The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Rep. Mitchell, Parren J. [D-MD-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000826_200.jpg)
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 · 1 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Transfers methaqualone from Schedule II (abuse potential, but has accepted medical use) to Schedule I (abuse potential, with no accepted U.S. medical use) of the Controlled Substances Act. Makes this Act effective within six months of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Federal Railroad Unemployment Supplemental Benefit Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to direct the Railroad Retirement Board to make payments of Federal supplemental benefits, under specified conditions, to individuals who: (1) have exhausted all rights to benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act; (2) have no rights to unemployment benefits and compensation under State or Federal law; and (3) are not receiving Canadian unemployment compensation. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Older Americans Vocational Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a model grant program for centers for older persons' vocational needs and employment opportunities. Sets forth application requirements for grant eligibility and for such centers. Requires such centers to: (1) provide certain services; and (2) in providing services, to give priority treatment to certain older persons. Limits any such grant to $400,000 for any fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to operate a national clearinghouse for information on such centers. Permits any business or labor organization, public agency, or nonprofit or profitmaking organization, as well as a State, State or local educational agency, educational institution, postsecondary educational institution, or private vocational training institution, to be an eligible recipient of such a grant. Defines "older person" as an individual 55 years of age or older. Authorizes appropriations for such model grant program for FY 1984 through 1986. Amends the Vocational Education Act of 1965 to add to the purposes of such Act: (1) the overcoming of age discrimination and age stereotyping in vocational education programs; (2) the furnishing of equal educational opportunity in such programs to persons of all ages; and (3) the provision of part-time employment to older persons who need the earnings to continue full-time vocational training. Requires State vocational education programs to assign personnel to review such programs for: (1) assurance that grant distribution addresses older persons' needs; (2) age bias in such programs; (3) age discrimination in program hiring, firing, or promotion; (4) recommendations for overcoming age stereotyping and bias in such programs; and (5) assisting interested parties in improving vocational educational opportunities for older persons. Requires that State advisory councils on vocational education include older persons with employment and training program experience, including older persons who are minority group members. Requires that the State five-year plans for vocational education set forth: (1) the uses which the State intends to make of Federal vocational education assistance to meet the special needs of older persons; and (2) policies and procedures to assure equal access to vocational education programs by older persons.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to transport to the decedent's place of burial the remains of a member of the uniformed services entitled to retired or retainer pay who dies in a military medical facility.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to require the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund to oppose any credit drawing on the Fund by any country which practices apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt individuals age 65 or older from provisions requiring the withholding of tax on interest and dividends.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that more money should be made available for jobs and programs in socially productive industries by reducing the amount of tax dollars spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention, and wasteful military programs. Endorses the Jobs with Peace Week of April 10 through April 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Record Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular phonorecord of a sound recording from renting, leasing, or lending such recording for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $25,000 to $100,000 the allowable amount of the income tax tax deduction for eliminating architectural and transportation barriers for the handicapped and aged. Makes such tax deduction permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Consumer Video Sales Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work from renting, leasing, or lending such copy for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Transfers methaqualone from Schedule II (abuse potential, but with accepted U.S. medical use) to Schedule I (abuse potential, with no accepted U.S. medical use) of the Controlled Substances Act. Makes this Act effective within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit procuring agencies, when required to publish notice of procurement actions, from: (1) issuing a solicitation for a procurement action until at least 15 days after publication of such notice; and (2) foreclosing competition under a procurement action until at least 30 days after the issuance of the solicitation or in the case of orders under a basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or similar arrangement, after publication of intent to place the order.