United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1984
Atlantic Striped Bass Restoration Act of 1984 - Imposes a three-year moratorium on fishing for Atlantic striped bass in order to allow restoration of such species. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to terminate or extend (for up to 24 months) the moratorium under specified circumstances. Sets forth procedures for consultation, public notice, and opportunity for public comment prior to final determinations of moratorium termination or extension. Exempts such determinations from judicial review. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for noncompliances with the provision under this Act. Declares that any vessel connected with a violation shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over civil forfeitures. Directs the Administrator to enforce this Act as well as monitor the Atlantic striped bass fisheries in certain waters. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Methanol Energy Policy Act of 1984 - Title I: Methanol Demonstration Program for Federal Vehicles - Requires the Secretary of Energy to acquire at least 1,000 methanol-powered passenger automobiles during FY 1985 and conduct studies with respect to the performance and maintenance of such vehicles. Requires that methanol be offered for sale to the public for use in other vehicles through September 30, 1989. Authorizes the Secretary to provide Federal agencies with such methanol-powered vehicles at their request. Requires the agencies to cooperate with the Secretary in studies related to such vehicles. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary. Title II: Demonstration Program for Methanol- Powered Buses - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to permit State and local entities which are eligible for grants under any other provision of such Act to apply to the Secretary of Transportation for grants for the acquisition of methanol-powered buses. Requires grant recipients to participate in a demonstration program under which the Secretary shall conduct studies and tests with respect to the performance and maintenance of such buses. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for supplemental grants. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for the demonstration program. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Secretary. Title III: Interagency Commission on Methanol - Establishes the Interagency Commission on Methanol to develop and coordinate implementation of a national methanol energy policy. Requires the Commission to: (1) perform various studies with respect to the production, use, and promotion of methanol as a fuel; (2) develop a plan for the commercialization of methanol; (3) develop a public-awareness program on methanol as a transportation fuel; (4) coordinate Federal efforts with respect to methanol research and commercialization; and (5) ensure communication between Federal agencies involved in methanol demonstration projects and establish an information clearinghouse for parties working with or interested in methanol and related projects. Requires the Chairman of the Commission to establish a private sector advisory panel to inform the Commission about methanol-related matters. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to the Commission. Terminates the Commission upon the submission of its last report. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 to carry out this title. Title IV: Pipeline Study - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the transportation of methanol through the interstate liquid pipeline system in the United States. Title V: Allocation of Highway Revenues - Provides that for purposes of the minimum allocation of highway revenues to States, the amount of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in any State shall be increased by the estimated amount of tax such users would have paid if there were no special tax rate or tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code for any liquid which is at least 85 percent methanol, ethanol, or other alcohol. Title VI: Tax Incentives for the Use of Methanol As A Fuel - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit of $1,000 for each passenger automobile purchased by the taxpayer the primary fuel for which is methanol, which is domestically manufactured, and the original use of which commences with the taxpayer. Imposes a tax of four and a half cents a gallon in the case of methanol or ethanol fuel: (1) sold by a person to an operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat as fuel; or (2) used by any person as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat unless there was already a taxable sale of such liquid. Permits a tax exemption for methanol produced from natural gas if such methanol is used for an off-highway business use.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Authorizes the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Incorporated to erect a National Law Enforcement Heroes Memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia or its environs in honor and recognition of law enforcement officials in the United States who died in the line of duty. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Fund, to select with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial other than expenses incurred in the process of site selection and approval of design and plans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984
Higher Education Savings Incentive Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer an income tax deduction for contributions to a savings account established to pay the educational expenses (tuition, supplies, meals, and lodging) of the taxpayer's dependent child at an institution of higher education or a vocational school. Limits the amount of such deduction to $2,000 (adjusted for inflation) for each account per calendar year. Disallows any deduction for contributions to an account for individuals who have attained age 19. Specifies that no account may have more than one beneficiary and that no individual may be a beneficiary of more than one account. Permits the deferral of income tax on income accumulated in such education savings accounts as long as such amounts are used exclusively for educational expenses. Specifies penalties for the use of account funds for other than educational purposes. Requires the trustee of an education savings account to file reports with the Secretary of the Treasury on the maintenance of the account. Imposes penalties for not filing required reports. Extends the deduction for contributions to an education savings account to taxpayers who do not otherwise itemize deductions. Excludes from the gross income of account beneficiaries any distributions from the account made on their behalf which are used for educational expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1984
