United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Amends rule XXXIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require official reporters and stenographers of committees to take down a verbatim account of House and committee proceedings. Requires the verbatim account in the House to be designated in the Congressional Record as Proceedings of the House. Provides for corrections to such account in a separate section of the Record. Authorizes each committee to adopt a procedure for the correction of errors in its transcripts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Urges the United States to support the Contadora initiative, calling for: (1) the cessation of arms shipments and the withdrawal of foreign military advisers from Central America; and (2) a guarantee that the territory of any Central American state will not be used as a base for aggression against any other such state. States that the United States should: (1) announce its willingness to pursue negotiations with Central American nations and to stop U.S. arms shipments; (2) offer technical assistance to the Contadora Group to verify any agreements; and (3) exert diplomatic efforts to persuade other involved governments to participate in the Contadora negotiations and to cease activities aimed at destablizing the existing Central American governments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it should not be U.S. foreign policy to overthrow governments with which the United States disagrees politically. Urges the President to indicate U.S. support for the Contadora Group initiative by endorsing specified proposals of the Group. States that the United States should: (1) announce its willingness to pursue negotiations with all Central American nations and to stop U.S. arms shipments; (2) offer technical assistance to the Group to assist in the verification of such a freeze on arms traffic in the region; (3) stop funding guerrilla forces seeking to overthrow Nicaragua; and (4) exert diplomatic efforts to persuade other involved governments to cease activities aimed at destabilizing the existing Central American governments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983
Establishes the Kamehameha National Monument in Hawaii. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide facilities to commemorate the historical significance of the monument. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) legislation is immediately required to protect Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act); and (2) an urgency exists to assure affordable health care for older Americans. States that Congress should enact legislation to reduce and control the rising cost of health care.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should: (1) expedite and increase assistance that would facilitate the transporting of food to famine-stricken areas in Ethiopia; (2) reinstate the food program for Ethiopia for FY 1984; and (3) respond to pending and future appeals from international and private relief organizations for seed, food, medical supplies, and shelter supplies to relieve the needs created by the famine in Ethiopia.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Margaret Truman Daniel, daughter of Harry S. Truman, in recognition of the lifetime of outstanding public service he gave to the United States. Commemorates his one hundredth birthday which will be celebrated on May 8, 1984. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 90 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 90 day period, on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances. Limits to 20 the number of home health service visits covered under Medicare in the case of individuals who were furnished certain home health services but continue to need nursing care or the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to give equal weight in making oil and gas leasing decisions to the potential for environmental damage, potential for the discovery of oil and gas, and the potential for adverse impact on the coastal zone. (Currently, the Secretary is to strike the proper balance between the three.) Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to require the use of the best available and safest technologies and operating procedures on all new drilling and production operations and, wherever practicable, on existing operations wherever failure of equipment or procedures would have significant effect on safety, health, or the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to remove the requirement under the food stamp program that all household income other than migrant worker household income be calculated on a retrospective basis. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to allow State agencies to shorten or lengthen household certification periods to improve program administration. Allows State agencies to calculate on a prospective basis the earned income of specified households. Provides for supplementing, at the option of a State agency, allotments of households that experience significant losses of income. Requires households subject to retrospective accounting to file periodic reports of household circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Exchange for Understanding Act - Establishes the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe Exchange Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Establishes the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe Exchange Commission. Requires the Commission to issue regulations, within 90 days, governing its operation and the use of Commission funds. Provides for Commission membership and for a Commission director and staff. Authorizes the Commission to hold hearings and to use the U.S. mails as do other U.S. agencies. Directs that interest on obligations held in the Fund be available for payments to the Commission for specified uses. Requires the Commission to use such funds to make grants to support exchanges between the United States and the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe. Sets forth the projects to which the Commission shall give priority. Grants the Commission the exclusive authority to determine the number and types of exchanges to be supported each year. Directs the Secretary of State to cooperate with the Commission to ensure that the exchanges are coordinated with the countries involved and to ensure that the participants receive appropriate briefings and information. Authorizes specified funds for the Commission's operating expenses. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest that portion of the Fund not required for current withdrawals in specified U.S. obligations or U.S. guaranteed obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to sell obligations acquired by the Fund and to credit the Fund with any interest on and the proceeds from such sale. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports, describing the Commission's activities, to the President and to Congress. Requires the Commission to terminate October 1, 1994. Directs all investments to be liquidated and all remaining funds to be deposited in the Treasury upon termination.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Community Renewal Employment Act - Title I: General Purpose and Authority - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the provision of employment opportunities to long-term unemployed individuals in high unemployment areas through payments for labor and related costs associated with the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of essential community and educational facilities and for public safety, health, social service, and other activities related to the public welfare. Authorizes appropriations 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 equal 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). Provides that, for any fiscal year, 80 percent of such appropriations shall be available for purposes of title II (Community Renewal Employment Programs) and 20 percent shall be available for title III (Educational Facility Repair and Renovation Employment Activities). 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 15 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 or who are otherwise not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly: (1) those who have been unemployed for the longest periods immediately preceding selection; and (2) those residing in families in which no other member is employed on a full-time basis. Requires that special consideration in selecting participants for employment under this Act in employment counseling and other services for veterans should be given to veterans who otherwise meet participant eligibility requirements. Allows up to ten percent of eligible participants selected by a recipient for subsidized employment from funds under this Act to be individuals unemployed for less than 15 weeks, if the State employment service agency determines that such individuals: (1) have been employed only intermittently or temporarily during 15 of the 20 weeks preceding certification and have experienced substantial periods of unemployment prior to and during such 15 weeks; (2) do not have established work histories which can be documented to provide verification of 15 weeks unemployment during the 20-week period; (3) are workers with skills necessary to fill nonmanagement positions on a particular project or activity; or (4) have recall rights under a formal agreement with the employer providing the subsidized job position. Makes the State employment service agency, in certifying eligible participants and referring them for employment to recipients under title II or III, responsible for ensuring equal employment opportunities and the full participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, including women and racial and ethnic minorities. Makes each recipient of funds under title II or III responsible for ensuring such opportunities and full participation in the selection of eligible participants for such employment. Permits, with specified exceptions, title II and III funds to be used only to provide wages and employment benefits to eligible participants for work which the recipient certifies has been performed in one or more authorized activities. Permits up to 25 percent of funds provided to a title II or III recipient to be used for the cost of administration (including supervision) and the acquisition of supplies, tools, and equipment. Permits payment of such costs from non-Federal sources or Federal sources other than this Act. Requires recipients, to the extent feasible, to ensure that supplies, tools, equipment, or other materials purchased or procured have been manufactured, mined, or produced in the United States. Permits title II funds to be used for costs associated with training and related support for a number of participants, if: (1) employers are committed to fill an equal number of unsubsidized jobs with participants who have successfullyy completed such training; (2) the recipient has an agreement with a qualified public or private nonprofit provider of such training services; and (3) costs of training and support do not exceed, on a weekly basis, the maximum wage payable with funds under this Act. Establishes a career preparation demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for such program. Directs the Secretary of Labor, utilizing the Office of the Job Corps, to establish in each of the Federal regions four career preparation demonstration centers (equitably distributed between rural and urban areas) for combined written, audiovisual, and computer-based materials within the basic instructional format of the Job Corps to train eligible participants, primarily under provisions for high technology training centers and for youth trainee activities. Requires that such Centers: (1) be nonresidential; (2) provide specified types of training leading to employment or a high school diploma or its equivalent; (3) use materials, curricula, and methodologies developed successfully through Job Corps program experience; (4) establish easily accessible outreach training sites; and (5) use, to the extent feasible, facilities and expertise of existing Job Corps centers (including Civilian Conservation Centers) or contractors operating such centers. Provides that up to five of the Centers shall be designated high technology training centers for training combined with subsidized internship in the private sector for career preparation in high technology occupations including robotics, health technology, and computer operations. Limits payments for weekly costs of such subsidized internship to the maximum wage payable with funds under this Act. Title II: Community Renewal Employment Programs - Part A: Community Improvement Projects - Sets forth provisions for employment activities in community improvement projects. 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, health, social service, and other activities necessary to the public welfare. Provides that, for purposes of community improvement projects provisions, "project" means a definable task or group of related tasks which: (1) will be carried out by a government department, public agency, private nonprofit organization, or private contractor; (2) will be completed within 18 months; (3) is an authorized activity; (4) will result in a specific product or accomplishment; and (5) would not otherwise be conducted with existing funds. Permits projects which are to be carried out under provisions for public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement to involve lands other than public or Indian lands only when such projects will provide a documented public benefit and when the recipient will be reimbursed for that portion of the total costs of the project which does not provide a public benefit. Makes eligible entities under title II: (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. Provides that States shall qualify as an eligible entity to serve any area of the State: (1) not under the jurisdiction of any other eligible entity; or (2) for which no eligible entity has filed a statement on the use of funds within 30 days of allotment of funds. Provides that larger units of local government shall not qualify as the eligible entity to serve any smaller unit which is, or is part of, an eligible entity which has filed a statement on use of funds. Sets forth provisions for allotment of title II funds (exclusive of the amount available for part C). Directs the Secretary to reserve two percent of such funds for allotment among Native American eligible entities. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among eligible entities on the basis of relative numbers of residents of each eligible entity who are: (1) unemployed individuals; (2) unemployed individuals in excess of six and one-half percent of the civilian labor force residing in each eligible entity; and (3) unemployed individuals in excess of the national average rate of unemployment. Directs the Governor to make the amount allotted to a State as an eligible entity available to areas of excessive unemployment. Directs the Secretary to notify eligible entities of their preliminary allotments within 15 days after the enactment of an appropriation. Sets forth requirements for receipt of an allotment by an eligible entity. Requires eligible entities within 30 days of receipt of notice, to submit statements which: (1) designate a fiscal agent for receipt of payments; (2) agree to use funds in accordance with this Act; and (3) agree to provide quarterly reports on such use. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for submission of such statements, to make a final allotment. Sets forth a formula for determining a required minimum allotment to any State which is the single eligible entity for such State. Sets forth requirements for the payment of an allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by the eligible entities. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating the payment of any installment of an allotment except in accordance with provisions for sanctions under this Act. Sets forth requirements relating to project design. Requires eligible entities to give priority to projects on the basis of: (1) unemployment severity and duration with localities in its area; (2) degree to which projects will lead to expansion of unsubsidized private employment opportunities; and (3) level of need for activities and services to be provided. Requires, to the extent feasible, coordination of employment opportunities established with title II funds with other specified Federal, State, and local activities. Part B: Community Improvement Activities for Youth Trainees - Sets forth provisions for youth trainee activities. Requires that at least 20 percent of the funds available to an eligible entity from its Part A allotment for community improvement projects shall be used for eligible youth wages and benefits for part-time employment up to 32 hours per week. Allows such employment to be: (1) in any authorized employment activity in community improvement projects; or (2) at a worksite operated by a public or private nonprofit agency or organization or by an employer organized for profit. Requires that such employment be provided in a manner which requires, and is consistent with, the youth's enrollment for at least eight hours a week in: (1) high school; (2) a high school equivalency program; or (3) a program of skill training or basic skill or employability development, including a career preparation demonstration program. Permits funds for youth trainee activities to be used in activities which also receive funds under other Federal, State, local, public, or private education or training programs. Makes eligible for youth trainee activities any youth aged 16 through 19 who is certified to be currently unemployed by the State employment service agency. Requires eligible entities, in selecting such participants, to give priority to economically disadvantaged individuals and to serve eligible school dropouts, among such individuals, on an equitable basis. Part C: State Job Programs - Sets forth provisions for financial assistance for State job programs. Reserves five percent of title II funds for each fiscal year for purposes of this part. Allots such funds for this part among the States, in accordance with specified provisions, on the basis of relative numbers of residents who have been unemployed for 15 or more weeks. Requires that such State allotments be used for employment of eligible participants under this Act through: (1) State-administered programs and activities authorized under community improvement project provisions, such as State parks, forests, and conservation programs, State hospitals and other health care facilities, State correctional institutions and programs, and State-administered social service programs; (2) special assistance (in conjunction, as appropriate, with eligible entities under title II) for areas which have experienced sudden or severe economic dislocations, including large-scale losses of jobs caused by the closing of facilities or mass layoffs; (3) State-directed emergency aid programs to cope with natural disasters, including erosion, flood, drought, and storm damage assistance and control activities; and (4) special assistance to seasonal farmworkers and small farmers in rural agricultural areas which have experienced substantial losses of jobs due to the rising numbers of farm mortgage foreclosures and other severe economic disruptions (in conjunction, as appropriate, with eligible entities under title II or with related programs under the Job Training Partnership Act). Directs States to give special consideration to establishing programs and activities which will provide job sites: (1) within areas in the State in which the unemployment rate equals or exceeds the national average; or (2) if there are no such areas, within areas in which the unemployment rate equals or exceeds the State average. Directs States to evaluate projects on the basis of severity and duration of unemployment within localities and the level of need for activities and services to be provided. Requires States, within 30 days after receiving notice of such allotment, to submit statements of agreement to use such funds in accordance with this Act and to provide quarterly reports. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for such submissions, to make a final allotment. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by the States. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating the payment of any installment of an allotment, except in accordance with provisions for sanctions under this Act. Title III: Educational Facility Repair and Renovation Employment Activities - Part A: Elementary and Secondary School Facility Improvement Jobs - Sets forth provisions for school facility repair and renovation projects. Requires that funds made available to any local educational agency (LEA) under this part be used for projects and activities (in accordance with the limitation on the use of funds under title I) to employ eligible participants (qualifying under title I provisions) in the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of public school facilities. Requires that, to the maximum extent feasible, funds under this part be used for projects and activities for which on-site labor can begin within 90 days of receipt of such funds. Requires that such funds be used in accordance with State and local procedures for: (1) assisting SEAs and LEAs to conform their public school facilities with specified requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with requirements of any government environmental protection or health and safety programs; (2) public school facilities repair, renovation, or rehabilitation; (3) conversion of presently unused structures into adult training centers; (4) energy efficiency remodeling or renovation; and (5) asbestos detection, removal, or containment in facilities used by students. Requires that funds under this part which are made available to the Secretary of the Interior shall be made available to Indian tribal schools, upon applications containing specified information. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations for such grants program, including priorities for such program. Declares that the Department of the Interior shall be considered a State education agency (SEA) for purposes of requirements for receipt of allotments under this part. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to relieve the Secretary of the Interior of the responsibility to provide adequate and equitable funding under the Snyder Act for the operations and maintenance of Indian tribal school facilities. Directs the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary" for purposes of this title) to make the allotment of funds for this part from 75 percent of the funds available for this title. Directs the Secretary to allot, from funds for this part: (1) one-half of one percent to specified U.S. territories and possessions in accordance with their respective needs; and (2) one-half of one percent to the Secretary of the Interior for grants to Indian tribal schools. Directs the Secretary to allot the remainder among the States on the basis of the relative: (1) number of unemployed individuals; (2) number of unemployed individuals in each county in excess of six and one-half percent of the civilian labor force; (3) number of unemployed individuals in each county in excess of the national average unemployment rate; and (4) amount of basic grant funds received under chapter 1 of the Educational Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (ECIA). Prohibits an SEA from reserving more than one percent of the State allotment for administrative costs and four percent to meet special needs. Directs the SEA to allocate the remainder: (1) among the counties on the same basis used for State allotments; and (2) within each county on the basis used by that State in distributing funds under chapter 1 of ECIA. Sets forth requirements for the receipt of an allotment. Requires SEAs to submit, within 30 days after receiving notice of such allotment, a statement of agreement to use such funds in accordance with this Act and to provide quarterly reports. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for such submissions, to make a final allotment. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by SEAs. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating payment of any allotment installment, except in accordance with sanctions provisions of this Act. Part B: Higher Education Facility Improvement Jobs - Sets forth provisions for academic facility repair and renovation projects. Requires that funds made available to any institution of higher education under this part be used for projects and activities (in accordance with title I limitation of funds provisions) to employ eligible participants (qualifying under title I provisions) in repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of academic facilities. Requires that, to the maximum extent feasible, funds under this part be used for projects and activities for which on-site labor can begin within 120 days of receipt of such funds. Requires that funds allotted to each State under this part be made available, in accordance with its State plan under the Higher Education Act of 1965, through the higher education building agency to assist institutions of higher education in the repair, renovation, and rehabilitation of academic facilities and libraries if the primary purpose of such assistance is to enable such institutions to: (1) economize on the use of energy resources, with a priority for the use of coal, solar, and renewable resources; (2) conform their academic facilities and libraries with specified requirements under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and with requirements of government environmental protection or health and safety programs; (3) renovate research facilities and postsecondary technician training facilities; and (4) detect, remove, or contain asbestos hazards in facilities used by students. Sets forth requirements for the receipt of an allotment. Requires States to submit, within 30 days after receiving notice of such allotment, statements: (1) designating a fiscal agent for receipt of allotment payments; and (2) agreeing to use such funds in accordance with this Act and to provide quarterly reports. Directs the Secretary, within 30 days after the final day for such submissions, to make a final allotment. Sets forth requirements for payment of allotments by the Secretary and for quarterly reports by the States. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding, suspending, or terminating payment of any allotment installment except in accordance with sanctions provisions of this Act. Part C: Special Definitions for Title III - Sets forth special definitions for purposes of this title. Title IV: State Employment Service Responsibilities - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and succeeding fiscal years to enable the United States Employment Service (USES) to provide funds to State employment service agencies to provide the following services in accordance with agreements with recipients under titles II and III: (1) certification of eligible participants in accordance with title I provisions, and their referral to available job openings; and (2) labor market information and job search services, including counseling to assist participants in finding regular unsubsidized employment as soon as possible, with special emphasis on services for those approaching the maximum duration for participants under this Act. Sets forth provisions for State job bank systems. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987, to be made available by USES for development and implementation of job bank systems in each State, designed to use computerized electronic data processing and telecommunications systems for such purposes as: (1) identifying job openings, referring jobseekers, with continual updating; (2) providing occupational supply and demand information; and (3) use by career information delivery systems, including career counseling programs in schools. Requires, where possible, that such systems be able to use software compatible with other systems (including management information, unemployment insurance, and other income maintenance programs) used in employment and training administration. Requires that, in the development of such systems, special consideration be given to the advice and recommendations of the State occupational information coordinating committees and other users of such systems. Title V: General Provisions - Sets forth general requirements relating to employment and projects under this Act. Sets forth nondiscrimination provisions. Prohibits projects involving construction, operation, or maintenance of so much of any facility as is used or to be used for sectarian instruction or religious worship. Requires that funds under this Act be used only for activities which are in addition to those which would be available in the area in the absence of such funds. Prohibits providing funds for subsidized employment under this Act to private organizations to conduct activities customarily performed by public employees in the area. Limits participation in title II or III activities to residents of the area of the recipients. Prohibits the employment, in a subsidized wage position under this Act, of individuals who have voluntarily terminated without good cause, within the preceding six months, full-time employment at or exceeding the Federal minimum wage. Prohibits funding of any program involving political activities. Requires that participants in subsidized employment under this Act be paid at least the highest of the Federal, State, or local minimum wage, or the prevailing rate of pay for employment in similar occupations by the same employer. Limits the portion of any wages paid from funds under this Act to $230 per week. Adjusts such maximum annually according to national aggregate wage and salary increases. Permits such wages to be supplemented by other sources, up to an amount equal to 50 percent of such maximum. Requires that participants be allowed sufficient time off from work activities to participate effectively in job search activities. Permits funds under this Act to be used to employ individuals in part-time, flexible-time, and work-sharing employment customarily offered by the employer, if such individual receive benefits customarily provided with such employment by the same employer. Requires programs under this Act to maintain an individual work record for each participant. Requires that any funds appropriated for this Act which are allotted for any fiscal year be available for expenditure by the recipient during a one-year period beginning on the date of payment. Prohibits revocation or cancellation of any part of any allotment as long as such funds are expended within such period. Directs the Secretary (of Labor or Education, as appropriate) to reallot any funds not expended during such period among other eligible recipients. 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 terminates the employment of any regular unsubsidized employee in the same or any substantially equivalent job or otherwise reduces the number of regular unsubsidized employees in such jobs. Prohibits the employment of, or the filling of a job opening by, any participant whose wages are subsidized under this Act by any "government" (meaning a State or local government, public agency, or local educational agency) department having 25 or more regular unsubsidized employees, unless the number of such employees currently employed is at least equal to a number determined according to a specified formula. Prohibits creation of jobs in a promotional line that will infringe in any way on the promotional opportunities of currently employed individuals. Requires that quarterly reports submitted under specified provisions of this Act: (1) be transmitted by the recipient to any labor organization representing government employees who are engaged in work similar to that performed by employees whose wages are subsidized under this Act; (2) set forth specified information relating to numbers of unsubsized and subsidized employees of government departments in which subsidized employment is provided under this Act; and (3) include a statement identifying and explaining job reductions in any department where there has been a decline of unsubsidized employees above a specified amount over a certain period. Sets forth procedures for review of complaints by employees or labor organizations concerning violations of this Act by governments employing subsidized employees. Requires repayment of any funds under this Act expended in such violations. 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. Provides that such rates are not required to be paid to participants under this Act unless they are employed in connection with projects funded by this Act in whole or in part, exclusive of wages and benefits, or projects covered by any other statute requiring the payment of such Davis-Bacon Act wage rates. Sets forth provisions for fiscal controls and sanctions under this Act. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of any corrective action or sanction imposed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1983 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap", "aggrieved person", and "familial status". Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Defines "familial status" as one or more minors being domiciled with their parent or guardian. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or fewer single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. States that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Prohibits discrimination against families with children. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin or familial status of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin or familial status. Includes within such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. States that nothing in this Act is to be construed to defeat any reasonable local, State or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. Provides that familial status does not apply to any State or Federal programs aimed at assisting elderly persons. Establishes the Fair Housing Review Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practice on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency" which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a petition for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) renew the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union on space cooperation for peaceful purposes; (2) initiate talks with the Soviet Union and other interested governments on opportunities for cooperative East-West space ventures as an alternative to an arms race in space; and (3) submit to the Congress a report detailing the provisions of such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Secondary Mortgage Market Equity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act and the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to set forth a formula for increasing the maximum mortgage limitation for a one- to four- family residence in certain areas where high prevailing housing sales prices have limited housing opportunities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that use of the five year quantitative restrictions recommended by the domestic specialty steel industry on imported specialty steel will: (1) eliminate unfair competition; and (2) provide time for plant modernization and for research and development projects. Urges the President to implement such import relief for the domestic industry in lieu of the restrictions recommended by the United States International Trade Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
National Acid Deposition Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Acid Deposition Control and Assistance Program - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish new requirements for acid deposition control. Sets forth direct federally mandated emission reductions and retrofit technology for the 50 fossil fuel fired electric utility generating plants which had the largest total emissions of sulfur dioxide during the calendar year 1980. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) identify each such plant which emitted sulfur dioxide during calendar year 1980 at an annual average rate equal to or exceeding three pounds per million Btu; (2) within two months after enactment of this Act, publish a list of the 50 plants which have the largest total emissions; (3) notify the owner or operator of each of the 50 plants listed; and (4) within four months after such enactment, and after notice and opportunity for comment, publish a final list of the 50 plants with the largest total emissions. Requires the owner or operator of each plant on the final list to submit to the Administrator, by January 1, 1985, a compliance schedule, including increments of progress. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove such schedule, within one year after submission, and after notice and opportunity for hearing. Directs the Administrator, if such schedule is not submitted by the deadline or is not approved, to promulgate a compliance schedule for such plant on January 1, 1986. Provides for modification and publication of such schedules. Requires that each compliance schedule provide that: (1) a technological system of continuous emission reduction be used for each steam generating unit in the fossil fuel fired electric utility generating plant concerned; and (2) sulfur dioxide emissions from such plant for the calendar year 1990 and each calendar year thereafter shall not exceed 1.2 pounds per million Btu heat input and ten percent of the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions during calendar year 1980 (90 percent reduction) or 0.6 pounds per million Btu and 30 percent of the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions during the calendar year 1980 (70 percent reduction). Sets forth procedures for determining plant compliance with such emission limitation. Requires that: (1) contracts be entered into for the purchase and installation of the technological systems of continuous emission reduction by January 1, 1988; (2) such systems be installed and in operation by January 1, 1990; and (3) the emission limitation be achieved for each calendar year after 1989. Directs the Administrator, from the Acid Deposition Control Fund established under this Act, to pay for 90 percent of the costs of construction and installation of the technological system of continuous emission reduction necessary for each such plant to comply with the emission limitation. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to promulgate regulations under which such payments: (1) may be made to utilities only if they will be used entirely to reduce those electric rate increases which would otherwise result from such construction and installation; and (2) shall be made at such times as will minimize rate increases. Sets forth requirements for State plans for additional emission reductions of sulfur dioxide. Directs the Administrator, within four months after the enactment of this Act, to compute a State share, for each of the 48 contiguous States, of a 10,000,000 ton reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide by 1993 below that of 1980. Sets forth a formula for computation of State shares. Permits the Governors of two or more States to reallot State shares among agreeing States, if there is an equal or greater total reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide through such reallotment. Sets deadlines and procedures for submission and approval of State plans for such State shares. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a State plan on January 1, 1988, if no State plan has been: (1) submitted by June 1, 1985; or (2) approved by January 1, 1988. Requires State plans for State shares to provide for emission limitations applicable to any stationary sources in the State for which the actual annual sulfur dioxide emission rates have been calculated by the Administrator for the calendar year 1980, other than a source which is one of the listed 50 electric utility plants subject to direct federally mandated emission reductions. Requires that the emission limitations for each stationary source subject to the State plan establish an allowable average annual sulfur dioxide rate at a level such that the total reduction would equal the State share, with specified credits for States in which any of the 50 listed plants are located. Permits State plans for State shares to provide for compliance with emission limitations through use of technological systems of continuous emission reduction or any other appropriate requirements. Directs the Administrator, from the Acid Deposition Control Fund (established within this Act), to pay for 90 percent of the costs of the construction and installation at an electric utility generating plant of any technological system of continuous emission reduction necessary to comply with requirements under a State plan for a State share of sulfur dioxide emission reductions. Subjects such payments to regulations relating to reduction of increases in utility rates. Establishes a trust fund in the Treasury of the United States to be known as the Acid Deposition Control Fund, consisting of amounts generated by fees imposed under this Act. Directs the Administrator to make payments from the fund first to