United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Competitive Shipping and Shipbuilding Act of 1983 - Requires that, by 1984, five percent of all bulk cargoes imported into or exported from the United States by water be carried on U.S.-flag ships. Requires yearly one percent increases until the percentage of bulk cargoes carried on U.S.-flag ships reaches 20 percent. Provides for credit to importers and exporters for the use of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes between foreign ports. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide relief from the requirements of this Act upon a finding that U.S.-flag ships are not available within guideline rates. Sets forth factors which the Secretary shall consider in determining the extent of relief granted. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guideline rates for the carriage of bulk cargoes subject to this Act. Requires the Secretary to assure that such rates take into account certain objectives. Requires the Secretary, in order to establish guideline rates, to estimate the current cost of operating U.S.-flag ships in the foreign bulk trades of the United States and of constructing such ships. Requires such cost estimates to be published within six months after enactment of this Act. Requires such estimates to be revised annually. Requires that such rates: (1) be reviewed and adjusted at least annually; (2) not reflect costs greater than the estimated current costs; and (3) be the maximum rates which may be charged for the charter of U.S.-flag ships for the transportation of bulk cargoes governed by this Act. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish interim guideline rates in the first calendar year following the enactment of this Act. Sets forth factors to be taken into account in determining such rates. Requires the Secretary to appoint and consult with an advisory committee to establish and review U.S.-flag ship operating costs, shipyard construction costs, guideline rates, and regulations. Requires anyone engaged in importing or exporting bulk commodities in U.S. foreign commerce whose business volume exceeds $1,000,000 annually to report to the Secretary on the percentages of such person's exports and imports carried on U.S. flag ships. Requires anyone who fails to transport the required percentage of U.S. bulk cargoes to use exclusively U.S. flag ships until the deficiency has been recouped, unless Secretarial relief has been granted. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the investigation, prosecution, and judicial review of violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Grants a Federal charter to the National Opportunity Camps. Declares that the purpose of such corporation shall be to assist in the prevention of delinquency of disadvantaged children.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit the continued issuance of tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions of such Act provisions relating to the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individual taxpayers interest on reparation payments made to such taxpayers for persecution under the German National Socialist regime.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a handicapped taxpayer or a taxpayer with a handicapped dependent to elect the one-time exclusion of gain from the sale or exchange of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Directs the President to resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on a treaty prohibiting: (1) the testing, deployment, production, or use of any weapons system designed to damage or interfere with a spacecraft; and (2) the stationing in outer space of any weapon designed to inflict injury or damage on the Earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Requires such a treaty to provide for verifying compliance with its terms. Directs the President to request the United Nations to bring about multilateral negotiations banning all weapons based in space.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Establishes a Commission to fix the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress on July 1 of each even-numbered year to take effect on the 3rd of January of the next calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Community Renewal Employment Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the provision of employment opportunities to long-term unemployed individuals in high unemployment areas through grants for labor and related costs associated with the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of essential community facilities and for public safety and health activities. Authorizes appropriations to enable eligible entities to provide opportunities for unemployed individuals under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations in a specified amount for FY 1983. Limits the authorization of such appropriations in each succeeding fiscal year to an amount to the product of $10,000 multiplied by 20 percent of the number of "long-term unemployed individuals" (i.e. the average number of individuals in the civilian labor force who, in the first three months of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is to be made, had been unemployed for 15 or more weeks as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on a seasonally adjusted basis). Makes eligible entities under specified circumstances: (1) States; (2) local governments with populations of 50,000 or more; (3) consortia of local governments; (4) existing concentrated employment program grantees serving rural areas under the Job Training Partnership Act; and (5) Native American Indian, Alaska Native, and Oklahoma Indian groups. Makes individuals aged 16 or older eligible to participate in such program only if they are unemployed at the time of eligibility determination and for at least of the 20 weeks prior to such determination, with specified exceptions. Limits wages for eligible individuals to 52 weeks in a two-year period. Requires that priority be given to those who have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits and those who have been unemployed for the longest periods immediately preceding selection. Allocates 73 percent of grant funds under this Act in any fiscal year to specified eligible entities (States, local governments and consortia, and rural concentrated employment programs) within which the average unemployment rate for the preceding 12-month period was nine percent or more of the civilian labor force. Allocates 15 percent among specified eligible entities (local governments and consortia and rural concentrated employment programs) which do not meet such unemployment criteria. Allocates five percent