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United States · Official source
4,107 records where Rep. Mitchell, Parren J. [D-MD-7] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983
Designates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in January, a legal holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983
Energy Security Tax Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for ten years from 1985 to 1995 the availability of the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for solar, wind, and geothermal energy property. Requires that such affirmative commitments must be made by specified dates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to the family of the late Honorable Leo J. Ryan. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike gold, silver, or bronze medals to commemorate the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
Urges the President to take steps to negotiate a treaty with the Soviet Union to provide for mutual cooperation to deal with the threat of accidental nuclear war caused by acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married individuals to compute the amount of their income tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings accounts on the basis of the earnings of their spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: (1) a new intermediate-level adjudication process; and (2) an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) State regulatory commissions should carefully review requests for telephone rate increases; (2) the Federal Communications Commission should ascertain the impact on telephone rates of regulatory changes and judicial decisions and should furnish the House with an estimate of the number of people who would suffer an economic hardship or be forced to discontinue telephone service as a result of such changes and decisions; and (3) specified House committees should consider legislation that will assure affordable telephone service for all the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1983
Water Quality Renewal Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out such Act generally. Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Revises the timetable for compliance of all pollutants with effluent limitations. Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water." Requires that a water quality standard which is revised after January 1, 1983, maintain the designated uses of the navigable waters involved in effect on such date, except that such a standard may contain a less restrictive use if the State demonstrates that: (1) the existing designated use is not attainable because of natural background or irretrievable man-induced conditions; or (2) the application of effluent limitations needed to attain the existing designated use would result in substantial and widespread adverse economic and social impact. Requires a State to revise water quality standards to preserve the quality of those waters within the State exceeding the level necessary to support the designated use contained in existing water quality standards. Requires a State to consider the need to adopt numercial criteria in addition to other water quality criteria' with respect to specified toxic pollutants whenever such State reviews a water quality standard. Requires the maintenance and protection of water the quality of which exceeds levels necessary to support the propagation of fish and wildlife and to allow recreation in and on the water, unless a State chooses, after compliance with intergovernmental coordination and public participation requirements, to allow lower water quality because of essential economic or social development for which there is no feasible alternative. Prohibits a degradation of water quality which will interfere with or injure instream water uses. Prohibits degradation in high quality waters which constitute an outstanding national resource. Requires a State to minimize the effects of development on water quality in any case where water quality degradation is permitted. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters which shall reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants from such sources so as to allow the achievement of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water. Increases the civil penalties for violations of requirements with respect to water quality standards under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires the Administrator to convene a management conference whenever the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Provides that such a management conference shall establish and provide for the implementation of a master plan which addresses the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference which are equal to 55 percent of a State's cost of implementing a master plan for a fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses with respect to management conferences; (2) grants for the development of master plans for estuaries; and (3) monitoring the implementation of such master plans. Prohibits the specification of a disposal site in navigable waters for the discharge of dredged or fill material unless the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines that the discharge of such material at such site will not have an unacceptable adverse effect on the aquatic environmental and that there is no less adverse practicable alternative to the proposed discharge. Requires that an application for a permit to discharge dredge or fill material into navigable waters at a specified disposal site be filed with the district engineer of the Corps of Engineers for the district where the discharge is to be made. Requires the district engineers to notify the Administrator, the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, and other appropriate Federal agency heads of any such application. Specifies the time periods within which such agencies may submit comments on such applications. Requires the district engineer to give full consideration to such comments in deciding whether to issue a permit. Requires the district engineer to notify the Administrator or the appropriate Secretary if a permit to which the Administrator or the Secretary is opposed is to be issued. Specifies the time periods within which the district engineer must publish a decision with respect to a permit application. Provides that a denial of a permit application shall be the final decision of the Secretary of the Army. Provides that a decision to issue a permit shall be the final decision of the Secretary of the Army unless the Administrator, the Secretary of the Interior, or the the Secretary of Commerce requests a review of such a decision in any case in which the Administrator or either Secretary opposed the issuance of a permit. Specifies the time periods within which the Secretary of the Army must issue a final decision following such a request. Requires the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation - Makes this title effective only until both the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage and the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage are in force with respect to the United States. Permits claims for damages for economic loss, arising from oil pollution, to be asserted for: (1) removal costs; (2) injury to or destruction of natural resources; (3) injury to or destruction of real or personal property; (4) loss of subsistence use of natural resources; (5) loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to such injury or destruction; and (6) loss of tax revenue for a period of one year due to injury to real or personal property. Specifies the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the party responsible for the source of pollution. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for vessels, inland oil barges, ships, deepwater ports, and other facilities located on the Outer Continental Shelf. Makes the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund (the Trust Fund, established under title II of this Act) liable for damages for claims asserted under this Act, except as provided in title II of this Act, to the extent that the loss is not otherwise compensated. Requires the responsible party for vessels over 300 tons (including foreign vessels) and the party responsible for offshore facilities to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Limits the liability of a guarantor to the aggregate amount of financial responsibility that the guarantor provided. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary of Transportation shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary to advertise claims to be presented initially to the responsible party or to such person's guarantor, in instances in which: (1) the responsible party and guarantor both deny involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source. Permits claimants either to present a claim to the Trust Fund or to bring an action in an appropriate U.S. court if liability is denied or the claim is not settled within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Trust Fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against a responsible party or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the Fund. Permits the Trust Fund to intervene in such actions. Requires a claim to be presented within three years of discovery of an economic loss, or within six years of the date of the incident, whichever is earlier. Subrogates any person, including the Trust Fund, to all the claimant's claims and rights under this title. Sets forth the measure of recovery for actions brought by the Trust Fund against any responsible party or guarantor. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive original jurisdiction over all controversies arising under titles I, II, and III of this Act, without regard to the citizenship of the parties or the amount in controversy. Makes the rights and remedies under this title exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution (but does not preclude State imposition of taxes or fees to finance the purchase and prepositioning of oil pollution cleanup and removal equipment). Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Authorizes appropriations for this title. Title II: Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund - Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund which shall consist of: (1) the 1.3 cent a barrel fee imposed by this title; (2) amounts recovered or collected on behalf of the Trust Fund under title I; and (3) any amounts transferred to the Trust Fund under title III of this Act from the Deepwater Port Liability Fund and the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Provides for the establishment of a Board of Directors for the Trust Fund. Exempts the Trust Fund and its income and property from all taxation except that any real property owned in fee by the Trust Fund shall be subject to State, territorial, county, municipal, or other local taxation to the same extent as other similar real property. Requires an annual independent audit of the Trust Fund. Requires a fee of 1.3 cents a barrel to be paid into the Trust Fund by the owner of: (1) oil received at a U.S. refinery; (2) oil entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing; and (3) oil produced from a well located in the United States which is used in or exported from the United States. Provides that such fee shall be in effect only when the amount in the Trust Fund is less than $200,000,000. Prohibits the imposition of the fee with respect to any oil if the person who would be liable for the fee establishes that a prior fee has been imposed with respect to that oil. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for any person who fails to collect or pay the fee. Makes the Trust Fund available for: (1) immediate payment of removal costs; (2) payment of claims under title I for damage which is not otherwise compensated; (3) the costs of administration of this Act; and (4) the payment of initial and annual contributions to the International Fund established under title IV of this Act. Requires the prudent investment of sums not needed for the above, but requires rebates to those who paid the 1.3 cent fee whenever the amount in the Trust Fund exceeds $300,000,000. Prohibits payment of any claim from the Trust Fund if payment would reduce the amount in the Trust Fund to an amount less than $30,000,000. Authorizes the Trust Fund to borrow from any commercial credit source. Limits the liability of the Trust Fund with respect to one incident to a maximum of $100,000,000. Requires the Comptroller General to review the required audit of the Trust Fund. Provides that if the balance of any fund is to be transferred to the Trust Fund, any claim arising before October 1, 1984, shall be paid from the Trust Fund. Provides that if the Secretary determines that there is a Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAP) fund deficit, then the 1.3 cent fee shall be increased by two cents per barrel until the total amount of such increased fees equals such deficit. Defines a TAP fund deficit. Provides that for purposes of this title, the term "United States" includes the Outer Continental Shelf and any foreign trade zone of the United States. Title III: Regulations, Effective Dates, and Savings Provisions - Specifies the effective dates of specified provisions of this Act. Eliminates the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund and provides that all unused assets of such Fund shall be rebated directly to the operator of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline for pro-rata payments to those owners who had paid into such Fund. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act. Transfers to the Trust Fund amounts remaining on the Deepwater Port Liability Fund and the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (both having been eliminated by the above repeals). States that if any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected. Title IV: Implementation of Conventions - Recognizes the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (International Fund) as a legal person under the laws of the United States. Requires, in any action brought in the United States against the owner of a ship or his guarantor under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, that the International Fund and the Trust Fund be served a copy of the complaint and any subsequent pleading. Entitles the International Fund to intervene as a party in any such action. Exempts the International Fund from all direct taxation in the United States. Requires any initial or annual contribution to the International Fund to be paid by the Trust Fund. Sets forth the jurisdiction of the U.S. district courts for controversies arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the International Fund Convention. Requires U.S. courts to recognize final judgments of courts of nations which are a party to the Civil Liability Convention or the International Fund Convention. Requires the owner of each U.S. documented ship, or any ship, wherever registered, which enters or leaves a U.S. port or terminal carrying more than 2,000 tons of oil in bulk as cargo to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in amounts sufficent to cover the maximum liability arising from one incident under the Civil Liability Convention. Imposes a civil penalty for noncompliance with provisions of the above sentence. States that the United States waives all defenses based on its status as a sovereign State with respect to any controversy arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the International Fund Convention relating to any ship owned by the United States an used for commercial purposes. States that one franc shall be deemed to equal one-fifteenth of a special drawing right, as defined by the International Monetary Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the Civil Liability Convention and the International Fund Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require fire equipment on certain passenger-carrying aircraft in the lavatory and galley areas.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends specified provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (which incorporate the Anderson-Price Atomic Energy Damages Act) to eliminate the ceiling on the aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to nuclear incidents, to incorporate provisions in indemnity agreements with licensees and contractors and to require provisions to be incorporated in insurance policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection which waive: (1) issues or defenses as to conduct of the claimant or fault of the persons indemnified; (2) issues or defenses as to charitable or governmental immunity; or (3) issues or defenses based upon any statute of limitations. Eliminates the requirement that a suit be filed within ten years after a nuclear incident in order for a waiver of a defense based upon a statute of limitations to be effective. (Under current law, the NRC may incorporate such waiver provisions and may require the incorporation of such provisions with respect to extraordinary nuclear occurrences.)
