United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program for emergency mathematics and science education at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to provide elementary and secondary education assistance under such program for the first two fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of such program funds among the States. Permits States to reserve five percent of such allocation for State administration and planning activities. Requires States to distribute the remainder among local educational agencies, with 75 percent allocated on the basis of school-age population and 25 percent on the basis of number of children from low income families. Sets forth permitted uses of program funds by local educational agencies. Sets forth requirements for State educational agency use of program funds. Requires that sums available for postsecondary assistance be used to award congressional scholarships to 300 individuals in the first fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act and to 600 individuals in the second such year. Sets forth requirements for eligibility nomination, and selection of congressional scholars. Provides that such scholars shall be selected by a committee composed of the Librarian of Congress the Secretary of Education, the Director of the Office of Science of Science and Technology Policy, and two individuals appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader respectively. Obligates such congressional scholars to teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, or other appropriate subjects for at least five years or to repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest at a rate prescribed by the Secretary of Education. Directs the Secretary to make available funds appropriated for FY 1984 or 1985 for postsecondary assistance under the program for grants for mathematics and science improvement and employment-based education programs in new and emerging technologies in the following amounts: (1) ten percent to institutions of higher education; and (2) 25 percent to community and junior colleges. Directs the Secretary of Education, from funds available for such purpose for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education for summer institutes and workshops for teachers and supervisors of mathematics and science programs. Permits such institutes to be conducted in other areas of national need, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective methods of mathematics and science instruction. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 and 1985. Directs the Secretary to make challenge grants available to provide up to one-third of the cost of: (1) purchase of modern scientific equipment for use in teaching and research; (2) training of faculty in the use of new laboratory and research equipment; and (3) sharing scientific and engineering equipment among academic and business laboratories and research centers. Limits the amount which may be made available for such challenge grants for FY 1985. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to assess, before September 30, 1984, the current need for improvements in and purchases of laboratory equipment and facilities. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to this Act for FY 1984. Limits the amount of such appropriation which may be available for elementary and secondary assistance and for postsecondary assistance. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Pre-College Science Teacher Training program; and (2) the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the executive branch of Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to state that a food intended for human consumption shall be deemed misbranded unless it is labeled to show the amount of sodium and potassium it contains when in excess of a certain number of milligrams. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food from such requirement by requiring the information to be prominently displayed near its place of display or sale. Exempts from such labeling requirements any manufacturer of such foods whose total annual sales are less than a specified amount.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families to conduct a comprehensive study and review of the problems of children, youth, and families.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1982
Condemns and opposes religious persecution and discrimination wherever practiced, encouraged or tolerated by national governments, institutions, or persons. Urges the President to organize and implement actions to be taken with respect to governments engaged in religious persecution and discrimination. Urges the President and other U.S. officials to: (1) work for the establishment of a United Nations working group on the Elimination of All Forms of Religious Persecution and Discrimination; (2) raise the issue of violations of freedom of religion and belief at every appropriate international forum; and (3) encourage the U.N., regional organizations, and individual governments to condemn religious persecution and discrimination and to adopt effective measures to eliminate such persecution and discrimination. Urges the President to give high priority to reviewing U.S. policy toward international treaties that seek to protect against religious persecution and discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1982
Condemns and opposes religious persecution and discrimination wherever practiced, encouraged or tolerated by national governments, institutions, or persons. Urges the President to organize and implement actions to be taken with respect to governments engaged in religious persecution and discrimination. Urges the President and other U.S. officials to: (1) work for the establishment of a United Nations working group on the Elimination of All Forms of Religious Persecution and Discrimination; (2) raise the issue of violations of freedom of religion and belief at every appropriate international forum; and (3) encourage the U.N., regional organizations, and individual governments to condemn religious persecution and discrimination and to adopt effective measures to eliminate such persecution and discrimination. Urges the President to give high priority to reviewing U.S. policy toward international treaties that seek to protect against religious persecution and discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1982