to States for use in high unemployment areas which are not being served by eligible entities. Reserves two percent for eligible Native American groups. Reserves five percent for distribution in the Secretary's discretion. Provides that the 73 percent and 15 percent allocations to eligible entities shall be distributed on the basis of relative members of: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) unemployed residing in areas of substantial unemployment (i.e. those areas which are of sufficient size and scope to sustain a program under this Act and which had an average rate of unemployment of at least six and one-half percent for the most recent 12 months); and (3) "excess unemployed individuals" (i.e. the number of individuals which is in excess of four and one-half percent of the civilian labor force). Provides that the five percent allocation to States shall be made available by Governors to areas which did not qualify for the other allocations but which have: (1) had an average civilian unemployment rate of nine percent or more for the three most recent months; (2) had large-scale losses of jobs caused by the closing of facilities, mass layoffs, natural disasters, or similar circumstances; or (3) experienced sudden or severe economic dislocations. Provides that funds reserved for Native American eligible entities shall be allocated on an equitable basis, taking into account the extent to which regular employment opportunities have been lacking. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for such Native American programs. Provides that the Secretary's discretionary funds be reserved for distribution to eligible entities serving areas of high unemployment or designated enterprise zones, or areas affected by mass layoffs, natural disasters, or Federal Government actions. Sets forth provisions for availability and reallocation of funds under this Act. Requires that allocations be made within 45 days after appropriation of such funds. Requires eligible entities to file with the Secretary plans which: (1) describes projects to be assisted; (2) have been reviewed by the appropriate economic development district or other appropriate agencies; and (3) are not inconsistent with the appropriate community development plans for such area. Provides that such plans shall be deemed acceptable unless, within 30 days of the filing, the Secretary: (1) finds that a plan violates the provisions of this Act; and (2) provides a written explanation to the eligibility entity. Grants such entity 30 days to file a revised plan. Requires eligible entities to give priority to projects on the basis of the: (1) severity and duration of unemployment within localities; (2) degree to which project activities will lead to the expansion of unsubsidized employment in the private sector; (3) level of need for activities and services; and (4) extent of coordination with economic and community development activities funded from sources other than this Act. Limits to 25 percent that portion of the funds provided to any eligible entity which may be used for the cost of administration (including supervision) and the acquisition of supplies, tools, and equipment. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to provide wages and related employment benefits to eligible participants. Requires that eligible participants be employed in community improvement projects, in one or more listed activities involving: (1) public facilities repair, rehabilitation, or improvement; (2) public lands conservation, rehabilitation, or improvement; or (3) public safety and health. Sets forth general requirements relating to employment and projects under this Act. Limits the number of subsidized jobs to five percent of the work force of an eligible entity, with specified exceptions. Requires that eligible participants be paid prevailing wages if such wages are higher than the applicable minimum wage. Limits the individual yearly wage subsidy to $10,000, but permits adjustments for particular areas. Permits individual yearly wage supplements from other sources of up to 50 percent of the maximum wage subsidy. Requires that participants be allowed sufficient time off from work activities to participate effectively in job search activities. Requires eligible entities to maintain an individual work record for each participant. Sets forth program labor standards relating to conditions of employment and training, health and safety standards, workers' compensation benefits, and job benefits and working conditions. Prohibits use of funds under this Act for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Prohibits displacement of any currently employed worker by participants in programs funded under this Act. Prohibits such programs from impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. Requires the written concurrence of the labor organization and the employer concerned before any such program which would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement may be undertaken. Prohibits program participants from being employed or job openings from being filled when: (1) any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or (2) the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise reduced its work force with the intention of filling the vacancy by hiring a participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act. Prohibits creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with assurances that none of such funds will be used to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that an opportunity for comment be provided for any labor organization representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same areas as that proposed to be funded under this Act. Applies the wage rate requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in works federally assisted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and for succeeding fiscal years to enable the United States Employment Service to provide funds to State employment service agencies to: (1) certify and refer unemployed individuals as eligible for program participation; and (2) assist program participants in finding regular unsubsidized employment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to permit full-time postsecondary school students to receive child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status. (Currently, only full-time elementary or secondary school students may receive such benefits on the basis of student status.)
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 · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should implement, within the United States, the objectives of the United Nations Decade for Disabled Persons (1983-1992).
