United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes through research, demonstration, and educational activities. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to coordinate such Federal and private activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress biennially (with the first report due by January 1, 1984). Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require cigarette packages to carry one of three specified label warnings on a rotating basis. Includes exports under such requirements. Makes it unlawful to advertise cigarettes without one of three specified warnings. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without disclosing tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels on the package. Requires the Secretary to test such levels at least once a year. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without first filing with the Secretary a list of chemical additives (types and amounts). Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to Congress regarding cigarette additives and their health hazards. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Health Insurance for Unemployed Workers Act of 1983 - Permits States to establish and regulate reinsurance pools providing three or more qualified pool health options for unemployed individuals. Requires each State reinsurance pool to offer three or more health plan options to any unemployed individual and his family, at a monthly rate which is discounted from the average premium amount. Authorizes the State insurance commissioner or other official having jurisdiction over group health plans to be responsible for establishing and overseeing the operation of the pool. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify whether a State reinsurance pool meets all the stipulated requirements. Allows for private reinsurance pools in States which do not establish a State reinsurance pool. Directs the Secretary to carry out the duties of the State insurance commissioner in such instances. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal pool in States where there is no State or private reinsurance pool. Waives participation in a pool by any group health plan provider which extends coverage under a group plan for covered employees after involuntary termination or layoff, at a level equal to or surpassing the minimum extended coverage required by a qualified pool health plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disqualify for income tax deductions an employer's premium payments to any group health plan that does not provide coverage according to this Act. Requires qualifying group health plans to provide for the continuation of health insurance coverage following an employee's involuntary severance. Makes qualified unemployed individuals in States without pool health plans eligible to enroll in the hospital insurance program and in the supplementary medical insurance program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to establish expedited enrollment procedures. Provides for conversion from such Social Security coverage to pool health plan coverage. Provides for Federal contributions to reinsurance pools when the national unemployment rate exceeds seven and one-half percent and the individual State's unemployment rate is equal to 110 percent of the national rate for the previous six months.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to small businesses acquiring gas stations from a refiner. Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Requires a refiner, in disposing of any interest in a station, to offer a right of first refusal to the dealer. Sets forth requirements governing such an offer. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere in any way with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular refiner or distributor if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere if the refiner or distributor does not have such fuel readily available. Makes it unlawful for any dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner without providing notice to purchasers. Requires each refiner within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter to provide to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) information regarding the number of barrels of crude oil produced and refined during the preceding year. Permits civil actions to be brought by the FTC or private parties against violators of this Act. Directs the FTC to prescribe regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the proposed changes by the Office of Management and Budget to Circular A-122 that would prohibit Federal reimbursement of Government contractors and grantees for the cost of activities constituting political advocacy should be withdrawn permanently.
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 · 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 · 28 February 1983
Amends title I of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the ocean dumping of any liquid hazardous substance starting five years after enactment of this Act. Permits such interim dumping only if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that: (1) there is no other technologically feasible method of disposal or treatment; or (2) any such method is more dangerous to human health than ocean dumping. Exempts from such prohibition any substance which is rapidly neutralized in the marine environment. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to place similar prohibitions on the land disposal of liquid hazardous waste. Requires the Administrator of EPA to notify Congress within two years of those liquid hazardous wastes which can only be land disposed. Authorizes Federal agencies to dispose of liquid hazardous wastes by means other than ocean dumping or land disposal.
