United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the public and private sectors should establish programs to assist low-income individuals in meeting heating fuel and weatherization costs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Directs the President to investigate and report to the Congress within 18 months concerning the living conditions and available assistance for El Salvadorans displaced inside and outside their country. Requires such investigation to report on the fate of El Salvadoran deportees. Requires the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to hold hearings within two years to consider appropriate U.S. steps to assure the personal safety and equitable distribution of assistance to such displaced El Salvadorans. Provides for a three-year moratorium on specified categories of El Salvadoran deportations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Native American Programs Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974 to state that decisions to grant financial assistance shall not consider whether such aid accrues to the benefit of Indians who are not members of a federally recognized tribe. Prohibits the rejection of financial assistance solely on the grounds that the request serves Indians or an Indian organization in a nonreservation area. Requires that programs under this Act be administered within the Department of Health and Human Services (currently they may be delegated to other Federal departments and agencies). Prohibits any transfer of such administration outside of the Department. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to continue the administration of grants through the Administration for Native Americans (the Administration). Requires the Commission of such Administration to delegate all functions within the Administration. Restricts the delegation and redelegation of functions by the Secretary to personnel within the Department. Permits interagency funding agreements between the Administration and other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1987. Specifies the percentage of appropriated funds which shall be used for financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Korean Air Lines Victims Claims Act - Directs the President to prohibit all transactions involving assets of the Soviet Union in the United States or any other transactions described in a specified section of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act pending voluntary settlement of the claims of the survivors of U.S. citizens on board the Korean Air Lines plane that was shot down by the Soviets. Directs the President to direct the Secretary of State to initiate negotiations as soon as practicable to conclude an agreement with the Soviet Union which would provide for the payment of awards certified by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to seize and liquidate Soviet assets in the United States and pay such funds into a claims fund if no agreement with the Soviet Union is reached by the time all the claims have been certified. Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to direct the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to determine the validity and amounts of the claims of the survivors of the U.S. citizens on board the downed Korean Air Lines plane. Requires the claims to be submitted to the Commission within one year of the publication of notice of the right to file. Requires the Commission to certify the amount determined to be the loss suffered by each claimant. Provides for consolidated awards. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury a Claims Fund for payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. citizens against the Soviet Union. Requires the Claims Fund to consist of: (1) sums paid to the United States pursuant to a claims settlement agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States; or (2) in the absence of such agreement, the sums acquired by the seizure and liquidation of Soviet assets in the United States. Sets forth the claim payment procedures. Requires the Commission to complete its affairs in connection with the settlement of claims within six months of the final date for the filing of such claims. Provides that necessary records and documents shall be made available to the Commission. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the fees that may be charged for services rendered on behalf of a claimant.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Human Needs and World Security Act - Requires that for FY 1985: (1) not less than $102,000,000 shall be provided to the United Nations Children's Fund with the Fund's excess FY 1984 funds to be devoted to the provision of low-cost preventive health measures associated with the "child health revolution" developed by United Nations agencies; (2) not less than $90,000,000 shall be provided for the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and (3) not less than $175,000,000 shall be provided for health care activities with excess FY 1984 funds to be devoted to preventive health care activities directly benefitting the poor majority. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the Peace Corps. Requires that $700,000,000 shall be available to carry out famine relief under the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for FY 1985. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the Inter-American Development Bank for assistance under the Bank's program for financing small projects. Limits for FY 1985 the aggregate amount of foreign military sales credits, foreign military sales guarantees, military assistance, and international military education and training. Limits the amount of assistance provided during FY 1985 through the Economic Support Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a limited income tax credit to employers for 50 percent of expenses incurred or paid by an employer in providing dependent care assistance for dependents of employees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Amends the Department of Education Organization Act ("the Act") to establish within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education: (1) an Office of Migrant Education to administer specified migrant education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (2) an Office of Equity Training and Technical Assistance to administer specified equity training and technical assistance programs under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Requires that such offices be under the direct supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. Establishes within the Office of Educational Research and Improvement an Office of Women's Educational Equity to administer specified women's educational equity programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires that such office be under the direct supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement. Provides that the offices established under this Act shall be considered organizational entities established by the Act and shall not be subject to the reorganizational authority of the Secretary of Education under specified provisions of the Act or any other provision of law.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions to candidates for the office of U.S. Representative. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for any one qualified candidate, and $200 for all qualified candidates. Requires that such contributions be verified in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Prohibits a candidate from misrepresenting his eligibility for office or the eligibility of a potential contributor for the tax credit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of such political tax credits not later than June 30 following each Federal election. Adds a new title to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: "Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives." Sets forth requirements for the qualification of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives to receive contributions eligible for the tax credit provided by this Act. Requires a candidate to certify to the Federal Election Commission that neither he nor his authorized committee will accept any contribution or make any campaign expenditure in excess of prescribed limits. Requires further that the candidate maintain a separate accounting of contributions which qualify for the income tax credit for political contributions provided by this Act and that the candidate provide any appropriate information to the Commission for purposes of auditing or examining campaign contributions. Requires the candidate to certify the receipt of a certain amount of threshold contributions. Limits to $20,000 the amount of personal funds (from the candidate or his immediate family) that a candidate may spend in an election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates whose opponents have exceeded applicable expenditure limits or who have otherwise failed to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to