Expresses the sense of Congress that the age for drinking and purchasing alcoholic beverages should be raised to 21 in all States where the drinking age is lower.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Establishes the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Product Liability Act of 1982 - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases. Preempts inconsistent Federal and State laws. Permits actions under this Act to be brought in State court or Federal court if the United States is a party or diversity jurisdiction exists. Prohibits recovery for other than commercial loss or damage to the product itself, except as otherwise provided in this Act. Sets forth basic standards of responsibility for manufacturers and product sellers other than manufacturers including wholesalers, distributors, retailers, lessors, packagers, and repairers. Establishes rules relating to proof in products liability cases with respect to Federal government standards and contract specifications. Prohibits admission of postmanufacturing improvements except for the purpose of impeaching a witness for the product seller who denies the feasibility of such improvements. Allows a manufacturer to introduce certain precautionary measures. Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Provides that comparative damages apply only to compensatory damages. Requires the reduction of any damage award by the amount of workers' compensation benefits which are paid. Makes a product seller who acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety, where the act was an extreme departure from accepted practice, liable for punitive damages. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Reaffirms the commitment of Congress to locating and repatriating Americans unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. Expresses congressional appreciation to the Lao Government for its expressed willingness to help. Supports the President's actions to locate and return missing Americans. Urges the President to respond to the indicated willingness of the Lao Government to cooperate in this effort.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Declares that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Afghanistan in their struggle to be free from foreign domination; (2) provide the Afghans, upon request, with material assistance; and (3) pursue a negotiated settlement of the war in Afghanistan based on the total withdrawal of Soviet troops and the recognition of the right of the Afghans to choose their own destiny.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1982
Comprehensive Victim and Witness Protection and Assistance Act of 1982 - Amends rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that presentence reports contain: (1) information concerning any harm or loss suffered by the victim; (2) information that may aid the court in sentencing; (3) a statement of the circumstances of the commission of the offense; and (4) any prior criminal record of the defendant. Amends the Federal criminal code to establish as offenses "tampering with a witness or an informant" and "retaliating against a witness or an informant." Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate civil proceedings to restrain any harassment of a victim or witness. Authorizes a sentencing court to order the defendant to make restitution. Requires the court to state for the record the reasons for not ordering restitution. Prescribes a procedure for the issuance of restitution orders. Directs the Attorney General to develop Federal guidelines for the fair treatment of crime victims and witnesses. Requires the Attorney General to consider certain objectives in preparing the guidelines, including: (1) ensuring that victims receive prompt social and medical services; (2) giving victims and witnesses notice of important criminal justice proceedings and scheduling changes; (3) arranging for the prosecution to obtain the nonbinding views of victims of serious crimes during such stages as plea bargaining and pretrial release; (4) encouraging employers to continue to pay victims and witnesses for work absences to assist investigations and prosecutions; (5) training law enforcement personnel in victim assistance; and (6) informing victims or witnesses on legal steps for protection from intimidation. Directs the Attorney General to recommend to Congress any laws that are necessary to ensure that no Federal felon derives any profit from the sale of his or her story until any victim of the offense receives restitution. Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to require as a condition of pretrial release that the defendant not commit certain offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1982
Urges the President and the Secretary of Defense to comply with the National Cemeteries Act of 1973 and arrange for the burial of an unknown soldier from the Vietnam era at Arlington National Cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1982
Office Machine and Equipment Retail Dealers Agreement Act - Makes it a violation of this Act for any supplier of office products to: (1) induce a dealer in such products to enter into a dealer agreement by fraud; (2) fail to act in good faith in performing, canceling, terminating, or refusing to renew a dealer agreement; or (3) enter into a dealer agreement whereby the dealer will conduct business in a market area which is already the market area of another dealer without providing 60 days notice to the existing dealer. Allows a supplier to terminate a dealer agreement which contains a specified expiration date prior to such date (or at any time if such agreement does not contain an expiration date) by offering the dealer, within 60 days of the intended termination, fair and reasonable compensation for the value of the agreement. Permits the Federal district court to determine the amount of such reasonable compensation if a controversy occurs. Grants a dealer the right to file an action for damages or equitable relief against any supplier who violates this Act. States that this Act shall not be construed to modify any provision of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1982
Prohibits Federal regulation of the rate of interest which may be paid on balances in excess of $5,000 which are maintained in a negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account.
United States · United States Congress · 13 August 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to any individual who maintains a household which includes one or more elderly qualified persons. Sets the amount of such credit at $1,000 for each such elderly person living in the household. Limits the aggregate amount creditable to $2,000 on any return for the taxable year. Defines "qualified elderly person" as any individual who: (1) has attained age 65; (2) has an impairment which, as determined by a physician, renders such individual physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself and has lasted or is expected to last six months or longer; and (3) has as a principal place of abode for more than half of the taxable year the home of the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1982
Missing Children Act - Authorizes the Attorney General to collect and exchange information which would assist in the identification of unidentified deceased individuals and the location of missing persons, including missing children.