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 · 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
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) noncompliance with the regulations established by the International Whaling Commission undermines international whale conservation efforts; (2) the President should encourage those nations which have filed objections to the International Whaling Commission's ban on commercial whaling to withdraw their objections; and (3) the Secretary of State, in reviewing the allocations of the total allowable level of foreign fishing under specified agreements, should consider whether a foreign nation filed an objection to the Commission's ban on commercial whaling and has not withdrawn its objection.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Title I: Essential Preventive Programs for Children - Subtitle A: Child Welfare; Adoption; Juvenile Justice Runaway Youth - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to cooperate with State public welfare agencies in establishing, extending, and strengthening child welfare services, pursuant to the authority contained in specified provisions of the Adoption Reform and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and the Social Security Act. Reauthorizes the program of Federal payments for dependent children voluntarily placed in foster care (by eliminating the October 1, 1983, termination date for such program) under the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for grants to States for child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment programs under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for demonstration projects under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out provisions relating to adoption opportunities under title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978. Authorizes and makes appropriations for FY 1984 to make grants and contracts under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1978 for programs and projects to prevent, identify, and treat sexual abuse of children. Limits to ten percent the amount of such funds which may be used for research. Makes appropriations for FY 1984, pursuant to the above authorizations of appropriations for: (1) grants to States under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act; (2) demonstration projects under such Act; (3) adoption opportunities under title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978; and (4) programs and projects related to the treatment of sexual abuse of children. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to eliminate the ceiling on appropriations to carry out title II (Programs and Offices) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out such title. Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 for part A (Grants Program) of title III (Runaway and Homeless Youth) of such Act. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such grants program for runaway and homeless youth under such Act. Subtitle B: Child Care - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out the Head Start Act, pursuant to the authority contained in specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Amends the National School Lunch Act to restore a reimbursement level for up to three meals and two supplements per day per child. (Current law provides for only two meals and one supplement.) Provides that no institution may be prohibited from serving breakfast, lunch, supper, and supplements to any eligible child each day, except in the case of institutions that provide day care to school children outside of school hours. Eliminates provisions for ten percent reductions in the total amount of reimbursement provided for school lunch program administrative expenses for family or group day care home sponsoring organizations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to immediately adjust the maximum allowable level for administrative expense payments so as to achieve an increase in the total amount of reimbursement which is equivalent to any reduction made pursuant to specified amendments made by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Provides for restoration of the child care nutrition equipment assistance program under the National School Lunch Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance under the National School Lunch Act to States for programs serving large numbers of low-income children meals under such Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Sets forth formulas for reimbursements to institutions. Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to establish a program of supplemental incentive grants to States for child day care services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for such program. Sets forth provisions for apportionment among the States and other program requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the income tax credit for household and dependent care expenses from 20 percent to a maximum of 50 percent of such expenses. Reduces such percentage by one percent for each full $1,000 by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $10,000. Makes the income tax credit for household and dependent care services refundable. Provides that no part of such credit shall be: (1) counted as income in determining eligibility for other entitlement programs; or (2) counted against other credits under specified provisions of the Code. Grants tax-exempt status to organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care services to the general public for purposes of enabling individuals to maintain employment. Subtitle C: Health Care for Mothers and Children - Part 1: Appropriations - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 for the maternal and child health block grant program. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such program. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for grants to community health centers, pursuant to the authority contained in the Public Health Service Act. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out title X (Population Research and Family Planning) of the Public Health Service Act, pursuant to the authority contained in such Act and in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 and the Public Health Service Act to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated in FY 1984 for grants for preventive health service programs to immunize children against immunizable diseases. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such grants. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 for the special supplemental food program for women, infants and children (WIC). Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for the WIC program. Part 2: Medicaid - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) eligibility for certain needy individuals under age 18 and pregnant women; (2) automatic eligibility determination procedures during the first two months of life for certain children born to women receiving Medicaid assistance; (3) vision, hearing, and dental care services for eligible individuals under age 21; (4) exemption of certain expenditures in calculating Federal expenditure targets for States; and (5) mandatory Medicaid eligibility for recipients of State-provided child care. Subtitle D: Education - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out chapter I (Financial Assistance to Meet Special Educational Needs of Disadvantaged Children) of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981, pursuant to the authority contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out part B (Assistance for Education of All Handicapped Children) of the Education of the Handicapped Act, pursuant to the authority contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. Amends the National School Lunch Act to provide for a reduction of reduced-price meal costs. Revises eligibility standards for free and reduced-price lunches. Provides for an increased subsidy for preparation of free or reduced-price meals. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to repeal the $5,000,000 per fiscal year limitation on funding for grants to States for nutrition education and information programs. Authorizes appropriations for at least $10,000,000 per fiscal year for such grants. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 for such grants. Repeals provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 which lowered the earned income deduction under the food stamps program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the earned income deduction. Provides for optional retrospective accounting for determining household eligibility under the food stamps program. Raises food stamp benefit amounts to thrifty food plan levels. Subtitle F: Family Supports - Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an upward adjustment of the credit for dependent children and children under age six. Reduces the tax on earned income of low-income workers. Amends title IV, part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions which count earned income tax credit payments in advance as income for AFDC grant determination purposes. Amends title IV, part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to provide for: (1) mandatory supplemental payments to families with income; (2) optional retrospective budgeting and optional monthly reporting by States; (3) elimination of the four-month restriction on work incentive disregards; (4) repeal of the 150 percent cap on income limit for eligibility; and (5) increased amounts for the disregards for work expenses and child care expenses. Subtitle G: Youth Employment - Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out part A (Adult and Youth Programs) of title II (Training Services for the Disadvantaged) and title IV (Federally Administered Programs) (other than part B - Job Corps - provisions of title IV) of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982. Requires that at least 93 percent of the appropriated amount be available to carry out local training programs for economically disadvantaged persons under part A of title II of such Act. Makes appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out part B (Summer Youth Employment and Training Programs) of title II of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Solar Energy National Security and Employment (SENSE) Act of 1983 - Title I: Use of Solar and Other Renewable Forms of Energy Developed By Private Sector - Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the energy percentage for energy property which is used in determining the qualified investment tax credit. Treats biomass recycling equipment as biomass property and includes biomass property as "energy property" for purposes of the energy percentage. Eliminates the requirement that the primary energy sources for a facility producing alcohol for fuel purposes not be oil or natural gas or a product of either one in order for such alcohol to be treated as "qualified fuel" for purposes of the energy percentage. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that a minimum of 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank in any fiscal year be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales and include an amount of loan authority for renewable energy transactions that is appropriate to the demand for such loans. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that the rates for purchases by an electric utility of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility be established at the incremental cost of alternative electric energy of such utility, unless the State regulatory authority or a nonregulated electric utility determines that a different rate would encourage cogeneration and small power production, would not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers, and would be in the consumers' and the public's interest. (Currently, such rates must be just and reasonable to the consumers and in the public interest and must not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers.) Requires a cogeneration facility or small power production facility to pay reasonable interconnection costs incurred by an electric utility which is required to offer to interconnect with such facility. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to issue policy guidance to departments and agencies with respect to international trade issues involving renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to require that a reasonable portion of the funds appropriated for nonnuclear programs of the Department of Energy be set aside for renewable energy and energy conservation businesses. Title II: Renewable Energy National Security - Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoilt and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoilt and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations. Title III: Federal Training and Economic Development Programs to Create Jobs in Energy Conservation Industries - Part A: Short Title; Findings - Renewable Energy Employment Act - Sets forth the short title of this title and congressional findings. Part B: Job Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures, and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technologies. Part C: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Part D: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy systems windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States. Title IV: Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives - Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as a "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities to adopt and publish standard contracts with respect to: (1) the sale of electric energy by utilities to small power production facilities of not more than 100 kilowatts capacity; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by such facilities by utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review." Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Small Business Tax Relief Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit recognition on the gain from the sale or exchange of an unincorporated trade or business prior to the time that the taxpayer attains age 55 by providing that such gain shall be recognized only to the extent that it exceeds the cost of reinvesting in replacement property for another small business venture. Provides for the taxation of such gain, after age 55, as ordinary income according to the ten year averaging rules applicable to lump sum distributions from qualified retirement trusts. Increases the amount of depreciable business property which a taxpayer may elect to deduct in the current year to a maximum of $20,000 in 1986 and thereafter. Permits a current year deduction for the cost of real property purchased for use in a trade or business. Permits a taxpayer election to amortize over a 36 month period expenses for depreciable property which is acquired to put a small business in compliance with Federal regulations and and which does not have any economic usefulness for the business. Exempts domestic international sales corporations (DISC) which have an adjusted taxable income of $1,000,000 or less from the limitations on deferral of base period export gross receipts which are applicable to larger corporations. Permits businesses with gross receipts of less than $1,000,000 to elect the cash method of accounting in reporting income. Allows a credit or refund to employers of their proportionate share of excess social security taxes paid on behalf of employees who were employed by two