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Official portrait of Rep. Pepper, Claude [D-FL-18]

Rep. Pepper, Claude [D-FL-18]

United States · Official source

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4,479 records where Rep. Pepper, Claude [D-FL-18] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 244 (98th)referred

Pay Equity Resolution of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1984

Pay Equity Resolution of 1984 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Justice should enforce the provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. States that the Office of Personnel Management should ensure the requirements made in the Pay Comparability Act of 1970 relating to equal pay for equal work within the Federal Government are met. States that Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs in the Department of Labor should ensure that government contractors and subcontractors comply with Executive Order Numbered 1111246 and do not engage in wage discrimination prohibited under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Declares that other Federal departments and agencies should take steps to determine whether wage discrimination exists in their work force or any of their programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 4589 (98th)open

A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 regarding Federal activities that are subject to the Federal consistency provisions of the Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984

Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require each Federal agency conducting or supporting an activity (whether inside or outside the coastal zone) that produces an identifiable physical, biological, social or economic consequence in the zone or initiates a chain of events likely to result in such consequences to conduct or support that activity in a manner which is, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with approved State management programs. Specifies circumstances in which a Federal agency activity may be inconsistent with approved management programs.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 392 (98th)referred

A resolution establishing a congressional child care center.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984

Establishes in the House of Representatives the Congressional Child Care Center for the use of children of Members, officers, and employees of the House. States that the Committee on House Administration shall operate the Center. Directs the Chairman of such Committee to appoint a nonpartisan advisory board to make recommendations on management and operation of the Center, and to conduct semiannual reviews of such Center. Requires that operating expenses be recovered through child care fees. Establishes a revolving fund within the House contingent fund for the purpose of operating the Center.

Bill· HRH.R. 4472 (98th)open

Older Americans Personal Welfare Education and Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Older Americans Personal Welfare Education and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish an older Americans health education and training program in order to foster and promote the design and implementation of a health education and training program for older Americans who are 60 or older; (2) enter into agreements with public or private institutions of higher education with capability in public health to carry out this Act; (3) pay no more than 90 percent of the cost of any project which is the subject of an agreement; and (4) report to Congress concerning the projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987.

Bill· HRH.R. 4510 (98th)referred

Alamo Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Alamo Commemoration Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue half dollar coins with a design emblematic of the 150th anniversary of the battle of the Alamo. Terminates such minting authority on December 31, 1986. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4485 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide for the establishment of the National Information Clearinghouse on Aging, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to establish within the Administration on Aging the National Information Clearinghouse on Aging. Requires the Clearinghouse to: (1) compile and disseminate information relating to federally funded projects related to aging; (2) publish annually a summary of the information collected; (3) compile information regarding State legislation related to programs or services for older individuals; (4) make available a national toll-free telephone number for information concerning programs and services for older individuals; and (5) cooperate with other Federal, State, and local information and referral services. Directs the Commissioner to report annually to Congress concerning research, demonstration, evaluation, and training programs carried out with funds made available under the Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of this Act for FY 1985 through 1987.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 236 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution on behalf of the independent Soviet peace movement.

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983

Expresses the support of Congress with respect to the right of Soviet peace groups to freely express their views and to organize within the Soviet Union. Calls upon the Soviet Union to: (1) honor its obligations under the World Disarmament Campaign Resolution by allowing the flow of information on peace and disarmament; (2) cease its harassment of peace groups in its country; and (3) honor its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Bill· HRH.R. 4459 (98th)open

Commission on the Ukraine Famine Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983

Commission on the Ukraine Famine Act - Establishes a Commission to be known as the Commission on the Ukraine Famine which shall study the 1932-1933 Ukraine famine in order to: (1) expand the world's knowledge of the famine; and (2) provide the American public with a better understanding of the Soviet system. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4402 (98th)open

Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or a new license to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)