be reported to the Commission and each candidate within specified time frames. Qualifies a candidate against whom more than $5,000 in independent expenditures have been made for premium postal rates. Requires the Commission to verify upon request the eligibility of a candidate under this Act to the Secretary. Requires the Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the qualified candidates under this Act to determine compliance with the expenditure limitations and other requirements of this Act. Empowers the Commission to bring a civil suit in U.S. district court to enforce any requirement of this Act or recover any amounts resulting from an audit of campaign expenditures. Permits private citizens to file complaints with the Commission and initiate court actions. Authorizes appropriations. Includes within the definition of "contribution" for purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 certain extensions of credit for advertising and broadcasting in excess of $1,000 for a period of more than 60 days. Limits to $90,000 (adjusted for inflation) in any calendar year the amount of contributions which candidates for U.S. Representative may accept from non-party multicandidate political committees. Specifies exceptions for candidates in general and special elections. Limits to $240,000 the expenditure amounts for such candidates. Permits candidates for the office of U.S. Representative to make expenditures independently of the campaign committee of his party in specified circumstances. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide candidates for the office of U.S. Representative with equal time in broadcast media to respond to the remarks of an opposing candidate.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Urges the United States and the People's Republic of China to begin talks aimed at creating a jointly administered United States-People's Republic of China student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
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 Congress that: (1) the news media should voluntarily refrain from projecting election results before the polls close; and (2) the news media and industry, trade and professional organizations should voluntarily adopt guidelines to assure that exit interview data is not used to project election results before the polls close.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States and other nations should not recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and that a meeting of the United Nations Security Council should be held to condemn such act and to press for the withdrawal of forces from Northern Cyprus; and (2) the right of the people of Cyprus to self-determination should not be abridged by any nation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1983
Entitles former members of the armed forces who are totally disabled because of a service-connected disability to the same travel privileges on military aircraft as retired members of the armed forces enjoy.
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
Industrial Competitiveness Act - Title I: Council on Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Council on Industrial Competitiveness. Sets forth the duties of the Council including the duty to: (1) collect and analyze information concerning current and future economic trends and market opportunities; (2) create forums where national leaders will identify national economic problems; (3) provide policy recommendations regarding specific issues concerning industrial strategies; and (4) evaluate existing government policies and business practices in terms of their competitive impact. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Council. Requires the Council to report to Congress and the President, within one year of enactment of this title, recommendations for changes in Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Requires the Council to report annually to the President, Congress, and the Bank for Industrial Competitiveness on the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet such priorities. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Subtitle A: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes the Bank for Industrial Competititveness which shall be an agency of the United States. Sets forth the powers of the Bank and the qualifications for members of the board of directors. Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance to: (1) businesses in mature or linkage industries which require revitalization and modernization in order to be competitive in a world market; and (2) businesses in emerging industries which require financial assistance to develop and market new products or technologies. Limits the amount of aid for each project to 30 percent of the funding necessary to carry out the project. Sets forth the requirements for applications for such assistance. Sets forth the terms and conditions for financial assistance from the Bank. Terminates the authority of the Bank to make loans, issue loan guarantees, and purchase capital stock of applicants ten years after the effective date of this title. Sets forth the amount of capital stock the Bank shall have. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations to provide sufficient funds to carry out the Bank's purposes and to renew, refund or pay other obligations. Limits the amount of the Bank's outstanding obligations to five times the paid-in capital of the Bank. Prohibits any of the loans made, guaranteed, or committed to be guaranteed under this title from being eligible for purchase by, or commitment to purchase by, or sale or issuance to, any Federal agency or government-owned entity. Exempts obligations of the Bank from taxation. Authorizes the Bank to enter into appropriate agreements respecting obligations of the Bank. Sets forth provisions dealing with moneys of the Bank. Exempts from taxation all property of the Bank except for the Bank's real property. Authorizes the Bank to inspect all documents of an applicant relating to the applicant's financial affairs and to all facilities and properties of the applicant. Requires the Bank to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Terminates the Bank 30 years after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B: Secondary Markets for Industrial Mortgages - Authorizes the Bank to purchase and to make commitments to purchase industrial mortgages from any qualified financial institution. Authorizes the Bank to set priorities regarding the types of industrial mortgages to be purchased. Sets forth conditions which such mortgages must meet. Prohibits an industrial mortgage from being purchased unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Bank to set aside mortgages held by it and to issue and sell securities based upon the set aside mortgages. Subtitle C: Investment in Public Industrial Development Banks - Authorizes the Bank to invest in the stock of public industrial development finance institutions established at the State, local, or regional levels. Requires that the Bank be given, in return for its investment, one or more seats on the Board of Directors of the public development bank in which it invests. Prohibits the Bank from contracting with institutions that offer no reasonable prospect of return. Sets forth conditions for participation by the Bank in public industrial development banks. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1983 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to monitor capital investments in steel operations made and announced by the steel industry. Authorizes the Secretary to consult with steel industry representatives with respect to such investments. Requires the Secretary to consult with such representatives and with steel industry employees if the Secretary believes that the capital investment made or announced is substantially less than the cash flow generated from steel operations. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress and authorizes the Secretary to modify or suspend import limits on steel mill products if the Secretary determines that commercial conditions or other relevant considerations do not justify such reduced level of capital investment in steel operations. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if reguested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from any source other than Canada during any calendar year after 1983. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas (excluding Canada from any such allocation). Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Impeaches President Reagan of the high crime or misdemeanor of: (1) ordering the invasion of Grenada, in violation of the Constitution and certain treaty obligations; and (2) preventing news coverage of such invasion.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1983
Entitles veterans and survivors of veterans who served in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade during the Spanish Civil War to the same benefits as World War II veterans.
