United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the denial of the rights of Hungarians and people of other nationalities in Transylvania by the Romanian Government. Requests the President and the Secretary of State to discuss the human rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania with the Government of Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reestablish the Emergency School Aid Act as title VI of ESEA. Makes the emergency school aid program a categorical grant program to assist public school desegregation. Authorizes appropriations for the emergency school aid program for FY 1984 through 1987. Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to delete references to the emergency school aid program under the block grant provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Amends the veterans' educational assistance program to extend the delimiting period for use of educational benefits by Vietnam veterans from ten to 20 years, through December 31, 1995, at the latest.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Title I: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Justice Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Justice System Improvement) to eliminate the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance. Revises the formula grant program to make the following changes. Eliminates the authority for local governments to receive formula grants. Decreases from 23 to 15 the purposes for which formula grants may be made. Includes categories for programs addressing the problems of serious crimes committed by juveniles and juveniles with a history of criminal conduct. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Justice Assistance to certify new categories of programs having a record of proven success. Requires States to provide a 50 percent match to receive Federal funding, or 25 percent match for innovative programs addressing critical problems of crime. Requires grant recipients to assume program costs after a four-year period. Applies the State match requirement on an aggregate rather than per project basis. Revises the application requirements for a State to receive formula grant assistance. Requires States to include assurances that not more than ten percent of assistance will be spent on innovative programs addressing critical crime problems. Requires submission of the formula grant application for approval to the State legislature which shall act on the application as it would for State budget requests. Retains the current requirement that 80 percent of total funding be allocated for formula grants. Bases the distribution of funds among States on population and the extent of the crime problem as determined by the number of Part I offenses in the Uniform Crime Reports reported to the FBI. Requires a State to distribute formula grants among local governments in the same proportion as State funds for law enforcement purposes. Eliminates the national priority grant program. Retains the discretionary grant program. Revises the general purposes for which such grants may be made. Requires that private nonprofit organizations be the primary recipients of such grants for providing educational, training, and technical assistance and undertaking national projects. Permits discretionary grants to be used to provide technical assistance to States not participating in the formula grant program. Revises the training and manpower development program to eliminate the training programs for prosecuting attorneys and State and local criminal justice personnel by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Retains the Federal Bureau of Investigation training of State and local criminal justice personnel and the criminal justice education program. Permits "construction" under such Act to include renovation, repairs, or remodeling. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1983 and 1984 for the Office of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the National Institute of Justice. Eliminates the current authorization of appropriations for the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the requirement that at least 19.15 percent of total appropriations be maintained for juvenile delinquency programs. Prohibits the reprogramming of funds, including those authorized for civil dispute resolution, previously appropriated for the purposes of criminal justice assistance. Title II: Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance - Authorizes a State or local government to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exists. Requires the Attorney General, in approving or disapproving such application, to consider: (1) the nature and extent of the crime problem; (2) the emergency or extraordinary circumstances; (3) the availability of State and local resources; (4) the cost of increased Federal presence; and (5) the need to avoid unnecessary Federal involvement in local concerns. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Federal Anti-Tampering Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to knowingly cause or attempt to cause injury or death to any person by tampering with any article, product, or commodity which is produced or distributed for human use or consumption. Provides for a prison term of up to ten years and a fine of up to $25,000 for an attempt, or if serious bodily injury or death results, a prison term of up to 20 years or life, respectively; and a fine of up to $100,000. Establishes separate penalties for any person who either knowingly, or willfully and maliciously conveys false information concerning an attempt at such adulteration. Grants the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture authority to investigate violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should use the upcoming Economic Summit meetings to indicate its willingness to pursue monetary and fiscal policies necessary to stimulate growth in this country and to help lead a world economic recovery. Urges an agenda that includes: (1) consideration of a multilateral agreement to adopt national fiscal and monetary policies designed to reduce worldwide unemployment promptly; (2) inauguration of a plan to extend the maturity of foreign debt owed by developing nations; and (3) commitment to correct any lack of uniformity or deficiencies in the regulation and supervision of international banking.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market out option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the pipeline has failed to adopt practices minimizing amounts paid to purchase natural gas. Declares any minimum commodity beill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the January 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price for any first sale shall be 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after January 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the highway use tax on heavy trucks. Increases the excise tax on diesel fuel from nine cents per gallon to 12 cents per gallon in 1983 and from 12 cents per gallon to 14 cents per gallon in 1984. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations exempting from such increases diesel fuel used in automobiles and light trucks.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
