United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Preempts State or local laws which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines are inconsistent with this Act. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Preferred Provider Health Care Act of 1983 - Prohibits any State insurance law or regulation from preventing one or more group health plan payors from: (1) establishing alternate payment rates for health care providers, and offering such rates to plan beneficiaries; or (2) limiting payments to services secured by a group health plan for beneficiaries from health care providers charging alternative rates. States that such alternate payment rates shall not constitute a violation of any State law prohibiting payment discrimination among beneficiaries of the same class.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Republic of South Africa should comply with international human rights agreements by ending its "black-spot" policy and by allowing forcibly relocated South Africans to return to ancestral lands; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" sovereignty should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country under "homelands" visas; and (4) the President should send a copy of this resolution to the Republic of South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1984 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1984 and 1985 for activities authorized under the: (1) Clean Air Act; (2) Federal Water Pollution Act; (3) Safe Drinking Water Act; (4) Solid Waste Disposal Act; (5) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; (6) Public Health Service Act (radiation activities); (7) interdisciplinary activities provisions; (8) Toxic Substances Control Act; (9) energy research programs; (10) acid rain research programs; and (11) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) (hazardous waste activities). Authorizes appropriations to the EPA Office of Research and Development for FY 1984 and 1985 for program management and support. Sets forth permissible uses of such funds. Provides for congressional oversight of transfers of funds between categories. Prohibits the Administrator of the EPA from using any funds appropriated under this Act for a reduction-in-force, unless the Administrator has provided certain information to Congress in advance. Requires that a specified amount of the funds appropriated from the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund for FY 1984 and 1985 be expended for research and development activities for each fiscal year. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the costs of those research and development activities associated with or necessitated by the actual or threatened release of hazardous substances be paid for out of such fund created by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund). Directs the Administrator of the EPA to establish and maintain a separately identified program of continuing long-term environmental research and development that will support and contribute to each research category for which appropriations are authorized under this Act. Requires that at least 20 percent of such funds be obligated for such long-term research and development. Directs the Administrator to report annually on the performance of such long-term research and development programs to the appropriate congressional committees at the time the President's budget is submitted to the Congress. Requires that appropriations authorized for energy research under this Act be used for environmental research associated with: (1) synthetic fuels production; (2) coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuel extraction, processing, transportation, and combustion; and (3) other energy development activities and related problems posing threats to public health and the environment (including indoor air pollution). Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish and maintain a long-term health and ecological effects research program on energy-related pollutants; (2) coordinate such program with related Federal research programs; and (3) establish and maintain an energy-related pollutants monitoring program. Directs the Administrator to continue to conduct development and demonstration of energy-related pollution control technologies as required by pertinent pollution control statutes. Directs the Administrator to develop a Senior Environmental Assistance Program to aid Federal, State, and local environmental agencies in carrying out programs under this Act. Requires, to the fullest extent possible, the utilization of existing older American programs in providing such assistance. Requires State and local environmental agencies to certify that activities thus assisted will supplement and not support existing jobs. Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise provisions relating to the membership of the Science Advisory Board. Requires that the Board be composed of members appointed by the Administrator from nomineees recommended by a nominating committee. Requires that the nominating committee's representation include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Directs the NIEHS, in consultation with the Administrator, to establish, chair, and manage the nominating committee. Directs the nominating committee to solicit candidates for nomination to the Board from the general public through notice in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Administrator to obtain necessary information from nominees. Directs the Administrator to publish the name, address, and professional affiliation of each nominee in the Federal Register. Directs the Administrator to ensure that Board membership is fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and functions to be performed. Requires that the terms of Board members be three years and be staggered so that the terms of no more than one-third of the total membership of the Board and its committees expire within a single fiscal year. Requires that each member of the Board serve a full term unless such member is unable, for involuntary reason, to discharge Board duties or has violated conflict of interest regulations. Requires, if a vacancy on the Board is not filled by the Administrator within 90 days, the nominating committee to meet and appoint, within 60 days, a member to fill such vacancy from its list of recommended nominees. Directs the Administrator, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations regarding conflict of interest with respect to Board members. Requires that the Board's advice and comments and the response of the Administrator be included in the record with respect to any proposed rule and published in the Federal Register in accordance with the requirements of the environmental statutes and the authority of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to carry out a research program with respect to indoor air quality. Requires that such program be designed to: (1) gather data and information on all aspects of indoor air quality in order to contribute to the understanding of health problems associated with the existence of air pollutants in the indoor environment; and (2) coordinate Federal, State, local and private research, development, and demonstration efforts relating to the improvement of indoor air quality. Authorizes the Administrator to establish committees of representatives of appropriate Federal agencies, and advisory groups of representatives of the scientific community, industry, and public interest organizations, as may be necessary to assist in carrying out such indoor air quality research program. Directs the Administrator to consult and coordinate with State and local officials and other interested parties having concerns related to such program. Requires the indoor air quality research program to include research concerning: (1) monitoring of pollution sources and levels; (2) effects of indoor air pollution on human health; (3) control technologies; and (4) information dissemination to assure public availability of research findings. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress: (1) an indoor air quality research implementation plan within one year after enactment of this Act; (2) a progress report within 36 months of such enactment; and (3) a final report within 54 months of such enactment. Requires that the progress report and final report be submitted to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) within a reasonable period before submittal to the Congress and contain any NAS comments when submitted. Reserves specified amounts to carry out such program from funds appropriated pursuant to authorization under this Act for FY 1984 and 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of 1983 - Title I: Declaration of Findings and Purposes - Sets forth the findings and purposes of Congress concerning the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Title II: General Program Authorizations and Reporting Requirements - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce for FY 1984 and 1985 in the following categories: (1) ocean research; (2) atmospheric programs; (3) satellite and environmental data and information services; and (4) the National Climate Program Office. Prohibits the transfer of funds among categories in excess of ten percent of the funds authorized unless Congress is given 30 days written notice or each committee having jurisdiction transmits a notice of no objection to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to keep all appropriate committees informed of the activities of NOAA. Requires the Administrator to include a report in the annual budget request. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President with the FY 1985 budget request a report on the importance of meteorological satellites to weather forecasting, including lifetimes and replacement times for NOAA weather satellites. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from transferring ownership or management of any civil land, meteorological, or ocean remote sensing space satellite system and associated ground equipment until such Secretary presents to Congress a comprehensive plan and Congress then enacts a law containing necessary procedures and limitations. Earmarks funds for the continuation of a civil land remote sensing satellite system if no alternative is implemented. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Research Council of the Academies of Science and Engineering to conduct a study of the National Weather Service and related activities. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress within six months on the NOAA's efforts to negotiate such study. Requires that a final report be made to Congress within two years. Authorizes appropriations for such study for FY 1984 and 1985. Title III: National Climate Program - National Climate Program Amendments of 1983 - Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain an interagency Climate Program Policy Board (Board) to coordinate planning, review all executive branch budget requests relating to climate, and establish other groups as necessary. Establishes the position of Director to head the National Climate Program Office, represent the Board, and be the spokesperson for the program. Requires the Office to analyze agency budget requests, coordinate interagency participation in international climate-related activities, and work with the National Academy of Sciences and other groups in preparing and implementing the five-year climate plan. Permits the Office to provide financial assistance for activities needed to meet the goals of the program set forth in such plan. Expands the mechanisms for intergovernmental climate-related studies and services under the program. Requires that the plan be revised and extended not more than biennially but not less than quadrennially. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985. Requires that at least 25 percent of such authorizations be made available each fiscal year for intergovernmental climate-related activities and at least 20 percent for experimental climate forecast centers. Title IV: Ocean Pollution Research - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to consolidate various reporting requirements into an annual report to Congress due each March. Includes within National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) long-term research activities: (1) techniques to define and quantify marine environment degradation; (2) assessment of marine adaptability; (3) continuation of ongoing monitoring programs; and (4) dumping improvements. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) in cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies to study comprehensive regional waste management plans; and (2) in cooperation with NOAA, to report to Congress within one year on sewage sludge disposal options in the New York region. Authorizes FY 1984 and 1985 appropriations, including amounts for such New York study. Title V: Miscellaneous - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out out such Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide at least 60 days notice to affected persons of any weather service office closure or consolidation. Sets forth the criteria the Secretary must use in making a determination, including the effect on the community served and the employees of the office. Requires the Secretary to keep written records of all aspects of such a determination. Requires any decision to close or consolidate to be in writing. Prohibits the Secretary from acting until 60 days have elapsed from the time the written decision is made available. Permits an affected State to sue for review of any such determination. Deems any determination or decision by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to close or consolidate a Weather Service Office to have been made by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress: (1) rejects the proposals of the President to eliminate funding for library programs; and (2) should provide funds to continue our Nation's commitment to our libraries.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to treat elderly or disabled individuals living in certain types of group-living arrangements as individual households.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Shared Housing Residents Assistance Act - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to exclude from unearned income, for the purpose of determining eligibility based on income, support and maintenance received in kind if the residents of a household share the facilities and at least two of the residents (of whom at least one is eligible for SSI) are unrelated. Requires an individual living in such a household to spend for food and shelter at least 25 percent of the applicable monthly amount determined under title XVI.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that participating in certain shared-housing arrangements does not make a taxpayer ineligible for the one-time exclusion of gain from sale of a principal residence by individuals who have attained age 55. Defines a "shared-housing arrangement" as a living situation in which two or more unrelated individuals who are either handicapped or have attained age 60 share housing.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Urges the United States and the Soviet Union to begin talks aimed at creating a jointly administered United States-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury for the business-related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 12 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year from 1985 through 1988 regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1, 1989. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Ethics in Government Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the Attorney General, within five days after the Speaker of the House has certified that an individual in one of specified positions has been found in contempt of Congress, to apply to the court for the appointment of an independent counsel. Requires such counsel to bring the certified statement of facts before the grand jury for its action and to prosecute any resulting indictments.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon determining that a health emergency exists, to make grants and enter into contracts for research into its cause, treatment, or prevention. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984, and for subsequent years in such sums as are necessary to have $40,000,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should begin to coordinate and improve its projections and analysis of world population, resources, and environmental trends as outlined in the Global 2000 study.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should reduce imports of apparel to no more than 25 percent of the American apparel market.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Consumer Product Safety Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984-1988. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission) to employ no fewer than the full-time equivalent of 650 officers and employees and maintain at least ten field offices. Specifies steps the Commission must take to assure the accuracy of information when it initiates public disclosure of information which reflects adversely on the safety of a consumer product. Specifies under what conditions the Commission may disclose information in a case involving substantial product hazard. Exempts written opinions by a member of the Commission respecting his or her vote on any Commission decision from the provisions regarding public disclosure of information. Provides that the Commission must mark documents released in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act with a disclaimer stating that such document has not been reviewed for accuracy. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and the Flammable Fabrics Act to revise the procedures applicable to rules regarding labeling, or the revision or revocation of existing standards and regulations. Repeals the Interim Cellulose Insulation Safety Standard. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to repeal the provision which limits the time period for a preliminary injunction. Authorizes the Commission to assess civil penalties in an administrative action. States that all products regulated by the Commission are subject to the reporting notice and recall provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Repeals the termination date of the Toxicological Advisory Board, thus making it permanent. Amends the Flammable Fabrics Act to eliminate the requirement that a continuing guaranty be filed with the agency that reasonable and representative tests were conducted to show that the fabric or related material conforms with the applicable flammable standards. Grants the Commission jurisdiction over amusement rides located at fixed sites. Requires the Commission to establish an agenda and priorities 30 days before the beginning of each fiscal year after receiving public comment. Permits the Commission to publish periodic reports summarizing agency judgments, decrees and court orders under any Act administered by it.