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
Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to establish and maintain a national toll-free telephone line for reporting information regarding the location of missing children. Directs the Administrator to establish a national resource center and clearinghouse to: (1) provide technical assistance to State and local governments and agencies in locating missing children; (2) coordinate public and private efforts to recover missing children; and (3) disseminate information on innovative missing childrens' programs, services, and legislation. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual summary of research on missing children and prepare a comprehensive plan for coordinating activities of all agencies and organizations responsible for missing children. Authorizes the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Board on Missing Children, to make grants for research or demonstration or service programs designed to: (1) educate parents and community agencies on ways to prevent the abduction of children; (2) assist in the recovery or tracking of missing children; (3) aid communities in collecting material to assist parents in the identification of their children; (4) demonstrate the psychological consequences of a child's abduction; and (5) collect data on investigative practices utilized by law enforcement agencies. Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Board on Missing Children to assist the Administrator in coordinating programs and activities relating to missing children. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983
Retirement Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to lower from age 25 to age 21 the age limitation for minimum participation and vesting standards for pension plans. Prohibits certain defined benefit plans from requiring, as a condition for plan participation, that employees complete period of service extending beyond the earlier of age 25 or the vesting expectation date. Lowers from age 22 to age 18 the age limitation for the computation of periods of service. States that years of service may be disregarded when computing periods of service for participation or vesting purposes if breaks in service during such a period amounted to five or more one-year breaks. Treats breaks in service due to pregnancy, birth, or adoption of a child as completed hours of service according to a specified formula. Accords such treatment only in the year of the pregnancy, birth or adoption, and only to participants who would incur a one-year break in service without such treatment. Requires pension plans which provide life annuity benefits to pay such benefits in the form of a qualified joint and survivor annuity. Requires that each pension plan participant have the option of electing, waiving, or revoking the joint and survivor annuity form of benefit. Conditions the efficacy of such election upon: (1) the written consent of a participant's spouse; (2) a written acknowledgement by a participant's spouse of the effect of such election; and (3) an official witnessing of such spousal consent by a plan representative or notary public. Limits such consent to the signatory spouse. Requires pension plans to furnish participants with written explanations of the terms and rights of election regarding joint and survivor annuities. Prohibits joint and survivor annuity payments from being less than the actuarial equivalent of payments made if the annuitant had lived to the earliest date of retirement or had separated from service on the date of death. Requires the surviving spouse's consent for any distribution of nonforfeitable benefits exceeding $3,500. Requires such benefits to be paid according to the surviving spouse's written requests. States that plans subject to funding requirements must provide benefits payable in the form of an annuity. Exempts qualified domestic relations orders from the Act's proscriptions against alienation and assignment of pension plan benefits. Sets procedural guidelines for the payment of such benefits to an alternate payee under such orders. Prohibits alternative payees from receiving any portion of any increase in a participant's accrued benefits if such increases occur after payments to such payees have begun. Declares that alternate payees under domestic relations orders are not considered to be, by virtue of such orders, participants or beneficiaries under the pension plan. Increases from $1,750 to $3,500 the allowable mandatory distribution from a retirement plan. Requires notification to participants that certain benefits may be forfeitable if the participant dies before a certain date. Sets December 31, 1984 as the effective date of this Act for existing plans. Provides transitional dates and certain effective dates for plans maintained under collective bargaining agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Veterans Administration (VA) should develop a comprehensive policy for the study of post-traumatic stress disorder and establish a central office to advise VA personnel on setting up treatment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Information Act of 1983 - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a Federal Employees Health Benefits Information Center which shall maintain a national information clearinghouse and disseminate information on the various health benefit plans available to Federal employees, assist employees and annuitants in understanding such information, and identify problems or deficiences in any of the health benefit plans available. Requires that carriers be allowed to make written comments on any information relating to their plans which is to be so disseminated and prohibits the dissemination of such information until OPM has reviewed such comments and made any necessary changes in the information. Requires OPM to make a continuing study of: (1) the operation and administration of the Federal employees health benefits program; and (2) the costs, benefits, and coverage under plans available to Federal employees and how they compare with the costs, benefits, and coverage under plans available to employees in private industry. Requires OPM to submit annually to specified congressional committees information relating to recent developments in the health care field and recommendations for legislative or administrative action which may be appropriate. Sets aside funding for the procurement of experts and consultants and for experiments and demonstration projects with respect to improving the quality or timeliness of the information to be provided by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Information Center. Provides that before the start of any contract term in which an adjustment is to be made in the rates or benefits under a health benefits plan or if a newly approved health benefits plan is offered or an existing plan is terminated, there shall be provided an open season of at least three weeks during which Federal employees or annuitants enrolled in health benefits plans may transfer to another plan or cancel their enrollment. Requires OPM to make available to employees and annuitants eligible to enroll in a health benefits plan a description of the types of information and services available from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Information Center and the procedures for obtaining such information and services. Requires that employees and annuitants enrolled in a health benefits plan be notified of any changes in rates charged or benefits provided under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging: (1) in making training and recruitment grants and contracts, to give special consideration to the recruitment and training of volunteers and persons employed in or preparing for employment in that part of the field of aging which relates to providing custodial and skilled care for older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases; and (2) in making grants and contracts for demonstration projects to give special consideration for projects designed to meet the special needs of older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases and projects designed to provide family respite services with respect to older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases. Authorizes appropriations under such Act for FY 1985 for training, research, and discretionary projects and requires that a specified minimum amount be made available to carry out provisions relating to Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from repealing, amending, or otherwise modifying specified rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access after August 1, 1983, and before July 1, 1988. Voids any action taken in violation of this Act. Declares that such prohibition shall not apply to any such rule with respect to any network that has fewer than 150 affiliated television licensees which carry not more than 25 hours of network programming per week.