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Community Renewal Employment Act - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the provision of employment opportunities to long-term unemployed individuals in high unemployment areas through grants for labor and related costs associated with the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of essential community facilities and for public safety and health activities. Authorizes appropriations to enable eligible entities to provide opportunities for unemployed individuals under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations in a specified amount for FY 1983. Limits the authorization of such appropriations in each succeeding fiscal year to an amount to the product of $10,000 multiplied by 20 percent of the number of "long-term unemployed individuals" (i.e. the average number of individuals in the civilian labor force who, in the first three months of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is to be made, had been unemployed for 15 or more weeks as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on a seasonally adjusted basis). Makes eligible entities under specified circumstances: (1) States; (2) local governments with populations of 50,000 or more; (3) consortia of local governments; (4) existing concentrated employment program grantees serving rural areas under the Job Training Partnership Act; and (5) Native American Indian, Alaska Native, and Oklahoma Indian groups. Makes individuals aged 16 or older eligible to participate in such program only if they are unemployed at the time of eligibility determination and for at least of the 20 weeks prior to such determination, with specified exceptions. Limits wages for eligible individuals to 52 weeks in a two-year period. Requires that priority be given to those who have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits and those who have been unemployed for the longest periods immediately preceding selection. Allocates 73 percent of grant funds under this Act in any fiscal year to specified eligible entities (States, local governments and consortia, and rural concentrated employment programs) within which the average unemployment rate for the preceding 12-month period was nine percent or more of the civilian labor force. Allocates 15 percent among specified eligible entities (local governments and consortia and rural concentrated employment programs) which do not meet such unemployment criteria. Allocates five percent to States for use in high unemployment areas which are not being served by eligible entities. Reserves two percent for eligible Native American groups. Reserves five percent for distribution in the Secretary's discretion. Provides that the 73 percent and 15 percent allocations to eligible entities shall be distributed on the basis of relative members of: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) unemployed residing in areas of substantial unemployment (i.e. those areas which are of sufficient size and scope to sustain a program under this Act and which had an average rate of unemployment of at least six and one-half percent for the most recent 12 months); and (3) "excess unemployed individuals" (i.e. the number of individuals which is in excess of four and one-half percent of the civilian labor force). Provides that the five percent allocation to States shall be made available by Governors to areas which did not qualify for the other allocations but which have: (1) had an average civilian unemployment rate of nine percent or more for the three most recent months; (2) had large-scale losses of jobs caused by the closing of facilities, mass layoffs, natural disasters, or similar circumstances; or (3) experienced sudden or severe economic dislocations. Provides that funds reserved for Native American eligible entities shall be allocated on an equitable basis, taking into account the extent to which regular employment opportunities have been lacking. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for such Native American programs. Provides that the Secretary's discretionary funds be reserved for distribution to eligible entities serving areas of high unemployment or designated enterprise zones, or areas affected by mass layoffs, natural disasters, or Federal Government actions. Sets forth provisions for availability and reallocation of funds under this Act. Requires that allocations be made within 45 days after appropriation of such funds. Requires eligible entities to file with the Secretary plans which: (1) describes projects to be assisted; (2) have been reviewed by the appropriate economic development district or other appropriate agencies; and (3) are not inconsistent with the appropriate community development plans for such area. Provides that such plans shall be deemed acceptable unless, within 30 days of the filing, the Secretary: (1) finds that a plan violates the provisions of this Act; and (2) provides a written explanation to the eligibility entity. Grants such entity 30 days to file a revised plan. Requires eligible entities to give priority to projects on the basis of the: (1) severity and duration of unemployment within localities; (2) degree to which project activities will lead to the expansion of unsubsidized employment in the private sector; (3) level of need for activities and services; and (4) extent of coordination with economic and community development activities funded from sources other than this Act. Limits to 25 percent that portion of the funds provided to any eligible entity which may be used for the cost of administration (including supervision) and the acquisition of supplies, tools, and equipment. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to provide wages and related employment benefits to eligible participants. Requires that eligible participants be employed in community improvement projects, in one or more listed activities involving: (1) public facilities repair, rehabilitation, or improvement; (2) public lands conservation, rehabilitation, or improvement; or (3) public safety and health. Sets forth general requirements relating to employment and projects under this Act. Limits the number of subsidized jobs to five percent of the work force of an eligible entity, with specified exceptions. Requires that eligible participants be paid prevailing wages if such wages are higher than the applicable minimum wage. Limits the individual yearly wage subsidy to $10,000, but permits adjustments for particular areas. Permits individual yearly wage supplements from other sources of up to 50 percent of the maximum wage subsidy. Requires that participants be allowed sufficient time off from work activities to participate effectively in job search activities. Requires eligible entities to maintain an individual work record for each participant. Sets