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
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 25 January 1983
Temporary Natural Gas Market Correction Act of 1982 - Declares that any contract for the first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include a volume adjustment option with respect to any natural gas the first sale delivery of which could occur pursuant to such contract at any time after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983. Defines a volume adjustment option as a contract provision under which the purchaser may elect to refuse to take delivery under such contract of any volume of natural gas without incurring an obligation to pay any fee or charge with respect to the natural gas not delivered pursuant to such election. Provides, subject to certain exceptions, that the purchase by any natural gas pipeline company of any natural gas which is delivered on any day after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983, at an excessive price shall be considered as fraud, abuse, or similar grounds for purposes of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviewing cost passthroughs. Considers the price of natural gas delivered to any natural gas pipeline company on any day excessive if that price exceeds the price of any other natural gas not delivered to such pipeline company on that day but which could have been acquired by such pipeline company for delivery on that day under any contract to which the pipeline is a party. Requires every natural gas pipeline company to file monthly with FERC: (1) a statement concerning the volume adjustment clause, as well as steps it has taken to achieve the lowest possible weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas; and (2) a modification of the costs to be recovered by the pipeline under a purchased gas adjustment clause (as defined in the Natural Gas Act), if the weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas by the pipeline is lower because of the volume adjustment option or because of other steps taken by the pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 to assist States in providing emergency shelter and related assistance to homeless individuals and families. Includes within the definition of "homeless individuals and families": (1) individuals and families without any form of regular shelter and who have been determined to be in need of emergency shelter and related assistance; and (2) parents and their children who have suffered spousal abuse who need to leave their homes for emergency shelter and assistance. Sets forth a method for allocating funds among the States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the expenditure of funds for the production of lethal binary chemical munitions after the enactment of this Act. Defines lethal binary chemical munitions to mean: (1) toxic chemicals intended to injure or kill humans; and (2) devices intended to disseminate such chemicals. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should begin negotiations with the Soviet Union for a mutual, verifiable limitation on chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
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 · 6 January 1983
Renegotiation Act Amendments of 1983 - Reinstates until the end of FY 1986 the Renegotiation Act of 1951 (providing for review of defense contractors' profits). Makes the Act inapplicable to amounts received by contractors from October 1, 1976, through the date of enactment. Requires renegotiation to be conducted by division and major product line, rather than by total aggregate sales. Increases from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 the aggregate fiscal year renegotiable sales amount which makes contractors and subcontractors covered by the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 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 · 6 January 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Increases the amount of the Government's contribution for an employee enrolled in an employee health benefits plan from 60 to 75 percent of the average subscription charge for such plan. Increases the maximum Government contribution for an enrollee from 75 to 100 percent of such subscription charge. Requires payment of a Government differential equal to five percent of the average subscription charge, in addition to the Government's contribution, for any enrollee who is over 65 years of age and not entitled to medicare benefits. Excludes such differential in determining the amount to be paid by the enrollee. Permits the following persons to elect to continue coverage under a Federal employees' health benefits plan for a specified period: (1) an employee who is involuntarily separated from the civil service due to a reduction in force; (2) the spouse of an enrollee whose marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment, if the enrollee was enrolled for self and family; (3) an individual who elects to receive the lump-sum credit for civil service retirement benefits; and (4) an individual 22 years of age or older whose enrollment was based on such individual's being an unmarried child who was incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability which existed and did not terminate before the individual attained the age of 22. Requires such persons who elect to continue coverage to pay into the Employees Health Benefits Fund an amount equal to the sum of employee and agency contributions paid for the same level of benefits. Allows such a person to: (1) change to a lower level of benefits; (2) change coverage within 60 days after a change in family status; and (3) transfer enrollment to another plan under conditions prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Provides a temporary extension of coverage to allow persons who elected not to continue coverage or whose continued coverage is terminated to convert to a nongroup contract providing health benefits. Allows annuitants whose annuity is less than the amount required to be withheld for enrollment in a health benefits plan to pay the amount of any deficiency required for enrollment. Requires contracts for employee organization plans to require carriers to: (1) reinsure with other participating companies; (2) enter into an agreement approved by OPM with an underwriting subcontractor licensed to issue group health insurance in all States and the District of Columbia; and (3) meet minimum financial standards prescribed by OPM. Requires the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan to provide, in addition to all currently authorized benefits: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits; and (3) comprehensive dental benefits. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for any service benefit, indemnity benefit, or employee organization plan which does not provide for 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits and two 28-day alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Requires any limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits to be exceeded on a case by case basis only to the extent that a peer review mechanism determines such treatment to be necessary. Requires 80 percent of such excessive benefit claims to be paid from the balance of one percent of all contributions to the Employees Health Benefits Fund remaining after the expenses of administering provisions governing Federal employees health benefit plans are paid. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract with a carrier for any health benefits plan which does not provide 95 percent of the benefits that such plan or the most similar plan provided during the preceding year, unless the carrier and the OPM mutually agree to waive such requirement. Directs the OPM to: (1) provide a three week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated; and (2) make available to such enrollees information on such plans at least four weeks before such open enrollment period. Prohibits the OPM from entering into a contract for a health benefits plan which excludes anyone because of nonactive employee status. Eliminates the requirement that the group of physicians under a group-practice prepayment plan include physicians representing at least three major medical specialties.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
National Development Act of 1983 - Creates the National Development Bank, as a government corporation, to achieve a full employment economy through loans to: (1) State and local governments for public works and facilities; and (2) individuals and corporations to establish, expand, or improve businesses and industries. Sets forth provisions concerning such Bank's Board of Directors, officers and employees, corporate powers, and principal office. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase stock in and assets of such Bank. Gives such Bank borrowing authority. Authorizes Federal Reserve banks to purchase such Bank's obligations. Authorizes such Bank to make or guarantee loans: (1) to create or improve business and industry that will have the effect of combating unemployment or underemployment; (2) for products and services of which shortages are perceived; and (3) to finance public works and community facilities that create employment opportunities at adequate wages. Authorizes such Bank to provide technical and other necessary assistance to protect its investment. Sets forth provisions concerning the security required for loans, maturity of loans, interest rates on guaranteed and direct loans, aggregate loan guarantees, requirements for direct loans, and auditing. Exempts such Bank from all taxation other than property taxes. Subjects such Bank obligations to taxes to the same extent as private corporate obligations. Authorizes appropriations to finance the purchase of Bank stock.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Sunset Review Act of 1981 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office (GAO), before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Specifies information to be contained in such an inventory. Directs the GAO to publish a supplement to such inventory which includes certain budget information. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, by a specified date, to submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction, or, in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Directs the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agendas in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Requires, where practicable, that related programs and expenditures be reviewed during the same Congress. Requires the report accompanying each agenda submitted to contain a projection of the sunset reviews the committee plans to conduct during the next three Congresses. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for the consideration and adoption of such agenda. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Comptroller General, and each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to provide the appropriate congressional committees with specified information evaluating such program or expenditure. Requires the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of Technology Assessment, and the Congressional Research Service to assist in furnishing such information to the committees. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1970 to revise and increase the mandatory penalties for using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony. Redefines such offense as using a firearm to commit a felony over which the district courts have exclusive jurisdiction or carrying a firearm during such a felony involving violence. Deletes the requirement that the firearm be carried "unlawfully". Increases the additional penalty imposed for such offense to not less than five years' imprisonment for a first offense (currently, one to ten years) and ten years for a second or subsequent offense (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the stipulations, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence, grant probation, or impose concurrent sentences. Makes a first offender ineligible for parole for five years and a second or subsequent offender ineligible for ten years. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive prosecute vigorously such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, Gun Control - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to revise and add definitions used in the Act. Defines "handgun" to include handgun parts. Defines "Department" to mean the Department of Justice. (Current law is under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury). Prohibits non-licensees from engaging in the business of repairing firearms or ammunition. States that certain otherwise lawful activities, such as the returning of a firearm by a licensee to the person from whom it was received and the mailing of a firearm to a licensee for the purpose of repair, shall be unlawful with respect to "easily concealable handguns" (that is, those handguns not approved by the Attorney General under this Act). Prohibits the loan or rental of an easily concealable handgun to another person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes. Prohibits a licensee from selling a handgun to a person who does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises. Prohibits a licensee from selling or delivering a firearm or ammunition to any person if such sale or delivery violates a public ordinance at the place of residence of the purchaser. Revises the statement which must be submitted to a licensee by a purchaser not appearing at such licensee's business premises to provide that such purchaser be 18 years of age with respect to all firearms. (Current law requires a purchaser of any firearm other than a shotgun or rifle to be 21 years of age.) Prohibits a licensee from manufacturing, assembling, selling, or transferring any handgun, other than a curio or relic, which has not been approved by the Attorney General. Prohibits any person from transferring such a handgun unless such person has reasonable cause to believe that the handgun has been approved. Excepts the mailing of handguns from complying with approved standards under certain circumstances. Prohibits the modification of an approved handgun resulting in the failure of such handgun to meet the approved standards. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of individuals transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt of any firearm or ammunition; and (2) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Includes such categories in the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain classes of individuals. Prohibits any person from transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of a State law in a place to or through which the firearm was transported. Prohibits a licensee from transferring three or more handguns to the same non- licensee within a period of one year, without prior approval of the Attorney General. Prohibits a non-licensee from receiving three or more handguns within one year without such approval. Prohibits any person who has knowledge of the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his or her control or possession from failing to report such incident to a law enforcement officer and the Attorney General. Specifies the circumstances under which: (1) a person in lawful possession of a valid State license or permit to carry handguns may purchase or receive a handgun in any State from a licensed dealer or non-licensee; and (2) a person in lawful possession of a valid State license or permit to purchase handguns may purchase or receive a handgun in the State issuing the license or permit. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for licenses or permits to carry or purchase handguns and to certify as approved those satisfying specified requirements. Specifies the circumstances under which (except as provided by other sections of the Act) a licensed dealer or non-licensee may transfer a handgun to another non-licensee. Sets new annual licensing fees of $5,000 for a manufacturer or importer of handguns, $500 for a dealer in handguns, $100 for a dealer in ammunition for handguns that is not also used in rifles, and $100 for a dealer who is a gunsmith. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition, and dealers from conducting business from the premises of a pawnbroker. Imposes additional requirements for the approval of a license application by the Attorney General. Increases from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license or subject a licensee who violates any provision of the Act to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Sets forth new recordkeeping requirements for licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers in handguns. Provides for the transfer of records where a licensee loses his or her license, transfers the business to another person, or in any way ceases doing business. Directs the Attorney General to appoint a 15-member Handgun Criteria Commission to develop criteria for the evaluation of handgun models according to frame size and other appropriate factors for determining whether such models are easily concealable, have potential for criminal use, or are particularly suitable for sporting purposes. Requires the Commission to submit a report containing such criteria within one year of enactment and to evaluate biennially the effectiveness of existing criteria. Directs the Attorney General to revise the criteria upon a determination by the Commission that handguns satisfying existing criteria are significantly involved in handgun crime. Requires final criteria to be transmitted to Congress, which may disapprove by resolution the criteria within 60 days of continuous session. Directs the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer any handgun model which satisfies the established criteria after representative samples of such model are evaluated and tested. Authorizes exceptions with respect to handguns which are particularly appropriate for law enforcement purposes. Directs the Attorney General, prior to the time that criteria have been established, to evaluate samples of all handgun models and approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer handgun models which meet specified requirements. Sets forth procedures for the administrative review of a finding that a sample submitted has failed to meet the approved standards. Requires the Attorney General to publish at least semiannually in the general register a list of handgun models which have been tested and the test results. Deems approved any untested handgun model not in manufacture on or after October 22, 1968. Revises the penalties under such Act. Disallows, with respect to a person who uses or carries a firearm during the commission of any felony and receives an additional sentence, the suspension of such sentence, the giving of probation, or the concurrent running of a term of imprisonment (under current law, such prohibitions apply only to a second or subsequent offense). Sets forth a mandatory period of parole ineligibility for such offense, unless the court finds specified mitigating circumstances. Requires all final handgun criteria established by the Attorney General to be transmitted to the Congress. Makes such criteria effective unless either House of Congress passes a resolution of disapproval within 60 days after such criteria is submitted to Congress. Makes any person (including a licensee) who negligently sells or transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury suffered by an individual as a result of the use of the handgun by the transferee in the commission of an offense. States that certain exceptions to the provisions of the Act shall only apply with respect to handguns which have been approved by the Attorney General in accordance with the Act. Allows a mental incompetent to be relieved from the disabilities of the Act with respect to the possession, acquisition, or transfer of firearms upon specific findings by a court. Authorizes the Attorney General to permit the importation of approved handguns. Directs the Attorney General to make annual grants for each fiscal year and supplemental grants at his or her discretion to qualifying State programs for the compensation of victims of handgun crime. Specifies eligibility criteria for such programs and the amount of authorized payments. Requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the congressional judiciary committees concerning such programs. Establishes a nine-member Advisory Committee on Victims of Handgun Crime to advise the Attorney General on the administration of the programs and policies relating to the compensation of victims of handgun crimes. Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Authorizes the President to transfer to the Department of Justice additional functions of other agencies which relate to the functions transferred by this Act. Establishes within the Department of Justice the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration to administer the functions of the Attorney General under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Directs the Attorney General to transmit to Congress as part of the annual report of the Department of Justice a report on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application for a user permit or a license to import, manufacture, or deal in explosive materials must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license or subject a licensee who violates any statutory requirement to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Directs the Postal Service to promulgate regulations for the conveyance of handguns in the mails. Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, in consultation with the United States Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, to report within six months of enactment on: (1) intergovernmental problems in controlling illicit handgun traffic; and (2) the effectiveness of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship). Makes this Act effective 120 days after enactment, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to reduce from $5,000 to $1,000 the limitations on multicandidate political committee contributions to a candidate or the candidate's authorized political committees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve, upon application by a public utility, the inclusion of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) in the rate base of such public utility with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels. Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon application by a public utility for approval of such a rate increase. Sets forth the items required in any such application. Requires the Commission to approve the rate increase applied for or to order a lesser rate increase if, after the hearing, the Commission finds that: (1) the utility will be in severe financial difficulty unless construction work in progress costs are included in the rate base; (2) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; (3) any mismanagement involved will not affect the utility's future financial situation; (4) the long-term benefits justify short-run rate increases in the case of customers purchasing electric energy for resale; (5) such wholesale customers have been offered an ownership interest in the facility under construction; (6) the rate increase will not unreasonably impair the ability of wholesale customers to sell electric energy to their retail customers at the least cost; and (7) the applicant utility will discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs included in the rate base. Provides that no rate increase approved or ordered under this Act may: (1) be charged for electric energy sold before the date of such approval or order; (2) exceed the amount needed to alleviate the utility's financial difficulties; (3) have an anticompetitive effect; (4) be applied to any customer who holds an ownership interest in the facility being constructed (with limited exceptions); or (5) be unduly discriminatory or preferential or exceed a just and reasonable amount.
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
States that as part of the strategic arms reduction negotiations (START) the United States and the Soviet Union should: (1) place the highest priority on eliminating the fear of a first-strike by either nation; and (2) seek a verifiable agreement that produces a stable strategic relationship by ensuring that neither nation possesses capabilities of a first strike.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that neither the President nor the Congress should impose import fees on crude oil or refined petroleum products.
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
Designates the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, in Maryland, as the Gladys Noon Spellman Parkway. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to erect adjacent to such parkway an appropriate marker commemorating the contributions of Gladys Noon Spellman. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require income limits for occupancy and rent of public housing to be fixed by the public housing agency and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, except as otherwise provided in such Act. Decreases the maximum percentage of a family's monthly adjusted income payable as rent for public housing. Prohibits a tenant from paying rent exceeding the amount equal to the cost to the public housing authority for operating the tenant's unit. Amends the definition of "income" for purposes of such Act to exclude the value of food stamps or certificates. Excludes from the definition of "adjusted income": (1) income from each family member residing in the household who is 18 years of age or older and is disabled, handicapped, or a full-time student; (2) $500 for each elderly member of a household and each minor who is disabled, handicapped, or enrolled in an accredited school; (3) medical and educational expenses; and (4) child care expenses which are necessary for the employment of other household members. Amends the National Housing Act and the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to adopt the same definitions for "income" and "adjusted income." Amends the National Housing Act to decrease the maximum and increase the minimum percentage of a tenant's adjusted income payable as rent for lower income housing assisted under such Act. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to increase the maximum rent supplement payments payable by the Secretary for lower income families under such Act. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit the demolition, sale, or other disposal of a public housing project, unless: (1) the Secretary, the public housing authority, and the local government have certified their approval; (2) the project is substantially unoccupied; (3) there is no waiting list for public housing units in the area; (4) the costs of rehabilitating the project would be greater than replacing it; (5) the project tenants have been notified and consulted; (6) the Secretary and the public housing agency have entered into agreements assuring relocation assistance to displaced tenants; and (7) the agency has secured funding which has been committed to replacing such project with new or substantially rehabilitated units in the same neighborhood or, under certain conditions, in another neighborhood. Permits certain requirements to be waived with the consent of the tenants if there are sound social and economic reasons for the demolition or disposal of the project.
![Official portrait of Rep. Minish, Joseph G. [D-NJ-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000796_200.jpg)