States that the Government should restore balance to the Department of Energy's FY 1984 budget by maintaining funding for energy conservation, solar and renewable energy, and weatherization programs and by distributing information on conservation and renewable and solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married individuals to compute the amount of their income tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings accounts on the basis of the earned income of their spouses. Treats alimony payments as compensation for purposes of this deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Private Pension Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of any such participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been provided if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1983
Economic Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Treats alimony as compensation for purposes of determining an individual's income tax deduction for retirement savings. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been provided if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Entitles former spouses of civil service employees or Members of Congress, who were married to an employee or Member for at least ten years during creditable service, to an annuity based upon a portion of retired or retainer pay unless otherwise provided by a spousal agreement or a state court decree of divorce or annulment. Entitles former spouses to survivor's benefits under the civil service plan unless the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years of age or the employee or Member and former spouse elect to waive such benefit. Requires that such waiver be jointly made in writing. Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is a member of an economically disadvantaged family and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment. Increases the zero bracket amount for heads of households from $2,300 to $3,400. Title II: Dependent Care Program - Increases the income tax credit for household and dependent care services from a maximum of 30 percent of amounts paid to a maximum of 50 percent of amounts paid. Reduces such percentage to a minimum of 20 percent based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Makes such income tax credit refundable. Treats as tax-exempt organizations certain organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care to the general public. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Commissioner of the Administration of Children, Youth, and Families) to establish a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community-based child care information. Title III: Nondiscrimination in Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1983 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority: (1) has received notice of a complaint and fails to act within 60 days; or (2) has no insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Title IV: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each Federal agency to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the rules, regulations, programs, and policies of the agency to identify any which result in different treatment based on sex; and (2) submit annually a report to the Congress on such review. Sets forth rules of statutory construction relating to gender. Title V: Child Support Enforcement - Amends the Social Security Act to specify that the purpose of the child support enforcement program is to assure compliance with obligations to pay child support to each child in the United States living with one parent. Allows offsets of income tax refunds of an absent parent on behalf of children not receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Present law permits such offsets only in the case of children receiving AFDC payments.) Requires States to establish a child support clearinghouse through which child support payments can be paid, recorded, and forwarded. Revises State child support enforcement procedures. Allows allotments for child and spousal support to be taken from the pay of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to require a pipeline to carry natural gas, upon application by a producer or purchaser of natural gas, unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission finds that: (1) the pipeline has no available capacity to carry such gas; (2) carriage of such gas would place an undue burden on the pipeline; (3) construction of new facilities by the pipeline would be required; or (4) carriage of the gas would impair the pipeline's ability to give adequate service to its existing customers. Sets the consideration for such transportation at five cents per million Btu's plus the cost of transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Air Travelers Security Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare congressional policy with respect to the marketing and sale of passenger air transportation. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to vacate Order 82-12-85, adopted on December 16, 1982, and to adopt as its final decision in docket numbered 36595 the recommended order of an administrative law judge dated June 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to specified submerged areas located in the Pacific Ocean off the California coastline and in the Atlantic Ocean off the Massachusetts coastline, from: (1) issuing any oil and gas lease; (2) granting any license or permit for any activity which both affects the areas and involves drilling for oil and gas; and (3) approving any exploration plan or any development and production plan which provides for such activities. Terminates the provisions of this Act of January 1, 2000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a penalty tax on charitable organizations which fail to use certain funds set aside to provide legal services to the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Emergency Housing Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make emergency mortgage relief payments to mortgagees on behalf of certain delinquent mortgagors in a district when, for three consecutive months, the amount of delinquent mortgage loans exceeds a specified percentage of the amount of all loans accounted for in the mortgage delinquency series maintained by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board for such district or the nation. Provides for the discontinuation and reinstitution of such assistance program depending on such delinquency rate condition. Directs the Secretary to notify the mortgagees in a district of the institution or reinstitution of such a program in that district. Lists the conditions for assistance eligibility, which include requirements that: (1) the mortgage is not federally insured under the National Housing Act or the Housing Act of 1949; (2) the mortgagor has suffered a substantial reduction in income as a result of circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control which renders the mortgagor unable to make full mortgage payments; and (3) the Secretary has determined that assistance is necessary to avoid foreclosure and that it is likely that the mortgagor will be able to resume full mortgage payments within 36 months and pay the mortgage in full by its maturity date. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a mortgagor will be able to resume making full payments and pay the mortgage in full if the mortgagor suffered a reduction in income because of a loss of, or reduction in, employment. Requires each mortgagee, at least 30 days before instituting any foreclosure proceeding, to assist the mortgagor involved in applying for assistance under this Act, unless the mortgagor waives such assistance. Prohibits a mortgagee from instituting foreclosure proceedings until it receives notice of the Secretary's decision on such an application. Allows a mortgagor to apply for assistance after foreclosure proceedings have begun, in which event such proceedings shall be stayed pending the Secretary's decision. Requires an application to contain the mortgagee's certification that at least three full monthly payments are past due and that the mortgagee has extended a specified amount of voluntary forebearance. Declares that assistance payments shall: (1) not exceed amounts necessary to supplement the amounts the mortgagor is able to contribute; (2) be not less than the amount necessary to ensure that the total monthly housing expense of the mortgagor does not exceed 38 percent of his or her net effective income; and (3) be provided for a period not to exceed 18 months plus any period of delinquency, with an 18-month extension if necessary to avoid foreclosure. Directs the Secretary to establish certain procedures for ascertaining the mortgagor's financial circumstances to determine whether such payments should be adjusted or terminated. Declares that all assistance payments shall be secured by a lien on the property and repayable on terms prescribed by the Secretary, with certain restrictions. Allows a mortgagor to receive assistance under this Act more than once, except that payments may not be provided for a mortgagor for more than an aggregate of 36 months. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary to recapture such assistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide homeownership counseling to persons assisted under this Act; and (2) approve or disapprove an application for assistance within 45 days. Creates the Homeowners Emergency Relief fund to be available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations and limits expenditures for assistance under this Act. Requires the Secretary and certain Federal agencies which supervise financial institutions to: (1) encourage such institutions to exercise forebearance with respect to residential mortgages; and (2) waive or relax limitations pertaining to the operations of such institutions or mortgagees with respect to mortgage delinquencies. Directs the Federal home loan banks, the Federal Reserve banks, and the National Credit Union Administration to give special consideration to advance, discount, or credit applications of the institutions or borrowers that have exercised forebearance in residential mortgage foreclosures. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every 90 days on: (1) the rate of delinquencies and foreclosures in various housing markets; (2) the prospects of voluntary forebearance by mortgagees in such areas; (3) Government actions to encourage such forebearance and to provide assistance under this title; and (4) the default status of mortgages on multifamily properties with recommendations on curing and avoiding such defaults. Directs the Secretary to study and report on the use of alternative mortgage delinquency series under this title. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for grants by the Secretary to local governments and Indian tribes for the provision of shelter and essential services for individuals who are subject to life-threatening situations because of their lack of housing. Requires that a house which is rehabilitated with such assistance be used for emergency housing for at least three years. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consider the special housing needs of families and single women; and (2) ensure that such grants do not replace funds currently expended for such shelter and services. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture, prior to taking any action that would result in a borrower losing housing financed by a rural housing loan, to grant a moratorium on loan payments if the borrower shows that he or she is unable to continue making payments because of circumstances beyond his or her control. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that delinquent borrowers are informed of the availability of such assistance; and (2) provide technical assistance to borrowers applying for such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to reamortize the accrued debt of a borrower if reamortization is likely to result in the resumption of payments by the borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Medical Facility Dependent Care Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants and provide technical assistance to medical facilities for dependent care services. Gives priority to those facilities that provide: (1) dependent care 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or (2) care for infant dependents (aged three and under). States that: (1) the Federal share of such costs shall be 75 percent; and (2) the non-Federal share may be provided in cash or services and equipment. Authorizes grants to medical facilities to establish dependent care information clearinghouses and referral networks. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to exempt from registration those persons who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to use the public housing cost- based criteria used prior to January 1, 1983, in determining payments for the operation of low-income housing projects.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Relief Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era who suffer from specified diseases which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Permits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to determine what other diseases may be due to exposure to herbicides, chemicals, or environmental hazards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the standards used to reach them.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Permits bringing claims for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act for the personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty. States such claims must arise out of medical or dental care furnished in a Department of Defense Hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell a medal in honor of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Declares that the Secretary shall offer such medals for sale to the public at a price sufficient to cover the cost of minting and distributing of such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Prohibits the importation of certain species of kangaroos and kangaroo products (currently allowed to be imported under an administrative exception to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if in accordance with the management plans of Australian states).