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Home Maintenance Assistance for Older Americans Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, the appropriate State agency designated under the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide home maintenance and repair services to older individuals. Requires preference in the provision of services to be given to low-income older individuals. Provides that, to the maximum extent practicable, the maintenance and repair services shall be accomplished by older individuals. Directs the Commissioner to administer a program of housing counseling for older individuals, in coordination with the repair and maintenance program. Directs the Commissioner to report annually to Congress concerning housing and the elderly. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Weatherization and Employment Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out the low-income weatherization assistance program established under such Act. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop and publish a plan for the implementation of the weatherization program during FY 1985 through 1994. Requires the President to identify in the annual budget submitted to Congress before the start of FY 1986 and through FY 1994 the funding needed for the weatherization program for each fiscal year and the amount needed to complete the program in accordance with the implementation plan. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1994 to carry out the weatherization program. Requires the Secretary to submit a biennial report to Congress on the number of dwelling units weatherized under the weatherization program, the average energy savings per unit, the weatherization measures which have yielded especially high energy savings, and legislative changes necessary to meet the goals of the program. Provides that a minimum of ten percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for the weatherization program shall be allotted to a performance fund which shall provide financial assistance to those States which have demonstrated the best performance during the previous fiscal year in providing weatherization assistance under such program. Eliminates the requirement that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program establish policies and procedures for securing, to the maximum extent practicable, the services of volunteers, training participants, and public service employment workers. Increases from $800 to $2,500 the maximum amount of financial assistance which may be spent for the labor and materials used in the weatherization of one dwelling unit. Specifies the deadlines for the disbursement of funds by the Secretary to the States under the weatherization program. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program give priority in providing weatherization assistance to low-income individuals receiving assistance under the low- income energy assistance program. Requires that the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out the weatherization program provide that assistance to the States may be used to provide information, education, and technical assistance to the residents of low-income dwellings in which weatherization materials have been installed. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to encourage the development of new methods to weatherize multifamily rental dwellings which will benefit both the owners and the occupiers. Authorizes the Secretary to use, in any fiscal year, up to two percent of the funds appropriated for the weatherization program to make grants to local weatherization agencies to carry out field testing of energy saving methods and materials. Includes as "weatherization materials" for purposes of the weatherization program any furnace efficiency modifications. Permits a State to determine whether an insulating or energy conserving device or technology constitutes "weatherization materials" for purposes of such program. Makes such a determination subject to the Secretary's approval. Provides that the term "low-income" shall mean income below any income level established as poverty level under any Federal program being carried out in a State applying for assistance under the weatherization program if such State so elects. Requires that States applying for financial assistance under the weatherization program: (1) submit a training plan for weatherization workers, crew supervisors, field staff, and program directors; (2) arrange for inspections by trained persons of eligible dwellings at least once after the installation of weatherization materials to determine if such materials were the most cost effective and appropriate and were installed correctly; and (3) provide for coordination between the weatherization program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. Makes funds available for the training plan. Requires the Secretary to establish a system for monitoring State and local use of funds under the weatherization program and to promulgate regulations governing cost reporting by local agencies. Provides that the standards governing weatherization efforts by the States shall provide that the procedures to be applied to determine the optimum set of cost- effective weatherization measures to be installed in a dwelling unit shall include State procedures set forth in the State's application and approved by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to designate the Long Island Expressway in New York as part of the Interstate Highway System. Makes such expressway eligible for funds under the 1981 interstate cost estimate and requires its inclusion in future interstate cost estimates. Makes such expressway ineligible for withdrawal from the Interstate System. States that mileage of the expressway shall not be charged against the limitation on the length of the Interstate System.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions which terminate the income tax exclusion for amounts received by an employee under an educational assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should not encourage or support efforts to destabilize or overthrow the government of any Central American nation; (2) other nations in the region should not engage in such activities; (3) all interested parties should encourage the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region; and (4) the United States should engage in multilateral negotiations with Nicaragua and Honduras to reduce the tensions in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Establishes in the Treasury the Crime Victims Compensation Trust Fund. Provides that such trust funds shall be available, as provided by appropriation Acts, for purposes of providing compensation to victims of crime. Provides that the excise tax on handguns shall be appropriated to such trust fund.