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that losses attributable to disasters determined to warrant assistance under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 shall be allowable as an income tax deduction without regard to whether they exceed ten percent of the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Amends the Clean Air Act to require any State within the acid rain mitigation area to provide for the control of acid deposition in its State implementation plan. Provides that such acid rain (or precipitation) mitigation area shall be the 31 States east of a line running south from the western borders of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas. Sets deadlines for: (1) such State submission of a plan meeting acid deposition control requirements (one year after enactment of this Act); and (2) approval of such plan by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (one year and four months after such enactment). Requires that if such deadlines are not met: (1) no plan shall be promulgated by the Administrator; and (2) electric utility steam generating units on specified lists must comply, within five years of such enactment, with an emission limitation for sulfur dioxide of one and two-tenths pounds per million British thermal units (Btu) on a 30-day average. Sets forth provisions for mitigation of acid precipitation. Directs the Administrator, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, to publish: (1) a list of the 50 electric utility steam generating units located in the acid rain mitigation area which had the highest annual emissions of sulfur dioxide for the calendar year 1980 and which are not subject to standards of performance for new stationary sources; and (2) a list of all other electric utility steam generating units located in that area which have a generating capacity of more than 100 megawatts and which are not subject to standards of performance for new stationary sources. Requires each applicable implementation plan for each State in the acid rain mitigation area to establish a statewide program for reduction of net sulfur dioxide emissions from stationary sources located in that State, which will achieve a specified reduction in the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions by 1993. Requires that such reduction equal the reduction which would result if a specified schedule of requirements were applied to each unit listed. Permits the total emissions reductions required under the State program to be achieved by application of appropriate enforceable emission reduction techniques to: (1) the listed sources; or (2) any other sources of sulfur dioxide in the acid rain mitigation area. Requires the regulated sources to conduct continuous emissions monitoring and to make the data thus obtained available to the Administrator and the public. Permits substitution of a reduction of two units by weight in emissions of oxides of nitrogen to be substituted for each unit of required reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish an emission reduction credit program for controlled trading by States within five emission reduction credit regions within the acid rain mitigation area. Authorizes the Administrator to carry out: (1) a full-scale demonstration of limestone-injection multistage burner technology on one or more 100 to 200 megawatt utility boilers; and (2) such other research and demonstration activities relating to appropriate innovative sulfur dioxide control technologies. Directs the Administrator to report the results of such research and demonstration activities to the Congress by September 30, 1985. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such research and demonstration activities and report.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Urges President Andropov of the Soviet Union to immediately grant permission for Doctor Semyon Gluzman and his family to emigrate to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Designates the U.S. Post Office Building, 41-65 Main Street, Flushing, New York, as the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Post Office Building. Requires the Postmaster General to install an appropriate plaque indicating such designation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, to Mrs. Roy Wilkins a gold medal in recognition of the late Roy Wilkins.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate provisions which: (1) permit petitions to the Secretary of Energy for prescription of rules which supersede State energy efficiency standards; and (2) provide for supersedure of State energy efficiency standards prescribed after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
National Summit Conference on Education Act of 1983 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education for conducting a National Summit Conference on Education. Sets forth provisions for appointment of participants to the Conference. Directs the Conference to develop recommendations in response to the findings of the National Commission on Excellence in Education and relating to specified areas of educational policy. Directs the Conference to transmit its recommendations to the President, the Congress, and State Governors by January 15, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Uniformed Services Survivors Benefits Amendments of 1983 - Extends the application of the Survivor Benefit Plan to a person who dies before or within 90 days after notification of eligibility for retired pay and is married or has a dependent child. Entitles certain surviving dependent children of such a person to an annuity equal to the difference between the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation and 55 percent of the retired pay to which the children would have been entitled. Increases the amount of retired pay which shall be reduced by a specified percentage for a person with a spouse or spouse and dependent child who has not elected to provide an annuity for such persons, or has changed such an election. Directs the Secretary concerned to pay an annuity to survivors of a member or former member who died during a specified period and who would have been eligible for retired pay if he had been 60. Requires a person entitled to two annuities because of subsequent marriage to elect which annuity to receive.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to allow appointees to the Commission on Civil Rights to serve for a term of six years. Provides that a Commission member may only be removed by the President for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. Extends the life of the Commission 15 years. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that hospice care is a necessary and humane alternative to traditional health care for the terminally ill.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1983
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury a World Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments. Defines a conscientious objector as an individual who is opposed to war in any form and who has been exempted from combat training in the Armed Forces under the Military Selective Service Act, or who satisfactorily demonstrates that he is conscientiously opposed to war in any form. Requires tax forms to contain a checkoff for taxpayers who wish to claim conscientious objector status and designate their tax payments for the World Peace Tax Fund. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to 1979 if the taxpayer pays the tax and satisfactorily establishes that the nonpayment was due to his religious beliefs. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding fiscal year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a World Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Terminated Employee Pension Restoration Act of 1983 - Authorizes payment of a Federal annuity to persons (or spouses of such persons) who: (1) were participants in a private employee pension plan which was terminated before September 2, 1974; (2) had immediately before termination a nonforfeitable benefit under the plan; and (3) have not received payment in full of such benefit because of the plan's termination. Sets forth the method of computing the annuity. Directs the Secretary of Labor to approve a claim for such an annuity if the claim meets the Secretary's regulation and includes evidence establishing that the claimant is a qualified participant or a qualified spouse. Sets forth the procedure for review of denial of such an annuity claim. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make annuity payments to entitled individuals after the receipt of specified information from the Secretary of Labor. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to work with other Federal agencies to avoid unnecessary expense and duplication of functions. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require disclosure of tax return information to Labor Department employees for comparison of specified records in order to establish the validity of an annuity claim. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 to the Department of Labor to carry out its functions under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of the Treasury to make annuity payments under this Act beginning with FY 1984 and continuing until the last such payment is made.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate recommended maximum contaminant levels and revised national primary drinking water regulations within specified time periods for: (1) each of 14 contaminants listed in 47 Federal Register 9352; (2) toxic water pollutants which are found in drinking water; and (3) other substances which may have an adverse effect on the health of persons. Sets forth requirements with respect to such contaminant levels and drinking water regulations. Requires the Administrator to list a contaminant and promulgate a revised drinking water regulation for such contaminant which requires the use of treatment techniques if such contaminant cannot be accurately enough measured in water to establish a maximum contaminant level. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into arrangements with independent scientific organizations to assist in the establishment of recommended maximum contaminant levels. Requires the Administrator to establish a program which shall require a representative sample of various public water systems to monitor for unregulated contaminants. Directs the Administrator to require the owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to persons served by it of contaminant levels of any unregulated contaminants required to be monitored. Requires the Administrator to enforce compliance with national primary drinking water regulations through civil actions or administrative orders with respect to public water systems, unless there is in effect a variance or an exemption. Revises the compliance schedules in the case of public water systems which have been granted an exemption from compliance with interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations. Permits extensions of such exemptions in certain cases. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to administrative orders issued to enforce compliance with regulations, schedules, or other requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty; or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of a primary national drinking water standard. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of a public water system which fails to comply with a national primary drinking water regulation beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility over such public water system. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with national drinking water regulations. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY 1984 through 1987. Authorizes the Administrator to require, as a condition of a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility with respect to national drinking water regulations, that the State carry out technical assistance programs for small public water systems which are substantially similar to the Federal program. Provides that, in requiring a public water system to keep records with respect to the compliance with national primary drinking water regulations, the Administrator shall take into account the system size and the contaminants which are likely to be found in the system's drinking water. Sets forth criminal penalties for tampering with a public water system. Provides that notice by the owner or operator of a public water system which fails to comply with national primary drinking water regulations to the persons served by such system shall provide an explanation of such failure, the steps being taken to correct such failure, and the groups which should seek alternative water supplies until such failure is corrected. Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to also give annual notice to the persons served by it of the availability to the public of records and reports kept by such system with respect to compliance with the national primary drinking water regulations. Permits civil actions by public water systems and any other persons against any persons who are causing or contributing to the presence of a contaminant in the drinking water used by such systems or other persons if such contamination results in the water supply not meeting national primary drinking water regulations. Title II: Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water - Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by underground injection above, into, or under a formation which contains a drinking water source, unless it is established that such injection will not cause the hazardous waste to migrate into or otherwise endanger drinking water sources. Requires State underground injection programs to prohibit the disposal of brine brought to the surface in connection with oil by any means other than underground injection in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Defines the term "drinking water source" as underground water which supplies a public water system, is capable of supplying a public water system, or could supply a public water system if the system used technologically advanced treatment. Requires the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register if an area has an aquifer which furnishes or may furnish in the future a substantial part of the drinking water supply for any public water system and which would create a significant hazard to the public health if contaminated. Permits Federal financial assistance for projects which are designed not to contaminate such an aquifer. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for State programs to prevent surface impoundments which are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act from endangering drinking water sources. Permits States to apply to exercise primary enforcement responsibility. Requires the Administrator to prescribe a program for a State if no State program is approved. Permits States to submit to the Administrator plans to protect underground drinking water sources. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to the States to assist them in the development of such plans. Requires that Federal actions with respect to underground drinking water sources in a State be coordinated with the State protection program. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance with underground injection control program requirements. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such administrative orders. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty, or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of an underground injection control program. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of any person who fails to comply with underground injection control program requirements beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility for underground water sources. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for: (1) the provision of research, technical assistance, information, and training of personnel to the States and municipalities to implement the Safe Drinking Water Act; and (2) grants to States for public water system supervision programs and underground water source protection programs. Extends indefinitely the authority of the Administrator to issue certifications of need and orders for the provision of chemicals necessary for the treatment of water.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to revise State trigger provisions by reducing the State insured unemployment rate required to trigger the extended unemployment compensation program from five percent to four percent.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to provide that individuals filing claims for compensation (including regular, extended additional, or supplemental compensation) shall be counted in the State insured unemployment rate, for purposes of determining whether there are State "on" or "off" indicators ("State triggers") for the extended unemployment compensation program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish minimum milk fat and milk solids standards for whole, low-fat, and skim milk.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Urges the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries possessing the technology to produce separated plutonium to begin negotiations leading to a verifiable halt in the production of separated plutonium and in the export of technology for such production. Calls for the United States and other nuclear supplier and consumer nations to begin negotiations leading to an agreement to: (1) reject the commercial use of separated plutonium as a nuclear power reactor fuel; (2) base civilian nuclear power technology only on nonweapons usable fuel; and (3) make available reliable supplies of natural and low-enriched uranium.