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Creates a presumption of service-connected disability for compensation purposes for any veteran who was exposed to radiation or toxic chemicals while actively serving in the armed forces and who is now suffering from a disability or disorder symptomatic of such exposure. Maintains such presumption even in the absence of records. Entitles to disability or death compensation and to dependency and indemnity compensation any children of such a veteran with a disability or defect which may reasonably be determined to have been caused by genetic damage in the veteran. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a comprehensive program to screen veterans who may have been exposed to radiation or toxic chemicals during their active service to determine whether they incurred a disease or disability from such exposure. Requires the Administrator to provide outreach and counseling services. Directs the Administrator to establish a research and training program in the diagnosis and treatment of disabilities caused by exposure to radiation. Requires the establishment of a centralized registry of claims before the Veterans Administration or other agencies arising out of actual or possible exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Requires the Administrator to include in the annual report to Congress a comprehensive report on the administration and implementation of such screening and research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) call upon all nations to designate May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day; (2) urge the Soviet Union to permit the Sakharovs to freely choose their place of residence; and (3) direct the American delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling upon that body to designate May 21, 1983, as International Sakharov Day.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and articles of fur from animals that were caught in such traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the fill rate proposed by the administration for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is insufficient and inconsistent with existing law; and (2) the reserve should be filled at least at the minimum rate prescribed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board. Limits the period of such ban to not more than three years after the Secretary has certified the identify of such person to the Comptroller General. Permits the awarding of Federal contracts to such person during the period of the ban if the Federal agency or department, after notice and opportunity for hearing to all interested parties, certifies to the Secretary that there is no other source for the material or services furnished by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Environmental Works Act of 1983 - Title I: Establishment of Program - Establishes a national policy to: (1) create a program of public works of special benefit to the environment and to create employment; (2) review public works appropriations to ascertain whether environmental benefit projects should receive additional appropriations; and (3) give serious consideration to State recommendations for Federal expenditures for public works of special environmental benefit. Title II: National Park Service - Park Service Land Heritage Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Park Service Land Heritage Program for the improvement and rehabilitation of the national park system. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national park system resource management plan (the parks management plan) for the restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of park facilities and for the development of new facilities. Requires the Secretary to update the parks management plan every five years. Directs the President to transmit the parks management plan to Congress and to annually incorporate such plan in framing budget requests by the Administration for Park Service activities. Sets forth certain conditions to be included in the parks management plan. Requires the Secretary to provide an opportunity for public involvement and to consult with other interested government departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a detailed inventory of all national park system facilities, lands and resources. Requires the Secretary to establish an Independent Review Board to ensure that only projects consistent with this Act are recommended for completion. Provides the review procedure to be followed for Board recommendations. Prohibits the Board from approving any projects which will induce overuse of National Park Service facilities or which will generate use inconsistent with the preservation of Park Services resources. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Sets forth requirements for the development of the management plans. Requires resource plans, permits, and other instruments for the use and management of National Park Service lands to conform with the parks management plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for implementing projects contained in the parks management plan. Requires ten percent of such appropriated funds to be used to employ youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Title III: United States Fish and Wildlife Service - Fish and Wildlife Land Heritage Act of 1983 - Establishes a Fish and Wildlife Land Heritage Program for the improvement and rehabilitation of the national wildlife refuge system and fish hatcheries, for the improvement of recreation facilities within such system, and for the development of a comprehensive U.S. fish and wildlife system management plan (wildlife management plan). Prohibits such improvement and rehabilitation if it would induce overuse of existing facilities. Requires the Secretary to develop a wildlife management plan for the restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of U.S. fish and wildlife system areas and for the development of new facilities in existing units of the system. Requires the Secretary to update the wildlife management plan every five years. Directs the President to transmit the wildlife management plan to Congress and to annually incorporate such plan in framing budget requests by that Administration for fish and wildlife system activities. Sets forth consideration to be included in the wildlife management plan. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a detailed inventory of all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administered lands and resources. Requires the Secretary to establish an Independent Review Board to insure that only projects consistent with this Act are recommended for completion and included in the wildlife management plan. Provides the review procedure to be followed for Board recommendations. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Sets forth requirements for the development of the wildlife management plan. Requires resource plans, permits, and other instruments for the use and management of Fish and Wildlife Service administered units to conform with the wildlife management plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for implementing this title. Directs that no provision of this title shall impinge upon other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs. Requires at least ten percent of such appropriated funds to be used to employ youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Title IV: Urban Recreation - National Cultural Parks System - National Urban Cultural Parks Act of 1983 - Establishes a national cultural park system. Requires the Secretary to appoint a Director to administer such system. Requires such system to include those land and water areas designated as national cultural parks by Congress. Defines "national cultural park" to include urban and settled areas. Establishes the Cultural Park Advisory Commission. Sets forth administrative requirements for the Commission. Requires the Commission to undertake a comprehensive study and to formulate recommendations for the creation and management of a national cultural park system. Sets forth requirements for such system and for formulating recommendations for the development of such system. Requires the Commission to submit a specified report to Congress and to the President within three years after funds become available to carry out this title. Requires the Commission to terminate within 30 days of submitting such report. Sets forth the authorities and powers of the Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the purpose of assisting States in the preservation, interpretation, development, and use of urban resources through preparation, planning, or implementing a cultural park management plan, demonstration project, or to otherise assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish in the Federal Register criteria for the selection of applicants of grants under this section. Sets forth requirements for a cultural park management plan. Sets forth requirements for States to receive a grant under this title. Sets forth conditions for States receiving such grants. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Commission when authorizing or providing funds for demonstration projects or management plans. Requires the Secretary to transmit a report to Congress and to the President, including a detailed statement of the findings and conclusion of the Secretary concerning methods of preserving and managing urban resources. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 for funding such demonstration projects. Title V: United States Forest Service - RPA Plan - Forest Service Environmental Projects Act of 1983 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make an annual report to Congress for FY 1984 through 1987 concerning an estimate of the sums necessary to be appropriated to replant and revitalize an acreage of National Forest System land equal to that cut over that year, plus a specified portion of the backlog of lands in need of such treatment. Authorizes additional appropriations for eliminating the backlog of reforestation, fish and wildlife, watershed restoration, and trail maintenance and construction projects. Requires that not less than ten percent of the sums appropriated under this title to be used to employ youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Title VI: United States Forest Service - Urban Trees - Forest Serivce Urban Trees Act - Requires the appropriate State official (of any State which chooses to apply for funds authorized under this title) to develop an arboriculture plan for such State and to submit such plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Declares that States with approved plans shall be eligible for matching grants under this title. Requires such States to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each fiscal year including the amounts of certain funds expended in completion of the plan. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas, and to encourage participation of private entities and individuals to furnish arboriculture services. Authorizes the Secretary to provide matching grants on a competitive basis to eligible States for urban arboriculture projects. States the amount of such grants. Sets forth factors the Secretary shall consider in awarding such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for carrying out this title. Title VII: Passenger Rail Improvement - Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for employment in certain railroad repair or rehabilitation projects. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guidelines and procedures for making and evaluating applications for financial assistance under this section. Sets forth certain documentation and information to be included in such applications. Authorizes the Secretary to establish objective criteria to determine whether, and to require that, grant recipients are maintaining a good faith level of repair and rehabilitation for projects commenced pursuant to this title. Sets forth certain employment priorities for jobs created pursuant to this title. Requires the Secretary to identify (in the form of a State- by-State listing) all projects necessary for the rehabilitation and improvement of essential roadbeds and facilities of specified rail corridors. Lists certain rail passenger corridors eligible for project grants under this title. Declares that certain terminals and stations, and intermodal connections are eligible for project grants if they meet certain conditions. Requires projects eligible for financial assistance under this title to be structured and administered to achieve specified goals, including the reduction of unemployment. Sets forth requirements for the performance of work under this title concerning labor agreements and standards. Requires grant recipients to maintain certain records. Requires that the Secretary and the Comptroller General have access to certain records for the purpose of audit and examination. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of projects receiving grants or of proposed projects under this title. Requires the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the Congress and the President on actions taken pursuant to this title. Makes conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary to develop a program with five years for upgrading all grade crossings used by any railroad for providing intercity rail passenger service. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for this title (other than for the grade crossings program). Title VIII: Light Rail Transit - Light Rail Transit Demonstration and Transfer Fund Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress listing the urban areas which are suitable candidates for the introduction of light rail transit systems. Requires such report to include specified information, including information furnished by municipalities and urban areas. Requires municipalities and urban areas interested in a light rail system to furnish information to the Secretary, including design data and proposals. Requires certain Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in order to facilitate the production of such report. Authorizes appropriations for the production of such report. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to assist States and urban areas in the development of light rail transit systems. Requires such grants to be used for the acquisition, construction, and improvement of light rail facilities and equipment for use in urban areas. Lists eligible facilities and equipment for such grants. States the conditions and requirements for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make advance or progress payments on account of any grant or contract made pursuant to this title. States the conditions for such advance or progress payments. Requires the Secretary to make: (1) an annual report to Congress concerning grants and activities under this title; and (2) a final inspection or review of each completed project. Requires a report on estimated and actual project costs. Title IX: Housing and Neighborhoods - Urban Environment Revitalization Act of 1983 - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for State, tribal, and local community development programs and for urban development action grants. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to submit a report to Congress indicating the total nation wide potential for such programs. Amends Federal law to establish an Independent Review Board to insure that urban development action grants are awarded and implemented consistently with such law. Sets forth provisions concerning Board review and approval of applications for such grants prior to the Secretary's approval of said grants. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to authorize additional appropriations. Requires the Secretary to develop and transmit a report including an estimate of the total funds which would be needed to fund all historic preservation projects contained in the backlog of uncompleted projects for the purposes of such Act. Title X: Solar Bank and Weatherization and Employment Act of 1983 - Provides assistance to low-income households to weatherize dwellings. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize increased appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1983 through 1992. Requires the Secretary of Energy to allot at least ten percent of the appropriations under this section to a performance fund available only to provide financial assistance to those States demonstrating the best performance in providing weatherization assistance under this program. Authorizes additional appropriations under the Environmental Works Act for such weatherization program. Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations for the promotional activities of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title XI: Citizen Suits - Authorizes any person to commence certain civil suits on their own behalf for violations of this Act or to compel certain governmental officials to reasonably apply and administer the policies and provisions set forth in this Act. Sets forth provisions governing such suits, including jurisdiction, parties, court costs, injunctive relief and prima facie evidence of abuse of discretion by administrative officials. Title XII: Supplementary Project Planning - Requires each State to: (1) develop a list, in order of priority, of those public works projects plans or programs of special environmental benefit; and (2) submit such list to the appropriate congressional committees by a specified date. Requires such list to be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, with participation by all interested parties and the public. Sets forth requirements for projects included in such list. Requires the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget and of the Congressional Budget Office to assist the Governor of any State (upon request of any such Governor) in the preparation of the list. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare such a list for any State which does not submit a list for any year. Title XIII: Supplementary Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for supplementary project planning to be allocated according to a specified formula. Authorizes appropriations for certain programs authorized by this Act. Requires the budget committee to review priority lists submitted for supplementary project planning for setting ceilings for water and power development, energy research, and for expenditures for the purposes of this Act. Requires the appropriations committees to give serious consideration to priority lists submitted by the States. Lists the amounts of authorized appropriations for each individual State.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Title I: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to insure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to insure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Title II: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. financial or lending institution from making any loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Title III: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Amends the Act commonly known as the Second Morrill Act to repeal language relating to racial segregation in colleges. Provides that amendments made by this Act shall not be construed as affecting the eligibility of any land-grant college or institution, including Tuskegee Institute, to receive funds under the Act commonly known as the First Morrill Act or under the Second Morrill Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Water Supply Rehabilitation and Conservation Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to make loans for the rehabilitation, expansion, or improvement of certain water supply systems to: (1) any department, agency, or instrumentality of a State or local government which operates a water supply system for at least 10,000 persons; or (2) any person who operates a water supply system under certain conditions. Prohibits such loans from exceeding 80 percent of the cost of such water supply project. Limits the amount the Secretary may lend under this Act, in any fiscal year: (1) to any water system supply operator; and (2) for water supply projects in any State. Prohibits any loans under this Act: (1) which do not have a purpose related to water supply or water conservation; (2) for water acquisition by one water supplier of another water supplier who services more than 1,000 persons; or (3) for any project solely intended to increase the number of persons served by a water supply system. Sets forth procedures for applying for such loans (including the payment of one percent of the amount of such loan requested). Authorizes the Secretary to make loans under this Act only to technologically and financially feasible systems which constitute a reasonable risk under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans under this Act to an operator of a water supply system only if the Secretary determines that such operator will implement a model water conservation program or its equivalent. Defines "model water conservation program." Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with each person to whom a loan is made under this Act. Sets forth some of the terms of such agreement. Directs that amounts submitted with loan applications and loan repayments be deposited in the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
National Commission on Neurofibromatosis Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 60 days a National Commission on Neurofibromatosis which shall formulate a plan to identify the research needed to develop an effective treatment and a cure for neurofibromatosis. Sets forth operating and related provisions. Authorizes the Commission to transmit interim reports. Requires the Commission to make a final report to the President and to each House of Congress within two years. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report.
![Official portrait of Rep. Morrison, Bruce A. [D-CT-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000992_200.jpg)