Bill· HRH.R. 4428 (98th)referred

Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions to candidates for the office of U.S. Representative. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for any one qualified candidate, and $200 for all qualified candidates. Requires that such contributions be verified in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Prohibits a candidate from misrepresenting his eligibility for office or the eligibility of a potential contributor for the tax credit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of such political tax credits not later than June 30 following each Federal election. Adds a new title to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: "Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives." Sets forth requirements for the qualification of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives to receive contributions eligible for the tax credit provided by this Act. Requires a candidate to certify to the Federal Election Commission that neither he nor his authorized committee will accept any contribution or make any campaign expenditure in excess of prescribed limits. Requires further that the candidate maintain a separate accounting of contributions which qualify for the income tax credit for political contributions provided by this Act and that the candidate provide any appropriate information to the Commission for purposes of auditing or examining campaign contributions. Requires the candidate to certify the receipt of a certain amount of threshold contributions. Limits to $20,000 the amount of personal funds (from the candidate or his immediate family) that a candidate may spend in an election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates whose opponents have exceeded applicable expenditure limits or who have otherwise failed to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to be reported to the Commission and each candidate within specified time frames. Qualifies a candidate against whom more than $5,000 in independent expenditures have been made for premium postal rates. Requires the Commission to verify upon request the eligibility of a candidate under this Act to the Secretary. Requires the Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the qualified candidates under this Act to determine compliance with the expenditure limitations and other requirements of this Act. Empowers the Commission to bring a civil suit in U.S. district court to enforce any requirement of this Act or recover any amounts resulting from an audit of campaign expenditures. Permits private citizens to file complaints with the Commission and initiate court actions. Authorizes appropriations. Includes within the definition of "contribution" for purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 certain extensions of credit for advertising and broadcasting in excess of $1,000 for a period of more than 60 days. Limits to $90,000 (adjusted for inflation) in any calendar year the amount of contributions which candidates for U.S. Representative may accept from non-party multicandidate political committees. Specifies exceptions for candidates in general and special elections. Limits to $240,000 the expenditure amounts for such candidates. Permits candidates for the office of U.S. Representative to make expenditures independently of the campaign committee of his party in specified circumstances. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide candidates for the office of U.S. Representative with equal time in broadcast media to respond to the remarks of an opposing candidate.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 226 (98th)passed

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the persecution of members of the Baha'i religion in Iran by the Government of Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983

States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.

Bill· HRH.R. 4362 (98th)open

Council and Bank on Industrial Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983

Council and Bank on Industrial Competitiveness Act - Title I: Council On Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Council on Industrial Competitiveness. Requires the Council to: (1) gather and analyze information regarding the competitiveness of U.S. industries; (2) create an institutional forum where national leaders will identify economic problems inhibiting the competitiveness of industries, develop long-term strategies to address those problems, and create broad consensus in support of those strategies; and (3) make recommendations on issues crucial to the development of coordinated industrial strategies. Requires the Council, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this title, to transmit a report to Congress and the President containing recommendations for changes in any Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Requires the Council to make annual reports concerning the major industrial development priorities of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Subtitle A - Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes a corporation to be known as the Bank for Industrial Competitiveness which is authorized to make loans, issue loan guarantees and to purchase capital stock of applicants in order to supplement private and other capital investment in the revitalization of mature or linkage industries and the development of emerging industries. Limits financial assistance to any individual project to no more than 30 percent of the funding necessary to carry it out. Sets forth the procedures to be followed in order to be eligible for financial assistance under this Act. Sets forth the terms and conditions of the financial assistance provided under this Act. Terminates the authority of the Bank to make loans, issue loan guarantees, and purchase capital stock of applicants ten years after the effective date of this title. Provides the Bank with a capital stock of $8,500,000,000. Grants the Bank the power to issue obligations. Permits the moneys of the Bank to be deposited in any bank or banks in the United States as the Bank may designate. Exempts the Bank, its franchise, capital, reserves, surplus, income, and tangible and intangible property from all taxation except real property. Requires the Bank to submit to the President and Congress, within three months after the end of each of the Bank's fiscal years, a report containing specified information. Terminates the Bank 30 years after the effective date of this Act. Subtitle B - Investment in Public Industrial Development Banks - Authorizes the Bank to invest in the stock of public industrial development finance institutions established at the State, local, or regional levels. Subtitle C - Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4360 (98th)open