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should convey U.S. concern for the welfare of Ethiopian Jews and seek ways to assist Ethiopian Jews to emigrate freely.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Prohibits the implementation of certain regulations proposed by the Office of Personnel Management (published in the Federal Register on March 30, 1983) that change the administration of the civil service system by establishing a performance management system and revising regulations concerning reductions-in-force, pay administration under the Fair Labor Standards Act, bargaining policy in labor-management relations, and the prevailing rate pay system. Voids any such regulations which became effective before enactment of this Act. Prohibits the implementation of any other regulations that would have the same effect.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Health Research Extension Act of 1983 - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish as an agency of the Public Health Service the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (abolished as a statutory entity by Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1966) consisting of the following 12 categorical institutes: (1) the National Cancer Institute; (2) the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; (3) the National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; (4) the National Institute on Aging; (5) the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; (6) the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; (7) the National Institute of Dental Research; (8) the National Eye Institute; (9) the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke; (10) the National Institute of General Medical Sciences; (11) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and (12) the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Establishes as agencies within NIH: (1) the Division of Research Resources; (2) the National Library of Medicine; (3) the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences; (4) the Office of Medical Applications of Research; (5) the National Center for Health Services Research; (6) the National Center for Health Statistics; and (7) the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish additional research institutes. Provides that: (1) the NIH shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) the Secretary acting through the Director shall be responsible for the overall direction of NIH, including specified administrative and supervisory functions; and (3) the Director shall delegate certain program promotion and coordination functions to an Assistant Director including the formulation of a long-range disease Prevention Plan (the first Plan to be prepared by January 1, 1985). Prohibits human fetal experimentation unless: (1) necessary for the survival or meeting of the health needs of the fetus; or (2) the risk to the fetus is minimal and no other alternative is possible. Sets forth waiver provisions. Directs the Secretary to appoint a National Institutes of Health Advisory Board to: (1) advise and make recommendations to the Secretary and the Director; and (2) prepare a biennial report. Requires a biennial report to be submitted by the Secretary to the President and to Congress consisting of: (1) a description of the NIH's activities; (2) the biennial report of the Advisory Board; and (3) the biennial reports of the directors of each of the national research institutes and their advisory councils. Requires the Director of NIH to establish Centers for Research and Demonstration of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (ten in FY 1984, ten in FY 1985, and five in FY 1986) to undertake research and demonstration projects in health promotion, disease prevention, and improved methods of appraising health hazards and risk factors. Provides that the Director of the National Cancer Institute shall be appointed by the President, and the Directors of the other national research institutes shall be appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the general duties of the Secretary (acting through the Director of each national research institute) with respect to the aspect of human health for which the institutes were established. Authorizes activities and programs to be supported through grants and contracts approved by each Director. States that each institute shall have an Assistant Director for Prevention. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory council for each institute. Sets forth the duties of such advisory councils, including the periodic review of research. Requires the director of each institute to prepare a biennial report. Authorizes specified appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. States the general purpose and defines the scope of the National Cancer Institute. Requires that cancer control programs under the Institute include demonstration methods for disseminating cancer prevention information to the public. Directs the Secretary, through the Director of the Institute, to establish an information and education center to collect and disseminate information on cancer. Authorizes such Director to: (1) support production or distribution of therapeutic substances for cancer research, including biological materials, and set safety standards for their use; (2) with the approval of such Institute's advisory council, support certain cancer research by foreign nationals outside the United States, encourage collaborative research involving American and foreign participants, and train Americans abroad or foreign nationals in the United States; (3) support education and training programs; (4) coordinate certain research by industrial concerns; (5) hire experts and consultants; (6) acquire, repair, or construct facilities, including facilities in the District of Columbia; (7) appoint advisory committees; (8) enter into contracts, leases, or other transactions; and (9) submit an annual budget estimate to the President. Deletes the existing limitation on aggregate payments respecting cooperative agreements to establish cancer research and demonstration centers, and extends the period of support for a center to five years (with additional extensions of not more than five years). Eliminates the existing requirement that at least two members