forth program labor standards relating to conditions of employment and training, health and safety standards, workers' compensation benefits, and job benefits and working conditions. Prohibits use of funds under this Act for contributions on behalf of any participant to retirement systems or plans. Prohibits displacement of any currently employed worker by participants in programs funded under this Act. Prohibits such programs from impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. Requires the written concurrence of the labor organization and the employer concerned before any such program which would be inconsistent with the terms of a collective bargaining agreement may be undertaken. Prohibits program participants from being employed or job openings from being filled when: (1) any other individual is on layoff from the same or any substantially equivalent job; or (2) the employer has terminated the employment of any regular employee or otherwise reduced its work force with the intention of filling the vacancy by hiring a participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act. Prohibits creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to provide the Secretary with assurances that none of such funds will be used to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that an opportunity for comment be provided for any labor organization representing a substantial number of employees engaged in similar work or training in the same areas as that proposed to be funded under this Act. Applies the wage rate requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act to all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in works federally assisted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and for succeeding fiscal years to enable the United States Employment Service to provide funds to State employment service agencies to: (1) certify and refer unemployed individuals as eligible for program participation; and (2) assist program participants in finding regular unsubsidized employment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Prohibits any cooperation with South Africa with respect to atomic energy. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing any license or authorization for the export of any nuclear materials, equipment, or technology to South Africa. States that the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 may not be used to distribute any nuclear material, source material, or byproduct material to South Africa. Prohibits any U.S. agency or official from permitting the transfer to, or use by, South Africa of nuclear material, equipment, or technology. Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from authorizing any activity which would constitute engaging in the production of special nuclear material in South Africa. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing an export license for any goods or technology which: (1) are intended for a nuclear related end use or end user; (2) have been identified as items which could be of significance for nuclear explosive purposes; or (3) are otherwise subject to certain procedures of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Secretaries of Commerce, Energy, and State to prepare lists of goods and technology transferable to South Africa notwithstanding the provisions of this Act which could help that country develop a nuclear capability. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit the export of such goods and technology. Prohibits any officer or employee of the executive branch from making available to South Africa any technology or other information which could increase that country's nuclear capability. Terminates any license or authorization described in this Act which was issued before enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Home Recording Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes a single video recording of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or a single audio recording of a musical work or sound recording, in his or her private home solely for private household use. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of video and audio recording devices and media. Sets forth procedures for: (1) determining royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers; and (2) distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of audiovisual works included in television transmissions and musical works and sound recordings included in radio or television transmissions or distributed in the form of phonorecords. Provides for the determination of royalty fees by: (1) voluntary negotiation between importers and manufacturers and representatives of copyright owners; or (2) compulsory arbitration when a voluntary agreement is not reached. Specifies criteria to be considered by an arbitration board in determining royalty fees. Authorizes the Register of Copyrights to confirm fees determined under arbitration or, under specified circumstances, to deny such fees and initiate new arbitration proceedings. Provides for the judicial review of the Register's decision. Requires royalty fees to be redetermined every three years. Sets forth penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Social Security Trust Funds Management Act of 1983 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prohibit the inclusion of the receipts and disbursements of the social security trust funds (the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund) and of the social security taxes imposed under the Internal Revenue Code in the totals of the Federal budget; and (2) exempt such items from any general statutory limitation on Federal budget outlays. Requires the President to appoint two additional members to the Board of Trustees of the social security trust funds.