Industrial Competitiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983

Industrial Competitiveness Act - Title I: Council on Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Council on Industrial Competitiveness. Sets forth the duties of the Council including the duty to: (1) collect and analyze information concerning current and future economic trends and market opportunities; (2) create forums where national leaders will identify national economic problems; (3) provide policy recommendations regarding specific issues concerning industrial strategies; and (4) evaluate existing government policies and business practices in terms of their competitive impact. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Council. Requires the Council to report to Congress and the President, within one year of enactment of this title, recommendations for changes in Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Requires the Council to report annually to the President, Congress, and the Bank for Industrial Competitiveness on the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet such priorities. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Subtitle A: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes the Bank for Industrial Competititveness which shall be an agency of the United States. Sets forth the powers of the Bank and the qualifications for members of the board of directors. Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance to: (1) businesses in mature or linkage industries which require revitalization and modernization in order to be competitive in a world market; and (2) businesses in emerging industries which require financial assistance to develop and market new products or technologies. Limits the amount of aid for each project to 30 percent of the funding necessary to carry out the project. Sets forth the requirements for applications for such assistance. Sets forth the terms and conditions for financial assistance from the Bank. Terminates the authority of the Bank to make loans, issue loan guarantees, and purchase capital stock of applicants ten years after the effective date of this title. Sets forth the amount of capital stock the Bank shall have. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations to provide sufficient funds to carry out the Bank's purposes and to renew, refund or pay other obligations. Limits the amount of the Bank's outstanding obligations to five times the paid-in capital of the Bank. Prohibits any of the loans made, guaranteed, or committed to be guaranteed under this title from being eligible for purchase by, or commitment to purchase by, or sale or issuance to, any Federal agency or government-owned entity. Exempts obligations of the Bank from taxation. Authorizes the Bank to enter into appropriate agreements respecting obligations of the Bank. Sets forth provisions dealing with moneys of the Bank. Exempts from taxation all property of the Bank except for the Bank's real property. Authorizes the Bank to inspect all documents of an applicant relating to the applicant's financial affairs and to all facilities and properties of the applicant. Requires the Bank to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Terminates the Bank 30 years after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B: Secondary Markets for Industrial Mortgages - Authorizes the Bank to purchase and to make commitments to purchase industrial mortgages from any qualified financial institution. Authorizes the Bank to set priorities regarding the types of industrial mortgages to be purchased. Sets forth conditions which such mortgages must meet. Prohibits an industrial mortgage from being purchased unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Bank to set aside mortgages held by it and to issue and sell securities based upon the set aside mortgages. Subtitle C: Investment in Public Industrial Development Banks - Authorizes the Bank to invest in the stock of public industrial development finance institutions established at the State, local, or regional levels. Requires that the Bank be given, in return for its investment, one or more seats on the Board of Directors of the public development bank in which it invests. Prohibits the Bank from contracting with institutions that offer no reasonable prospect of return. Sets forth conditions for participation by the Bank in public industrial development banks. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1985.

Law· HRH.R. 4280 (98th)enacted

Retirement Equity Act of 1984

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983

Retirement Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to lower from age 25 to age 21 the age limitation for minimum participation and vesting standards for pension plans. Prohibits certain defined benefit plans from requiring, as a condition for plan participation, that employees complete period of service extending beyond the earlier of age 25 or the vesting expectation date. Lowers from age 22 to age 18 the age limitation for the computation of periods of service. States that years of service may be disregarded when computing periods of service for participation or vesting purposes if breaks in service during such a period amounted to five or more one-year breaks. Treats breaks in service due to pregnancy, birth, or adoption of a child as completed hours of service according to a specified formula. Accords such treatment only in the year of the pregnancy, birth or adoption, and only to participants who would incur a one-year break in service without such treatment. Requires pension plans which provide life annuity benefits to pay such benefits in the form of a qualified joint and survivor annuity. Requires that each pension plan participant have the option of electing, waiving, or revoking the joint and survivor annuity form of benefit. Conditions the efficacy of such election upon: (1) the written consent of a participant's spouse; (2) a written acknowledgement by a participant's spouse of the effect of such election; and (3) an official witnessing of such spousal consent by a plan representative or notary public. Limits such consent to the signatory spouse. Requires pension plans to furnish participants with written explanations of the terms and rights of election regarding joint and survivor annuities. Prohibits joint and survivor annuity payments from being less than the actuarial equivalent of payments made if the annuitant had lived to the earliest date of retirement or had separated from service on the date of death. Requires the surviving spouse's consent for any distribution of nonforfeitable benefits exceeding $3,500. Requires such benefits to be paid according to the surviving spouse's written requests. States that plans subject to funding requirements must provide benefits payable in the form of an annuity. Exempts qualified domestic relations orders from the Act's proscriptions against alienation and assignment of pension plan benefits. Sets procedural guidelines for the payment of such benefits to an alternate payee under such orders. Prohibits alternative payees from receiving any portion of any increase in a participant's accrued benefits if such increases occur after payments to such payees have begun. Declares that alternate payees under domestic relations orders are not considered to be, by virtue of such orders, participants or beneficiaries under the pension plan. Increases from $1,750 to $3,500 the allowable mandatory distribution from a retirement plan. Requires notification to participants that certain benefits may be forfeitable if the participant dies before a certain date. Sets December 31, 1984 as the effective date of this Act for existing plans. Provides transitional dates and certain effective dates for plans maintained under collective bargaining agreements.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 394 (98th)referred

A joint resolution to provide for the awarding of a gold medal to Lady Bird Johnson in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to the improvement and beautification of America.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983

Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Lady Bird Johnson in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and contributions to the beautification of America. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the striking of such medal and bronze duplicates for sale to the public. Declares such medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 4150 (98th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that the inclusion of tax-exempt interest in determining the taxation of social security benefits shall not apply to interest on obligations held by the taxpayer before the date of the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1983.

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest on securities held by the taxpayer before the date of the enactment of the Social Security Amendments of 1983 shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.

Bill· HRH.R. 4102 (98th)open

Universal Telephone Service Preservation Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983

Universal Telephone Service Preservation Act of 1983 - Provides that the system of charges for exchange access established under the decisions and orders of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in C.C. docket numbered 78-72 (phase I) shall take effect as modified by this Act. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the assessment of an end-user common line charge against any residential subscriber of telephone exchange service. Requires the assessment of a special access charge for any line that indirectly interconnects with the facilities of an exchange carrier, whether or not such line is provided by such carrier. Directs the FCC to provide an exemption from such charge for any line that could not use exchange access as a commercially valuable alternative or could not be used to avoid exchange access charges. Requires any such access system, beginning July 1, 1985, to require an exchange common carrier to submit to the FCC a tariff that includes a charge on any interexchange carrier or person who provides exchange access functions, services, or facilities similar to those available from an exchange carrier, without direct or indirect interconnection with such carrier. Requires that such charge: (1) allow for the recovery of an equitable share of the carrier's costs in maintaining exchange service as an available alternative for persons served by such functions; and (2) not exceed ten percent of the special access charge unless the FCC determines that a higher percentage more accurately reflects the carrier's costs. Provides that lines to be exempted from the special access charge shall also be exempt from such charge. Requires that any non-traffic-sensitive costs apportioned to the interstate jurisdiction that are not recovered under such charges, special access charges, or end-user common line charges be recovered through carrier common line charges. Sets forth provisions governing the charges that shall be imposed by exchange carriers for exchange access by interexchange carriers that did not participate in the system of jurisdictional separations of carrier property and expenses on July 1, 1983. Provides for the differentiation of charges based on the quality of exchange access provided to the interexchange carrier. Requires exchange carriers, beginning July 1, 1985, to charge interexchange carriers that directly interconnect with such exchange carriers the full cost of providing exchange access. Requires persons who obtain exchange access for resale to pay the same amount for such access as paid by interexchange carriers, taking into consideration any amount such person may pay indirectly. Requires any person who owns or operates facilities either originating or terminating interexchange service other than through direct interconnection to notify the appropriate exchange carriers, the FCC, and the appropriate State commissions. Prescribes a penalty for failure to make such notification. Directs the FCC, upon the request of a State commission, to delegate to such commission the authority to administer the system of access charges. Sets forth conditions under which the FCC may review affirm, remand, or modify a portion of the tariff pursuant to a petition filed by an interexchange customer alleging that an access charge is not justified by cost. Prohibits any exchange carrier from charging any residential customer for terminal equipment not leased from such carrier. Establishes the Universal Service Fund to assure the continued availability of telephone service at reasonable and affordable charges. Directs the Universal Service Board to determine uniform surcharges on exchange access charges recovered from interexchange carriers or other persons directly or indirectly interconnecting with an exchange carrier, such that the Fund is sufficient to make required payments by January 1, 1986. Entitles an exchange common carrier to payments from the Fund: (1) based on the size of the carrier and the amount by which its certified average costs for all non-traffic-sensitive facilities per subscriber line exceed the national average of such costs; and (2) for 50 percent of its revenue loss (as determined according to a specified formula) incurred as a result of providing lifeline telephone service. Entitles an exchange common carrier to additional Fund payments if needed to assure that the total amount such carrier recovers from the system of exchange access charges and Fund payments is not less than the total revenues such carrier received for exchange access in 1982, with specified reductions. Directs the Board to: (1) establish an exchange access board to administer the Fund in an expeditious manner; and (2) audit and adjust Fund payments to ensure that such payments are used to maintain reasonable rates without removing incentives for the efficient provision of exchange access or impeding the entry and operation of competitive suppliers of exchange