hoover Dam and Powerplant. Amends the Boulder Canyon Project Adjustment Act of 1940 to make open-ended the period of time for which the Secretary of the Interior is directed to promulgate charges for electricity generated at Hoover Dam. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate charges for electricity generated at Hoover Dam to provide revenues for the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund. Includes in the operation costs for the Boulder Canyon project which may be paid for out of the Colorado River Dam Fund the purchase of supplemental energy to meet temporary deficiencies in firm energy which the Secretary of Energy is obligated by contract to supply. Provides that receipts from the Boulder Canyon Project which are placed in the Colorado River Dam Fund shall be available for transfer to the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund. Sets forth the interest rates for advances made for the uprating program and for the visitor facilities program at Hoover Dam and Powerplant. Requires the Secretary of Energy to offer: (1) a renewal contract for specified amounts of energy to each contractor for power generated at Hoover Dam; (2) contracts for capacity and associated energy resulting from the uprating program at Hoover Dam in the amounts specified in the General Consolidated Power Marketing Criteria or Regulations for Boulder City Area projects to purchasers in Arizona, Nevada, and California who are eligible to enter into such contracts pursuant to the Boulder Canyon Project Act; and (3) contracts for such energy as is available respectively to Arizona, Nevada, and California under such Criteria to the Arizona Power Authority, the Colorado River Commission of Nevada, and purchasers in California who are eligible to enter into such contracts pursuant to the Boulder Canyon Project Act. Sets forth requirements and restrictions with respect to such contracts. Provides that the uprating program may be undertaken with appropriated funds, funds advanced under contracts between the Secretary of the Interior and non-Federal purchasers of electricity from such program, or a combination thereof. Sets forth conditions under which claims with respect to this Act, the Boulder Canyon Project Act, or the Boulder Canyon Project Adjustment Act may be brought. Provides that reimbursement of funds appropriated for the construction of facilities at Hoover Dam and Powerplant under this title shall be a repayment requirement of the Boulder Canyon Project. Requires that electrical capacity and energy associated with the United States' interest in the Navajo generating station which is in excess of the pumping requirements of the Central Arizona Project and any needs for desalting and protective pumping facilities be marketed and exchanged by the Secretary of Energy. Requires that the marketing and exchange plan for the Navajo surplus optimize the availability of such surplus and provide financial assistance in the timely construction and repayment of construction costs of authorized features of the Central Arizona Project. Authorizes the establishment of rate components which shall be deposited in the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund and made available to implement such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Designates November 12, 1983, as Anti-Defamation League Day in honor of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Anti-Defamation League of the B'nai B'rith.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1983
Commission on Civil Rights Resolution - Establishes within the legislative branch an eight member Commission on Civil Rights (Commission). Provides rules of procedure for Commission hearings. Requires the Commission to: (1) investigate allegations of citizens' being denied their right to vote by reason of their color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin; (2) study and collect information concerning discrimination or a denial of equal protection; (3) appraise Federal laws and policy with respect to discrimination and the denial of equal protection; and (4) serve as a national clearinghouse for such information. Prohibits the Commission from investigating any membership practice or internal operation of any fraternal organization, college or university fraternity or sorority, private club or religious organization. Prohibits the Commission from collecting or studying information with respect to abortion. Directs the Commission to appraise the laws and policies of the Federal Government with respect to denials of equal protection involving Americans who are members of eastern - and southern - European ethic groups.
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 · 24 October 1983
Amends the Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution (Public Law 98-119) to require the President to order the withdrawal of all U.S. armed forces from Lebanon, except personnel assigned as guards at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983
Fair Deposit Availability Act of 1983 - Requires a depository institution, before opening a deposit account, to give a customer written disclosure of its general policy on withdrawal of funds deposited by check or similar instruments into such account. Requires a depository institution to: (1) furnish its customers preprinted deposit slips, or envelopes for automatic teller machine deposits bearing a summary statement of such withdrawal policy; or (2) in the case of a particular deposit by check or similar instrument for which funds may not be immediately available for withdrawal, provide specific notice of the time the customer may withdraw such funds. Requires a depository institution to begin to compute interest on funds so deposited on the date on which such institution receives provisional credit for check or similar instrument. Permits a customer to withdraw funds at any time after a depository institution involved receives provisional credit for a check or similar instrument issued by the Federal government. Requires depository institutions to comply with certain endorsement standards. Provides for expedited notice of nonpayment of a check or similar instrument. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to publish model disclosure forms and regulations to carry out this Act. Provides for administrative enforcement of compliance with this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for any depository institutions which fails to comply with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Lady Bird Johnson in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and contributions to the beautification of America. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the striking of such medal and bronze duplicates for sale to the public. Declares such medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should appoint a special envoy to investigate and report on how the United States could assist Ireland, Great Britain, and communities in Northern Ireland in arriving at a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require drug labels to disclose active and inactive ingredients. (Under current law, generally only active ingredients are required to be disclosed.)
