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United States · Official source
4,495 records where Rep. Murphy, Austin J. [D-PA-20] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1983
Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as National Congregate and Meals on Wheels Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Civil Liberties Act of 1983 - Title I: Recognition of Injustice and an Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress accepts the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons of those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose violation was based on a refusal to accept racially discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review applications for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 each from the Fund in compensation to surviving internees. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursement from the Fund. Provides that disbursement from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: The Aleuts - Requires the Attorney General to identify, locate, and pay a sum of $5,000 each to surviving internees of Alaskan Aleut ancestry. Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian Islands Education and Restoration Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Provides for a Board of Directors to be responsible for making disbursements from the Fund. Authorizes disbursements for community and individual purposes that will be compensatory for the losses and injuries suffered as a result of the evacuation of the Aleuts. Directs the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild and restore churches and buildings damaged or destroyed in the Aleutian Islands and clear away the military debris that remains there from the evacuation and relocation period. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the island of Attu, Alaska, to the Aleut native corporation. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that all documents, personal testimony, and other material collected by the Commission shall be deposited in the National Archives of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Comprehensive Trade Law Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to direct the administering authority to order the suspension of all entries of merchandise subject to a preliminary determination in an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation if the preliminary determination of the International Trade Commission (ITC) is affirmative. Imposes the burden of persuasion with respect to allegations in such investigations upon the person in possession of the specific information necessary to verify or negate such allegations. Establishes within the Department of Commerce the Small Business International Trade Advocate Office (Advocate) which shall assist small businesses in the preparation for, and participation in, any proceedings related to the administration of the U.S. trade laws (including arguing on behalf of petitioners who are financially unable to prosecute antidumping and countervailing duty investigations). Provides that the Advocate may request the ITC to conduct on behalf of small businesses no more than three fact- finding investigations in a given fiscal year. Requires the Advocate each fiscal year to report its activities to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the administering authority and the ITC to make available under a protective order confidential information submitted by a party to an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation upon receipt of an application which describes the information requested. (Current law requires that the application must describe the information with particularity and must set forth the reasons for the request.) Requires that the information to be disclosed shall include all confidential information available to or prepared by the administering authority during an investigation, excluding customer names and the identity of market research organizations. Declares that it shall not be a requirement of disclosure that the person making the request demonstrate a need to have access to the information. Requires the administering authority or ITC to act upon requests for such information within ten days. Directs the ITC, in determining material injury or the threat of material injury in antidumping or countervailing duty investigations, to consider the cumulative impact of imports of merchandise under investigation when combined with imports of the same class or kind which are subject to similar investigations. Declares that in determining whether a petition requesting an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation states a cause of action the absence of a history of imports in sufficient volume to be a present cause of material injury shall not be a basis for a negative determination when a capability to increase exports is asserted. Amends the definition of the nature of a subsidy to require the ITC, in determining whether there is a threat of material injury, to consider information other than the information presented to it by the administering authority and to consider whether the alleged subsidy is related to a promotional program benefitting a specific industry. Sets forth the time periods to be considered by the ITC in determining material injury or threat of material injury. Requires the ITC, in determining threat of material injury, to consider evidence of: (1) increasing domestic inventories of imported merchandise; (2) new or increased capability to manufacture or export such merchandise in the countries under investigation or shift of production and exports among industry product lines; and (3) any effort by a foreign government or instrumentality to promote the development or growth of export capability of the industry under investigation through a combination of policies or programs. Authorizes the imposition of countervailing duties upon merchandise which is likely to be imported into the United States if such merchandise meets all the other requirements for the imposition of countervailing duties. Requires the imposition of countervailing or antidumping duties on merchandise if a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded by sales of imports or offers of sales of imports. Requires the ITC to make its preliminary determination in antidumping or countervailing duty investigations on the basis of the information contained in the petition and any information received by way of questionnaire response. Provides an extension of time for making a preliminary determination if the ITC does not believe the information contained in the hearing and the questionnaire responses establish material injury. Requires the ITC, in such a case, to schedule a hearing during which interested parties may address the factual issues of concern to the ITC. Permits an extension of time during which the preliminary determination by the administering authority in an antidumping or countervailing duty case may be made only if the petitioner files a timely request for such extension and the case is extraordinarily difficult. (Current law permits such extension if either of these conditions is met.) Excludes claims for antidumping and countervailing duties from the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to compromise Government claims. Amends the Trade Agreement Act of 1979 to require the ITC, in cases involving revocation of countervailing duties, not to base a negative determination of potential material injury on any export taxes, duties, or other charges levied on the export of merchandise to the United States specifically intended to offset the subsidy received. Directs the administering authority, upon being notified of a negative determination of potential material injury based upon clear and convincing evidence presented by any party seeking revocation, to revoke an existing countervailing duty order and refund the countervailing duties that had been collected. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the ITC and the administering authority from reviewing a final determination in a countervailing or antidumping duty case or the suspension of an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation less than five years after publication of notice of that determination or suspension. Authorizes the administering authority, after review, to revoke a countervailing or antidumping duty order or to terminate a suspended investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from taking such actions unless, upon clear and convincing evidence presented by any party seeking revocation or termination of a suspended investigation: (1) the administering authority finds that it is substantially unlikely that subsidized sales or sales at less than fair value will be resumed; and (2) the ITC makes a negative determination of potential material injury to U.S. industries by imports covered by the order or investigation. Prohibits the administering authority from revoking a countervailing duty order or terminating a suspended investigation on the basis of any export taxes, duties, or other charges levied on exports to the United States specifically intended to offset the subsidy received. Prohibits the administering authority from revoking a countervailing or antidumping duty order or terminating a suspended investigation unless the affected foreign manufacturers, producers, or exporters give assurances that they shall not receives subsidies or make sales at less than fair value. Sets forth penalties for violations of such assurances. Requires the administering authority and the ITC to continue an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation if the administering authority, within 20 days of publication of the notice of suspension of an investigation, receives a request for continuation of the investigation from the petitioner. Changes the definition of "interested parties" to include: (1) a trade or business association at least ten percent of whose members manufacture, produce, or wholesale a like product in the United States; and (2) a coalition which includes one or more certified unions or recognized groups of workers associated with the production of a like product in the United States and one or more entities which manufacture, produce, or wholesale a like product in the United States. Changes the definition of "like product." Directs the administering authority to reimburse petitioners, upon request, for the costs of preparing an investigation petition and of participating in an investigation if the investigation results in the issuance of a countervailing or antidumping duty order or a suspension agreement. Requires the payments to be made out of an account which shall be established by the administering authority and into which all countervailing and antidumping duties shall be paid. Declares that there shall be no presumption for or against agency action in any civil proceeding arising under the antidumping or countervailing duty provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930. Permits the administering authority to extend the deadline for a final determination in a countervailing duty investigation to the date of its final determination in an antidumping duty investigation if an antidumping duty investigation is initiated simultaneously with the countervailing duty investigation. Adds definitions of "negative determination" and of "affirmative determination" with respect to antidumping and countervailing duty determinations. Authorizes the administering authority to suspend a countervailing duty investigation if the subsidizing government or the exporters who account for substantially all of the imports of the merchandise subject to the investigation agree: (1) to eliminate the subsidy program completely within six months, except that the administering authority shall not accept an agreement unless the suppression or undercutting of price levels of domestic products by imports of that merchandise will be prevented; or (2) to cease exports of that merchandise to the United States within six months. Authorizes the administering authority, for the purpose of determining the net subsidy, to subtract from the gross subsidy only the amount of: (1) any payment made to qualify for or to receive the benefit of the subsidy; and (2) any loss in the value of the subsidy resulting from its deferred receipt if the deferral is mandated by Government order. Changes the definition of "subsidy" to include a domestic subsidy provided directly or indirectly to a supplier of any input to the class or kind of merchandise imported into the United States. Amends the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 to require the ITC to review countervailing duty orders, upon request, if the request is received before a countervailing duty petition is filed with the administration authority. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit designating a country as a country under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures until the country has committed itself under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to eliminate its export subsidies. Permits countries which are beneficiary developing countries under the Trade Act of 1974 to be designated as countries under the Agreement if, in lieu of such commitment such country agrees: (1) to phase out existing export subsidies within five years; (2) not to increase existing export subsidies, nor extend such subsidies to new merchandise, nor introduce new export subsidies; and (3) to eliminate within one year export subsidies on merchandise which the ITC determines is either produced by an import sensitive U.S. industry or already competitive in the U.S. market and would be competitive in the absence of export subsidies. Requires the President to review the status of and compliance with such agreements at least once during each 12-month period following the date on which the agreement becomes effective and upon the request of certain interested parties. Sets forth the effect of a finding by the President that a country designated as "a country under the Agreement" has not honored its commitments relating to eliminating subsidies. Requires that a countervailing duty order shall presumptively apply to all merchandise of the class of kind which have been determined to materially injure U.S. industries and which are exported from the country investigated, except that differing duties may be imposed if the administering authority determines that there is a significant differential between companies receiving subsidy benefits or if a State-owned enterprise is involved. Adds to the definition of "subsidy" specified programs and protections when used as part of a program to develop a significant export capability in a particular product sector. Requires that the foreign market value of the merchandise under investigation shall be the constructed value of the merchandise if the administering authority determines that the cost to the foreign producer of any foreign material incorporated in the merchandise under investigation is unreasonable. Requires that the cost of such preference or subsidy shall be included in the constructed value of the imported merchandise. Authorizes the administering authority to accept an agreement to restrict the volume of imports of merchandise into the United States (with either the government of the country where the