facilities covered by direct federally mandated emission reductions and then to facilities covered by State share plan requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to be the trustee of the Fund and to report to the Congress for each fiscal year ending on or after September 30, 1984, on its financial condition and the results of its operation during such fiscal year and on its expected condition and operations during the next five fiscal years. Sets forth Fund investment duties of the Secretary. Imposes, under regulations promulgated by the Administrator, a fee of one mill for each kilowatt hour of electric energy: (1) generated in the contiguous 48 States by an electric utility; and (2) imported into the contiguous 48 States. Exempts from such fee electric energy: (1) used at the electric generating facility concerned; or (2) generated by a nuclear generating facility. Makes such fee effective with respect to electric energy generated, or imported, after December 31, 1984. Makes the fee cease to apply on the earlier of: (1) December 31, 1995; or (2) the date on which all payments required under this Act have been made. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate the fee at an earlier date upon estimation that sufficient funds have been collected to fund all such required payments. Directs the Administrator to promulgate within six months after enactment of this Act regulations setting forth the time and manner required for payment of such fee and related reporting requirements. Establishes civil penalties for: (1) electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which fail or refuse to pay such fees or to file required reports; and (2) any person who makes false or misleading statements in such required documents. Directs the Administrator to bring civil actions in such cases. Establishes additional criminal penalties for electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which knowingly commit such violations. Makes conforming amendments. Title II: Control of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions - Directs the Administrator to revise standards of performance for new stationary sources for emissions of nitrogen oxides from electric utility steam generating units which burn bituminous or subbituminous coal and which commence construction after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the emission of nitrogen oxides from such units at a rate which exceeds: (1) 0.30 pounds per million Btu, in the case of subbituminous coal; and (2) 0.40 pounds per million Btu, in the case of bituminous coal. Adds to provisions relating to emissions from mobile sources to set the following nitrogen oxide emission standards for model year 1986 and after truck and truck engines: (1) gross vehicle weight of 6,000 pounds or less - 1.2 grams per vehicle mile; (2) 6,000 to 8,500 pounds - 1.7 grams per vehicle mile; and (3) more than 8,500 pounds - 4.0 grams per brake horsepower-hour.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
State Justice Institute Act of 1982 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983
World War II Civil Liberties Redress Act - Directs the Attorney General to make redress payments to residents of the United States of Japanese, Aleut, or other ancestry who were interned, detained, or forcibly relocated by the United States during World War II. Provides that such payments shall not be considered income or receipts for purposes of Federal taxes or for determining eligibility for Federal benefits or assistance. Establishes within the Treasury the Japanese-American and Aleut Trust Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes a board of directors responsible for making disbursements from the Fund. Provides that funds from the trust be distributed to benefit communities populated by eligible individuals for assisting in community services in education, health, housing, and cultural service. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Directs the Administrator of General Services to assign to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Secretary of the Interior specified lands at Fort Totten, New York. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convey a portion of such property to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association of New York House. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the remainder of such property to the City of New York for public park and/or recreation uses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Pipeline Structural Integrity Act of 1983 - Amends the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 and the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require the testing and inspection of pipeline facilities subject to the provisions of such Acts at least once every five years. Requires the frequency and type of testing and inspection to be determined by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
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
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
Fair Tax Act of 1983 - Title I: Reduction of Individual and Corporate Tax Rate-Subtitle A: Reduction of Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reivse individual tax rates. Imposes a flat tax rate of 14 percent on the taxable income of individuals. Imposes a surtax of between 12 and 16 percent of the amount by which adjusted gross income exceeds specified levels. Imposes a flat tax rate of 30 percent on the taxable income of estates and trusts. Imposes a flat tax rate of 30 percent on the taxable income of corporations. Subtitle B: Increase in Personal Exemption for Taxpayer and Standard Deduction - Increases the personal exemption for an individual taxpayer and spouse to $1,600 and $1,800 for an individual who is a head of a household. Raises the standard deduction to $6,000 in the case of a joint return or a surviving spouse or $3,000 in the case of an individual, or a married individual filing a separate return. Subtitle C: Repeals Related to Reduction in Rates - Repeals provisions relating to: (1) tax tables for individuals; (2) minimum tax for tax preferences; (3) personal service corporations; (4) special averaging rules for lump-sum distributions; (5) accumulated corporate surplus; (6) personal holding companies; (7) income averaging; and (8) graduated corporate tax rates. Repeals the indexing of tax rates. Applies the trust throwback rules only to amounts distributed from foreign trusts. Title II: Base Broadening-Subtitle A: Credits - Repeals the general tax credit, the investment tax credit, the possessions tax credit and the income tax credits relating to: (1) the elderly and the permanently and totally disabled; (2) contributions to candidates for public office; (3) home purchases; (4) residential energy conservation; (5) producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (6) alcohol used as fuel; (7) increasing research activities; (8) employee stock ownership; and (9) clinical