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Amends veterans' hospitalization benefits to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a screening and treatment program for eligible veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Permits the furnishing of hospital or nursing home care to afflicted veterans who are at least fifty years old.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for the home care expenses of individual taxpayers who maintain a household which includes a dependent of the taxpayer who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Permits this deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1983
National Professions and Technology Foundation Act of 1983 - Establishes as an independent agency the National Professions and Technology Foundation which shall: (1) develop coordinated efforts among the public professions, industry, labor, government, and academia for the resolution of national problems and the identification of national opportunities on a multiprofessional, multidisciplinary bases; and (2) promote the advance of technology, professional innovation, and the supply of professional and technical manpower in the United States. Transfers to the Foundation: (1) the National Bureau of Standards; (2) the Patent and Trademark Office; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development of the National Science Foundation; (5) the Directorate for Engineering of the National Science Foundation; (6) the Division of Industrial Science and Technological Innovation of the National Science Foundation; (7) the Intergovernmental Programs Section of the National Science Foundation; (8) the Office of Industrial Technology; (9) the Center for the Utilization of Federal Technology; and (10) the authorities of the National Science Foundation and the Secretary of Commerce under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Specifies the Foundation's functions with respect to: (1) the development of national policies and programs relating to industrial, technological, and professional needs and opportunities in the United States; (2) the development and support of engineering programs; (3) the development of long-term national professional and technological human resource policies and the support of public professions and technical training and educational institutions; (4) the development and implementation of policies and programs which materially improve the resources and capabilities of small businesses; (5) the promotion of technology transfer from the Federal Government and private enterprise to State and local governments and the delivery of services by the professions; (6) the promotion and protection of U.S. interests in international voluntary standardization activities and the development of a long-term public and private national standards policy; and (7) the development of a national information and statistics policy. Requires the Foundation to create a National Design Council which shall promote excellence in technological design through its programs. Establishes a National Professions and Technology Board to supervise and control the policy of the Foundation. Provides for the appointment of a Director who shall formulate the programs and the budgets of the Foundation and insure that such programs are coordinated with other Federal, State, and local government programs and with the private sector. Establishes a National Professions and Technology Medal which the President shall periodically award to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of the professions, technology, and technological manpower for the improvement of the economic, environmental, or social well-being of the United States. Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships for the study of the public professions. Requires the Foundation to report periodically to the President (for submission to Congress) on its activities and to make recommendations with respect to important national policy issues and emerging problems and opportunities. Requires that the Foundation respond to any congressional request for assistance or information. Eliminates the National Industrial Technology Board established by the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984.
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 · 27 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the: (1) United States should recognize the right of the Grenadian people to territorial integrity and calls upon the President to withdraw U.S. armed forces from Grenada; and (2) President should seek, through the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community, and the United Nations, ways to restore stability to Grenada and to allow the Grenadian people to determine their future government.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983
Changes the name of the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory facilities at Livermore, California, to the Livermore National Laboratory. Amends the Department of Energy National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act of 1980 to conform to provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from Federal income taxes members of the armed forces of the United States who die as a result of hostile action outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to provide that the cost to an awarding agency under a Government procurement contract awarded to a small bsuiness under the set-aside program shall not exceed the estimated current fair market price of the work to be performed. Sets forth a formula for the determination of such cost. Provides that small businesses shall be entitled, upon request, to a written statement detailing the method used by such agency to estimate the current fair market price for such contracts and to protest the use of such method to the Comptroller General.
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 · 24 October 1983
States that the President should immediately dismiss William Bradford Reynolds, head of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and demand a review of civil rights enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983
School Facilities Child Care Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations having the capacity to furnish school-age child care services in order to assist such agencies and organizations to establish and operate such services in public schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Sets forth information which must be included in applications by such agencies or organizations to the Secretary for such grants. Requires the Secretary, in approving the applications, to: (1) assure that there is an equitable distribution of approved applications; (2) give priority to applications from applicants in communities with the greatest need and a shortage of economic resources for such services; and (3) give consideration to applications from applicants who can illustrate an identifiable base of community support. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of collecting data from recipients of assistance under this Act designed to provide a national needs assessment for child care services of school-age children in the United States. Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under this Act together with a needs assessment of child care services for school-age children in each State. Requires the Secretary to operate a clearinghouse on school-age child care programs. Sets forth general administrative provisions with respect to carrying out this Act.