United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1982
Prohibits any executive agency from obligating, during the last two calendar months of FY 1983, 1984, or 1985, more than 20 percent of its total controllable budgetary resources, as defined by this Act, for such fiscal year. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to waive such spending limitation upon determining that it would seriously disrupt an agency program or operation, if the Director reports on such waiver to Congress before the agency violates such limitation. Requires the head of each agency to submit a report to the President and the Congress not later than 90 days after the close of each such fiscal year describing the department's or agency's compliance with this Act. Permits the Director to apportion annual appropriations and set aside reserves in a manner consistent with the purposes and requirements of this Act. Exempts reserves established to comply with a spending limitation under this Act from reporting requirements of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1982
Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize a special verdict of "not guilty by reason of insanity" for any defendant who at the time of the offense was laboring under such a defect of reason, from disease of the mind, as not to know the nature and quality of the conduct required for the offense or not to know the criminality of such conduct. Places the burden of proof of insanity on the defendant. Directs the court to commit such person found "not guilty by reason of insanity" if he is presently suffering from a mental condition whereby his release would create a substantial danger to himself or to the person or property of another. Allows for a verdict of "guilty but mentally ill," if the defendant was mentally ill at the time of the offense, but not so mentally ill as to constitute insanity. Allows for treatment for such individual, followed by completion of any remaining prison sentence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1982
Provides that, for any week beginning after enactment of this Act and before January 1, 1983, the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act shall be applied as if the State trigger were based solely on a State insured unemployment rate of five percent for that week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks (waiving the 120 percent factor). Waives the required 13-week period between extended benefit periods if the prior extended benefit period closed before the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to delay from September 25, 1982, to March 31, 1983, the effective date of amendments increasing the State insured unemployment rate required to trigger extended unemployment compensation payments. Permits States to pay extended benefits on the basis of area triggers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to decrease the income level, in the case of an individual or a joint return, above which unemployment compensation becomes includible in gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1982
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives in the preservation and restoration of Rhodes Tavern in Washington, D.C. Encourages preservation and restoration efforts by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Capitol Planning Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts, the mayor and city council, and other interested organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1982
Condemns the religious persecution by Iran of persons of the Baha'i faith. Holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all its citizens. Expresses the hope that the discrimination against and executions of the Baha'is will cease. Urges Iran to end the executions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Energy should withdraw the authorization for the proposed sale of a process control system for end-use in a heavy water production facility in Argentina.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1982
Congressional Page Education and Dormitory Act - Establishes the Congressional Page Board to establish and maintain a school and dormitory for the education and housing of congressional pages. Authorizes appropriations as necessary. Prohibits a person from serving as a page before the age of 16 years (currently 14 years for a Senate page).
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1982
Condemns the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran by the Iranian government. Urges the Iranian government to comply with its obligations to respect the human rights of the Baha'is. Calls upon the President to: (1) use every opportunity to emphasize the extent to which the United States condemns the religious persecution of the Baha'is; (2) urge foreign governments to appeal to the Iranian authorities to stop the execution and persecution of the Baha'is and to respect their right to religious freedom; (3) cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is; and (4) take all necessary steps to assure that appropriate humanitarian aid is provided to Baha'is fleeing Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1982
Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Supports the continued recognition of such governments by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1982 - Permits employee benefit plans, as defined under this Act, to engage in any qualified mortgage transaction involving any qualified residential mortgage loan, provided transactions between all parties are at arm's length. Permits such plans to participate in any mortgage pool, provided such pool conforms to specified requirements with regard to permitted investments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. Provides that this Act shall supersede any and all contrary provisions of State law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the imposition of Federal excise tax on a plan or pool that engages in a transaction described under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the credit against employment tax liability available to an employer shall not be reduced due to any unpaid balance of loans made to the unemployment account of a State in which: (1) the unemployment rate for a specified period is seven percent or more; and (2) the balance of loans made to the unemployment account is at least $1,000,000,000. Amends title XII (Advances to State Unemployment Funds) of the Social Security Act to provide that States with such unemployment rates and loan balances shall not be required to pay interest on such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1982
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the community service employment program under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 should not be terminated or weakened.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1982
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey specified land to Illinois for National Guard purposes. Requires that the conveyance be made at the appraised market value of the land and authorizes the Secretary to give the State credit for costs previously incurred in improving the property.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1982
National Hostel System Plan Act of 1982 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and transmit to specified congressional committees a national hostel system plan, which shall: (1) guide the development and implementation of a national hostel system; (2) encourage the development of hostels by Federal, State, and local agencies, private, nonprofit organizations, and private business; and (3) encourage the operation of hostels by private, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Requires full public participation, including public review and comment, in the development of such plan. Directs the Secretary to submit periodic status reports on the plan until it is completed. Requires the Secretary to ensure that State comprehensive outdoor recreation plans, developed pursuant to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, address the issue of the location and development of hostels in a manner consistent with the national hostel system plan. Authorizes appropriations. Makes the authority under this Act to enter into contracts, incur obligations, or make payments effective only to the extent and in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1982
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish escrow accounts with the money received by an individual from books, movies, magazine articles, tape recordings, phonograph records, radio or television presentations or any live such individual is accused or convicted. Requires that money from such account be payable to the victim of the offense to satify a civil judgment. Provides for payment of the money to the accused if he is acquitted or the charges are dismissed. Allows payment to a convicted individual if no civil action is brought within five years after the establishment of the account. Permits payment of a portion of such funds, upon a court order, to defray the expenses of legal representation for the accused.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) Israel should be commended for complying with the Camp David accords by returning the Sinai to Egypt; and (2) the United States should assure that Israel maintains a qualitative military edge in the Middle East.
![Official portrait of Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000444_200.jpg)