merchandise which is being investigated is produced or with the exporters of such merchandise who account for substantially all the imports of such merchandise) if the agreement will eliminate completely the injurious effect of such imports. Authorizes the administering authority to prescribe regulations governing the entry or withdrawal from warehouse for consumption of merchandise covered by: (1) agreements to eliminate completely sales at less than fair value or to cease exports of merchandise; or (2) agreements to eliminate injurious effect. Requires the administering authority to have received the written consent of the petitioner before suspending an antidumping or countervailing duty investigation. Prohibits making an adjustment to the foreign market value of an import for specified differences in circumstances of sale or discounts. Requires the purchase price and exporter's sales price to be adjusted by being reduced by, among other costs, the costs relating to the circumstances of sale. Requires that "cost relating to" circumstances of sale rather than "differences in" circumstances of sale shall be taken into account if they cause a difference between the U.S. price and the foreign market value of the merchandise. Requires that the foreign market value of imported merchandise shall be the weighted average price of all sales or offers for sale of such merchandise subject to specified conditions. Prohibits the administering authority from using items selected by foreign manufacturers, producers, or exporters, or the U.S. importers of merchandise under investigation when the authority uses averaging or sampling techniques to determine the foreign market value of such merchandise. Revises the definition of sales at less than the costs of production to include sales through a related party if such sales are made below the cost of production including related party marketing costs. Requires such sales to be disregarded in determining foreign market value if they have been made over an extended period of time and in substantial quantities. (Current law requires that such sales, in order to be disregarded must also have been at prices which do not permit recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of time in the normal course of trade.) Includes within the definition of "exporter" for purposes of determining U.S. price, any person who owns or controls five percent (currently 20 percent) or more of the voting power or control in the business carried on by the person by whom or for whose account the merchandise is imported into the United States and also five percent (currently 20 percent) or more of such power or control in the business of the exporter, manufacturer, or producer. Requires that any differences between the U.S. price and the foreign market value of imported merchandise which are due to circumstances of sales shall reflect the actual selling expenses incurred by the purchasers in their markets. Repeals the provision for posting security in lieu of estimated antidumping duties pending an early determination of the antidumping duty. Authorizes the administering authority, upon request by an interested party, to negotiate settlement agreements the implementation of which shall be subject to the withdrawal of the petitions resulting in the antidumping or countervailing duty investigation. Provides for the enforcement of such agreements. Title II: Escape Clause - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize an entity which is representative of an industry (including an industry which produces parts irrevocably destined for incorporation in an article like or directly competitve with an imported article) to petition the ITC for import relief. Requires that the ITC, in determining whether increased imports of an article are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic industries, shall take into account whether the article under investigation is incorporated in an imported article. Deletes the provision which defines "substantial cause" for purposes of injury determination as a cause which is important and not less than any other cause. Requires that the ITC, whenever it has reason to believe that the increased imports are attributable to circumstances which come within the purview of other remedial provisions of law, shall promptly notify the appropriate agency and such agency shall initiate the appropriate action. Requires that an affirmative determination of serious injury under this title shall be considered to be an affirmative determination of material injury under other remedial provisions of law if the affirmative determination of serious injury has been made within 12 months of the date on which the petition was filed under the other statutes. Requires that the ITC, if it finds that a serious injury or the threat of a serious injury exists, shall, in order to prevent or remedy such injury: (1) find the amount of increase in or imposition of any duty; (2) determine a tariff rate quota on such article; (3) determine the quantitative import restriction on the import into the United States of such article; or (4) recommend any combination of such actions. Requires at least six months to elapse between investigations of import injury. Requires the ITC to determine, within 45 days of the filing of a petition, whether or not a reasonable indication that conditions for an affirmative finding of serious import injury exist if a petitioner alleges that imports of an article have increased by more than ten percent in volume or 20 percent relative to domestic production in the previous 12 months. Requires the Commissioner of Customs, if the ITC makes an affirmative determination of such indication, to order the suspension of liquidation of entry of such articles. Requires the suspension to continue until: (1) the ITC makes a negative determination of serious injury; or (2) import relief actions take effect. Requires an additional duty to be imposed on any article that is subject to a suspension of liquidation of entry if the ITC makes an affirmative determination of import injury. Deletes the provision authorizing the President to grant trade adjustment assistance instead of import relief to an industry which has been seriously injured by imports. Directs the President, if the President finds that it is in the national economic interest to provide import relief, to either place into effect the determination of the ITC or to negotiate one or more orderly marketing agreements pursuant to the ITC's determination. Requires the President, if the President determines that the import relief recommended by the ITC is not in the national economic interest and that there are alternatives which offset the injury to the same extent as the ITC's recommendations, to transmit to Congress a document setting forth: (1) such determination; (2) the reasons why the ITC's recommendation is not in the national economic interest; (3) other information with respect to the alternatives; and (4) proposed legislation to implement the President's recommendation. Provides for expedited consideration of the President's proposal in the Congress. Requires the President, within 31 days of the submission of such proposal to Congress to: (1) proclaim the actions recommended by the ITC if Congress does not enact the President's proposal; or (2) take the action recommended in the President's proposal. Requires that the import relief proclamation, if it provides for the imposition of or an increase in the rate of duty, shall also provide for periodic review and adjustment of the duty rate in order to maintain substantially the same amount of import relief that has been proclaimed. Requires that bilateral or multilateral orderly marketing agreements negotiated by the President shall limit the export from foreign countries and the import into the United States of articles subject to the import relief proclamation. Prohibits an orderly marketing agreement from becoming effective unless the ITC determines that it provides at least the same level and duration of import relief as found by the ITC to be necessary. Requires the President to proclaim the import relief found by the ITC if the ITC finds that the orderly marketing agreement does not provide the necessary import relief or if the ITC is evenly divided on the question. Requires the import relief to last for not less than five years and not more than ten years. (Current law terminates import relief after five years unless renewed.) Authorizes the import relief to be phased down during the period of such relief but only after the first three years have elapsed. Deletes the provisions providing for extension of import relief. Authorizes the President to reduce or terminate import relief but only after at least five years have elapsed. Requires at least one year to elapse between the end of a period of import relief with respect to an article and the beginning of a new investigation into import relief with respect to such article. (Current law requires two years to elapse between investigations.) Title III: Enforcement of United States Rights - Authorizes the administering authority, based upon information available to it or upon a petition filed with it, to initiate investigations relating to the enforcement of U.S. rights under trade agreements and relating to the U.S. response to certain unfair foreign trade practices. (Current law authorizes the President to begin such investigations.) Authorizes the administering authority to take specified steps to enforce such rights or to respond to the foreign trade practices. Declares that a foreign practice that denies fair and equitable market opportunities to U.S. goods or services or denies to U.S. businesses fair and equitable opportunities for the establishment of an enterprise shall be considered an unreasonable practice which burdens U.S. commerce. Declares that foreign industrial targeting of a specific sector or sectors of the economy shall be considered an unreasonable practice that burdens U.S. commerce. Requires the administering authority to take action if a foreign government has engaged in industrial targeting which causes or threatens to cause material injury to a U.S. industry or which materially retards the establishment of an industry in the United States. Authorizes any interested person to file a petition with the administering authority requesting action to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and to respond to certain foreign trade practices. Requires the administering authority to review the sufficiency of the allegations of the petition within 20 days of its filing date. Requires the administering authority, if it finds that the petition provides the basis for action, to publish the petition and provide an opportunity for hearing. Requires the administering authority, if it finds no basis for action in the petition, to reject the petition and inform the petitioner of the reasons for the rejection. Deletes the provision requiring consultation with the affected foreign country regarding issues raised by the petition. Directs the administering authority to present questionnaires to the affected foreign governments and foreign enterprises to develop information about the allegations. Requires the administering authority to verify the information provided by such governments and enterprises and relied upon by the administering authority. Requires the final determination of the administering authority to be based upon the best information available if the foreign governments or entities do not respond to the questionnaires or if the responses cannot be verified. Requires the administering authority to issue a preliminary determination within five months of the initiation of the investigation. Requires the administering authority, if the preliminary determination is affirmative, to take specified actions on a provisional basis. Requires the administering authority to make a final determination within 11 months of the initiation of the investigation. Requires specified actions to be taken within 30 days if the final determination is affirmative. Requires the administering authority to consult closely with the petitioner on the nature of the action taken. Directs the administering authority to make confidential information submitted during an investigation available upon request. Prohibits disclosing customer names and the identity of market research organizations. Authorizes the administering authority, if the contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) disapprove an action taken by the United States, to modify or terminate the action or take such other action as it deems appropriate to compensate an adversely affected foreign country. Defines "administering authority" to mean the U.S. Trade Representative or any other U.S. officer to whom the responsibilities of the administering authority under this title are transferred by law. Requires the administering authority to collect data on foreign nontariff trade barriers, foreign barriers to investment, and foreign government programs to promote particular industries. Requires the administering authority to report quarterly to Congress on the information collected. Provides for judicial review of determinations of the administering authority by the U.S. Court of International Trade. Requires the Court to hold unlawful any determination found to be unsupported by substantial evidence on the record or otherwise not in accordance with law. Title IV: Private Remedies - Amends the Revenue Act of 1916 to permit a civil suit against manufacturers, exporters, or importers of an article if: (1) the article is manufactured or produced in a foreign country and imported or sold within the United States at a price less than the foreign market value or constructed value of such article; (2) the importation or sales cause or threaten material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevent the establishment or modernization of any industry in the United States; and (3) the person filing the suit is injured in business or property because of the importation or sale. Authorizes a plaintiff, if a defendant is found liable, to recover the costs of the action, damages for the injury sustained, or appropriate equitable relief. (Current law provides for criminal penalties and treble damages in civil suits.) Declares that the standard of proof in such actions is the preponderance of the evidence. Grants subpoena power to the district court involved in the case. Makes the District Director of the U.S. Customs Service for the port through which the article is commonly imported the agent of the manufacturer or exporter for service of process. Imposes a four year statute of limitation on such actions. Supends the running of the statute of limitation during certain administrative proceedings under the Tariff Act of 1930. Authorizes the court to enjoin further importation, sale, or distribution of the article or take any other action authorized by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure if the defendant fails to comply with court orders. Preserves the confidentiality of information used in such action. Requires such an action to be expedited in every way possible. Includes within the foreign market value or constructed value of the article any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the provisions of this title are consistent with the GATT. Title V: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Designates the week beginning November 6, 1983, as Florence Crittenton Mission Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Establishes the National Commission on Federal Budget Deficit Reductions to review all relevant elements of fiscal and monetary policy, identify problems which may hinder the control and reduction of Federal budget deficits, and analyze all potential options which would result in deficit reductions and place the Government on a sound financial basis. Requires the Commission to transmit a report to the President and Congress not later than February 15, 1984, or the close of the 90th day beginning after the date of enactment of this resolution. Requires such report to contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. Terminates the Commission 30 days after it submits its report.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should give priority attention, in discussions with the Japanese, to the realignment of the yen-dollar exchange rates and to achieving greater equilibrium in the flow of goods, services, and investments between the two countries; and (2) measures to achieve such equilibrium should include mechanisms for close consultations and policy coordination in order to maintain acceptable fluctuations in the value of the yen, reduce disparities in the interest-rate levels, and allow equivalent access of foreign investors to domestic capital markets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Children's Television Education Act of 1983 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require that every television broadcast station broadcast each Monday through Friday a minimum of one hour per day of programming specifically designed to enhance the education of children. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations necessary to carry out such requirement. Requires that such regulations be initially prescribed within 180 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Commission, beginning four years after such enactment, and periodically thereafter, to review the effectiveness of such regulations and amend or supplement them as necessary. Permits such regulations to require a greater amount of broadcasting of children's educational television programing than the specified minimum required under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant tax-exempt status to corporations which acquire and manage real property for certain other tax-exempt organizations. Exempts such corporations from the application of the acquisition indebtedness rules applicable to the unrelated business income of tax-exempt organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Designates the week of October 17 through October 24, 1983, as National Adult Continuing Education Week.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Japanese to extend the current voluntary auto export limits beyond March 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Declares that the President shall convene a domestic economic summit conference to address the economic situation created by projected large deficits. Requires that such conference convene within 45 days to develop and report to Congress a comprehensive plan to reduce the projected deficits in the United States budget.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union should allow Vladimir Feltsman to travel with his family to perform in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Designates March 6, 1984, as Frozen Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983
Expendable Launch Vehicle Commercialization Act - Prohibits persons from launching a space object from the territory of the United States (or, in the case of U.S. nationals, from international waters or air space as well) unless they are properly licensed. Sets criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue such licenses. Sets forth certain conditions of and procedures for licensing. Requires license applicants to obtain liability insurance. Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such licenses in specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the proposed United States Steel-British Steel purchase agreement is adverse to the interests of the United States, the steel industry, and U.S. steel workers; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce take action under existing laws, including the United States-European Community Steel arrangement, to determine if there are any violations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1983
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of the Columbiettes (the ladies' auxiliaries of the Knights of Columbus).
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1983
Federal Supplemental Compensation Extension Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to extend the payment of benefits under the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program for six months, through March 31, 1984. Increases the number of weeks for which such benefits are payable. Revises formulas and tables for determining the amounts in accounts established after March 31, 1983, and the amounts in accounts established before April 1, 1983. Sets forth a transitional rule for determining an individual's eligibility for additional weeks of compensation. Directs the Secretary of Labor to require modifications of agreements with States under such Act to conform with amendments made by this Act within a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1983
Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to include individuals filing claims for regular, extended, additional, or supplemental compensation in determining the insured unemployment rate (IUR) in a State for purposes of the Federal-State extended unemployment compensation program. Revises State trigger provisions for such program to set: (1) the State "on" indicator for such program for any week if the IUR under State law for the period consisting of such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks equalled or exceeded four percent; and (2) the State "off" for any week if the IUR under State law for the period consisting of such week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks is less than four percent. Provides that, for State trigger purposes, the IUR for any 13-week period shall be determined by reference to the average monthly covered employment under State law for the first four of the most recent six calendar quarters ending before the close of such period. Reinstates the national trigger for such program. Bases national trigger determinations on whether the seasonally adjusted IUR for all States equals or exceeds four-and-one half percent (as determined for periods and in a manner similar to that under State trigger provisions). Makes technical amendments. Repeals the 20-week work requirement for purposes of program eligibility determinations. Prohibits the denial of extended compensation payments to any recipient (who submits documentation to the Secretary of Labor) for any week because such recipient is in training or attending an accredited educational institution on a substantially full-time basis, or because of the application of State law to any such recipient relating to availability for work, the active search for work, or the refusal to accept work on account of such training or attendance, unless the State agency determines that such training or attendance will not improve the opportunities for employment of the recipient. Increases the number of weeks for which extended unemployment compensation is payable. Directs the Secretary of Labor to study: (1) the feasibility of having extended unemployment compensation payable on the basis of area triggers instead of State triggers; and (2) the changes in State law which would be necessary or appropriate to implement area triggers. Directs the Secretary to report, with recommendations, on such study to the Congress within two years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Designates the week beginning February 12, 1984, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to single parent youths.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
States that the United States: (1) condemns the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7; (2) calls for an explanation from the Soviets; (3) extends its sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and supports their rights to obtain reparations from the Soviets; (4) calls on the Soviets to assist in the recovery of the remains of the victims; (5) calls for an international investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) declares its intention to demand that the Soviets modify their air defense procedures to assure the safety of commercial airliners; (7) finds that this incident will make it difficult for the U.S. and other nations to accept the Soviets as responsible members of the international community; and (8) urges our allies and other nations to cooperate with specified demands on the Soviets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Coin-Operated Phonorecord Player Copyright Act of 1983 - Revises the scope of the limitations on the performance of a nondramatic musical work on a coin-operated phonorecord player (jukebox) to require: (1) the manufacturer or importer of the player, rather than the operator, to register and pay a one-time only compulsory licensing fee of $50, rather than an adjusted annual fee, to the Copyright Royalty Tribunal for distribution to the copyright holders; and (2) the operator of a currently owned player to pay a compulsory licensing fee of up to $25 based upon the number of years of useful life remaining in the player. Directs the Register of Copyright to keep a list of all registered players. Restates the royalty distribution procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Prohibits the President, notwithstanding any U.S.-Soviet grain agreements, from exporting any grain to the Soviet Union until he transmits a report to Congress explaining what resolutions have been reached with respect to the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7. Suggests that such report detail: (1) the extent to which reparations have been made to the victims' families; and (2) agreements which have been entered into to reduce the possibility of the recurrence of such loss of life.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Designates the week of September 25 through October 1, 1983, as National Rehabilitation Facilities Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine with 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Designates August 4, 1984, as Coast Guard Day.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Designates the week of December 11-17, 1983, as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Computer Literacy Act of 1983 - Title I: Acquisition of Computer Hardware - Directs the Secretary of Education to allocate funds to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the acquisition of computer hardware for use in school classrooms. Directs the Secretary to allocate a specified amount to each State educational agency (SEA) for monitoring and enforcement. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications for such funds, to be approved by SEAs. Sets forth State responsibilities under this title. Sets forth provisions for participation of children from private schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 to carry out this title. Title II: Teacher Training Institutes - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to arrange for short-term or regular session institutes for advanced study to improve the qualifications of individuals who are engaged in, or preparing to engage in: (1) teaching the operation and use of new technologies; or (2) supervising or training such teachers. Directs the NSF to make grants or contracts for the development and operation of such institutes by nonprofit professional scientific or engineering organizations, science museums, regional science education centers, SEAs, and institutions of higher education (including community colleges). Requires that special consideration for such grants and contracts be given to institutes training teachers, or supervisors or trainers of teachers, serving or preparing to serve in elementary and secondary schools enrolling substantial numbers of culturally, economically, socially, and educationally handicapped youth, or in programs for children of limited English language proficiency. Provides for stipends for individuals who attend such institutes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 to carry out this title. Title III: Information Dissemination and Evaluation - Directs the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the NSF to provide advice and technical assistance to SEAs and LEAs on the expenditure of funds under title I and on acquisition of suitable computer software by: (1) evaluating and disseminating information on available computer hardware and software's classroom usefulness; and (2) developing model educational software and making this available to computer software producers and distributors, teachers, and school administrators. Directs NIE and NSF to carry out such functions under grants or contracts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 for such purpose. Directs the NSF to conduct, assist, and foster research and experimentation on, and dissemination of, models of instruction in the operation and use of computers. Directs the NSF to do so: (1) through grants to or contracts with nonprofit professional scientific or engineering organizations, science museums, regional science education centers, public television, SEAs, and institutions of higher education (including community colleges); and (2) giving priority to proposals prepared with active and broad community involvement or proposals to establish model training programs for adults. Permits funds from such grants or contracts to be used for the acquisition of computer hardware and software. Requires the Director of NSF to: (1) report to Congress annually on the results of such research and experimentation; and (2) in conjunction with NIE, disseminate information on such results to LEAs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 to 1993 for such research, experimentation, and dissemination.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Grants a Federal charter to the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1983
Permits Federal participation in the construction of any new toll road in Pennsylvania.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require: (1) the equitable distribution of lump-sum death benefits if there is no widow or widower who was living in the same household with an insured individual at the time of his or her death; or (2) the payment of such sum to the person assuming responsibility for the burial expenses of the deceased individual if there are no persons to whom such sum should be paid pursuant to title II requirements. Provides that the amount of the lump-sum death payment shall be equal to the amount of the average monthly old-age insurance benefit during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which an insured individual dies. (Under current law, the lump-sum death payment is equal to the smaller of three times the insured individual's primary insurance amount or $255.)
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1983
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1983 - Title I: Steel Tripartite Advisory Council - Directs the President to establish within the Executive Office of the President a Steel Tripartite Advisory Council which shall: (1) advise the President and Congress on problems within the basic steel industry; (2) provide advice and make recommendations on certain international and domestic issues; and (3) perform other duties required by title II of this Act. Requires other Federal agencies to cooperate with the Council. Directs the Council to report to the President and Congress on its activities. Title II: Quantitative Restrictions on Imports of Certain Steel Products - Limits annual imports of steel mill product categories to 11 percent of the expected apparent consumption for that year. Defines steel mill product categories to mean specified categories of carbon and alloy steel articles and stainless steel articles identified in the Tariff Schedules of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to announce on October 1, and April 1, of each year the quantitative limitation on imports for the six months beginning on the following January 1, and July 1. Prohibits imposing limits on any steel product category unless the Secretary finds that the sector of the domestic steel industry which produces like or competitive articles has, and is engaging in, a verifiable investment plan to modernize that sector. Imposes additional quantitative limits on imports of steel mill product categories. Declares that it is the intent of this title to ensure, to the extent practicable, that the entry of articles in all steel mill product categories that are products of a foreign nation be equalized on a monthly basis. Provides for imposing additional limitations on imports from a foreign nation if imports from such nation, in any two consecutive months, exceed five percent of an amount equal to one-sixth of the total permissible imports for such nation for the year concerned. Terminates this title on December 31, 1988, unless extended by the President. Title III: Quantitative Restrictions on Iron Ore Imports - Imposes limits on the imports of iron ore for the last six months of 1983, and for calendar years 1984 and 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to permit imports of iron ore in excess of such limits in order to insure continued operation of domestic steelmaking facilities. Permits such waiver only on a plant-by-plant basis and only if the Secretary makes specified determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Designates the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the James E. Van Zandt Veterans Administration Medical Center.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Authorizes the President to proclaim March 1984, National Social Work Month.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Designates March 23, 1984, as National Energy Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Designates the week beginning May 21, 1984, as National Medical Transcriptionist Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Authorizes the President to designate October 2 through October 9, 1983, as National Housing Week.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Designates August 20, 1983, as National Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Day.
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 · 21 July 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $100,000 and, on a subsequent conviction from $15,000 to $200,000. Prohibits the distribution involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene." Eliminates the requirement that persons distributing such material in interstate commerce do so for purposes of sale. Raises the age of a minor to include any person under the age of eighteen. Redefines "sexually explicit conduct" to exclude simulated conduct when there is little or no possibility of harm to the minor and when there is redeeming social, literary, educational, scientific or artistic value. Permits authorization for the interception of wire or oral communications in the investigation of such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
National Trucking Industry Commission Act - Establishes the National Trucking Industry Commission to: (1) conduct a study of the domestic trucking industry; (2) propose legislation to achieve a fair, equitable, and uniform system of taxation by the States on the industry; and (3) recommend legislation and administrative changes to improve the quality of such industry. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress not later than one year after enactment of this Act on its findings, conclusion, and recommendations. Terminates the Commission 30 days after such report. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Designates the week beginning September 18, 1983, as Emergency Medicine Week.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Sales Representation Contractual Relations Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth findings and definitions. Title II: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Subjects a principal to an indemnification action by a sales representative where a written contract exists between them under which the sales representative solicits orders from accounts and prospective accounts for the merchandise of the principal. Enumerates items to be included in any such written contract in order to conform with this Act. Title III: Indemnification - Exempts a principal from any indemnification action brought under this Act where: (1) a contract exists between the principal and sales representative which meets the requirements of Title I; or (2) the conduct of the principal for which indemnification is sought occurred before the sales representative had solicited orders on behalf of the principal for a period of 18 months. Permits a sales representative to bring an action for indemnification against a principal in any U.S. district court or State court where the principal: (1) terminates, without good cause, a sales representative from the assignment to solicit orders; or (2) reduces the size of any geographical territory assigned, the rate of commission paid, or the number of accounts assigned to a sales representative. Sets forth a formula for the computation of the amount of indemnification a principal shall pay in such an action. Provides that in an indemnification brought under this Act, the burden of proof shall be placed on the principal to show that the termination or reduction was for good cause if the sales representative presents certain evidence.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1983
Designates the week beginning October 16, 1983, as National Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1983
Designates the month of April 1984, as Natural Food Month.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to extend the payment of benefits under the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program for an additional six months, through March 31, 1984. Provides that the rate of insured unemployment for any period, for purposes of such Act, shall be determined in the same manner as under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, except that individuals filing claims for any type of compensation (whether regular, extended, additional, or Federal supplemental compensation) shall be taken into account.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Amends the Federal- State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 and the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to provide alternative State triggers for the extended and the supplemental unemployment compensation programs based on specified total unemployment rates. Directs the Secretary of Labor to study alternatives to the insured unemployment rate which would be available with respect to all States and which might provide a more accurate measurement of the employment and labor market situation in each State. Directs the Secretary to report the results of such study to Congress within two months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Proclaims September 3, 1983, as a day of national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the States should: (1) adopt the International Symbol of Access to identify vehicles carrying the physically handicapped and grant only to such vehicles access to special parking privileges; and (2) enter into agreements of reciprocity relating to special parking privileges granted to handicapped persons.