or more employers during the taxable year. Permits an income tax credit of $5 for each form or document which a small business is required to file pursuant to Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Rural Electrification Administration assure that Federal agencies consider the needs of rural America in establishing rural telephone service policy. States that such agencies should consult on a routine basis with such Administration and with related State agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to redefine the term "common carrier by water in foreign commerce" to include persons engaged as common carriers in specified ocean transportation of property who: (1) advertise, solicit, or arrange, within the United States, for such transportation; and (2) transport such property between a point within the United States and a port in a nation contiguous to the United States. Directs such common carriers to file their tariffs with the Federal Maritime Commission within 90 days of enactment of this Act. Sets forth the effective dates of such tariffs. Declares that this Act does not: (1) require such common carriers to reveal, in tariffs filed with the Commission, the portion of such tariffs attributable to inland transportation; (2) require such common carriers to reveal any information with regard to such inland transportation; or (3) extend to the Commission any jurisdiction over or authority to regulate rail carriers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Prohibits the total annual Government expenditures for the care of a former President, excepting Secret Service protection, from exceeding ten times the poverty level income for one urban family of four.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds) of the Social Security Act to extend from April 1, 1982, to April 1, 1985, the effective date on which States must begin paying interest on loans made to State unemployment compensation funds.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Sets forth conditions for receiving the formula grants, including that the State: (1) distribute funds to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for domestic violence programs and services; (2) distribute at least 70 percent of such funds to private nonprofit organizations and give special emphasis to supporting community-based projects; (3) set forth procedures to assure an equitable distribution of grants within the State; (4) designate a State agency to administer the domestic violence program and coordinate all such programs within the State; (5) set forth procedures to assure active citizen participation within the State; (6) provide assurances that any project funded will coordinate its activities with other State programs and be administered by appropriately trained personnel; and (7) comply with reporting requirements. Declares that the Secretary shall not disapprove any application except after notice of and opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian tribes and intertribal organizations. Provides that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Limits the total amount of grants to any local program to $150,000 for not more than a three-year period. Limits the grant for any fiscal year to $50,000. Requires local public agencies and private organizations to provide the following shares of Federal funding: (1) 25 percent in the first year; (2) 33.33 percent the second year; and (3) 50 percent the third year. Requires that at least 75 percent of grants be distributed to entities providing immediate shelter and related assistance to victims. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for: (1) administrative costs; (2) developing and implementing programs; (3) assuring active citizen participation; and (4) developing a media campaign. Provides that each State will be allotted at least $45,000 in formula grants and $7,500 in supplemental grants. Requires each State receiving assistance to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary on the implementation of programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a director of programs carried out under this title; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse on domestic violence, in coordination with the child abuse clearinghouse; (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding domestic violence programs; and (4) obtain information on research relating to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the programs no later than two years after funds are obligated. Sets forth confidentiality requirements with respect to records of persons assisted under this title. Establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Domestic Violence to assist the Secretary in coordinating Federal programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress within 18 months of enactment on the nature and incidence of abuse of elderly individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Eliminates the social security offset against annuities provided under the Survivor Benefit Plan of the armed service when the benefits received are based on the annuitant's own employment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Adds the South Africa Investment Prohibition Act as a new title to the President's war powers authority. Directs the President to issue regulations prohibiting U.S. investment in South Africa. Directs the President to establish mechanisms to monitor compliance with such regulations. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibition. Terminates such prohibition after the President submits to Congress a determination that South Africa has made progress toward full participation by all South Africans in the life of that country and toward an end to discrimination, unless Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such determination.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Clayton Act to include a specified antidumping provision among U.S. antitrust laws. Amends the antidumping provision to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injure or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the district court jurisdiction of such an action to the District of Columbia. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to recover: (1) compensatory damages (currently, treble damages) or appropriate equitable relief; and (2) legal expenses. Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of a prima facie case a finding by the International Trade Commission that dumping exists. Authorizes the district court to: (1) issue subpoenas outside its judicial district if necessary; (2) enjoin the importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this Act is consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Act of 1983 - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute (Institute) of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Redesignates the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. States that the Institute shall conduct research and related activities concerning arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases, including sports-related disorders and skin diseases. Requires the Director of the Institute, with the advice of the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Advisory Council, to establish a national plan to coordinate such activities. Establishes within the Institute: (1) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Data System; and (2) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Establishes within the Institute: (1) an Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee; and (2) a Skin Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee. Requires annual reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Director of NIH. Establishes within the Institute a National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Advisory Council. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986 for arthritis and musculoskeletal demonstration projects and multipurpose disease centers. Requires the Institute to submit a biennial report. Transfers arthritis-related functions (including data system, advisory functions, coordinating functions, demonstration project, and multipurpose center), funds, personnel, and assets to the Institute from the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees and to the Comptroller General within 60 days regarding such transfers. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees within 80 days regarding such transfers. Terminates the National Arthritis Advisory Board. Makes conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary, through NIH, to conduct a study of the existing combinations of disease research programs within the institutes and of the standards to be followed in establishing new or realigning existing institutes. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees within 18 months. Prohibits the establishment of any new institutes within six months of such report's submission. Directs the Secretary to conduct and complete within 60 days a review of the disease research programs of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (as redesignated by this Act) to determine if any of these programs could be more effectively managed by other national research institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-43) relating to economic development assistance programs, as transmitted by the President to the Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-43) relating to economic development assistance programs, as transmitted by the President to the Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
National Science and Mathematics Teachers Development Act - Establishes the National Science and Mathematics Teachers Development Board in the Department of Education. Requires that the functions of the Secretary of Education under this Act be carried out through the Board. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education for continuing education programs designed to improve the skills and competence of secondary school teachers of science and mathematics. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations for related administrative expenses. Sets forth application requirements for program participation by institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria to achieve equitable distribution of assistance under this Act among the States and areas within each State. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a single institution of higher education to $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary matching grants to institutions of higher education under specified conditions. Limits each grant to $250,000. Sets forth provisions for payments to institutions of higher education under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by December 31, 1985, on expenditures under this Act, Board activities, and types of grants made, with recommendations for further legislation to develop adequate science and mathematics teacher training.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Social Security Student Self-Help Act of 1983 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the outside earnings limitation for full-time students at postsecondary educational institutions who are entitled to child's insurance benefits under title II.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Maritime Services Financial Responsibility Act of 1983 - Requires owners of vessels engaged in foreign commerce and using the ports or navigable waters of the United States to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility to meet claims in connection with maritime services. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse clearance to such vessels which upon request do not have certification from the Federal Maritime Commission of compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to deny entry to, or detain at, any port or place in the United States any vessel which does not comply with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund, on a monthly basis, for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds, and to recharge such trust fund, if such check is otherwise proper. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to repeal the prohibition against providing student loans for persons who were required to but have not registered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit farmers who participate in a Federal payment-in-kind program to elect to treat commodities they receive as income in the year of receipt or the year of sale. Permits farmers to elect a deferral of the income resulting from the cancellation of Commodity Credit Corporation loans. Provides that farmers participating in a payment-in-kind program do not forfeit eligibility for the special use valuation provisions for farm property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Domestic Commodity Assistance Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute surplus Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) stocks to eligible agencies (as defined in this Act). Requires the CCC to pay for commodity processing with funds or with in-kind payments to the processor. Requires the Secretary to publish an annual announcement of such anticipated surplus stocks for the coming three-year period. Provides that up to 2,000,000 metric tons of wheat available under the Food Security and Wheat Reserve Act of 1980 may be used for domestic purposes. Requires the CCC to use any additional reserves to replenish such stocks. Provides for State distribution of commodities under this Act. States that if a State agency cannot meet the requests for a given commodity such agency shall give special consideration to organizations that serve low-income and unemployed persons. Requires the Secretary and the States to work with private companies and recipient agencies to make it easier for recipients to process such commodities into end use products. Directs the Secretary to use moneys saved on storage and spoilage to process commodities into food products for agencies serving low-income and unemployed persons.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Appropriates otherwise unappropriated Treasury funds for FY 1983 for agricultural commodity distribution among the States under the Community Services Block Grant Act. Sets forth a distribution formula based on unemployed and poverty-level persons and FY 1982 agricultural distributions. Permits unused funds to be used for food programs for unemployed and low-income people.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws should develop a model State act (and interstate recognition and enforcement procedures) providing grandparents with adequate rights to petition in State courts for privileges to visit their grandchildren after a dissolution of the parents' marriage; (2) States should adopt such model State act; and (3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, should provide technical assistance to States in developing guidelines which help determine the "best interests of the child" in such cases and which take into account the ability of grandparents to help satisfy such child's need for continuity of care.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Authorizes the Academy to: (1) conduct research on the causes of war and the elements of peace; (2) provide peace education and research programs; (3) conduct training in conflict resolution; (4) disseminate information on peace learning; (5) establish a Center for International Peace; and (6) establish a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)