of the President's Cancer Panel be scientists or physicians, and requires the filling of vacancies within 90 days of their occurrence. States the general purpose and defines the scope of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Requires the Secretary, through the Director of the Institute, to establish an information and education center to collect and disseminate information on research, treatment, and prevention of such diseases. Deletes the existing limitation on aggregate payments respecting research and demonstration centers for heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases. States the general purpose of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Establishes information clearinghouses, data systems, and Associate Director positions, advisory boards, interagency coordinating committees, advisory council subcommittees, and research and training centers. Requires a biennial Institute report. Establishes the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Establishes an information clearinghouse and data system, arthritis and skin diseases coordinating committees, demonstration project grant authority, and multipurpose centers. Requires a biennial Institute report. Establishes a National Arthritis Advisory Board. Sets forth the general purpose of the National Institute on Aging. Transfers the responsibility for public information and education programs on aging from the Secretary to the Director of such Institute. Sets forth the general purposes of the National Institutes of: (1) Allergy and Infectious Diseases; (2) Child Health and Human Development (including grants to mental retardation research centers); (3) Dental Research; (4) Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke; (5) General Medical Sciences; and (6) Environmental Health Sciences. Sets forth the general purpose of the National Eye Institutes. Establishes in the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke an Interagency Committee on Spinal Cord Injury to develop and implement Federal initiatives in spinal cord regeneration research. Requires an annual report to Congress. Sets forth the general purposes of the Division of Research Resources, the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences, and the Office for Medical Applications of Research. Authorizes appropriations for National Research Service Awards through FY 1986. Limits the scope of the Institutional Review Board's authority to federally-financed research. Exempts research which does not involve human risk from such review authority. Requires the Director of NIH to establish procedures for periodic, technical, and scientific peer review of NIH research. States that such procedures shall require that: (1) the reviewing entity be given a written description of the research to be reviewed; and (2) such entity shall provide the advisory council of the institute involved with the results of such review. Requires grant or contract recipients to establish an administrative entity to review project reports of scientific fraud and to report any substantial allegations to the Secretary. Requires the Director of NIH to establish a process for handling such allegations. Provides for expedited grant procedures in cases of public health emergencies. Requires an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding such actions. Requires the Secretary to establish animal research standards, including the formation of animal care committees. Requires NIH grant and contract recipients to meet such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept certain conditional gifts for the NIH or a national research institute; and (2) establish suitable memorials for donations of $50,000 or more. Terminates the National Advisory Health Council. Makes technical changes in specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act and other Federal health laws. Amends the Orphan Drug Act to eliminate the provision requiring the establishment of at least ten sickle cell disease centers. States that the National Library of Medicine shall be an agency of NIH (presently established as part of the Public Health Service). Extends authorizations of appropriations through FY 1986. Requires: (1) an NIH pertussis vaccines study (including comparisons with vaccines used abroad); and (2) such study to be completed and reported to Congress by April 1, 1984, or six months after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Requires the Institute on Aging to conduct a study of personnel for the health needs of the elderly. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees by March 1, 1985. Provides for a study of the effects of commercialization on biomedical research. Requires completion of this study by September 30, 1985. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities. Requires a report to Congress within 18 months. Terminates the Committee 90 days after such report is submitted. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of: (1) the effectiveness of the national research institutes; and (2) the research programs of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prohibits the establishment of any new national research institute (excluding the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases) for at least six months. Requires: (1) the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to conduct research on diet therapy for kidney failure; and (2) a report to Congress by January 1, 1987. Authorizes pay increases and extended work schedules for Public Health Service nurses at NIH. Directs the Secretary to follow specified Office of Management and Budget guidelines in calculating biomedical and behavioral research costs. Establishes the National Commission on Orphan Diseases to evaluate public and private rare disease activities. Requires a report to the Secretary and to each House of Congress by September 30, 1985. Terminates such Commission 90 days after submitting such report. Authorizes FY 1984 and FY 1985 appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Environmental Protection Act of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the existing governmental entities charged with preventing air, water, and land pollution have not adequately protected the environment. States the purpose of this Act to be to protect Americans against adverse effects of environmental changes through the establishment of a multimember independent regulatory commission. Title II: Establishment of Commission - Establishes