testing for certain drugs. Allows an income tax deduction for household and dependent care expenses necessary for employment. (Present law allows an income tax credit for such expenses.) Subtitle B: Exclusions - Repeals the partial income tax exclusion for interest and dividends. Repeals the exclusion for: (1) qualified transportation furnished by an employer; (2) cafeteria plans furnished by an employer; (3) dependent care assistance programs; (4) dividend reinvestment in public utilities; (5) payments to encourage mining for defenses purposes; (6) earned income of citizens living abroad; (7) certain allowances; (8) income from sources within the United States; and (9) income from sources within Puerto Rico. Treats as taxable income: (1) tier two railroad retirement benefits; (2) amounts paid by an employer for group-term life insurance; (3) unemployment compensation; (4) the annual increase in the the cash surrender value of life insurance policies; (5) interest on industrial development bonds and mortgage subsidy bonds; and (6) amounts contributed by an employer to accident and health plans. Provides that the transfer of a corporation's stock in satisfaction of indebtedness will be treated as having satisfied the indebtedness with money equal to the fair market value of the stock. Provides a limited exclusion from income for scholarships and fellowships. imposes the surtax on the gain from the sale of a principal residence. Amends the Merchant Marine Act to repeal the tax exemption for deposits into, and withdrawals from, a capital construction fund. Subtitle C: Deductions - Repeals the deduction for two-earner married couples, and the deduction for adoption expenses. Limits the amount of the interest deduction for individuals. Repeals the deduction for State and local personal property and sales taxes. Restricts the charitable contribution for corporations to 50 percent of the charitable contributions during the year. Increases the floor on the deduction for medical and dental expenses from five percent to 10 percent. Subtitle D: Repeal of Special Capital Gains Treatment - Repeals the alternative tax on capital gains for corporations, and the deduction for individuals for capital gains. Limits the amount of the capital loss deduction without regard to distinctions between short term and long term capital losses. Eliminates the distinction between short-term and long-term gains and losses. Title III: Capital Cost Recovery-Subtitle A: Simplified Cost Recovery Systems - Allows individuals and corporations a deduction from gross income for a percentage of the balance in a recovery account for each year. Includes in the recovery account the cost of recovery property which is depreciable property used in a trade or business or held for the production of income which is placed in sevice after December 31, 1984. Establishes six classes of recovery property and specifies a class life for each. Assigns property to each class according to the class life of the property. Sets forth rules for the calculation of the recovery percentage on the basis of the class life of the property. Allows individuals and corporations a deduction for depletable property determined as a percentage of the balance in a recovery account for each year. Establishes six classes of depletable property and assigns a class life to each. Assigns a ten year class life for oil, gas, and geothermal wells. Subtitle B: Other Changes - Repeals the income tax deductions for: (1) intangible drilling and development costs for oil, gas, and geothermal wells; (2) depreciation; (3) amortization of pollution control facilities; (4) improvements made by a leasee on a lessor's property; (5) certain depreciable assets; (6) amortization of reforestation expenditures; (7) percentage depletion; (8) development expenditures; and (9) mining and exploration expenditures. Allows a ten-year period for the amortization of construction period interest and taxes. Allows a deduction of circulation expenses for a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical ratably over a ten-year period. Excludes amounts chargeable to a capital account from such treatment. Provides for the deduction of 50 percent of tertiary injectant expenses in the taxable year and 50 percent of such expenses in the succeeding taxable year. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Subtitle A: Foreign Income - Requires an individual who owns stock in a corporation which is a controlled foreign corporation to include in income a pro rata share of the corporations's earnings and profits for such year. Reduces such amount by any amount required to be included in in income by reason of the amount being foreign personal holding company income. Repeals the domestic international sales corporations (DISC) provisions for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1984. Subtitle B: Other Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the tax exemption for credit unions. Reduces the limit on benefits which may be paid to a participant under defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. Repeals the cost-of-living adjustment for defined benefit plans. Continues the cost-of-living adjustment for purposes of calculating a participant's average compensation for his high three years. Requires farmers to compute their taxable income using the accrual method of accounting with the capitalization of preproduction expenses. Exempts taxpayers who do not have gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000. Requires farming syndicates to use the accrual method of accounting without regard to gross receipts. Provides that farmers who must use the accrual method cannot expense the following: (1) soil and water conservation expenditures; (2) fertilizer; and (3) expenses for clearing land. Requires the deferral of income or loss must be taken into account in determining tax liability under completed contract method of accounting. Requires that the taxpayer with adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000 must make estimated payments equal to 90 percent of current year tax. Requires the recognition of the gain or loss on distributions of property by corporations. Eliminates the special bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates of the provisions of this Act.
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 · 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
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 · 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 · 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 · 24 May 1983
Elephant Protection Act of 1983 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) the nation involved has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes, with respect to elephants and elephant products, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and State laws determined to be in conflict with this Act. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations.