United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the family planning program under title X of the Public Health Service Act should be administered in the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from repealing, amending, or otherwise modifying specified rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access before July 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Child Care Information and Referral Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, to establish a grant program to assist public or private nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community- based child care information and referral centers. Sets forth grant application requirements. Limits the duration and amount of grants to a center. Sets reporting requirements for centers receiving such grants. Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Amends the veterans' educational assistance program to extend the delimiting period for use of educational benefits by Vietnam veterans from ten to 20 years, through December 31, 1995, at the latest.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt persons over 50 years old who have been U.S. permanent residents for at least 20 years from the "Government knowledge" naturalization requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that certain museums and organizations which operate a library shall be treated as public charities for income tax purposes (taxpayers may deduct contributions to public charities up to 50 percent of their adjusted gross income).
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Small Business Administration (SBA) from: (1) refusing to accept and consider a referral from a Government procurement officer of a matter in which the eligiblity of a small business as a Government contractor for a specific Government contract is in question; or (2) limiting the availability of any certification of a small business as an eligible Government contractor on account of the anticipated dollar value of the contract, the nature of the work to be performed, or any other factors unrelated to responsibility or eligibility issues. Provides that no small business shall be denied the opportunity to submit its offer for a Federal contract solely because: (1) it is not on a qualified bidders list; (2) its products are not on a qualified products list; or (3) it has not received prior approval from a Federal agency to submit its offers relating to a certain type of work or class of contracts. Requires that Federal contracts up to $25,000 include a policy clause declaring that small businesses shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in Federal contracts. (Under current law, Federal contracts up to $10,000 are required to include such clause.) Specifies identification requirements for subcontracting plans contained in the SBA's annual report to the House and Senate Small Business Committees on subcontracting plans which do not contain maximum practicable opportunities for small businesses to participate in such contracts. Requires that a procurement requirement be set aside for exclusive competition among small businesses if the Government procurement officer expects that: (1) offers will be obtained from at least two responsible small businesses offering the products of different small businesses; and (2) awards will be made at reasonable prices. Requires Federal agencies to reduce the number of requirements to be contained in its contract solicitations in order to promote the maximum practicable opportunity for small businesses to submit offers. Sets forth the conditions which must exist in order for a Federal agency to solicit an offer from only one source or to negotiate with only one source for the purchase of spare or replacement parts. Provides that when there is a conversion to contract of commercial activities not being presently performed by a private commercial source, such activities shall be set aside for exclusive competition among small businesses or awarded pursuant to the Government procurement contract set-aside program for small business under the Small Business Act. Requires that total labor surplus area set-asides be authorized if the Government procurement officer expects that: (1) offers will be obtained from at least two responsible businesses; and (2) awards will be made at reasonable prices. Requires that Federal agencies award contracts and encourage the placement of subcontracts on the basis of total and partial small business-labor surplus area set-asides and total and partial small business set-asides. Requires Federal agencies to establish goals each year for the award of their procurement contracts and subcontracts to: (1) small businesses which perform a substantial proportion of their production in areas of concentrated unemployment or underemployment or within labor surplus areas, in addition to those small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and (2) small businesses generally. Eliminates the requirement that such goals apply to procurement contracts of $10,000 or more. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such goals. Requires that procurement contracts of $25,000 or less be reserved exclusively for small businesses unless the contracting officer is unable to obtain reasonable offers from two or more small businesses. Requires a presumption that procurement contracts between $25,000 and $2,000,001 may be awarded through the small business set-aside program. Requires that contracting officers, to the maximum extent practicable, choose a payment method which minimizes paperwork and facilitates prompt payment to small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market out option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the pipeline has failed to adopt practices minimizing amounts paid to purchase natural gas. Declares any minimum commodity beill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the January 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price for any first sale shall be 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after January 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Challenge Grant Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program of making endowment grants to developing institutions which establish eligibility under the challenge grant program and which are current or past recipients of assistance under title III (Institutional Aid) of such Act. Sets forth requirements for endowment program agreements and the use of funds. Amends the Omnibus Education Reconciliation Act of 1981 to increase the total amount which may be appropriated for FY 1984 to carry out title III (Institutional Aid) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Follow Through Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to reenact Follow Through programs (as the Follow Through Act) with certain technical amendments. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for FY 1984 and 1985. Requires (currently authorizes) the Secretary of Education to: (1) provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, or pilot projects designed to develop new methods of overcoming the special problems of primarily low-income children in continuing to develop to their full potential in kindergarten and the primary grades; and (2) provide technical assistance for Follow Through programs and training for program personnel. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for an analysis of all previous evaluations of Follow Through programs; (2) include in the next evaluative report of such programs an analysis of their impact on preschool-elementary school linkage efforts and their effectiveness in narrowing the gap in successful educational performance between children from low-income families and other children; and (3) submit such report to the President and Congress by April 30, 1985. Establishes a National Commission on Follow Through Education. Directs the Council to: (1) review all research, demonstration, and pilot projects conducted under Follow Through programs; (2) determine the most effective approaches developed through such programs that are conducive to replication on a national basis; (3) recommend Federal, State, and local actions necessary to facilitate the replication of such approaches; and (4) report to the President and Congress by April 30, 1985, on its activities and recommendations. Terminates the Commission on September 30, 1985. Authorizes appropriations. Repeals provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 relating to the Follow Through program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Scientific Research Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit certain scientific and educational organizations to issue tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) bonds to finance scientific facilities and equipment for the benefit of an institution of higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for outpatient occupational therapy services.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Urges the President and the Secretary of Defense to act expeditiously to carry out the National Cemeteries Act of 1973 by arranging for the burial of the remains of an unknown soldier of the Vietnam era in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1983
Recommends levels of Federal revenues of $691,300,000,000 for FY 1984, $765,900,000,000 for FY 1985, and $842,600,000,000 for FY 1986. Sets the amount by which the aggregate levels of Federal revenues should be increased at $38,000,000,000 for FY 1984, $51,000,000,000 for FY 1985, and $74,400,000,000 for FY 1986. Sets appropriate levels of total new budget authority at $915,800,000,000 for FY 1984, $942,000,000,000 for FY 1985, and $987,900,000,000 for FY 1986. States that the appropriate levels of total budget outlays are $859,800,000,000 for FY 1984, $897,400,000,000 for FY 1985, and $935,800,000,000 for FY 1986. Sets the appropriate amount of deficits in the budget at $168,500,000,000 for FY 1984, $131,500,000,000 for FY 1985, and $93,200,000,000 for FY 1986. States that the appropriate levels of public debt are $1,551,000,000,000 for FY 1984, $1,712,000,000,000 for FY 1985, and $1,832,000,000,000 for FY 1986. Sets the amounts by which the temporary statutory limits on such debt should accordingly be increased at $261,000,000,000 for FY 1984, $422,000,000,000 for FY 1985, and $542,000,000,000 for FY 1986. Sets forth appropriate levels of budget authority, and budget outlays for FY 1984 through and inclusive of FY 1986 for each major functional category.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Older Persons Comprehensive Counseling Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to add "Title VII - Comprehensive Counseling Assistance." Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for specified programs under this Act. Directs the United States Commissioner on Aging to collect, analyze, and disseminate information related to counseling services for older persons. Requires each State desiring a grant under this Act to submit a comprehensive State plan for providing counseling assistance to the elderly. Requires such plan to conform to specified criteria. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States having such approved plans based on statewide needs and priorities. Permits the use of grants to fund counseling assistance outreach programs, preretirement counseling programs, career counseling assistance programs, referral services, community activities, and counseling for families of sick and disabled senior citizens. Sets forth requirements for State programs and for State training and retraining programs for counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to contract with postsecondary educational institutions and area agencies on aging for the purpose of providing needed training and retraining of counseling personnel. Directs the Commissioner on Aging to carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation for specified purposes, including: (1) identification of existing effective practices in counseling older persons; (2) identification of areas where further development is needed; and (3) development of model training programs for professional counselors.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the distribution of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene."
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Private Pension Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of any such participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been provided if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1983
Economic Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Treats alimony as compensation for purposes of determining an individual's income tax deduction for retirement savings. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been provided if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Entitles former spouses of civil service employees or Members of Congress, who were married to an employee or Member for at least ten years during creditable service, to an annuity based upon a portion of retired or retainer pay unless otherwise provided by a spousal agreement or a state court decree of divorce or annulment. Entitles former spouses to survivor's benefits under the civil service plan unless the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years of age or the employee or Member and former spouse elect to waive such benefit. Requires that such waiver be jointly made in writing. Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is a member of an economically disadvantaged family and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment. Increases the zero bracket amount for heads of households from $2,300 to $3,400. Title II: Dependent Care Program - Increases the income tax credit for household and dependent care services from a maximum of 30 percent of amounts paid to a maximum of 50 percent of amounts paid. Reduces such percentage to a minimum of 20 percent based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Makes such income tax credit refundable. Treats as tax-exempt organizations certain organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care to the general public. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Commissioner of the Administration of Children, Youth, and Families) to establish a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community-based child care information. Title III: Nondiscrimination in Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1983 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority: (1) has received notice of a complaint and fails to act within 60 days; or (2) has no insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Title IV: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each Federal agency to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the rules, regulations, programs, and policies of the agency to identify any which result in different treatment based on sex; and (2) submit annually a report to the Congress on such review. Sets forth rules of statutory construction relating to gender. Title V: Child Support Enforcement - Amends the Social Security Act to specify that the purpose of the child support enforcement program is to assure compliance with obligations to pay child support to each child in the United States living with one parent. Allows offsets of income tax refunds of an absent parent on behalf of children not receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children. (Present law permits such offsets only in the case of children receiving AFDC payments.) Requires States to establish a child support clearinghouse through which child support payments can be paid, recorded, and forwarded. Revises State child support enforcement procedures. Allows allotments for child and spousal support to be taken from the pay of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1983
Little Hoover Commission - Establishes the Commission on the Centennial Review of the Civil Service. Directs the Commission to study the history and development of the civil service system over the last 100 years and to recommend methods for continuing or improving its performance. Requires the Commission to consider the retirement and disability system, employee pay and benefits, personnel practices, and labor-management relations under the civil service system. Requires the Commission to submit a final report containing its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislation or administrative action to the President and Congress within the first ten days of the Ninety-nineth Congress. Directs the President, within 90 days after receiving the report, to transmit to Congress an evaluation of the report's findings and conclusions together with any recommendations for modifying the proposed legislation. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits such report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a penalty tax on charitable organizations which fail to use certain funds set aside to provide legal services to the poor.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
United States Olympic Checkoff Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of one dollar of their income tax refunds or any cash amount voluntarily forwarded with their returns to support the U.S. Olympic Trust Fund. Establishes in the Treasury a U.S. Olympic Trust Fund (trust fund). Appropriates to such trust fund an amount equal to the amount designated on tax returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Allows specified administrative expenses to be paid from such trust fund.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Domestic Commodity Distribution and Food Assistance Act - 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. Provides that up to 500,000 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 by September 30, 1985. 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. Provides administrative money to the States to run such program. Prohibits States from charging recipient agencies for related program costs. Requires States to pay the distribution costs of organizations serving 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. Exempts such commodity distributions from specified food stamp prohibitions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Relief Act - Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability for veterans exposed to herbicides during service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era who suffer from specified diseases which may be caused by exposure to such herbicides, developed to a ten percent degree of disability. Permits the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to determine what other diseases may be due to exposure to herbicides, chemicals, or environmental hazards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year of enactment incorporating such determinations and setting forth the standards used to reach them.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Emergency Shelter for the Homeless Act of 1983 - Title I: General Provisions - Defines terms to be used in this Act. Title II: Grants for Operation of Shelters for Homeless Adults - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to pay general operating costs of emergency shelters for homeless adults. Condition the eligibility of a State, local government, or nonprofit organization on requirements that: (1) an emergency shelter is operating in the area served by such entity; (2) such entity operated an emergency shelter some time during the three years preceding the enactment of this Act; and (3) such entity agrees to expend an amount equal to and in addition to the grant amount to operate emergency shelters. Lists grant application requirements, including requirements for: (1) material describing shelters operated by the applicant within the preceding three years; (2) material specifying the bed capacity of shelters operated by someone else; (3) information on the unemployment and vacant housing rates and the number of unrelated individuals living below the poverty level in the area served by the applicant; (4) an assurance that the applicant will repay grant funds not expended for operating emergency shelters; and (5) a report describing a discussion between any State or local government applicant and community representatives concerning emergency shelter expenditures. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of funds for such grants when the amount approved for applicants is less than the amount appropriated for such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Grants for Renovating and Converting Facilities for Use as Shelters for the Homeless - Permits the Secretary to make competitive grants to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to renovate or convert facilities to be used as emergency shelters for the homeless. Sets forth information that must be included in an application for such a grant, including: (1) the number of individuals in the area who need emergency shelters and the number of individuals for whom shelter would be provided; (2) material demonstrating that notice and an opportunity to comment has been provided to the neighborhood in which the facility will be located; and (3) assurances that the applicant will expend, within one year, such grant amount and an additional contribution equal to 25 percent of such amount to renovate or convert such facility and will operate such facility as an emergency shelter for three years and as an emergency shelter, or for another approved public purpose, for four additional years. Requires repayment of 80 percent of grant funds not used as prescribed in this title. Prohibits the Secretary from making any grant that would result in a disproportionate burden on any one section of a locality. Requires the Secretary to publish a notice of the availability of grant funds whenever amounts appropriated exceed amounts approved for such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Demonstration Projects relating to Emergency Shelter for the Homeless - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations for the operation of demonstration projects that develop and apply innovative approaches to provide basic services to the homeless. Conditions grant eligibility on an entity's agreement to expend such grant amount plus a contribution equal to ten percent of such amount on such a project. Directs the Secretary to publicize the availability of grant funds when amounts appropriated exceed amounts requested and approved. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Coordinating Council to Assist the Homeless - Establishes the Federal Coordinating Council on the Homeless. Requires the Council to report to both Houses of Congress within 90 days on: (1) the extent to which existing Federal law providing assistance to the homeless is and can be utilized; and (2) whether assistance currently provided is adequate for the purpose of each Act. Terminates the Council 30 days after it transmits its report. Directs the Secretary to submit a copy of the report to the chief executive officer of each State. Title VI: Federal Assistance for Eligible Homeless People Under SSI Program - Amends the Social Security Act to exclude an emergency shelter from the definition of a "public institution" to allow otherwise eligible shelter residents to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. Title VII: Tax Incentives for Emergency Shelters and Single Room Occupancy Facilities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to 25 percent of the qualified expenditures for the construction or rehabilitation of an emergency shelter facility or a single room occupancy facility. Provides for an income tax exclusion of the interest earned on tax-exempt bonds issued to finance qualified shelter facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell a medal in honor of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Declares that the Secretary shall offer such medals for sale to the public at a price sufficient to cover the cost of minting and distributing of such medals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Creates a presumption of service-connected disability for compensation purposes for any veteran who was exposed to radiation or toxic chemicals while actively serving in the armed forces and who is now suffering from a disability or disorder symptomatic of such exposure. Maintains such presumption even in the absence of records. Entitles to disability or death compensation and to dependency and indemnity compensation any children of such a veteran with a disability or defect which may reasonably be determined to have been caused by genetic damage in the veteran. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a comprehensive program to screen veterans who may have been exposed to radiation or toxic chemicals during their active service to determine whether they incurred a disease or disability from such exposure. Requires the Administrator to provide outreach and counseling services. Directs the Administrator to establish a research and training program in the diagnosis and treatment of disabilities caused by exposure to radiation. Requires the establishment of a centralized registry of claims before the Veterans Administration or other agencies arising out of actual or possible exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Requires the Administrator to include in the annual report to Congress a comprehensive report on the administration and implementation of such screening and research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) call upon all nations to designate May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day; (2) urge the Soviet Union to permit the Sakharovs to freely choose their place of residence; and (3) direct the American delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling upon that body to designate May 21, 1983, as International Sakharov Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Authorizes expenditures by the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control for the first session of the 98th Congress, including the procurement of consultant services.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Natural Gas Policy Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Sets forth: (1) ten Congressional findings concerning natural gas; and (2) the purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to add to the definition of Btu. Sets forth a method of determining the number of Btu's per unit volume of natural gas. Defines definite price provision, indefinite price provision, market-out provision, and take-or-pay provision, for purposes of the use of such terms in a contract for the first sale of natural gas. Requires the price under any contract for the first sale of natural gas in effect on November 8, 1978, to remain the price after November 8, 1978, unless the contract expressly and specifically by its plain language authorizes prices established by Congress, in which case any price not in excess of the applicable maximum lawful price may apply. Repeals the annual inflation adjustment factors. Provides that the maximum lawful price for any first sale of natural gas shall be deemed to include all costs necessary to, or associated with, the delivery of marketable natural gas to the purchaser. Authorize an adjustment to the seller for necessary costs which deprive the seller of a just and reasonable return. Authorizes the purchaser an adjustment if the purchaser provides the seller consideration in addition to the maximum lawful prices. Establishes a transportation rate of no less than $0.05 per million Btu's end requires all revenues in excess of such amount to be credited back to the pipeline's customers. Declares null and void all indefinite price provisions in all contracts for the first sale of natural gas. Deems all contracts for the first sale of natural gas which is affected by deregulation to include a market-out provision. Deems all take-or-pay provisions in effect as of enactment to be reduced by 50 percent. Declares null and void any first sale contract which restricts the right of the purchaser to contest the contract. Requires all first sale contracts to be filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and made available to the public. Confers jurisdiction on the FERC to resolve contract disputes, on petition by any party to a contract. Directs the FERC to promulgate a final rule establishing the interest rate at which refunds shall be paid by natural gas companies on any collections made in excess of approved rates. Directs the FERC to undertake and complete a comprehensive study of minimum bill and related provisions in interstate pipeline tariffs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Prohibits the sale of and the financing of sales of cluster bombs under the Arms Export Control Act. Directs the President to prohibit all exports of cluster bombs under specified export control provisions of such Act. Prohibits the furnishing of cluster bombs to any foreign country under the Foreign Assistance Act. Suspends all obligations to deliver cluster bombs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Renewable Energy Tax Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board. Limits the period of such ban to not more than three years after the Secretary has certified the identify of such person to the Comptroller General. Permits the awarding of Federal contracts to such person during the period of the ban if the Federal agency or department, after notice and opportunity for hearing to all interested parties, certifies to the Secretary that there is no other source for the material or services furnished by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Environmental Works Act of 1983 - Title I: Establishment of Program - Establishes a national policy to: (1) create a program of public works of special benefit to the environment and to create employment; (2) review public works appropriations to ascertain whether environmental benefit projects should receive additional appropriations; and (3) give serious consideration to State recommendations for Federal expenditures for public works of special environmental benefit. Title II: National Park Service - Park Service Land Heritage Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Park Service Land Heritage Program for the improvement and rehabilitation of the national park system. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a national park system resource management plan (the parks management plan) for the restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of park facilities and for the development of new facilities. Requires the Secretary to update the parks management plan every five years. Directs the President to transmit the parks management plan to Congress and to annually incorporate such plan in framing budget requests by the Administration for Park Service activities. Sets forth certain conditions to be included in the parks management plan. Requires the Secretary to provide an opportunity for public involvement and to consult with other interested government departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a detailed inventory of all national park system facilities, lands and resources. Requires the Secretary to establish an Independent Review Board to ensure that only projects consistent with this Act are recommended for completion. Provides the review procedure to be followed for Board recommendations. Prohibits the Board from approving any projects which will induce overuse of National Park Service facilities or which will generate use inconsistent with the preservation of Park Services resources. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Sets forth requirements for the development of the management plans. Requires resource plans, permits, and other instruments for the use and management of National Park Service lands to conform with the parks management plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for implementing projects contained in the parks management plan. Requires ten percent of such appropriated funds to be used to employ youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Title III: United States Fish and Wildlife Service - Fish and Wildlife Land Heritage Act of 1983 - Establishes a Fish and Wildlife Land Heritage Program for the improvement and rehabilitation of the national wildlife refuge system and fish hatcheries, for the improvement of recreation facilities within such system, and for the development of a comprehensive U.S. fish and wildlife system management plan (wildlife management plan). Prohibits such improvement and rehabilitation if it would induce overuse of existing facilities. Requires the Secretary to develop a wildlife management plan for the restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of U.S. fish and wildlife system areas and for the development of new facilities in existing units of the system. Requires the Secretary to update the wildlife management plan every five years. Directs the President to transmit the wildlife management plan to Congress and to annually incorporate such plan in framing budget requests by that Administration for fish and wildlife system activities. Sets forth consideration to be included in the wildlife management plan. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain a detailed inventory of all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administered lands and resources. Requires the Secretary to establish an Independent Review Board to insure that only projects consistent with this Act are recommended for completion and included in the wildlife management plan. Provides the review procedure to be followed for Board recommendations. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Sets forth requirements for the development of the wildlife management plan. Requires resource plans, permits, and other instruments for the use and management of Fish and Wildlife Service administered units to conform with the wildlife management plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for implementing this title. Directs that no provision of this title shall impinge upon other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs. Requires at least ten percent of such appropriated funds to be used to employ youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Title IV: Urban Recreation - National Cultural Parks System - National Urban Cultural Parks Act of 1983 - Establishes a national cultural park system. Requires the Secretary to appoint a Director to administer such system. Requires such system to include those land and water areas designated as national cultural parks by Congress. Defines "national cultural park" to include urban and settled areas. Establishes the Cultural Park Advisory Commission. Sets forth administrative requirements for the Commission. Requires the Commission to undertake a comprehensive study and to formulate recommendations for the creation and management of a national cultural park system. Sets forth requirements for such system and for formulating recommendations for the development of such system. Requires the Commission to submit a specified report to Congress and to the President within three years after funds become available to carry out this title. Requires the Commission to terminate within 30 days of submitting such report. Sets forth the authorities and powers of the Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for the purpose of assisting States in the preservation, interpretation, development, and use of urban resources through preparation, planning, or implementing a cultural park management plan, demonstration project, or to otherise assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish in the Federal Register criteria for the selection of applicants of grants under this section. Sets forth requirements for a cultural park management plan. Sets forth requirements for States to receive a grant under this title. Sets forth conditions for States receiving such grants. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Commission when authorizing or providing funds for demonstration projects or management plans. Requires the Secretary to transmit a report to Congress and to the President, including a detailed statement of the findings and conclusion of the Secretary concerning methods of preserving and managing urban resources. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 for funding such demonstration projects. Title V: United States Forest Service - RPA Plan - Forest Service Environmental Projects Act of 1983 - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to make an annual report to Congress for FY 1984 through 1987 concerning an estimate of the sums necessary to be appropriated to replant and revitalize an acreage of National Forest System land equal to that cut over that year, plus a specified portion of the backlog of lands in need of such treatment. Authorizes additional appropriations for eliminating the backlog of reforestation, fish and wildlife, watershed restoration, and trail maintenance and construction projects. Requires that not less than ten percent of the sums appropriated under this title to be used to employ youth between the ages of 15 and 25. Title VI: United States Forest Service - Urban Trees - Forest Serivce Urban Trees Act - Requires the appropriate State official (of any State which chooses to apply for funds authorized under this title) to develop an arboriculture plan for such State and to submit such plan to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval. Declares that States with approved plans shall be eligible for matching grants under this title. Requires such States to submit a report to the Secretary after the close of each fiscal year including the amounts of certain funds expended in completion of the plan. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas, and to encourage participation of private entities and individuals to furnish arboriculture services. Authorizes the Secretary to provide matching grants on a competitive basis to eligible States for urban arboriculture projects. States the amount of such grants. Sets forth factors the Secretary shall consider in awarding such grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for carrying out this title. Title VII: Passenger Rail Improvement - Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for employment in certain railroad repair or rehabilitation projects. Requires the Secretary to establish and publish guidelines and procedures for making and evaluating applications for financial assistance under this section. Sets forth certain documentation and information to be included in such applications. Authorizes the Secretary to establish objective criteria to determine whether, and to require that, grant recipients are maintaining a good faith level of repair and rehabilitation for projects commenced pursuant to this title. Sets forth certain employment priorities for jobs created pursuant to this title. Requires the Secretary to identify (in the form of a State- by-State listing) all projects necessary for the rehabilitation and improvement of essential roadbeds and facilities of specified rail corridors. Lists certain rail passenger corridors eligible for project grants under this title. Declares that certain terminals and stations, and intermodal connections are eligible for project grants if they meet certain conditions. Requires projects eligible for financial assistance under this title to be structured and administered to achieve specified goals, including the reduction of unemployment. Sets forth requirements for the performance of work under this title concerning labor agreements and standards. Requires grant recipients to maintain certain records. Requires that the Secretary and the Comptroller General have access to certain records for the purpose of audit and examination. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct cost and benefit assessment studies of projects receiving grants or of proposed projects under this title. Requires the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the Congress and the President on actions taken pursuant to this title. Makes conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary to develop a program with five years for upgrading all grade crossings used by any railroad for providing intercity rail passenger service. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987 for this title (other than for the grade crossings program). Title VIII: Light Rail Transit - Light Rail Transit Demonstration and Transfer Fund Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress listing the urban areas which are suitable candidates for the introduction of light rail transit systems. Requires such report to include specified information, including information furnished by municipalities and urban areas. Requires municipalities and urban areas interested in a light rail system to furnish information to the Secretary, including design data and proposals. Requires certain Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in order to facilitate the production of such report. Authorizes appropriations for the production of such report. Authorizes the Secretary to make matching grants to assist States and urban areas in the development of light rail transit systems. Requires such grants to be used for the acquisition, construction, and improvement of light rail facilities and equipment for use in urban areas. Lists eligible facilities and equipment for such grants. States the conditions and requirements for such grants. Authorizes appropriations for this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make advance or progress payments on account of any grant or contract made pursuant to this title. States the conditions for such advance or progress payments. Requires the Secretary to make: (1) an annual report to Congress concerning grants and activities under this title; and (2) a final inspection or review of each completed project. Requires a report on estimated and actual project costs. Title IX: Housing and Neighborhoods - Urban Environment Revitalization Act of 1983 - Authorizes supplemental appropriations for State, tribal, and local community development programs and for urban development action grants. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to submit a report to Congress indicating the total nation wide potential for such programs. Amends Federal law to establish an Independent Review Board to insure that urban development action grants are awarded and implemented consistently with such law. Sets forth provisions concerning Board review and approval of applications for such grants prior to the Secretary's approval of said grants. Sets forth administrative provisions for the Board. Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to authorize additional appropriations. Requires the Secretary to develop and transmit a report including an estimate of the total funds which would be needed to fund all historic preservation projects contained in the backlog of uncompleted projects for the purposes of such Act. Title X: Solar Bank and Weatherization and Employment Act of 1983 - Provides assistance to low-income households to weatherize dwellings. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize increased appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1983 through 1992. Requires the Secretary of Energy to allot at least ten percent of the appropriations under this section to a performance fund available only to provide financial assistance to those States demonstrating the best performance in providing weatherization assistance under this program. Authorizes additional appropriations under the Environmental Works Act for such weatherization program. Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to authorize appropriations for the promotional activities of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title XI: Citizen Suits - Authorizes any person to commence certain civil suits on their own behalf for violations of this Act or to compel certain governmental officials to reasonably apply and administer the policies and provisions set forth in this Act. Sets forth provisions governing such suits, including jurisdiction, parties, court costs, injunctive relief and prima facie evidence of abuse of discretion by administrative officials. Title XII: Supplementary Project Planning - Requires each State to: (1) develop a list, in order of priority, of those public works projects plans or programs of special environmental benefit; and (2) submit such list to the appropriate congressional committees by a specified date. Requires such list to be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, with participation by all interested parties and the public. Sets forth requirements for projects included in such list. Requires the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget and of the Congressional Budget Office to assist the Governor of any State (upon request of any such Governor) in the preparation of the list. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare such a list for any State which does not submit a list for any year. Title XIII: Supplementary Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for supplementary project planning to be allocated according to a specified formula. Authorizes appropriations for certain programs authorized by this Act. Requires the budget committee to review priority lists submitted for supplementary project planning for setting ceilings for water and power development, energy research, and for expenditures for the purposes of this Act. Requires the appropriations committees to give serious consideration to priority lists submitted by the States. Lists the amounts of authorized appropriations for each individual State.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Title I: Labor Standards - Requires any United States person who has or controls an enterprise in South Africa which employs more than 20 people to insure that in operating such enterprise the following employment principles are implemented: (1) desegregation in any employment facility; (2) equal employment for all employees; (3) equal pay for equal work; (4) establishment of a minimum wage and salary structure; (5) increase in the representation of nonwhites in managerial, supervisory, administrative, clerical, and technical jobs; (6) improvement of the quality of employees' lives outside the work environment; and (7) recognition of labor unions and fair labor practices. Declares that the Secretary may issue guidelines and give advisory opinions on compliance with such principles. Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Advisory Council in South Africa to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of such employment principles and to review the annual reports which each U.S. person covered by this Act must submit to the Secretary on the progress made in implementing such principles. Directs the Secretary to establish in the United States an American Advisory Council to make policy recommendations regarding labor practices of U.S. persons in South Africa and to review such persons' progress in implementing such employment practices. Directs the Secretary: (1) to take specified actions to insure compliance with the implementation of such employment principles; and (2) to review the compliance of such persons at least biennially. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Authorizes the President to waive compliance with the implementation of such principles if such compliance would harm U.S. national security. Title II: Prohibition on Loans and Importation of Gold Coins - Prohibits any U.S. financial or lending institution from making any loan directly or through a foreign subsidiary to South Africa unless such loan is for educational, housing or health facilities available to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis. Prohibits the importation of any gold coin minted in South Africa or sold by South Africa. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to enforce the prohibitions on loans and the importation of gold coins. Sets forth penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions for one year if South Africa meets specified conditions. Title III: General Provisions - Directs Federal agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in carrying out provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Amends the Act commonly known as the Second Morrill Act to repeal language relating to racial segregation in colleges. Provides that amendments made by this Act shall not be construed as affecting the eligibility of any land-grant college or institution, including Tuskegee Institute, to receive funds under the Act commonly known as the First Morrill Act or under the Second Morrill Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax deduction from gross income for adoption fees, court costs, attorney's fees, and other expenses incurred in the adoption of a child.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Neighborhood Development Demonstration Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a three-year demonstration program to determine the feasibility of assisting neighborhood development activities by providing Federal matching funds to certain nonprofit neighborhood development organizations on the basis of amounts received from the private sector. Authorizes the Secretary to select, through a competitive process, up to 100 organizations to participate in the program in the first year, 200 in the second, and 300 in the third. Directs the Secretary to establish a neighborhood development advisory council to evaluate the applicants and recommend selections. Requires the Secretary to: (1) assign each participating organization a program year during which time voluntary private contributions shall be eligible for matching; and (2) establish a ratio of between three and ten Federal dollars for each dollar contributed which the Secretary shall pay to each organization at the end of each three-month period of the organization's program year. Limits the maximum amount the Secretary may pay to any organization for a year to $50,000. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) assistance is provided to organizations only if their applications include certification by the local government of the area involved that such assistance is consistent with the housing and community development, conservation, and revitalization objectives of such governments; and (2) the neighborhood development activities conducted comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the activities carried out under this Act and any findings or recommendations concerning the demonstration program. Authorizes appropriations.