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Social Security Administration Act of 1983 - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent agency the Social Security Administration. Provides that the Administration shall administer the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program under title II of the Social Security Act, the Supplemental Security income program under title XVI of such Act, the Peer Review program under part B of title XI of such Act, and the Medicare program under title XVIII of such Act. Requires the Administration to study and make recommendations with respect to methods of providing economic security through social insurance and to submit to Congress an annual report on its activities. Transfers from the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the Administration all functions, personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records connected with the programs to be administered by the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Sets forth certain transitional rules.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Requires the Office of Personnel Management to provide a 30-day period each year during which Federal employees may transfer enrollments between health benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to permit full-time postsecondary school students to receive child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status. (Currently, only full-time elementary or secondary school students may receive such benefits on the basis of student status.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require a blind person to have at least six quarters of coverage in order to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth the method of computing the average indexed monthly earnings of a blind individual for purposes of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that the benefits of a blind person shall not be reduced because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Requires recomputation of the disability insurance benefit of a blind individual who applies for a recomputation if such recomputation would result in a higher primary insurance amount.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to terminate a nondisabled child's entitlement to child's insurance benefits when such child reaches age 18. (Currently, such entitlement ceases when the child reaches age 16.)
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to repeal provisions which impose the hospital insurance tax on Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Rescinds specified appropriations for the Selective Service System for FY 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional personal tax exemption for a taxpayer or spouse who is disabled. Defines disability to mean any disability (other than blindness) which is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or to result in death and which results in a functional limitation to employment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Designates September 21, 1983, as National Historically Black Colleges Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Urges the United States Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating members of the uniformed services who have been prisoners of war or missing in action especially those missing as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that, in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Confers U.S. citizenship on Corporal Wladyslaw Staniszewski, posthumously.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant posthumous U.S. citizenship to any alien who died while serving on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of any blind person, or person with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Social Security Benefit Termination Reform Act of 1982 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that monthly insurance benefits shall be paid for the month in which a beneficiary dies. Requires that the amount of such benefits be proportionate to the number of days of such month preceding the date of the beneficiary's death.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit to any individual who maintains a household which includes one or more elderly qualified persons. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 for each such elderly person living in the household. Limits the aggregate amount creditable to $2,000 on any return for the taxable year. Defines "qualified elderly person" as any individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) has an impairment which, as determined by a physician, renders such individual physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself and has lasted or is expected to last six months or longer; and (3) has as a principal place of abode for more than half of the taxable year the home of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1976 to extend until 1985 the income tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers for the handicapped and aged.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
American Defense Education Act - Authorizes a national program to provide incentives to local educational agencies to improve: (1) instruction in mathematics, science, communication skills, foreign languages, and technology; and (2) guidance and counseling. Title I: Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Requires local education agencies which desire to participate in such national program to develop and carry out a program of improvement of instruction and student achievement. Sets forth requirements for such programs. Entitles participating local educational agencies to receive basic payments for each fiscal year equal to two percent of an established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Entitles agencies which show substantial evidence of meeting program goals to an incentive payment equal to an additional two percent of the established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Sets forth a formula for establishing such payment rate. Sets forth requirements for applications for payments. Directs the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary") to approve applications which meet such requirements. Sets forth provisions for participation in such program by children enrolled in private schools. Title II: Teacher Training and Postsecondary Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of grants to institutions of higher education for coordination between such institutions and local education agencies in improving science and mathematics education, through precollege teacher training, development, and recruitment programs. Sets forth requirements for grant proposals and priorities in grant selection. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants. Title III: Research to Improve Instruction - Directs the Secretary to administer, through the National Institute of Education (NIE), in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, a program to support research and development into effective education in mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and technology. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to be made available to NIE to carry out such educational research program for FY 1985 through 1987. Title IV: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to administer the program and to pay each local educational agency with an approved application the amount to which it is entitled for each fiscal year. Provides for a joint survey and report to Congress by the Secretaries of Defense and Education, for each year from 1983 through 1987, on the academic achievement levels of U.S. 18-year-olds and the personnel training and educational needs of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Temporary Natural Gas Market Correction Act of 1982 - Declares that any contract for the first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include a volume adjustment option with respect to any natural gas the first sale delivery of which could occur pursuant to such contract at any time after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983. Defines a volume adjustment option as a contract provision under which the purchaser may elect to refuse to take delivery under such contract of any volume of natural gas without incurring an obligation to pay any fee or charge with respect to the natural gas not delivered pursuant to such election. Provides, subject to certain exceptions, that the purchase by any natural gas pipeline company of any natural gas which is delivered on any day after the effective date of this Act and before November 1, 1983, at an excessive price shall be considered as fraud, abuse, or similar grounds for purposes of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reviewing cost passthroughs. Considers the price of natural gas delivered to any natural gas pipeline company on any day excessive if that price exceeds the price of any other natural gas not delivered to such pipeline company on that day but which could have been acquired by such pipeline company for delivery on that day under any contract to which the pipeline is a party. Requires every natural gas pipeline company to file monthly with FERC: (1) a statement concerning the volume adjustment clause, as well as steps it has taken to achieve the lowest possible weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas; and (2) a modification of the costs to be recovered by the pipeline under a purchased gas adjustment clause (as defined in the Natural Gas Act), if the weighted average acquisition cost of natural gas by the pipeline is lower because of the volume adjustment option or because of other steps taken by the pipeline.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to require that the business plans developed by small businesses participating in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) small business and capital ownership development program contain predetermined competitiveness criteria for financial, marketing, and management functions in order to measure the progress toward competitiveness and the estimated time needed to reach a competitive condition. Provides for annual review and necessary revision of the estimated time and the competitiveness criteria. Eliminates the requirement that a small business agree, prior to acceptance in the program, to reach a competitive condition within a fixed period of time. Permits assistance to be denied to a small business participating in such program only if such participant: (1) voluntarily elects not to participate; (2) is denied assistance pursuant to an action by the SBA for termination based on good cause or on the participant's failure to make adequate progress toward achieving its competitiveness criteria; or (3) successfully achieves a substantial portion of its competitiveness criteria. Sets forth requirements with which such criteria must comply. Establishes a schedule for the publication of rules and regulations implementing this Act. Requires that all determinations regarding participation under the small business and capital ownership development program and eligibility for Government procurement contract awards be made pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to eliminate certain Special Milk Program eligibility requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Small Business Administration Personnel Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit employees of the Small Business Administration (SBA) who have authority to take, recommend, or approve personnel actions from exercising or threatening to use such authority on the basis of the political activity or affiliation of the individuals involved in personnel actions. Requires such employees to report to the Inspector General of the SBA any such personnel action for which the individual's participation has been solicited or directed. Makes employees who willfully and knowingly violate such prohibition subject to disciplinary action imposed by the SBA. Requires that a person who holds the position of Director of Personnel or the position of Administrator of the SBA and who willfully and knowingly violates such prohibition be separated from service, debarred from Federal employment for up to five years, and assessed a civil penalty of $1,000 for each such violation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to personnel actions taken by the Administrator with respect to the Deputy Administrator or taken by the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, or Chief Counsel for Advocacy with respect to the confidential assistant of such person. Permits the payment of civil penalties collected under this Act to the employees who were the subject of the personnel actions involving violations of this Act. Provides that the prohibitions and liabilities under this Act shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, other prohibitions and liabilities. Specifies the SBA employees who may be: (1) excepted from the competitive service on the basis that the employee's position involves policy decisions or determinations; or (2) in a Senior Executive Service position and not a career appointee. Prohibits the reassignment of permanent SBA employees to a duty station outside their local commuting area unless such reassignment is essential to the efficient and effective management of the SBA and such efficient and effective management cannot be achieved by other means at the same or less cost. Prohibits the reassignment of employees in the Senior Executive Service or in positions of GS-14 or above of the General Schedule to duty stations outside their local commuting area unless such reassignment occurs pursuant to the employee's request or unless the SBA provides 60 days' advance notice of the reassignment, a right to an attorney, and a right to all documents under the SBA's control pertaining to the reassignment. Entitles the affected employee to appeal any reassignment within 30 days after receiving the advance notice of the reassignment. Requires the administrator to review de novo the matters raised in such appeal. Entitles a permanent employee in the Senior Executive Schedule or in a position at GS-14 or above of the General Schedule who elects not to accept a reassignment outside his or her local commuting area to severance pay. Prohibits the SBA from implementing a policy for the systematic reassignment of employees to positions outside their local commuting areas unless the policy conforms to this Act, affected employees and the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board are given 90 days' notice of the proposed policy, and their comments are considered. Requires the Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board to review periodically the SBA's personnel management system and to file a complaint with the Board if there is a practice of personnel actions in violation of this Act or other law. Authorizes the Board to issue an order in response to such a complaint divesting the SBA of personnel authority pending the adoption of remedial measures. Specifies the minimum number of SBA positions at the district office level required by September 30, 1985, and by September 30, 1987. Provides for the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA's Office of Advocacy to be appointed for a term of six years. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require that the Small Business Investment Division be headed by an Associate Administrator for Investment. (Currently the division is headed by an Associate Administrator appointed by the Administrator of the SBA). Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator to appoint a Deputy Administrator. Requires the SBA to establish Associate Administrators for: (1) finance assistance programs; (2) investment programs authorized under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958; (3) minority small business and capital ownership development; (4) procurement assistance; (5) management assistance programs; and (6) disaster assistance. Requires the establishment of ten Regional Administrator positions to carry out SBA programs in certain geographic areas. Sets forth the order of succession in the event of the absence of the Administrator or a vacancy in the office of the Administrator. Permits, at the Administrator's discretion, the separation from service of the Associate Administrators and the Regional Administrators for willful and knowing failure to execute legally permissible orders of the Administrator. Requires the Director of Personnel of the SBA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Small Business, on a quarterly basis, on personnel actions based on political considerations, on reassignments directed or requested for permanent employees at the GS-14 grade level or above or in the Senior Executive Service, and on personnel actions involving Associate or Regional Administrators. Requires the Inspector General of the SBA to report to such committees at least once every six months on investigations of prohibited political personnel practices. Directs the Inspector General to review the procedures for selection of employees initially appointed under the Samll Business Act to assure that they are consistent with the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Prohibits the removal of an area from wilderness study area status on the grounds that such area comprises less than 5,000 contiguous acres if such area is: (1) contiguous with land formally determined to have wilderness or potential wilderness values; (2) contiguous with an area of less than 5,000 acres administered by an agency authorized to study and preserve wilderness areas, and the combined total of the two areas is 5,000 acres or more; or (3) subject to strong public support for wilderness identification and is of a size practicable and suitable for wilderness management. Prohibits the removal of an area designated as a wilderness study area before December 31, 1981, from wilderness study area status: (1) on the grounds that such area lacks the requisite wilderness characteristics if it may possess such characteristics when considered in association with contiguous lands administered by an agency other than the Bureau of Land Management; or (2) on the grounds that such area overlays nonfederally-owned mineral rights. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from modifying or revoking the inventory of public lands subject to review and designation as wilderness under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 without express congressional approval.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Extends through FY 1984 the program established by the Small Business Act under which government contracts are set aside for small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Public Works Employment Act of 1983 - Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase from 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent the minimum unemployment rate necessary to qualify a State for a special allocation of set aside funds for local public works programs. Extends to December 23, 1983, the date by which grant applications must be received by the Secretary of Commerce. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and following years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the Government that: (1) Federal procurement should be accomplished on a competitive basis wherever possible through the General Services Administration (GSA); (2) the use of multiple award schedules should be restricted to cases where competitive single awards are not feasible, sales volume justifies centralized procurement, and a valid need exists for functionally similar items with different prices and features; and (3) where the volume of products purchased is too low to provide a price advantage and commercial "off-the-shelf" products can be substituted for products designed to Government specifications, individual agencies should purchase items locally subject to review by GSA. Directs the Administrator of GSA to implement such policy, the recommendations on procurement contained in the Comptroller General's report of May 2, 1979, and the policy statement prepared by the Office of Acquisition Policy in response to such report. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days after enactment, to issue transitional regulations governing purchases from any multiple award schedule. Requires that such regulations: (1) include the requirement that whenever any agency procurement officer or employee determines that an item in such a schedule is available from a commercial source in the area at a lower cost and under conditions which are no less favorable to the Government than is the case under the schedule, the item shall be purchased from that source; and (2) establish procedures for the audit and review of any such purchase and the enforcement of such regulations by GSA. Repeals such regulations on the effective date of the regulations which are issued to implement the procurement policy declared by this Act and which apply to any item on a multiple award schedule. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress periodic reports on actions taken, and legislation needed, to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Small Business Contract Payment Procedures Act - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require that whenever an executive agency makes progress payments under a contract for property or services, the contracting officer shall authorize payment in full without retention of any percentage of the contract price if: (1) satisfactory progress toward complete performance of the contract was made during any period for which a progress payment is required; and (2) the party performing the contract is a small business which has furnished an adequate performance bond.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 to assist States in providing emergency shelter and related assistance to homeless individuals and families. Includes within the definition of "homeless individuals and families": (1) individuals and families without any form of regular shelter and who have been determined to be in need of emergency shelter and related assistance; and (2) parents and their children who have suffered spousal abuse who need to leave their homes for emergency shelter and assistance. Sets forth a method for allocating funds among the States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare against public policy and unenforceable any take-or-pay clause in a natural gas contract. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision requiring payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the purchaser fails to take delivery.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Designates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Junior, as a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to increase the authorization for funding small businesses, State and local development companies, and small business investment companies for FY 1984. Requires the Small Business Administration (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 such 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 for such a guarantee on a case-by-case basis in order to determine the appropriate guarantee. Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the SBA from changing its interest rate regulations for deferred participation (guaranteed) loans before June 30, 1983. Requires the SBA to keep records of all applications for, or inquiries about, the availability of funding for financial assistance under the Small Business Act and for guarantees and purchases under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Requires the SBA to notify the Senate and House Small Business Committees before reprograming amounts authorized in appropriations Acts and before implementing any reorganization. Repeals provisions dealing with the SBA's authority to make: (1) trade adjustment loans; (2) loans to 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) loans to small businesses for solar energy and energy conservation measures. Prohibits the SBA from making direct loans unless: (1) the loan applicant demonstrates a potential for sustained business growth; (2) the applicant will create jobs within two years after the loan is disbursed; and (3) the SBA devises a plan to deal with the applicant's managerial or marketing weaknesses. Sets forth the allocation formula for SBA direct loans. Requires each SBA district to use its direct loan allocations, in the following order of priority, for: (1) qualified labor surplus area applicants which will use the loan proceeds for construction, renovation, or acquisition of fixed assets; (2) qualified labor surplus area applicants; and (3) other small businesses which qualify for direct loans. Requires that SBA direct 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 direct 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. Prohibits procuring agencies which are required to publish notice of procurement actions from: (1) issuing a solicitation for a procurement action until 15 days after publication of such a notice; and (2) foreclosing competition under a procurement order until 30 days after the issuance of the solicitation or, in the case of orders under a basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or similar arrangement, after the publication of intent to place the order. 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. 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.