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Occupational Disease Compensation Act of 1983 - Establishes a compulsory compensation program for employees and their survivors for death or disability resulting from work-related exposure to toxic substances. Includes compensation for disabilities which are partial or temporary. Sets forth formulas for monetary benefits for partial and total disability (generally 80 percent of the national manufacturing or construction average weekly wage for the month of the onset of disability). Requires such benefits to be paid from the date of onset of the disability and continuing for the duration of the disability. Sets forth formulas for death benefits. Provides that there shall be no maximum limitation on the total amount or duration of medical benefits or monetary disability or death benefits. Declares ineffective any compromise or release of monetary or medical benefits unless the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) determines it is in the best interest of the claimant. Declares absolutely ineffective any waiver or release concerning future coverage or compensation under State workers' compensation law or under this Act which was executed before death or onset of disability from work-related exposure to toxic substances. Details eligibility criteria for compensation. Includes among them a determination that work-related exposure to a toxic substance significantly contributed to or aggravated the disability or death. Identifies pathological conditions irrebutably presumed to have resulted form work-related exposure to asbestos. Establishes procedures for filing, adjudicating, and appealing claims. Makes compensation under this Act the claimant's exclusive remedy for disability or death resulting from workplace exposure to asbestos or other toxic substance. Limits the maximum period for retroactive payments to five years from the date the claim was filed. Requires a court to stay any pending liability action for death or disability against a third party if a compensation claim has been filed under this Act. Requires the court to dismiss such an action with prejudice upon notification by the Secretary that a final agency determination has been made on the claim. Authorizes the Toxic Substance Employee Compensation Insurance Pool (established by this Act) to offer claimants interim monetary and medical benefits during the pendency of a compensation claim. States such interim benefits are not recoverable if the claim is ultimately denied. Requires employers to contribute to the Pool in order to enjoy the limitations on liability provided by this Act. Requires the Secretary to apportion the obligation to provide insurance coverage among employers and toxic substance market participants. Delineates the legal theories upon which liability actions against third parties may be based. Vests in the Pool responsibility for the payment of all compensation claims. Prescribes procedures by which employers and toxic substance market participants may become covered contributors to the Pool. Proposes alternative measures by which toxic substance market participants may meet their contribution obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend Pool membership upon failure to comply with specified provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to bring a civil action and to assess civil penalties if a Pool contributor fails to maintain insurance sufficient to meet its financial obligations. Establishes the Toxic Substance Employee Compensation Insurance Pool to underwrite liabilities under this Act and to pay compensation and benefits provided by this Act. Makes participation in the Pool available to casualty insurance carriers, workers' compensation carriers, and employers and toxic substance market participants who choose to self-insure. Requires the Secretary of Labor to promulgate standards for participation in the Pool by insurance carriers and by employers or toxic substance market participants as self-insurers. Requires the Pool to pay the Secretary an annual fee to cover administrative costs. Establishes guidelines for the payment of compensation claims. Includes a procedure for appealing orders to suspend payments. Provides for 20 percent additional compensation in cases of late payments. Sets forth provisions for representation and witness fees in compensation payment disputes, to be paid by the employer or the employer's insurance carrier to the claimant's representative. Sets criminal penalties for: (1) receiving any unapproved consideration or gratuity for representative services; or (2) soliciting employment as a representative in such disputes. Prohibits employment discrimination based upon the filing of a claim or the instituting of a proceeding under this Act. Establishes civil penalties for such discrimination. Provides a grievance procedure for the investigation and determination of discrimination complaints. Voids any insurance policy provision which relieves the employer from sole personal liability and payment. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to conduct research into improved means of: (1) surveillance of workers exposed to occupational health hazards; and (2) medical treatment of such workers. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations which provide compensation for: (1) occupational exposure in addition to asbestos; and (2) specific categories of workers whose occupational exposure to toxic substances results in death or disability. Directs the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the results of its review of current scientific studies concerning the incidence of work-related diseases. Authorizes the Secretary, after evaluating such reports, to recommend to the Secretary of Labor regulations covering benefits for additional work-related diseases. States that any regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor in response to such recommendations shall be effective unless within 90 days after Congress is notified both Houses adopt a resolution of disapproval. Requires the Director of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to establish a separate task force within such office to administer claims filed under this Act. Establishes procedural guidelines for: (1) such Director; and (2) the Benefits Review Board. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into specified contracts in order to administer the Pool. Exempts such contracts from competitive bidding requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to enjoin violations of this Act in district court.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 1983 - Title I: System for Making Income-Dependent Education Assistance Loans - Requires the Secretary of Education to establish a program of entering into agreements with guarantee agencies in order to provide funds to postsecondary schools or vocational schools which have entered into agreements under this Act to make loans to students who are eligible for assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides that pursuant to such agreements, guarantee agencies shall issue debt obligations approved by the Secretary the proceeds of which shall be allocated among eligible educational institutions. Requires the United States to agree to repay the principal and interest of such debt obligations. Permits guarantee agencies to make loans under this Act for the purpose of discharging liability on federally insured or guaranteed loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides that the guarantee agency for eligible educational institutions in any State shall be: (1) the State or nonprofit private institution which has an agreement with the State to provide subsidy payments under the State's student loan insurance program; or (2) the State or nonprofit institution of another State which has such an agreement or the Student Loan Marketing Association if there is no such an agreement under effect in the State. Provides that in order to qualify for funds under this Act, an educational institution must enter into an agreement with the Secretary to, in addition to meeting other terms prescribed by the Secretary: (1) use such funds exclusively for student loans; (2) comply with information requirements; (3) notify students of their obligations and responsibilities under the loan program; and (4) repay portions of refunds owed to students who withdraw after receiving loans under the loan program. Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such an agreement and to recover funds held by an educational institution for noncompliance with this Act or with the terms of the agreement. Sets forth requirements with respect to loan terms and disbursement of loan proceeds. Establishes information requirements for the loan program. Title II: Collection of Income-Dependent Education Assistance Loans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the collection of loans made under this Act through income taxes. Requires the Secretary of Education to notify borrowers annually with respect to their account balances and the procedure for computing the amount of repayment owing for the taxable year. Requires that such information be submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. Sets forth requirements with respect to the computation of annual loan repayment amounts, termination of a borrower's repayment obligation, and failure to make repayments. Establishes in the Treasury the Income-Dependent Education Assistance Loan Trust Fund, which shall be available for repayment of principal and interest on debt obligations issued under this Act and for advancing funds directly to schools for new loans to students. Appropriates to such trust fund amounts received in the Treasury on any loan made under title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Modern Farm Animal Practices Act - Establishes the Commission on Modern Farm Animal Practices to investigate and report on all aspects of U.S. intensive farm animal husbandry, including human health effects, and related ethical, scientific, and economic considerations. Sets forth membership and operating provisions. Requires such report to be submitted within two years of the Commission's first meeting to each House of Congress, the Department of Agriculture, and to the Food and Drug Administration. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submitting such report.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
First Things First Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on any loan which is used to acquire control of a corporation which has more than $250,000,000 in gross receipts for the year preceding the year of the acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program of grants to: (1) identify women who received diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant and their children; (2) establish a voluntary registry of such women and children; (3) provide them with periodic cancer screening; and (4) provide health personnel with information respecting the health hazards of such drug.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Truth in Budgeting Resolution - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to prescribe a congressional budget process. Sets forth a timetable for reports of House Committees and the Congressional Budget Office for submission to the Budget Committee. Requires the House to complete action on the omnibus budget bill by June 30 of each year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Ethnic Affairs Broadcasting Clearinghouse Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish the Ethnic Affairs Clearinghouse. Directs the Clearinghouse to: (1) establish a clearinghouse for complaints about the portrayal of ethnic groups in radio and television broadcast programming; (2) collect and disseminate information about such portrayal; (3) conduct an annual conference to draw public attention to such portrayal; (4) submit to Congress an annual report on its activities, including a compilation of all complaints received; and (5) provide such information to the FCC for possible consideration when reviewing license applicants.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee, in kind, contracts made by producers to supply agricultural commodities to manufacturers of liquid fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
United States Caribbean Possessions Act - Title I: Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund - Lists countries which the President shall consider in designating beneficiary countries for purposes of this title. Prohibits the President from designating a country a beneficiary country: (1) if such country is a communist country; (2) if the country has taken certain expropriating actions against property owned by U.S. citizens; (3) if the country fails to act in good faith with respect to arbitral awards involving U.S. citizens or companies; (4) if the country affords preferential treatment to a developed country other than the United States which adversely affects U.S. commerce unless the President receives certain assurances; (5) if a government-owned entity in such country engages in the broadcast of copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright owners without their express consent; and (6) unless such country is party to a treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Lists factors the President shall take into account in determining whether to designate a country a beneficiary country. Prohibits the President from terminating the designation of a country as a beneficiary country unless, at least 60 days before the termination, the President has notified the Congress and the beneficiary country of such determination. Directs the President to withdraw or suspend the designation of a country as a beneficiary country if, because of changed circumstances, the country would be barred from designation as a beneficiary country. Establishes in the Treasury the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund. Appropriates to the Fund the amount of money collected from: (1) the import duties on articles entered from beneficiary countries; and (2) the taxes on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries. Authorizes the Administrator of the Fund to allocate and distribute the moneys in the Fund to island beneficiary countries. Sets forth the method of allocation. Title II: Tax and Tariff Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that if the amount of taxes collected on rum imported into the United States from beneficiary countries exceeds the amount needed in the Eastern Caribbean Regional Development Fund the excess shall be covered into the treasuries of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Prohibits granting duty-free treatment to bulk rum manufactured outside the United States, its territories, or possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the authorities in Taiwan should end martial law in order to establish a more democratic society.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Small Business Computer Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish the Small Business Computer Crime and Security Task Force which shall: (1) define the nature and scope of computer crimes against small business; (2) provide cost estimates per year of computer crimes against small business; (3) ascertain the effectiveness of State legislation and security equipment in preventing computer crimes against small business; and (4 ) develop guidelines to assist small businesses in evaluating the security of computer systems. Directs the Task Force, within three years after the enactment of this Act, to submit a report of its findings on computer crimes against small business to the President and Congress. Terminates the Task Force not later than 30 days after the submission of such report. Directs the Administrator to establish a resource center which will provide computer security information and periodic information exchange forums for small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Renewable Energy Incentive Act of 1983 - Title I: Certain Renewable Energy Source Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years from 1985 to 1990 the investment tax credit for: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) hydroelectric generating property; and (4) biomass property. Allows an investment tax credit for cogeneration energy property until 1990. Increases the energy percentage for solar, wind, or geothermal energy and ocean thermal property from 15 percent to 25 percent. Increases the energy percentage for hydroelectric generating property from 11 percent to 15 percent. Allows an energy percentage of ten percent for cogeneration property. Extends the residential energy income tax credit from 1985 to 1990. Allows the regular investment tax credit for energy property which is considered to be a structural component of a building and is used as air or water heating equipment for such building. Allows an investment tax credit until 1995 for affirmative commitments made for projects concerning: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) biomass property; and (4) cogeneration property. Extends for seven years from 1988 to 1995 the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for certain hydroelectric generating property. Increases from two to five the number of possible sites for ocean thermal property. Allows an investment tax credit for ocean thermal property which produces energy used in a possession of the United States. (Present law requires that such energy be used in the continental United States.) Title II: Biomass Incentive - Treates as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Title III: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Supplemental Security Income Mental Disability Determinations Reform Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in the Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent such criteria are applicable to individuals seeking or receiving benefits based on disability under the Supplemental Security Income program (title XVI of the Social Security Act). Directs the Secretary to also revise the methods of procedures used under such program for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the revised listings and residual functional capacity assessments to be designed to realistically evaluate the ability of a mentally impaired individual to engage in substantial gainful activity in a competitive workplace environment. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits continuing eligibility reviews with respect to mental impairment until the revisions are completed. Requires, under title XVI, that in any case in which an individual claims to be under a disability by reason of a mental impairment, the determination shall be made only after the Secretary has demonstrated that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist has completed the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for SSI periodic eligibility reviews for individuals whose claims to disability benefits are based on mental impairment, except to the extent that such funds are specifically authorized for such reviews. Makes permanent provisions of title XVI which provide SSI benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Makes permanent provisions which provide for the continued payment of SSI or disability benefits (title II of such Act) during appeal of a disability determination. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance to disabled individuals in complying with requirements and procedures under titles II and XVI; and (2) assure that disabled individuals eligible for or receiving benefits under title II are informed of available SSI benefits. Requires hearings and proceedings related to a disabled individual under the SSI program to be held at an accessible location.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1983
Title I: Small Business Administration Authorizations - Amends the Small Business Act and Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the program levels for FY 1984 for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Authorizes funds to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide direct and immediate participation loans to Vietnam veterans. Increases funds for direct and immediate participation loans to small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals. Decreases program levels for FY 1984 for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and for small business development companies. Decreases the funds available for deferred participation loans to small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures. Increases authorizations for FY 1984 for: (1) direct purchases of debentures and preferred securities by the SBA with respect to small business investment companies; and (2) surety bond guarantees by the SBA. Authorizes funds to the SBA for direct loans to small businesses for alterations required by a change in Federal or State regulations. (Under current law, the SBA is prohibited from making such loans.) Increases authorizations for FY 1984 to the SBA for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Makes funds available out of such authorization for direct and immediate participation loans to: (1) Vietnam veterans; (2) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (3) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; and (4) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures. Makes funds available out of such authorization for debenture guarantees for State and local development companies and for deferred participation loans to: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (3) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; and (4) State and local development companies. Makes funds available out of such authorization for direct purchases of debentures and preferred securities by the SBA with respect to small business investment companies. Decreases the funds available for the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Increases funds for SBA salaries and expenses. Makes funds available out of the authorization for SBA salaries and expenses for: (1) procurement, management, and technical assistance to small businesses; (2) economic research and analysis and advocacy with respect to small businesses; (3) the Office of Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development; (4) SBA data management resources; and (5) the Small Business Development Center Program. Authorizes funding for FY 1985 for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Makes funds available out of such authorization for direct and immediate participation loans to: (1) Vietnam veterans; (2) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (3) loans to small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; and (4) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures. Authorizes funding for FY 1985 for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Makes funds available out of such authorization for deferred participation loans to: (1) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (2) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (3) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; and (4) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies. Authorizes funding for FY 1985 for: (1) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (2) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; (3) direct loans to small businesses for alterations required by a change in Federal or State regulation; and (4) payment guarantees for the installation of pollution control facilities by small businesses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for disaster loans to small businesses and permits the transfer of funds from the disaster loan revolving funds for the payment of SBA administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to the SBA for: (1) direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion; (2) Vietnam veterans' loans; (3) loans to handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (4) loans to small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals; (5) loans to small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures; (6) deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and small business development companies; (7) guarantees of debentures with respect to State and local development companies; (8) direct purchases and guarantees of debentures and purchases of preferred securities with respect to small business investment companies; (9) surety bond guarantees under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; (10) lease guarantees; and (11) SBA salaries and expenses. Makes funds available out of the authorization for SBA salaries and expenses for: (1) procurement, management, and technical assistance to small businesses; (2) economic research and analysis and advocacy with respect to small businesses; (3) the Office of Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development; (4) SBA data management resources; and (5) the Small Business Development Center Program. Prohibits the Administrator from transferring more than ten percent of each program level for salaries and expenses or increasing such program level more than 20 percent by such transfer. Title II: Small Business Administration Program Changes - Amends the Small Business Act to require the Office of International Trade (within the SBA) to provide financial assistance to small businesses to encourage their participation in domestic and overseas export development activities. Limits the amount of financial assistance which may be provided to a company in any one fiscal year. Authorizes the SBA to participate in domestic and overseas events which encourage small business exports. Prohibits the SBA from making direct and immediate participation loans unless the loan applicant has assured the SBA that it will create jobs within two years after the loan is disbursed. Sets forth the allocation formula for such loans. Prohibits the SBA from making a loan to a small business if the total amount outstanding and committed to such small business from the business loan and investment fund exceeds $750,000. Requires that SBA immediate participation loans be accompanied by matching funds from non-Federal sources. Sets forth percentage requirements for such matching funds. Provides for a reduction of certain matching fund requirements if the non-Federal matching funds are from State or local governments. Provides for district office approval of immediate participation loans up to $350,000. Authorizes the SBA to transfer direct loan funds among the direct loan programs authorized by the Small Business Act. Limits increases in loan program levels by such transfers to 25 percent. Provides that the Administration is not authorized to transfer immediate participation loan levels to deferred participation loan levels unless such a transfer is approved in advance by the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House. Provides that with respect to loans to small businesses located in areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals, any reasonable doubt as to repayment shall be resolved in favor of the loan applicant. Revises the interest rate on the SBA's share of direct and immediate participation loans. Permits interest-only payments (through October 1, 1985) with respect to SBA loans upon the joint election of the borrower, the SBA, and the lender. Requires the SBA to submit to the Senate and House Committees on Small Business no later than February 28, 1984, and February 28, 1985, respectively, a report with respect to direct and immediate participation loans to small businesses. Provides that small businesses participating in the minority business development program under the Small Business Act shall be subject to a fixed period of program participation not to exceed five years. Sets forth factors in determining such participation period. Requires the SBA to make direct loans, to guarantee loans, debentures, qualified contract payments, and other types of financial assistance, and to guarantee sureties against loss pursuant to programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, subject only to the availability of qualified applications for such loans and guarantees and limitations contained in appropriations Acts. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require that guarantees of qualified contract payments by the SBA be issued in the case of pollution control facilities or property when such property is acquired with proceeds from tax-free industrial revenue bonds. (Currently, issuance is discretionary in such cases.) Prohibits the SBA from establishing eligibility criteria for surety bond guarantees based upon the amount of the bond or upon a percentage related to previously completed contracts. Requires the SBA to examine each application on a case-by-case basis and to thereby determine the appropriate guarantee. Requires the SBA to notify the Senate and House Small Business Committees before reprograming amounts authorized in appropriations Acts and before implementing any reorganization. Requires the SBA to follow the Administrative Procedure Act with respect to promulgating, amending, or rescinding any rule regarding small business size standards. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide that small business investment companies may include funds obtained from a State government or the Federal Government (excluding the SBA) before July 29, 1980, as paid-in capital and paid-in surplus for purposes of obtaining leveraged funds from the SBA. Authorizes the SBA to make loans for working capital to State and local development companies. Prohibits the SBA from using the source or nature of the non-SBA funds for a particular project as a criteria for approving or rejecting SBA guarantees of development company debentures for such project. Extends handicapped participation under the set-aside program of the Small Business Act through FY 1986. Title III: Disaster Loan Assistance - Amends the Small Business Act to specify the maximum interest rate on disaster loans made by the SBA to home owners or small businesses for disasters commencing on or after October 1, 1982. Provides that such loans, subject to reductions in insurance payments received by an applicant, shall cover 100 percent of the loss suffered. Provides that the interest rate on such a loan shall be the rate in effect on the date the disaster commenced. Prohibits loans that exceed $500,000 per disaster unless the loan applicant is a major source of employment in the disaster area, in which case the SBA has the discretion to waive such limitation. Provides that the minimum amount of such loans shall be $100,000 for loss of real property and $20,000 for loss of personal property for each disaster. Authorizes funds to the SBA to make direct loans under the disaster loan program for FY 1984. Extends for one year the requirement that agricultural producers seek disaster loan assistance from the Farmers Home Administration before applying for an SBA disaster loan. Provides that a small business which is located in an area of economic dislocation which occurred on or after January 1, 1982, as a result of the drastic fluctuation in the value of the currency of a country contiguous to the United States can receive loan assistance if such business is unable to obtain credit elsewhere and if a State governor certifies the economic dislocation to the SBA. Prohibits the SBA from making such loans in excess of $100,000. Provides that the proceeds from such loans cannot be used to reduce the exposure of any other lender. Provides that the 1983 payment-in-kind program to farmers constitutes a Federal action (making small businesses injured by such program eligible for economic disaster loans). Permits the aggregation of employees of small businesses sharing a common business premises for purposes of determining major source employment status for nonprofit applicants for disaster loans. Makes small agricultural cooperatives eligible for disaster loans. Establishes a timetable for the publishing of final rules and regulations implementing the amendments made by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for services necessary to determine the refractive state and visual function of an individual with a severe visual disability.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Medicare Vision Act of 1983 - Provides coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for: (1) eye examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses; (2) procedures performed to determine the refractive state of the eyes; and (3) services performed by a doctor of optometry. Permits payment for services under part B for services performed by an optometrist, or services performed by another doctor which could be performed by an optometrist, only if payment is made on the basis of an assignment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Permits the Secretary of Defense to provide air transportation to annual national meetings within the continental United States sponsored by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia to the next of kin of persons missing in action in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era, or reported dead without repatriation of the remains.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 13 member National Commission on the Regulation of Nursing Homes. States that such Commission's purpose shall be to examine existing Federal and State quality, health, and safety regulations for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities and to make recommendations, including alternative approaches to regulating such facilities, to Congress and to the Secretary by September 30, 1984. Imposes a moratorium on nursing home rules changes until six months after the filing of such recommendations. Requires such Commission to be made up of members of the Institute of Medicine, nursing home residents and operators, and State officials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Industrial Strategy Act - Title I: Economic Cooperation Council - Establishes the Economic Cooperation Council to collect and analyze economic data and, upon request to make recommendations to Congress, Federal departments and agencies, and the National Industrial Development Bank (established by this Act) regarding national industrial policy and sectoral strategies. Requires the Council, within one year after enactment, to report to Congress and the President its recommendations for changes in any Federal policy necessary to implement an effective national industrial strategy. Exempts the Council from the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Establishes within the Council a Bureau of Economic Information and a Bureau of Economic Analysis. Requires the Council to send annual reports to the President, Congress, and the National Industrial Development Bank about the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet them. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: National Industrial Development Bank - Establishes the National Industrial Development Bank to make loans and loan guaranties and to issue debt instruments in such a way as to improve the overall economic goals of the Nation and broad public interest. Sets forth general provisions regarding the issuance of financial assistance. Directs the Bank to provide financial assistance to those mature and linkage industries which can be restructured to become competitively successful in the long term. Requires such a company to submit a plan to the Bank which demonstrates that it will be viable in the long run without additional Federal financial assistance. Authorizes financial assistance to develop and market new technologies and to aid in the growth of emerging industries. Authorizes financial assistance to regional development banks. Requires annual reports to Congress. Terminates the Bank on September 30, 1989. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.