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 · 20 October 1983
Motor Vehicle Passenger Safety Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to add provisions on the promotion and use of safety belt systems. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States for the development and implementation of: (1) State-educational programs promoting the use and associated benefits of safety belt systems; and (2) State laws and regulations requiring the use of safety belt systems for passenger motor vehicles. Sets forth the allocation formula and terms and conditions for such grants. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a program to utilize public and private resources as a free public service in promoting the use and benefits of safety belt systems. Requires chief executive officers of Federal agencies to promote the use of such systems within their agencies and report annually to the Secretary on such activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by December 31, of each year on the grant program for the previous fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through FY 1996 for such program. Directs the President to promulgate regulations requiring: (1) Federal motor vehicles to be equipped with safety belt systems; (2) passengers in such vehicles to use the systems; and (3) the use of such systems while operating in Federal areas. Provides a civil penalty for violation of such regulations. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of such regulations. Prohibits any person from rendering inoperable any safety belt system installed in a motor vehicle in compliance with Federal standards, unless such vehicle will not be used during such time of inoperation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the United States to: (1) renounce the first use of all nuclear weapons; and (2) conclude treaties with all nations renouncing the first use of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Vocational Technical Education Act of 1983 - Establishes vocational-technical education programs to replace those under the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Title I: Purpose; Authorization of Appropriations; and Allotments - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 and for succeeding fiscal years for: (1) basic State grants and State administrative responsibilities; (2) consumer and homemaking education; (3) comprehensive career guidance and counseling programs; (4) industry-education partnership for training in high-technology occupations; (5) vocational education programs for youth with special needs; and (6) adult training, retraining, and employment development. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years for the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and succeeding fiscal years for grants to State advisory councils on vocational-technical education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and succeeding fiscal years for assistance to States: (1) in preparing plans, updates, and progress reports; and (2) in conducting program evaluations. Requires a State, in order to receive any allotment under this Act, to: (1) establish a State board and a State advisory council on vocational-technical education; (2) have an approved State plan and application; (3) comply with evaluation and review and other provisions of this Act. Sets forth provisions for allotment among the States of appropriations for title II of this Act (after deduction of amounts required to be reserved for specified purposes). Bases such allotment on formulas using State allotment ratios and relative State populations of certain age groups. Allots the following percentages of title II funds on the basis of population aged: (1) 15 through 19 - 50 percent; (2) 20 through 24 - 20 percent; and (3) 25 through 65 - 15 percent. Allots the remaining 15 percent on the basis of the relative sums of such age group allotments. Set forth a formula for determining State allotment ratios based on relative State per capita income. Sets maximum and minimum limits on such ratios and sets ratios for specified territories and possessions of the United States. Sets forth a minimum State allotment amount. Provides for reallotment among other States of any amount which the Secretary of Education (the Secretary) determines will not be required for carrying out the State's program for any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to reserve five percent of the appropriations for State basic grants and State administrative responsibilities for any fiscal year in order to: (1) transfer an amount within specified limits in any fiscal year to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; (2) use an additional minimum amount in any fiscal year for the National Center for Research in Vocational Education; (3) use a minimum amount in any fiscal year for the program of special institutes; and (4) use the remainder of the reserved amount for other programs authorized under title III (National Programs). Authorizes the Secretary to reserve, from the remainder of the appropriations for State basic grants and State administrative responsibilities for any fiscal year, funds for vocational educational programs to eligible Indians through Indian tribes and through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Limits such amount to not more than one percent of such remainder and approximately equivalent to an amount based on the ratio of eligible Indian population aged 15 through 24 to the total population aged 15 through 24 of all the States. Directs the Secretary, from the amount so reserved, to enter into contracts with the tribal organization of any eligible Indian tribe, upon such tribe's request, to plan, conduct, and administer programs, or portions of programs, which are authorized by and consistent with the purposes of this Act. Subjects such contracts to specified terms and conditions under the Indian Self-Determination Act and other specified Federal laws. Authorizes the Secretary, from any remaining funds so reserved, to enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of the BIA for the operation of vocational education programs authorized by this Act in institutions serving eligible Indians, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to receive such funds for such purposes. Directs the BIA to expend a matching amount to pay a part of the costs of such programs. Requires the BIA to expend during each fiscal year no less than the amount expended during the prior fiscal year on vocational education programs, services, and activities. Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner to prepare a joint plan for the expenditure of funds and the evaluation of such programs. Directs the Secretary to assume responsibility for the administration of the program, with the assistance and consultation of the BIA. Requires that the sum of any State's allotments for title II programs under this Act shall not be less than the total amount of payments made to the State under allotments determined under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 for FY 1983. Provides for ratable reductions of other State allotments in order to comply with this minimum State allotment requirement. Title II: State Programs - Part A: Basic State Grants - Authorizes the Secretary, from the State allotments, to make grants to assist States in funding vocational education programs, services, and activities carried out by State boards and eligible recipients. Requires that basic State grants be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for: (1) vocational education responsive to labor market demands or designed to keep abreast of technological changes, including part D high-technology industry-education partnership programs; (2) vocational education for populations with special needs, including part E youth programs; (3) postsecondary and adult vocational education for out-of-school youth and adults, including part F adult training, retraining, and employment development programs; (4) strengthening the institutional base of vocational education by updating