the Environmental Protection Commission as an independent regulatory commission to be composed of five members appointed by the President with the Senate's approval. Sets forth provisions governing the members, officers, powers, and functions of the Commission and the functions of the Chairman of the Commission. Directs the Science Advisory Board to provide such scientific advice as the Commission may request. Sets forth guidelines for the nomination, selection, and appointment by the Chairman of an individual to fill any vacancy on the Board. Requires the Chairman to issue regulations regarding conflicts of interest with respect to members of the Board. Title III: Transfer of Functions - Transfers to the Commission all functions, not otherwise transferred by this Act, of: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Part A: Personnel Provisions - Provides for the appointment and compensation of Commission officers and employees and the procurement and compensation of experts and consultants. Part B: General Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the authority of the Commission to: (1) exercise transferred functions; (2) delegate functions to its officers and employees; (3) reallocate functions among its offices and reorganize its structure; (4) enter into and perform contracts; and (5) promulgate rules. Requires the Commission, for each proposed action to promulgate or revise a rule, to: (1) establish and make available to the public a rulemaking docket containing the comments and certain documentary information concerning each rule; (2) publish a notice of the proposed action which shall include a statement of the purpose and basis of the rule and the period available for public comment; (3) allow any person to present oral or written data on the rule during the comment period; and (4) keep the record of the rulemaking open for 30 days after completion of the proceeding to provide for submission of rebuttal or supplementary information. Requires the promulgated rule to be accompanied by: (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) a justification of major changes to the rule as proposed; and (3) a response to significant data submitted during the comment period. Provides for the judicial review of such rules. Authorizes a six-month extension of a statutory deadline for the promulgation of such a rule if such extension is necessary to afford the public and the agency adequate opportunity to carry out rulemaking requirements. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) establish, alter, discontinue, or maintain regional and other field offices as necessary; (2) acquire and maintain schools, research and training facilities, and accommodation as may be necessary for employees; (3) establish eating facilities for employees at its installations; (4) provide certain facilities, services, and supplies for employees at remote locations; (5) use the resources of Federal, State, local, and foreign instrumentalities with their consent; (6) permit public and private organizations to use its facilities for Commission purposes; (7) acquire copyrights, patents, applications for patents, licenses under copyrights and patents, and releases for past patent or copyright infringement; (8) accept and use gifts, bequests, and devises of property; (9) provide advice and technical assistance related to its functions; (10) establish a working capital fund; and (11) transfer funds among Commission appropriations, with certain limitations. Directs the Commission to procure a seal of office. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and Congress at the beginning of each regular session of Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of its functions. Requires that such report include: (1) an appraisal of the incidence of health and other effects to the population resulting from environmental causes; (2) an evaluation of the degree of observance of environmental rules; (3) a summary of outstanding problems confronting the Commission; and (4) specified information on voluntary environmental standards developed with the Commission's assistance. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the transfer and allocation of personnel, appropriations, and other resources transferred to the Commission under this Act. Terminates the Environmental Protection Agency and positions in such Agency which were expressly authorized by law or compensated at an Executive Schedule pay rate. Declares that this Act shall have no effect on orders issued, determinations made, proceedings pending, or civil actions commenced before its enactment. Provides that statutory requirements for notice, hearings, and administrative or judicial review applicable to functions transferred by this Act shall continue to apply to such functions. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets forth the effective date of this Act. Provides that funds available to any agency the functions of which are transferred by this Act may, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, be used to pay the compensation of interim officers and other expenses of establishing the Commission or transfering functions until funds for such expenses are otherwise available. Authorizes the President to designate an officer on the executive branch to act as a Commission officer for 120 days or until such office is filled, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Extends by three years, from FY 1984 to FY 1987, the period during which Vietnam-era veterans may request psychological readjustment counseling from the Veterans Administration. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to conduct a comprehensive study of the readjustment of Vietnam-era veterans to civilian life. Requires that such study include a nationwide survey of the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder and related readjustment problems among such veterans and a survey of their health status in relation to that of the general population. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such study by December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Declares that the House of Representatives disapproves the administration's recommendation that the States be required to assume full funding of all joint State and federally funded rail service operating under State supported services provisions of the Rail Passenger Service Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/7e670fd18b46ab357b2266777634a548_200.jpg)