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Title I: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services in specified amounts through FY 1987, and for FY 1988 in an amount to be determined by any increase in the consumer price index for the previous fiscal year. Eliminates the requirement that the determination of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services under the State grants program be demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt following initial evaluation. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for innovation and expansion of vocational rehabilitation services through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary. Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations for grants to Indian tribes for vocational rehabilitation services. Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations, in specified minimum amounts, for client assistance projects. Extends the authorization of appropriations for research and training in vocational rehabilitation services through FY 1986 in such amounts as may be necessary for: (1) the National Institute of Handicapped Research; and (2) other specified research and training programs. Requires that Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers include both comprehensive multiple disabilities centers and centers focused on particular disabilities. Provides that centers need not be automatically terminated at the end of a project period. Permits center renewal on the basis of a thorough evaluation and peer review including site visits. Makes training of students preparing to be rehabilitation personnel a priority. Provides that grants shall not be prohibited from including faculty support for teaching of credit and other courses offered by the institutions of higher education affiliated with the center. Extends the authorization of appropriations for supplementary services and facilities through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary for: (1) construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance (to remain available for expenditure for construction projects funded or staffing grants made prior to October 1, 1987); (2) vocational training for handicapped individuals; (3) training of personnel providing rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals; (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (5) special projects and supplementary services. Revises training provisions to require that funds be targeted on areas of qualified rehabilitation personnel shortage. Directs the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to report annually to the Congress, documenting the relationship between personnel shortage findings and current and proposed distribution of training funds. Makes the National Council on the Handicapped (NCH) an independent agency within the executive branch and no longer an agency within the Department of Education or any other executive department or agency. Transfers to the Chairman of NCH all functions relating to NCH which were vested in the Secretary of Education prior to enactment of this Act. Provides that the Chairman shall continue to exercise all functions under any law or authority which the Chairman was performing prior to enactment of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Requires NCH, in addition to its annual report, to provide advice, recommendations, and information to the Congress on a continuing basis. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board through FY 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for employment opportunities for handicapped individuals through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary for: (1) community service employment pilot programs for handicapped individuals; and (2) projects with industry and business opportunities for handicapped individuals. Includes designated State units among those entities which may be eligible for projects with industries grants. Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive services for independent living through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title II: Reauthorization of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults - Helen Keller National Center Act - Repeals provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relating to the Helen Keller National Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to continue to administer and support the Center. Sets forth the purposes of the Center as follows: (1) to provide specialized intensive services for deaf-blind persons; (2) to train personnel to provide such services; and (3) to conduct applied research, development, and demonstrations relating to communication techniques, teaching methods, aids, and devices, and delivery of services. Requires an annual independent audit of the Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to ensure that: (1) Center service and training programs are monitored regularly; and (2) Center operation is evaluated annually, with written reports to the President and the Congress submitted by specified deadlines. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for Center operation and maintenance for use in accordance with guidelines or regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Defines "Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults" to mean that facility and its affiliated network operated pursuant to specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which are repealed under this title) and continued under this title. Provides that nothing in this Act shall in any way cause to affect or modify any existing or future agreement between any federal departments, agency, or instrumentality and the Industrial Home for the Blind, Inc., or its successors or assignees, with respect to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title III: National Commission on Federal Assistance to Disabled Americans - National Commission on Federal Assistance to Disabled Americans Act - Establishes a select commission to be known as the National Commission on Federal Assistance to Disabled Americans. Requires the Commission to: (1) review all statutes pertaining to Federal programs which assist disabled Americans; (2) make a priority listing of such programs based on the number of disabled Americans they assist and the Federal costs of such programs; (3) assess the extent to which such programs provide incentives or disincentives to the establishment of community-based services for disabled Americans, promote the full integration of such individuals in the community, in schools, and in the workplace, and contribute to the independence and dignity of such individuals, and (4) recommend to the President and the Congress legislative mechanisms for increasing incentives and eliminating disincentives in Federal programs assisting disabled Americans. Requires the Commission to submit to the Congress and the President: (1) an interim report of its recommendation within 12 months of its first meeting; and (2) a final report of its recommendations within 18 months after its first meeting. Sets forth provisions for Commission: (1) membership; (2) executive director and staff; and (3) powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its final report is transmitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title IV: Other Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and Labor at such funding levels as are assumed under the first budget resolution for FY 1984. Provides that such authorizations of appropriations: (1) supersede, and are not in addition to, those (or the limitations there on) established under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981; and (2) do not supersede, and are not in addition to, any enacted after the enactment of such Act. Sets forth specified funding levels for FY 1984 for the following programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee: (1) the compensatory education program; (2) the impact aid program; (3) the education of the handicapped programs; (4) the vocational education program; (5) the adult education program; (6) the arts and humanities programs; (7) the museum services program; (8) the community services (block grant); (9) the low-income energy assistance program; and (10) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1983
Designates a specified day as "Metropolitan Opera Day."