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Amends title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the United States Code to make nondischargeable in a bankruptcy case any debts for a contribution to an employee benefit plan for the purpose of providing medical benefits to employees who because of age or disability terminate employment before the order for relief.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Establishes the National Commission on Federal Budget Deficit Reductions to review all relevant elements of fiscal and monetary policy, identify problems which may hinder the control and reduction of Federal budget deficits, and analyze all potential options which would result in deficit reductions and place the Government on a sound financial basis. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President and Congress not later than February 15, 1984, or the close of the 90th day beginning after the date of enactment of this resolution. Requires such report to contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after it submits its report.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Synthetic Fuels Corporation Fiscal Accountability Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Security Act to prohibit the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation from making new awards of financial assistance after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Corporation's comprehensive strategy for achieving the national synthetic fuel production goal is approved by Congress. Makes limitations on Corporation construction projects effective upon the enactment of this Act rather than upon approval of the comprehensive strategy as provided under current law.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Small Business Competitive Procurement Act of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit Government procurement officers from using qualified bidders or similar lists to preclude small businesses from being awarded contracts without referring the matter for final disposition to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Requires the SBA to certify small businesses as eligible to perform specified Government subcontracts if the contract involved exceeds $100,000 or the approved limits of a contractor's procurement system, whichever is greater. Provides that a Government procurement officer may not refuse to include a product of a small business concern or group of small business concerns on a qualified products list without referring the matter for final disposition to the SBA. Requires the SBA to make such final disposition within 60 days. Prohibits the SBA from: (1) establishing an exemption from the requirements that Government procurement officers refer questions as to a small business' eligibility as a Government contractor to the SBA for disposition; or (2) refusing to accept such a referral. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the award of Government prime contracts and subcontracts for appropriate portions of component systems, spare parts, and services for major weapon systems. Provides that during the planning for contracts for the procurement and performance of service or for the production or assembly of goods and spare parts for major weapon systems, the head of each Federal agency shall maximize competition for such components or services so as to insure to the maximum extent practicable that small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses are not precluded from performing as prime contractors and subcontractors on such contracts. Requires Federal agencies to publicly post and make available to small businesses information concerning the agencies' solicitations, unless such disclosure of information would be a breach of security or would disclose the Government's cost estimate for the procurement. Directs the Department of Defense to use funds appropriated for the development or production of any major weapon system to acquire manufacturing data relating to such system. Requires contracts entered into by any military department for the development or production of any major weapons system to contain provisions insuring the Government's acquisition of such manufacturing data, including conditions under which the contractor waives proprietary rights with respect to data necessary for the performance of such contracts. Provides waiver authority upon notification to specified congressional committees in instances where the military department determines that manufacturing technical data is not necessary. Directs each military department, within a specified time, to complete an inventory of the manufacturing technical data which the Government has in its possession or to which it has access. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to transmit to Congress, within three years after enactment of this Act, a report evaluating each military department's efforts to compile an inventory of the manufacturing data for major weapons systems in its possession or to which it has access. States that Federal procurement rulemaking is to be covered under the Administrative Procedure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983
Alternative Energy Tax Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for renewable energy sources for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reduces the qualifying percentage for energy source expenditures by specified increments between 1985 and 1990. Increases from 15 percent to 20 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such tax credit for five years from 1985 to 1990. Extends the investment tax credit for hydroelectric generating property and biomass property for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reestablishes the credit for cogeneration property until 1990. Qualifies until 1995 affirmative commitments for solar, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, and cogeneration projects begun by December 31, 1990. Eliminates the 20 percent limitation for oil and natural gas used in cogeneration facilities. Qualifies as biomass property methane- containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Revises the definition of geothermal deposit to lower the required temperature to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (from 122 degrees Fahrenheit). Includes shale oil property and tar sands equipment as energy property for purposes of the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1983