curricula, equipment, materials, planning, and staff skills; (5) design and implementation of planned sequential vocational programs between secondary and postsecondary education levels; (6) teaching mathematics and science through practical applications related to occupational goals; (7) assigning personnel to coordinate responsiveness to the labor market; (8) vocational student organizational activities; (9) prevocational programs; (10) information collection and dissemination; (11) special supportive services and activities, including career counseling and guidance (under part C), work-study, cooperative, on-site, and apprenticeship, technical education, research, curriculum development personnel training, overcoming sex bias and stereotyping, residential vocational-technical schools, and exemplary and innovative demonstration programs; (12) construction of area vocational-technical school; (13) support of full-time personnel for specified purposes; (14) needy student stipends; (15) placement services; (16) industrial arts; (17) day care services; (18) vocational education through arrangements with private vocational education institutions, employers, and community-based organizations (as defined under the Job Training Partnership Act); (19) administrative and supervisory costs; (20) planning, evaluation, and reporting costs; (21) entrepreneurship programs consistent with the purposes of this Act; and (22) consortia with other States. Prohibits the use of funds for needy student stipends or for day care services for students' children unless the State board makes a finding that such use of funds under this Act is necessary because of inadequate funding of other programs or inadequates services in the area. Part B: Consumer and Homemaking Education - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to assist State consumer and homemaking education programs, including: (1) instructional programs, services, and activities to prepare youth and adults for the homemaking occupation; and (2) instruction in the areas of food and nutrition, consumer education, family living and parenthood education, child development and guidance, housing, home and resource management, and clothing and textiles. Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with approved State plans, to: (1) conduct programs in economically depressed areas; (2) encourage participation of traditionally underserved populations; (3) encourage elimination of sex bias and sex stereotyping; (4) improve, expand, and update programs; and (5) address priorities and emerging concerns at the local, State, and national levels. Permits such grants to be used for specified program development and improvement and for specified support services and activities. Sets forth provisions for information dissemination and leadership. Directs the State board to ensure that experience and information gained through carrying out such programs is shared with administrators for the purpose of program planning. Requires that funds available under this part be used to assist in providing State leadership qualified by experience and preparation in home economics education. Part C: Comprehensive Career Guidance and Counseling Programs - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to assist State career guidance and counseling programs. Requires that such grants be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for comprehensive programs to meet career development, vocational education, and employment needs of students and potential students, including assistance in: (1) self-assessment, career planning and decisionmaking, and employability skills; (2) transition and placement activities; (3) maintaining themselves in established occupations; (4) developing new skills in high-technology and skill-shortage areas; and (5) developing midcareer job seeking skills clarifying career goals. Requires that such programs: (1) encourage the elimination of sex, age, and race bias and stereotyping; (2) provide for community outreach; (3) seek collaboration of family, community, business, industry and labor; and (4) be accessible to all segments of the population, including women, minorities, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged. Requires that such programs consist of: (1) instructional activities and services to help students develop specified skills; (2) counselor education, support personnel training curriculum and instructional materials development, research, demonstration, and experimental projects, equipment acquisition, and State and local leadership and supervision; and (3) opportunities for counselors to obtain firsthand experience in business and industry and for students to become acquainted with business, industry, labor market, and training posibilities. Sets forth information dissemination and leadership provisions. Part D: Industry - Education Partnership for Training in High-Technology Occupations - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States for industry-education partnership training programs in high-technology occupations. Requires that such grants be used in accordance with approved State plans which contain specified assurances. Requires that at least 50 percent of the funds for such programs be from non-Federal sources, and that at least 50 percent of such non-Federal funds be provided by participating business and industrial firms in cash or in-kind contributions. Requires coordination of such programs with part A programs. Requires active participation of the State council in the development of such programs. Permits States to designate funds available under part A in lieu of a non-Federal portion for program costs under this part, if an eligible recipient demonstrates that it is incapable of providing all or part of such non-Federal portion. Permits such grants to be used for: (1) vocational educational programs designed to train skilled workers and technicians in high-technology occupations; (2) administrative costs; (3) training and retraining of instructional and guidance personnel; (3) curriculum, equipment, and materials development and acquisition; and (4) such other activities authorized by this title as may be essential to programs under this part, including ensuring program access for women, minorities, the handicapped, and the economically disadvantaged. Directs the State board, in approving such programs, to give special consideration to specified factors. Limits administrative cost expenditures to five percent of the State's allotment for this part. Prohibits funds made available under this part from being used to provide job placement or stipends. Part E: Vocational Education Programs for Youth with Special Needs - Defines "eligible youth" for purposes of this part as youth (up to and including age 21) who are: (1) educationally or disadvantaged individuals needing assistance to participate or succeed in regular vocational programs; (2) handicapped individuals needing special assistance, instruction, or programs to participate in or profit from vocational education; (3) individuals of limited English proficiency who require instruction in the English language, or bilingual instruction until they are proficient in English, in order to participate in or profit from vocational education; or (4) single parents and heads of households, or persons who wish to enter occupations that are not traditional for their sex, who need special assistance in preparing for employment. Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States to carry out programs, services, and activities authorized by this part. Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with State plans, for programs for eligible youth, including: (1) vocational education programs, services, and activities authorized under provisions for basic State grants and designed to meet special needs; (2) outreach, diagnostic assessment, and career guidance; (3) youth leadership development and vocational student organization activities; (4) improving institutional capacity to provide instruction and supportive services; (5) supplementary and remedial instruction; (6) open-entry, open-exit programs for individual needs; (7) worksite learning; (8) training instructional and support personnel to serve eligible youth in regular or special programs (such as bilingual programs); (9) extension of the schoolday or school year; (10) transition and work adjustment followup services; and (11) other activities to enable eligible youth to take full-advantage of high-quality vocational education. Requires eligible recipients to provide for program participation by eligible youth enrolled in nonprofit private schools in the area to be served, without commingling with State or local funds the Federal funds made available under this part to accommodate such students. Requires that at least 90 percent of the grant to each State under this part be allocated among eligible recipients, with approved plans, upon the basis of numbers of eligible youth served in the previous year and proposed to be served in the year for which such allocation is made. Requires coordination of programs under this part with programs for youth funded under title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), including summer youth employment and training programs. Directs the State board to consult with the State job training coordinating council (established under the JTPA) in order that programs funded under this part may be taken into account in recommendations for the Governor's coordinating and special services plan required under JTPA. Part F: Adult Training, Retraining, and Employment Development - Authorizes the Secretary, from State allotments, to make grants to States for funding programs, services, and activities under this part. Permits such grants to be used, in accordance with approved State plans, for vocational education and employment development authorized under basic State grant provisions and designed to meet the needs of: (1) individuals who have graduated from or left high school and who need additional vocational education to enter the labor force; (2) unemployed individuals who need training to obtain employment or increase employability; (3) employed individuals who need retraining to retain their jobs or training to upgrade skills to qualify for higher-paid or more dependable jobs; (4) displaced homemakers and single heads of households entering or reentering the labor force; and (5) employers who need assistance in training individuals in new employment opportunities or retraining employees in new skills. Permits such grants also to be used for: (1) short-term retraining; (2) cooperative institutional and worksite programs and quick-start customized training; (3) linkages between public and private sectors, eligible individuals, and training, employment, and economic development agencies; (4) cooperative education to improve management and increase productivity; (5) training for small business entrepreneurship; (6) recruitment, job search, counseling, remedial services, information and outreach to help individuals take advantage of vocational educational programs and services, with particular attention to reaching women, older workers, individuals with limited English proficiency, the handicapped, and the disadvantaged; and (7) curriculum development, equipment and material acquisition, personnel training, pilot projects, and related and additional services and activities. Requires specified State assurances with regard to programs under this part. Requires coordination of programs under this part with programs for dislocated workers under title III (Training and Assistance for Dislocated Workers) of JTPA. Directs the State board to consult with the State job training coordinating council in order that programs under this part may be taken into account in recommendations for the Governor's coordination and special services plan. Directs the State board to encourage program coordination between eligible recipients of funds under this part and the appropriate private industry council established under JTPA. Title III: National Programs - Directs the Secretary to maintain a national vocational education data system. Requires States receiving assistance under this Act to cooperate in supplying information for such system. Directs the Secretary, in maintaining and annually updating such system, to make such system compatible with: (1) the occupational information data system established under this Act; (2) other systems developed or assisted under labor market information provisions under JTPA; and (3) other occupational supply and demand information systems developed or maintained through Federal assistance (directs the Secretary to cooperate with the Secretary of Labor in this). Directs the Secretary to secure data about program enrollees and completers, placement and followup, staffing, and expenditures by major purposes of this Act. Establishes a National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee consisting of specified Federal officials. Directs the Committee, with funds available under title I, to: (1) annually provide funds for and assist State occupational coordinating committees; (2) improve coordination among administrators and planners of programs authorized by this Act and JTPA, employment security agency administrators, researchers, and Federal, State, and local employment and training agency personnel; (3) develop and implement an occupational information system to meet common needs of vocational education and employment and training programs; and (4) study the effects of technological change on new and existing occupational areas and the required changes in knowledge and job skills. Requires each State receiving assistance under this Act to establish a State occupational information coordinating committee composed of representatives of the State board, employment security agency, economic development agency, job training coordinating council, and agency for administering programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs the State committee, with funds from the national committee, to implement an occupational information system in the State designed to meet the needs of State board programs under this Act and administering agencies under JTPA. Establishes the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education consisting of members appointed by the President, with a majority representing the private sector of the economy and the remainder with broad experience in education and economic and human resources development (at least one of whom is a member of the National Commission for Employment Policy established under JTPA). Directs the Council to: (1) assess national needs with respect to occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree; (2) identify ways to encourage cooperation between the private sector of the economy and vocational-technical education; (3) evaluate program needs for updated equipment, curricula, competent staff, and other necessary components for student preparation and worker training and retraining for the workplace; (4) make appropriate recommendations; and (5) advise the President, Congress, and Secretary on the implementation of this Act, JTPA, and adequate policies for vocational- technical education programs. Directs the Council to report its findings and recommendations to the President, Congress, and Secretary every third year. Provides that the National Center for Research in Vocational Education established under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 shall continue to be operated with funds made available under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make an annual grant for the Center's operation; and (2) on the basis of solicited applications and the advice of non-Federal experts in vocational education administration and research, designate the entity to be the Center once every five years. Requires that the Center: (1) be a nonprofit entity associated with a public or private nonprofit university which has made, or is prepared to make, a substantial financial contribution towards its establishment; and (2) have a Director, appointed by such university and assisted by the advisory committee on research and program development. Sets forth