Marine Recreational Fishing Licensing and Enhancement Act of 1984 - Prohibits recreational fishing in tidal waters without a recreational fishing license issued under a federally approved State licensing program. Provides for Federal licenses in States without an approved program. States that Federal law preempts any marine recreational fishing license regulations established by a State or local government. Specifies exceptions. Provides for Federal approval of State licensing programs for marine recreational fishing subject to specified conditions. Imposes penalties for recreational fishing without a federally approved marine recreational fishing license. Sets forth respective State and Federal jurisdictions for enforcement of marine recreational licensing. Restricts the use of Federal revenues from marine recreational fishing licenses to specified research, enforcement and habitat enhancement programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1984
Prohibits the importation of any article grown or produced in Iran. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit the exportation to Iran of goods, technology, or other information subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Prohibits any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction from exporting to Iran goods, technology, or other information. Exempts from such prohibition exports of food or medicine.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1984
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1984 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years, until December 31, 1988, the period during which mortgage revenue bonds may be issued as tax-exempt bonds (interest excluded from gross income).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1984
Dangerous Drug Diversion Control Act of 1984 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow the Attorney General to place an uncontrolled substance under temporary controls which provide for registration, recordkeeping, and criminal penalties. Authorizes the Attorney General to exempt certain compounds, mixtures or preparations from control. Provides for administrative changes in the registration of practitioners. Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to State and local governments to assist them in controlling the diversion of controlled substances from legitimate channels. Provides for forfeiture of controlled substances possessed in violation of such Act. Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to revise the importation requirements for narcotic and nonnarcotic substances. Makes changes in the registration requirements for importers and exporters of controlled substances. Allows the Attorney General to deny, revoke, or suspend a registration taking into consideration the public interest and international obligations. Makes it unlawful to export controlled substances from the United States without the required proof that the export does not violate the law of the importing country. Allows the Attorney General to authorize the importation of certain narcotic raw materials (opium, poppy straw, and coca leaves) necessary for medical or scientific purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to require that the eligibility criteria for legal assistance not exclude persons who were eligible for the Corporation's services under the criteria in effect on January 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Expresses the appreciation of Congress to the descendants of blacks who contributed to American Independence. Encourages State and local governments and private organizations to conduct activities during Black History Month 1985 in honor of black involvement in the American Revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends the Great Lakes Fishery Act of 1956 to increase from three to four the number of Commissioners on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Prescribes residency and official capacity requirements. Sets forth grounds for removal by the President. Sets a six year term of office (except for certain Commissioners first appointed after enactment of this Act), with a two term maximum for any individual. Increases the number of advisory committee members who may be paid their travel expenses and per diem from fivt to ten. Directs the Commission to submit a report to Congress every three years beginning January 1, 1985, on projects undertaken and any appropriate ecological or environmental information.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
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 · 18 November 1983
Declares that the London Dumping Convention: (1) is the appropriate vehicle for the regulation and control of subseabed emplacement of high-level radioactive materials; and (2) should continue to prohibit the subseabed emplacement of high-level radioactive wastes until scientific research demonstrates that such activity will not pose a threat to the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a new license to an existing licensee for a hydroelectric project authorized under such Act if the United States does not, upon the expiration of the existing license, exercise its right to take over, maintain, and operate such licensee's project, unless the Commission determines that such licensee's project will not meet the licensing standards under such Act. Provides that if the Commission determines that such licensee's project does not meet such standards, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to a new licensee which may cover the existing licensee's project provided that the new licensee pays just compensation determined by the Commission and enters into any contracts required under the Federal Power Act. (Under current law, the Commission is authorized to issue a new license to the original licensee or a new license to a new licensee if the United States does not exercise its rights with respect to an expired license.)
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations to introduce before the U.N. General Assembly a resolution calling for the withdrawal of Syrian and Syrian-controlled forces from Lebanon in order to facilitate the return of peace to the country.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Great Lakes Water Preservation Act - Provides that Great Lakes water shall not be diverted for use outside a Great Lakes State unless such diversion is approved by all eight Great Lakes States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin) and the International Joint Commission. Prohibits any Federal study of Great Lakes water diversion unless such study is undertaken by the Corps of Engineers under the direction of the International Joint Commission in accordance with the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping of municipal sludge, except as provided in the Act. (Current law prohibits dumping sludge, except as provided in the Act.) Defines "municipal sludge" as solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated by a wastewater treatment plant. Authorizes issuance of a dumping permit for any hazardous waste identified and listed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1979 only if the waste will be incinerated at sea or rapidly neutralized in the marine environment. Authorizes the issuance of a dumping permit for municipal sludge only if: (1) the plant generating the sludge is in compliance with requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) a suitable land-based alternative to ocean disposal is not available. Requires, rather than permits, the imposition of processing fees for permits. Sets forth provisions regarding the dumping of municipal sludge in the New York Bight Apex. Prohibits dumping in the Apex after the earlier of December 31, 1986, or the day the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that municipal sludge can reasonably be dumped elsewhere. Permits dumping, however, after December 1, 1986: (1) if dumping in the Apex will result in less harm than dumping elsewhere; and (2) until a more suitable location is found. Imposes fees for municipal sludge dumped in the Apex of: (1) $25 for each dry ton dumped during 1984; (2) $40 for each dry ton dumped during 1985; and (3) $55 for each dry ton dumped after 1985. Requires the fees, whether used by the Administrator or local authorities, to be utilized as specified for the improvement of the Apex. Provides for trust accounts for local authorities for any fee amounts not paid to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to: (1) prepare a comprehensive assessment of disposal options for municipal sludge generated by local authorities; (2) prepare a New York Bight Apex Restoration Plan; and (3) carry out base-line monitoring of alternative sites. Requires the assessment and plan to be submitted to Congress. Requires the assessment to be prepared in consultation with State and local officials from New York and New Jersey. Requires the Administrator to submit a report to Congress on the technological and economic feasibility of establishing and implementing quality standards for the disposal of municipal sludge through ocean or land-based methods. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 to the Environmental Protection Agency for purposes of preparing the New York Bight Apex Restoration Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause certain vessels to be documented as vessels of the United States entitled to engage in the coastwise trade. Terminates such authority one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Makes the operation of such vessels in the Gulf of Mexico conditional upon a comparable vessel entering the trade in such area.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) an equal number of the meetings of the 1984 session of the United Nations General Assembly, beginning in September 1984, should be held in New York City and in Moscow; and (2) the President should instruct the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to take steps to bring such proposal before the General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983
Criminal Justice Act Revision of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to revise provisions concerning the appointment of counsel in Federal criminal proceedings. Makes the representation of material witnesses in custody a right of such witnesses instead of discretionary with the court. Authorizes the representation of financially eligible persons charged with a petty offense for which a sentence of confinement is authorized. Authorizes appointment of an additional attorney in complex or difficult cases where the court finds it to be in the interest of justice. States that counsel should be provided as soon as feasible after custody begins and that the authorities should notify the official responsible whenever a person in custody requests counsel or is without counsel. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to set and modify the maximum hourly rates within a certain range which appointed counsel shall receive. Increases the maximum amounts appointed counsel may receive: (1) in a felony case, from $1,000 to $5,000; (2) for a misdemeanor, from $400 to $1,500; and (3) for an appeal, from $1,000 to $3,000. Provides that for any other kind of representation authorized by this section, the compensation shall not exceed $1,000. Provides for an additional authorization of $300 for investigative, expert, or other service with prior request of counsel and for an additional amount in certain circumstances. Increases the maximum amount of compensation paid to a person for services other than for legal counsel to $1,000. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide liability insurance for employees of a Federal Public Defender Organization or Community Defender Organization receiving grants. Authorizes appropriations to the U.S. courts for representation plans, including funds for the continuing education of persons providing representational services.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1983
United States Marshals Service and Witness Security Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Protection of Government Witnesses - Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the Attorney General to relocate and protect witnesses and their families involved in Federal or State trials of violent offenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to take action to protect the person from bodily injury or otherwise to assure the health, safety, and welfare of that person. States that the Attorney General shall not protect any person where the risk of danger to the public in the proposed community of relocation outweighs the need for that person's testimony. Requires the Attorney General to establish guidelines defining the types of cases which constitute "violent offenses." Requires any person protected under this Act to enter into a memorandum with the Attorney General. Requires the memorandum to set forth such person's responsibilities, including agreement to: (1) if an actual or potential witness, to provide information to all appropriate law enforcement officials and to testify in all proceedings; (2) refrain from committing any act punishable by a prison term; (3) take all necessary steps to avoid detection by others of the facts concerning the protection provided; (4) cooperate with all reasonable requests of Government employees; (5) comply with civil judgments; (6) designate another person to act as an agent for the service of process; (7) make a sworn statement of all outstanding legal obligations imposed by court order, and (8) disclose any probation or parole responsibilities. Establishes a procedure for the termination of protection upon substantive breach of such agreement. Allows an individual to file a grievance within the Department of Justice independent of the program providing protection. Authorizes a probation officer to supervise any person provided protection under this Act who is on probation or parole under State law, provided the State involved consents to such supervision. Provides for service of process on a protected person and compliance with a judgment in a civil proceeding. Sets forth arbitration procedures with respect to child custody or visitation arrangements where a protected person is a party to a disputed order. Allows the Attorney General to pay restitution to, or in the case of death compensation for the death of, any victim of a crime committed by any person provided with protection. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General to establish guidelines and procedures for making such payments. Requires all Federal agencies to cooperate with the Attorney General in carrying out this Act. Allows the Attorney General to agree with a State government to provide protection for a person. Title II: United States Marshals Service and Service of Process - Revises the United States Marshals Service System. Authorizes the Attorney General to appoint a director and other officials. Specifies the powers and duties of the Service. Grants an official of the Service the same powers that a State sheriff may exercise. Prescribes the schedule of fees that the Service may collect.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from Federal income taxes members of the armed forces of the United States who die as a result of hostile action outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Criminal Fine Collection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the imposition, payment, and collection of fines. Lists factors that the court must consider in determining whether to impose a fine, including: (1) the ability of the defendant to pay; (2) the burden that payment will impose on the defendant; and (3) any restitution or reparation made by the defendant. States that payment of a fine is due immediately unless the court requires payment by installment or by any date certain. Permits a sentence to pay a fine to be stayed while an appeal is taken. Makes a fine delinquent if any portion of such fine is not paid within 30 days of when it is due. Provides that a fine is in default if it is more than 90 days delinquent. Allows for the modification or remission of a sentence to pay a fine. Requires the clerk to forward each fine payment to the U.S. Treasury and notify the Attorney General of its receipt. Requires the court to certify to the Attorney General when a fine exceeding $100 is imposed, modified, or remitted. Makes the Attorney General responsible for the collection of any unpaid fine for which certification has been issued. Allows the court to impose interest and monetary penalties for any willful nonpayment. Establishes civil remedies for the satisfication of an unpaid fine. Provides that a judgment imposing a fine may be enforced by execution against the property of the person fined as are judgments in civil cases. Allows the court to resentence a person upon willful failure to pay a fine to any sentence which might originally have been imposed. Provides for a statute of limitations on the liability to pay a fine of 20 years or upon death of the person fined. Provides penalties for criminal default of a fine. Makes payment of a fine a condition of probation or parole in certain circumstances. Requires the Attorney General to include in the annual crime report steps taken to implement this Act and any progress achieved in criminal fine collection.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1983
State Justice Institute Act of 1983 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a tax-exempt private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (4) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to provide that rail carriers subject to the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission may enter into contracts for transportation services only with purchasers of rail services. Defines "purchaser of rail service" as a person who pays freight charges directly to a rail carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should give priority attention, in discussions with the Japanese, to the realignment of the yen-dollar exchange rates and to achieving greater equilibrium in the flow of goods, services, and investments between the two countries; and (2) measures to achieve such equilibrium should include mechanisms for close consultations and policy coordination in order to maintain acceptable fluctuations in the value of the yen, reduce disparities in the interest-rate levels, and allow equivalent access of foreign investors to domestic capital markets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Synthetic Fuels Corporation Fiscal Accountability Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Security Act to prohibit the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation from making new awards of financial assistance after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Corporation's comprehensive strategy for achieving the national synthetic fuel production goal is approved by Congress. Makes limitations on Corporation construction projects effective upon the enactment of this Act rather than upon approval of the comprehensive strategy as provided under current law.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Small Business Competitive Procurement Act of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit Government procurement officers from using qualified bidders or similar lists to preclude small businesses from being awarded contracts without referring the matter for final disposition to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Requires the SBA to certify small businesses as eligible to perform specified Government subcontracts if the contract involved exceeds $100,000 or the approved limits of a contractor's procurement system, whichever is greater. Provides that a Government procurement officer may not refuse to include a product of a small business concern or group of small business concerns on a qualified products list without referring the matter for final disposition to the SBA. Requires the SBA to make such final disposition within 60 days. Prohibits the SBA from: (1) establishing an exemption from the requirements that Government procurement officers refer questions as to a small business' eligibility as a Government contractor to the SBA for disposition; or (2) refusing to accept such a referral. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the award of Government prime contracts and subcontracts for appropriate portions of component systems, spare parts, and services for major weapon systems. Provides that during the planning for contracts for the procurement and performance of service or for the production or assembly of goods and spare parts for major weapon systems, the head of each Federal agency shall maximize competition for such components or services so as to insure to the maximum extent practicable that small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses are not precluded from performing as prime contractors and subcontractors on such contracts. Requires Federal agencies to publicly post and make available to small businesses information concerning the agencies' solicitations, unless such disclosure of information would be a breach of security or would disclose the Government's cost estimate for the procurement. Directs the Department of Defense to use funds appropriated for the development or production of any major weapon system to acquire manufacturing data relating to such system. Requires contracts entered into by any military department for the development or production of any major weapons system to contain provisions insuring the Government's acquisition of such manufacturing data, including conditions under which the contractor waives proprietary rights with respect to data necessary for the performance of such contracts. Provides waiver authority upon notification to specified congressional committees in instances where the military department determines that manufacturing technical data is not necessary. Directs each military department, within a specified time, to complete an inventory of the manufacturing technical data which the Government has in its possession or to which it has access. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to transmit to Congress, within three years after enactment of this Act, a report evaluating each military department's efforts to compile an inventory of the manufacturing data for major weapons systems in its possession or to which it has access. States that Federal procurement rulemaking is to be covered under the Administrative Procedure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Amends the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act to revise the authority of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy within the Office of the President. Allows the President to appoint the Vice President to be the Director. Requires Deputy Directors for Drug Abuse Prevention and for Drug Enforcement. Requires the Director to establish, plan, and coordinate Federal drug abuse functions. Directs the Director to make recommendations to the President and consult and assist State and local governments in order to implement such policies. Directs the Attorney General to notify the Director that a certain drug has a potential for abuse or should be transferred or removed from a schedule under the Controlled Substances Act. Requires the Director to submit an annual report to Congress on the activities conducted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Japanese to extend the current voluntary auto export limits beyond March 31, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States and Japan should exert maximum efforts to resist Soviet challenges in Asia; (2) Japan should make a greater contribution to its own defense; and (3) Japan's defense expenditures should be at least three percent of its gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1983 - Title I: Improved Identification for Motor Vehicle Parts and Components - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle theft prevention standard applicable to parts used in the manufacture of motor vehicles (other than motorcycles), or manufactured as new replacement parts, after the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before promulgating such standard, including an evaluation of the effect on domestic motor vehicle production and sales. Stipulates that the standard shall not: (1) impose additional costs upon manufacturers in excess of $10 per motor vehicle; or (2) require the identification of more than 14 parts for any motor vehicle, nine parts for any truck, or four parts for any trailer. Sets forth compliance provisions for manufacturers of passenger motor vehicles or of passenger motor vehicle equipment. Specifies civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Declares that a Federal motor vehicle standard supercedes any State or local standard. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies on the development of security devices and systems. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on such devices and systems within one year of enactment. Provides for repeal of this title on a specified date. Title II: Antifencing Measures - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for removing or altering any identification number of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulation. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or part which has had such number removed, with specified exceptions. Applies to the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles and parts those provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels and merchandise under the customs laws. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title III: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any motor vehicle, off-highway vehicle or vehicle part knowing that it has been stolen or that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used motor vehicle or off-highway mobile equipment to present to the appropriate customs officers the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to exchange information concerning such vehicles with law enforcement organizations. Title IV: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a task force to study problems relating to motor vehicle titling and controls over motor vehicle salvage which may affect the motor vehicle theft problem. Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Treasury and Transportation and the Postmaster General, to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1983 - Title I: Establishment of An Independent National Archives and Records Administration - Establishes the National Archives and Records Administration as an independent establishment in the executive branch to be directed by the Archivist of the United States. Requires the Archivist to be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Archivist to appoint a Deputy Archivist. Sets forth the administrative duties and authority of the Archivist. Requires the Archivist to submit to Congress an annual report concerning the administration of functions of the Archivist and the Administration. Transfers to the Administration and the Archivist the functions, duties, and authority of the General Services Administration (GSA) and its Administrator, respectively, concerning: (1) congressional printing and binding; (2) the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations; (3) the distribution and sale of public documents; (4) archival administration; (5) presidential records; (6) the National Archives Trust Fund Board; (7) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission; (8) records management; (9) the disposal of records; (10) official territorial papers; (11) Indian records placed with the Oklahoma Historical Society; (12) public laws, Constitutional amendments, and the United States Statutes at Large; and (13) electoral credentials and certificates. Transfers to the Administration the National Archives and Records Service. Title II: Administrative Provisions - Limits the fee that the Archivist may charge for making or authenticating copies of materials to the amount necessary to recover actual costs. (Currently such fee may exceed such costs by up to ten percent.) Requires such fees to be deposited to the credit of the appropriation against which they are charged. (Currently such fees are paid into the National Archives Trust Fund.) Requires the National Archives Trust Fund Board to use the services and personnel of the Administration to assist the Board in performing its functions. (Currently the Board may appoint necessary employees.) Directs the Board to submit to Congress an annual report on its operations and on the moneys, securities, and personal property received and held by it. Authorizes the Board to authorize the transfer of funds to the Administration to be expended on an archival or records activity approved by the Board or to accomplish the purpose of a gift or bequest. Prohibits expenditures for purposes for which appropriated funds could not be expended, unless required by the instrument of gift or bequest. Permits the Board to solicit gifts or bequests. Requires that moneys received for the Fund be deposited within five working days. Allows disbursements from the Fund only for activities approved by the Board, including the publication of special works and the release of historical photographs and recordings. Authorizes the Archivist to sell such publications and releases at a price which will cover their cost (currently, cost plus ten percent). Authorizes the Archivist to initiate action for the recovery of agency records unlawfully removed or for other legal redress against persons who remove or destroy agency records if the agency fails to take such action within a reasonable period of time after being informed of its necessity by the Archivist. Directs the Archivist to report any such agency failure to the appropriate committees of Congress. Directs the Archivist to establish detailed criteria for determining whether material should be classified as agency records. Grants the Archivist access to any material made or received by an agency to determine whether the agency is in compliance with regulations governing records disposal. Permits the Archivist to authorize an agency to dispose of records only after publishing notice of, and providing an opportunity for public comment on, such disposal.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1983
Regulatory Oversight and Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Agency Rulemaking Improvements - Requires each executive agency and each independent regulatory agency to include in the notice of a proposed rule an explanation of the agency's determination as to whether the rule is a major rule. Directs each agency, before or upon publishing notice of a proposed rulemaking proceeding for a major rule, to issue statements concerning: (1) the need for the rule; (2) the reasonable alternative approaches; (3) regional differences; (4) the benefits, costs, and effectiveness of the proposed rule and alternatives; (5) the advantages and disadvantages of adopting performance standards rather than design standards; (6) the technical information the agency will rely on in making the rule; and (7) the statutory authority of the agency to regulate any areas previously regulated only by State law. Requires that each agency issue additional statements upon providing notice of the promulgation of a major rule, including a statement of its determination that the benefits of the rule will justify the costs of the rules and that the rule will achieve rulemaking objectives in a more cost effective manner than the alternatives. Directs each agency to: (1) include in the notice of each proposed and final major rule, instructions on how the public may obtain copies of agency statements on such rule; (2) send a copy of all statements required at the notice and publication of a major rule to the President; and (3) include such statements and any technical information considered in the rulemaking file. Requires agencies to provide for oral presentations at informal public hearings as part of the rulemaking proceedings for major rules. Directs agencies to allow cross-examination of persons presenting information if necessary to resolve significant issues of fact. Directs agencies to regulate such public hearings so as to ensure orderly and expeditious proceedings. Allows an agency to delay completing the rulemaking requirements of this Act if it publishes a finding that complying with such requirements before making the rule would be impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. Requires an agency to complete such requirements as soon as practicable after promulgating the rule unless the rule will expire within two years. Sets forth provisions governing the judicial review of agency compliance with rulemaking and rule review requirements of this Act and the President's compliance with oversight requirements. Directs the President to: (1) establish procedures for agency implementation of the requirements of this title; (2) afford the public an opportunity to comment on such procedures before adoption; and (3) monitor, review, and comment on agency compliance with such requirements. Permits the Comptroller General to review agency compliance with this Act. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, a regulatory agenda containing a list of all rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, repeal, modify, or review in the next year and specified information concerning such rules. Requires publication of the agendas of all agencies in a single issue of the Federal Register. Directs each agency to publish for public comment a proposed schedule for the review of its existing major rules and other rules that may be added by the agency or the President. Declares that each such rule shall cease to be effective not more than ten years after the date the final schedule is published. Directs each agency to publish its responses to public comments upon publishing the final schedule. Requires an agency to include with the publication of a major rule the date, within ten years, on which the rule will expire and the date by which the rule must be reviewed. Directs each agency to: (1) publish a notice of the initiation of the review of a rule; (2) describe the costs, benefits, problems, and alternatives to the rule; (3) provide a period for public comment; and either (4) conduct a rulemaking proceeding to reissue or amend the rule; or (5) publish an explanation of its decision to allow the rule to expire. Allows agencies to alter review schedules if the President agrees. Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to eliminate the exemption of rules concerning loans, grants, and benefits from notice and comment rulemaking requirements. Requires that the notice of a proposed rulemaking include: (1) a statement of the objectives of the rule; (2) a statement that the agency seeks proposals from the public of alternative methods; and (3) a statement of where the file of the rulemaking proceeding may be inspected or how file copies may be obtained. Requires an agency to: (1) provide a period of at least 60 days after publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking for the public to submit comments on a proposed rule; and (2) include the agency's response to such comments in the statement published with the adopted rule. Prohibits an agency from relying on any material of central relevance in a rulemaking if the material is not included in the rulemaking file or the public has not had an opportunity to comment on the material. Directs each agency to maintain a public file on each rulemaking proceeding. Allows an agency to exclude from such file any material relied upon which is exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, if a statement of the basis for such exclusion is included. Requires a court reviewing an agency action: (1) not to accord any presumption in favor of or against agency action; (2) in determining questions of law other than statutory jurisdiction, to give the agency's interpretation such weight as it warrants considering the agency's authority under law; (3) in making determinations concerning statutory jurisdiction, to determine whether the action is within the agency's jurisdiction on the basis of the statutory language or other indications of legislative intent; and (4) in determining whether the adoption of a rule is in accordance with law, to consider whether there is substantial support in the rulemaking file for the agency's factual determinations. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within ten days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select, by a system of random selection, the court in which the record shall be filed. Authorizes the courts to postpone the effective date of the agency action as necessary to permit designation of the court of record. Prohibits agencies from paying expenses of persons participating or intervening in agency proceedings except as specifically authorized by statute. Title II: Congressional Review of Agency Proceedings - Requires each agency to transmit a copy of each rule it promulgates to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Declares that such rule shall be considered only as a recommendation of the agency to Congress. Prohibits a major rule from taking effect unless a joint resolution approving the rule is enacted within 90 days. Prohibits a rule other than a major rule from taking effect if a joint resolution disapproving the rule is enacted within 90 days. Prohibits an agency from promulgating a new rule that is substantially the same as a major rule that was not approved or any other rule that was disapproved. Directs the Comptroller General, at the request of a committee of either House which has primary legislative jurisdiction over a rule or on his or her own initiative, to inform such committee as to whether the rule is consistent with the statutory authority under which it was promulgated. Exempts an emergency rule from such congressional review requirements if the agency submits to the appropriate congressional committees a written notice of: (1) its determination that the rule is an emergency rule; (2) the time period (limited to 210 days) during which the rule will be effective; and (3) its intention to issue a final rule, if necessary, when such emergency rule expires. Sets forth House and Senate procedure for the consideration of such resolutions of approval or disapproval. Declares that: (1) congressional inaction on or rejection of a resolution disapproving a rule shall not be deemed an expression of approval of that rule; and (2) enactment of a resolution approving a major rule shall not be construed to create any presumption of validity with respect to such rule and shall not affect the judicial review of such rule. Title III: Regulatory Oversight and Control Amendments to House Rules - Amends the rules of the House of Representatives to establish a Regulatory Review Calendar to which all resolutions for the approval or disapproval of agency rules shall be referred. Provides for the consideration of the resolutions on such Calendar on the first and third Monday and the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Declares that it shall be in order during the reading of a general appropriation bill to consider any germane amendment proposing a limitation restricting the implementation of an agency rule, other than a major rule, for which a resolution of disapproval has not been considered by the House, or has been passed by the House but not enacted, within the time required under this Act. Requires each standing committee of the House to consider and adopt its oversight plans in a meeting which is open to the public by March 1 of the first session of a Congress. Directs each such committee to: (1) consult with other congressional committees with jurisdiction over the same areas to assure that such areas are reviewed in the same Congress and that there is maximum coordination and cooperation between such committees in conducting such review; (2) give priority to the review of programs under permanent budget or statutory authority; and (3) attempt to ensure that all laws, programs, activities, and agencies within its jurisdiction are reviewed at least once every ten years. Requires each committee to submit its final plans to the Committee on Government Operations which shall report all such plans to Congress with recommendations to assure the effective coordination of such plans. Authorizes the Speaker of the House, with the approval of the House, to appoint special ad hoc committees to review specific matter within the jurisdiction of two or more standing committees. Requires each committee to include in its biennial report to the House separate sections summarizing the legislative and oversight activities of that committee. Declares that it shall not be in order in the House to consider a primary expense resolution for any committee that has not submitted its oversight plans to the Committee on Government Operations.