services. Directs the FCC to establish the Universal Service Board for the purpose of: (1) ensuring equitable and efficient economic treatment of users of common carrier services and exchange services and carriers providing such services; (2) providing for an orderly transition to the system of charges for exchange access established by this Act; and (3) achieving cooperation between the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Board to: (1) establish and maintain formulas for defining and comparing national average costs and charges and uniform practices for determining the payments required by the Fund, and to oversee the distribution of funds from the Fund by the exchange access board; (2) make such changes and modifications in the system of jurisdictional separation of carrier property and expenses in force as may be necessary for the transitional system of charges for exchange access; and (3) establish and revise practices for ascertaining and apportioning the cost of services and facilities used jointly to provide exchange services and exchange access. Requires any decision of the Federal-State Joint Board pending on October 1, 1983, to be submitted to the Board (in lieu of the FCC) for review and action. Authorizes the Board to permit exchange common carriers which serve not more than 50,000 subscriber lines to use representative statistical cost data in lieu of individual cost statistics to support tariffs for exchange access. Grants State commissions authority: (1) to establish classifications for exchange facilities and the portion of facilities used jointly for exchange and interexchange services assigned to the States by the Board; and (2) to prescribe the methods by which exchange carriers shall recover investments in such facilities. Requires that such methods provide for recovery of no more than the amount prudently invested in such facilities by not later than the end of the useful life of the property involved, and in a manner which promotes the economic viability of the exchange carriers. Requires that any tariff in effect on July 1, 1983, providing for interexchange service by carriers jointly or any successor tariff, whether filed jointly or otherwise, be based on the nationwide average costs of providing interexchange service. Authorizes a State commission to require any exchange common carrier to lease and maintain on request a single basic one-line telephone instrument, and associated wiring, to any subscriber within such State on the basis of a tariff that includes all costs of providing and maintaining such instrument and wiring. Requires each State commission to establish rules for the provision of lifeline telephone service by exchange carriers. Prohibits any lifeline telephone service from including any charges based on time of day, duration, or distance of the call. Defines "lifeline telephone service" as telephone service made available to residential subscribers for a single discounted charge under which a subscriber can make a limited number of calls within the exchange area. Allows a commission to restrict eligibility for such service on the basis of low-income criteria. Prohibits a commission from making individuals receiving aid to families with dependent children, supplemental security income benefits, or benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 ineligible for lifeline service. Requires the charge for lifeline service to recover not more than 50 percent of the carrier's average cost of providing exchange service to a residential subscriber. Prohibits any carrier or exchange carrier from using revenues from regulated communications services to defray any costs associated with its entry into or engaging in commercial activities the prices for which are not regulated by the FCC or any State commissions. Prohibits the FCC or any State commission from considering a carrier's or exchange carrier's revenues from such unregulated activities in determining such carrier's or exchange carrier's revenue requirements. Authorizes the unrestricted shared use of telephone facilities and services in any manner that does not interfere with the rights of others in their use of such facilities and services. Authorizes the FCC to pay a person's costs of participating in a proceeding concerning communication carriers if such person represents an interest whose representation is necessary for a fair disposition of the proceeding and if such person could not otherwise afford to participate. Authorizes the creation in each State of a nonprofit association of residential telephone consumers to represent such consumers before telephone carriers and governmental bodies. Grants any such association the right to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in any State or Federal civil action or administrative proceeding which the association determines may affect the interests of residential telephone consumers in its State. Authorizes such an association to furnish telephone carriers with informational material about such association or other matters of interest to such consumers which such carriers shall include with their periodic customer billings. Directs the association to reimburse such carriers for the cost of including such material in customers' bills, except for postage costs for material not exceeding a specified weight. Sets forth provisions governing the election and duties of the board of directors of each association. Requires the Governor of each State to appoint nine individuals who are known to represent consumers' interests to serve as incorporators and as an interim board of directors of the State association. Authorizes the establishment of the National Consumer Telephone Resource Center which shall: (1) be incorporated in the District of Columbia by selected representatives of State associations; (2) be directed by a board of directors composed of one representative of each State association; (3) provide technical information to State associations; and (4) represent the collective interests of State associations in Federal policy and rulemaking proceedings. Prohibits any telephone carrier from interfering with a State association or the Center, subject to a $5,000 fine.