provisions for program improvement activities. Authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with the advisory committee on research and program improvement, to use funds reserved under title I to establish not less than ten research institutes for vocational education at a minimum level of $300,000 each per year. Directs the Secretary to designate these institutes for a five-year period on the basis of competitive applications, the advice of non-Federal experts in vocational education and research, and specified criteria. Requires such institutes to: (1) conduct research and leadership development activities on nationwide programs in employment-related education; and (2) serve as independent entities for research and development focused on one or more specified areas. Authorizes the Secretary to also use such reserved funds for national program improvement activities through grants and contracts to private and public entities to assist vocational educational programs and supportive services of States and eligible recipients assisted under this Act. Includes graduate fellowship awards among such activities. Authorizes the Secretary to award solicited and unsolicited grants and contracts for program improvement activities. Requires that such awards include: (1) a program of small grants to entities such as individual researchers, community colleges, and State advisory councils; (2) requests for proposals consistent with the objectives of program improvement provisions; and (3) the funding of proposals initiated in the field. Directs the Secretary, in establishing such institutes and making such awards, grants, and contracts, to require recipients to contribute, in cash or in kind, at least ten percent of the costs of the institute or project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) ensure that program improvement activities represent a coordinated effort; and (2) include a summary and appraisal of such activities in the report to Congress on vocational education. Authorizes the Secretary, from funds available to carry out this title, to develop and implement, through grants and contracts, cooperative employer-education demonstration programs. Requires that such programs: (1) be established and operated by employers or consortia of employers, or recognized labor organizations or building trades councils, in cooperation with State boards and eligible recipients in two or more States; (2) provide worksite job training for vocational education graduates or advanced students which is linked to classroom and laboratory instruction provided by an eligible recipient; (3) provide placement services; (4) demonstrate cooperative programs between vocational education and the private sector; and (5) where practical, involve projects (such as housing rehabilitation in inner cities or economically depressed rural areas) that will benefit the public or result in increased opportunities for the disadvantaged, the handicapped, or women. Permits funds for such cooperative demonstration programs to be used for institutional and on-the-job training, supportive services, and technical and other assistance. Permits such programs to operate on a school-year, year-long, or summer basis, and be of whatever duration the Secretary specifies as appropriate. Requires that at least 25 percent of the cost of such cooperative demonstration programs be provided in cash or in kind by the recipient of the grant or contract. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory committee on research and program improvement to advise the Secretary: (1) on selection and management of programs funded under this title; (2) with respect to policy issues in the administration of the Center and in the selection and conduct of research and demonstration projects and activities by the center (also advising the Director of the Center on such issues, selection, and conduct); and (3) in the selection of research institutes. Sets forth provisions for advisory committee membership. Provides that members shall not be Federal employees. Requires the advisory committee to meet at least three times annually at the call of the Secretary, including at least one meeting at the Center. Title IV: General Provisions - Part A: State Administrative Responsibilities - Sets forth requirements relating to the functions of State boards of vocational education. Includes among State board responsibilities: (1) appointment of a State director of vocational education and other personnel to administer this Act; and (2) convening and meeting at least four times annually. Requires the State board to assign at least one full-time individual to assist it in specified ways. Directs each State to reserve a specified amount from its basic State grant for State board functions. Sets forth requirements relating to State advisory councils on vocational-technical education. Limits membership of each council to 15, a majority of whom must be represenatatives of private sector employment. Sets forth other membership representation requirements. Sets forth council functions and duties, including biennial evaluation of vocational education program delivery systems assisted under this Act and under JTPA, and of the adequacy and effectiveness of Federal, State, local, and private efforts to strengthen and improve vocational education in the State. Directs the Secretary, from sums appropriated for such State councils and allotted in a specified manner, to make grants to State councils to carry out their functions. Sets maximum and minimum limits on the amount of each such grant. Part B: Planning and Applications - Sets forth requirements for three-year State plans, to be submitted to the Secretary. Sets forth requirements for State applications for funds for each fiscal year under this Act. Sets forth requirements for three-year local plans by eligible recipients, to be formulated with the assistance of local advisory councils and to be submitted to the State board. Part C: Evaluation and Review - Sets forth requirements for program evaluation by State boards with the assistance of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report every two years to the Congress on the status of vocational education in the Nation, including a summary of State program evaluations, with conclusions and recommendations. Sets forth requirements for local progress reports and amendments to local plans. Part D: Federal Administrative Responsibilities - Sets forth provisions for payments to States for administrative costs. Sets forth maintenance of effort requirements. Sets forth provisions for withholding of funds from States by the Secretary, and for judicial review of such withholding. Part E: Transitional and Conforming Amendments - Sets forth provisions for the transition from requirements (including expenditure of funds) under the Vocational Education Act of 1963 to requirements under this Act. Transfers the personnel, property and records of: (1) the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education established under such Act to the President's Council on Vocational-Technical Education established under this Act and to the advisory council on research and program improvement established under this Act; and (2) the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under such Act to the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee established under this Act. Repeals the Vocational Education Act of 1963. Makes conforming amendments to the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Adult Education Act, the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vocational Education Amendments of 1968. Part F: Definitions of Terms - Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act.
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 Belfast, Dublin, London, and communities in Northern Ireland in arriving at a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ireland.
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 · 18 October 1983
State Justice Institute Act of 1983 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (4) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987.