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that for purposes of printing in the Congressional Record, remarks of Members made on the floor or submitted for inclusion in the Record, including associated materials, shall be relevant to governmental matters. Exempts from such provision, remarks on the death of present or former Federal officials.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Japanese to extend the current voluntary auto export limits beyond March 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to assist State governments in funding State established veterans' services programs which assist veterans with their benefits. Sets forth grant application procedures, including a description of the State plan for coordination of a State veterans' services assistance program with the programs of local veterans' service organizations. Requires a State plan to show that the delivery of services will be managed at the local level and that a State will increase the amount of matching funds it provides in each fiscal year through the third fiscal year of the grant. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to evaluate grant applications. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1983 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle theft prevention standard applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles (other than motorcycles), or manufactured as new replacement parts, after the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, including an evaluation of the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; or (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, or four parts for any trailer. Sets forth compliance provisions for manufacturers of passenger motor vehicles or of passenger motor vehicle equipment. Specifies civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any motor vehicle, off-highway vehicle or vehicle part knowing that it has been stolen or that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to exchange information concerning such vehicles with law enforcement organizations. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1983 - Title I: Establishment of An Independent National Archives and Records Administration - Establishes the National Archives and Records Administration as an independent establishment in the executive branch to be directed by the Archivist of the United States. Requires the Archivist to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Archivist to appoint a Deputy Archivist. Sets forth the administrative duties and authority of the Archivist. Requires the Archivist to submit to Congress an annual report concerning the administration of functions of the Archivist and the Administration. Transfers to the Administration and the Archivist the functions, duties, and authority of the General Services Administration (GSA) and its Administrator, respectively, concerning: (1) congressional printing and binding; (2) the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations; (3) the distribution and sale of public documents; (4) archival administration; (5) presidential records; (6) the National Archives Trust Fund Board; (7) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (8) records management; (9) the disposal of records; (10) official territorial papers; (11) Indian records placed with the Oklahoma Historical Society; (12) public laws, Constitutional amendments, and the United States Statutes at Large; and (13) electoral credentials and certificates. Transfers to the Administration the National Archives and Records Service. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Limits the fee that the Archivist may charge for making or authenticating copies of materials to the amount necessary to recover actual costs. (Currently such fee may exceed such costs by up to ten percent.) Requires such fees to be deposited to the credit of the appropriation against which they are charged. (Currently such fees are paid into the National Archives Trust Fund.) Requires the National Archives Trust Fund Board to use the services and personnel of the Administration to assist the Board in performing its functions. (Currently the Board may appoint necessary employees.) Directs the Board to submit to Congress an annual report on its operations and on the moneys, securities, and personal property received and held by it. Authorizes the Board to authorize the transfer of funds to the Administration to be expended on an archival or records activity approved by the Board or to accomplish the purpose of a gift or bequest. Prohibits expenditures for purposes for which appropriated funds could not be expended, unless required by the instrument of gift or bequest. Permits the Board to solicit gifts or bequests. Requires that moneys received for the Fund be deposited within five working days. Allows disbursements from the Fund only for activities approved by the Board, including the publication of special works and the release of historical photographs and recordings. Authorizes the Archivist to sell such publications and releases at a price which will cover their cost (currently, cost plus ten percent). Authorizes the Archivist to initiate action for the recovery of agency records unlawfully removed or for other legal redress against persons who remove or destroy agency records if the agency fails to take such action within a reasonable period of time after being informed of its necessity by the Archivist. Directs the Archivist to report any such agency failure to the appropriate committees of Congress. Directs the Archivist to establish detailed criteria for determining whether material should be classified as agency records. Grants the Archivist access to any material made or received by an agency to determine whether the agency is in compliance with regulations governing records disposal. Permits the Archivist to authorize an agency to dispose of records only after publishing notice of, and providing an opportunity for public comment on, such disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Comprehensive Smoking Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes through research, demonstration, and educational activities. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to coordinate such Federal and private activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress biennially (with the first report due by January 1, 1984). Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require cigarette packages to carry one of three specified label warnings on a rotating basis. Makes it unlawful to advertise cigarettes without one of three specified warnings. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without disclosing tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels on the package. Requires the Secretary to test such levels at least once a year. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without first filing with the Secretary a list of chemical additives (types and amounts). Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to Congress regarding cigarette additives and their health hazards. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit hospital of up to 125 beds (currently, 50 beds) in a rural area to use its inpatient hospital facilities to provide services which if provided by a skilled nursing facility would constitute extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that, except for national security reasons, the United States should not suspend or restrict agricultural commodity exports to any country unless such suspension or restriction is imposed in connection with a suspension or restriction of all U.S. exports to such country and there is adequate international support of such suspension or restriction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to introduce a resolution that calls upon Iran to cease its persecution of the Iranian Baha'is and allow them to emigrate from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the proposed United States Steel-British Steel purchase agreement is adverse to the interests of the United States, the steel industry, and U.S. steel workers; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce take action under existing laws, including the United States-European Community Steel arrangement, to determine if there are any violations.