Bill· HRH.R. 4094 (98th)referred

A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide more adequate coverage of the services of mental health specialists under the medicare supplemental benefits program and under medicaid programs.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include coverage for the services of a mental health specialist. Defines mental health specialist to mean : (1) a clinical psychologist; (2) a clinical social worker; (3) a psychiatric nurse specialist; (4) a psychiatrist; or (5) a clinical mental health counselor.

Bill· HRH.R. 4040 (98th)referred

Medicare Benefits Improvement and Cost Containment Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983

Medicare Benefits Improvement and Cost Containment Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through negotiations, to provide for the determination of payment rates for services by preferred providers so long as the total amount of payments made under title XVIII pursuant to such rates does not exceed: (1) the amount which would otherwise be paid without regard to this Act, in the case of a physician who has entered into an agreement to accept assignment under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII; or (2) the adjusted average per capita cost, in the case of services furnished under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B of title XVIII by an eligible Health Maintenance Organization or Competitive Medical Plan (organization) which has entered into a ceertain agreement with the Secretary. Requires under such an agreement that an organization: (1) provide all services described on parts A and B; (2) may provide additional benefits; (3) assures that in the event of an organization's insolvency, its enrollees will be held harmless; and (4) agrees to receive payment on a per capita basis. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any deductible and coinsurance amounts which otherwise might be imposed under title XVIII, in making payments with respect to services furnished by the providers specified above (preferred providers). Prohibits any State from preventing any group health plan payors: (1) from negotiating or entering into contracts for alternative rates of payments with, or determining alternative rates of payment for, providers of health care services and offering the benefit of such alternative rates to group health plan beneficiaries who select such providers; or (2) with the agreement of group policyholders and subject to the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, from limiting payment under a policy to services secured by group health plan beneficiaries from providers of health care services charging alternative rates. Directs the Secretary to provide for Medicare demonstration projects in at least four States, under which: (1) the Secretary would contract with one more organizations to perform the functions both of intermediaries under part A of title XVIII and carriers under part B with respect to benefits furnished in a State; (2) if the Secretary contracts with one organization in an area, the Secretary must permit any other organization in the area to enter into such a contract; (3) individuals residing in the State covered by the project and entitled or enrolled under part A or B of title XVIII would be required to enroll with at least one participating organization, but may elect to receive any covered service through any qualified Medicare provider; (4) an organization may offer additional benefits, at no additional cost; (5) an organization will not charge copayments or deductibles if a beneficiary is enrolled with and receives benefits directly from the organization; (6) each organization would receive payment at an annual per capita rate equal to 95 percent of the adjusted per capita cost; and (7) each organization shall have the right of final claim review for necessity and appropriateness of items and services furnished. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a protocol report concerning such demonstration projects and annual reports.

Law· HRH.R. 3979 (98th)enacted

Comprehensive Smoking Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983

Comprehensive Smoking 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. 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.

Bill· HRH.R. 3952 (98th)referred

A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide medicare and medicaid coverage of personal emergency response services, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of personal emergency response services. Defines such services as the provision and maintenance of communication equipment in an individual's home which signals a personal emergency monitoring agency.

Bill· HRH.R. 3957 (98th)referred

A bill for the relief of Jeffrey Young of Miami, Florida.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983

Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a former U.S. Army sergeant in full satisfaction of all claims against the United States regarding injuries and disabilities suffered as a result of being negligently fired upon by another U.S. soldier near Nuernberg, West Germany.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 173 (98th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the President should instruct the United States ambassador to the United Nations to introduce a resolution, promptly, that calls upon the Government of Iran to cease its persecution of Baha'is in Iran and allow Baha'is who desire to emigrate from Iran to do so.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1983

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to introduce a resolution that calls upon Iran to cease its persecution of the Iranian Baha'is and allow them to emigrate from Iran.