United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1983
Research and Development Joint Venture Act of 1983 - Provides that no person shall be liable under the antitrust laws for entering into or performing a contract for joint research and development projects if such person gives notice to the Attorney General in accordance with this Act. Sets forth requirements and restrictions with respect to such contracts. Requires the parties to such a contract to notify the Attorney General in writing of: (1) the date of the contract and of any contract amendments; (2) the names of the parties to the contract; (3) the nature of each research and development project to be carried out under such contract; (4) the names of the parties who will participate in each such project; and (5) the contract's compliance with the requirements under this Act. Requires the Attorney General to publish this information in the Federal Register. Provides that no person shall be liable under the antitrust laws for any relief other than injunctive relief for performance of a contract for a joint research and development project if: (1) such person discloses the nature of the project and the identities of the project participants to the Attorney General and provides any information the Attorney General may require; and (2) contract performance occurs more than 90 days after such information is disclosed or more than 60 days after the Attorney General publishes notice with respect to such project in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate the parties to a contract for joint research and development projects in order to ascertain whether: (1) the information required to be submitted by such parties under this Act is accurate; (2) the contract complies with requirements under this Act; and (3) the research and development projects comply with the contract terms. Requires the Attorney General to notify the persons who are the subjects of such investigations: (1) that an investigation is in progress; and (2) if the investigation shows that the contract involved does not comply with this Act. Provides that entering into or performing a contract for joint research and development shall not be considered per se to be a violation of the antitrust laws. Provides that no person shall be liable under the antitrust laws for an amount in excess of actual damages sustained by a claimant, the cost of suit, and any interest awarded if such liability is the result of entering into or performing such a contract. Requires the awarding of reasonable attorney's fees to a person against whom a claim arising from such a contract is made if such claim fails. Requires the Attorney General to submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President pro tempore of the Senate a report on the operation of this Act.
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 · 28 September 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to allow for the advertising of lotteries conducted in accordance with State law by nonprofit or charitable organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Department of Defense Procurement Procedures Act of 1983 - Sets forth a formula for determining the applicable percentage of Department of Defense procurement of property and services which must be made through formal advertising for fiscal years after FY 1983. Prohibits the Department of Defense from expending funds for negotiated contracts in any fiscal year following a fiscal year where the purchases and contracts made through formal advertising fall below the applicable percentage. Removes such prohibition if the Department meets or exceeds the applicable percentage during or after that fiscal year. Requires that specified information concerning a negotiated contract be part of the records of the contracting agency, including all cost and pricing data submitted by a contractor and the name of each Government official who participated in the negotiating or awarding of such contract. Requires that agency records on negotiated contracts containing classified information be maintained for at least ten years and be made available to Congress and the Comptroller General upon request. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish procedures which are similar to formal advertising procedures for the purchase of or contracting for personal or professional services. Sets forth investigatory procedures to determine the need for and price of services by a university or other educational institution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Authorizes the Veterans Administration to furnish each veteran with a compensable service-connected disability such drugs and medicines as may be prescribed by any licensed physician for treatment of the service-connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
States that the United States: (1) condemns the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7; (2) calls for an explanation from the Soviets; (3) extends its sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and supports their rights to obtain reparations from the Soviets; (4) calls on the Soviets to assist in the recovery of the remains of the victims; (5) calls for an international investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) declares its intention to demand that the Soviets modify their air defense procedures to assure the safety of commercial airliners; (7) finds that this incident will make it difficult for the U.S. and other nations to accept the Soviets as responsible members of the international community; and (8) urges our allies and other nations to cooperate with specified demands on the Soviets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that attacks on international civilian airlines are to be denounced and condemns the Soviet attack on KAL flight 7. Supports the President's actions to bring the Soviet Union before the world community to: (1) admit its liability and responsibility for this incident; (2) offer recompense to its victims; and (3) guarantee that the safety of civilian airlines will not be violated in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine with 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the reporting of tips by large food or beverage establishments in lieu of allocation requirements if reported tips do not equal eight percent of gross receipts. Allows for a reduction of such percentage under certain circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Social Security Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Standards of Disability - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who is receiving disability benefits or child, widow's, or widower's insurance benefits based on disability may be determined not to be entitled to such benefits on the grounds that the disability involved has ceased, does not exist, or is not disabling, only if: (1) there has been medical improvement in the individual's impairment so that the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity; (2) the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity as a result of medical or vocational therapy or technology; or (3) on the basis of new or improved diagnostic techniques, the individual's impairment is not considered as disabling as it was at the time of the most recent prior disability determination and the individual can engage in substantial gainful activity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) conduct a study, in conjunction with the National Academy of Sciences, on the use of subjective evidence of pain in making disability determinations; and (2) submit the study results to specified congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to consider the combined effect of all of an individual's impairments in determining whether such individual is unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. Title II: Disability Determination Process - Requires the Secretary to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in effect under part 404 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations which are used to make individualized determinations of disability for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from carrying out continuing eligibility reviews with respect to individuals previously determined to be under a disability due to mental impairment until such revisions have been established by final regulation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in any case involving fraud or where an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth requirements for the redetermination of disability determinations made after the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Secretary's revisions are established by final regulation. Provides that an initial disability determination by the Secretary or by a State agency which is unfavorable to a disability benefit applicant shall remain pending until after notice and opportunity for review. Requires that such a determination contain a statement of the case which indicates the basis of the disability determination, the right to a review, and the right to submit additional medical evidence before such review. Entitles the applicant or the applicant's spouse, divorced spouse, surviving divorced spouse, surviving spouse, surviving divorced mother, child, or parent to a review of a pending disability determination upon request and upon a showing that his or her rights may be prejudiced by such determination. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such a review. Requires the Secretary or the State agency to affirm or modify a pending disability determination on the basis of such a review. Provides that an initial decision by the Secretary as to an individual's eligibility for disability benefits which is based upon an initial disability determination and which is unfavorable to such individual shall contain a statement of the case which indicates the basis of such decision, the individual's right to a hearing, and the individual's right to submit additional evidence before or at such hearing. Entitles an individual who is dissatisfied with an initial decision by the Secretary to judicial review. Requires the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects in at least five States implementing the amendments made by this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on such projects. Removes certain time restrictions on the continued payment of disability benefits during the appeal process. Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the effect of the continued payment of benefits during the appeal process upon the expenditures of the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund; and (2) the rate of appeals to administrative law judges of unfavorable disability benefit entitlement determinations. Provides that a disability determination in the case of an individual with a mental impairment shall be made only after a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist employed by the State agency or the Secretary has made the proper medical evaluation. Requires the Secretary to prescribe standards with respect to consultative examinations which must be obtained for disability determinations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the application of Federal rulemaking and administrative procedure requirements to disability determinations under title II of the Social Security Act. Specifies certain decisions by a U.S. court of appeals with which the Secretary and the Department of Health and Human Services must comply, unless there is a review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Expands the types of cases with respect to which States may be reimbursed by the Secretary for the costs of furnishing vocational rehabilitation services. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Council on the Medical Aspects of Disability, which shall advise and make recommendations to the Secretary on disability standards, policies, and procedures. Terminates the Council on December 31, 1985. Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to require that each report by the Secretary to Congress on the administration of the Social Security Act contain a description of the current status of the disability insurance program under title II of such Act. Requires the Secretary to establish enough attorney adviser positions in the Department of Health and Human Services to insure adequate opportunity for career advancement for attorneys in the Social Security Administration. Requires that such attorneys be given qualifying experience for appointment to administrative law judge positions. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees with respect to complying with these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1983
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1983 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act." Adds new definitions for "handicap conciliation" and "conciliation agreement." Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol, drug abuse, or any other impairment which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; or (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons ready access to and use of premises. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Repeals the 30-day limitation imposed on the Secretary of HUD to respond to complaints. Requires the Secretary to give notice of his or her decision whether to resolve the complaint as promptly as possible. Provides that a conciliation agreement may provide for binding arbitration of the dispute. Permits the Secretary to join additional respondents as parties to a complaint. Grants authority to certified State or local agencies to investigate and conciliate complaints. Authorizes the Secretary to refer cases to the Attorney General while in the investigative stage for the purpose of seeking preliminary judicial relief pending the administrative disposition of the complaint. Allows the Secretary to refer other cases to the Attorney General in his or her sole discretion. Provides enforcement measures for conciliation agreements and civil penalties for noncompliance. Revises the enforcement procedure for private persons. Extends the statute of limitation for two years. Allows an aggrieved individual to enforce the terms of the conciliation agreement. Grants jurisdiction to the Attorney General to commence an action or intervene in a private civil action for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1983
Child Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $100,000 and, on a subsequent conviction from $15,000 to $200,000. Prohibits the distribution involving the sexual exploitation of minors even if the material is not found to be "obscene." Eliminates the requirement that persons distributing such material in interstate commerce do so for purposes of sale. Raises the age of a minor to include any person under the age of eighteen. Redefines "sexually explicit conduct" to exclude simulated conduct when there is little or no possibility of harm to the minor and when there is redeeming social, literary, educational, scientific or artistic value. Permits authorization for the interception of wire or oral communications in the investigation of such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Designates certain lands within the Chequamegon National Forest and the Headwaters Wilderness in the Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation) final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in Wisconsin shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in Wisconsin which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending the revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in Wisconsin reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in Wisconsin without express congressional authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1983
Women's Economic Parity Act of 1983 - Title I: Equitable Treatment of Spouses Under Private Pension Plans - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been made under the survivor's annuity if the participant had survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date, and who survives the participant, as if such individual were the participant's spouse on the date of death, whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Subjects benefit payments to specified domestic relations orders and establishes procedural guidelines under which a plan administrator pays the alternate payee according to the terms of such domestic relations order. Provides the alternate payee named in such order with a right of action for the failure to comply with the requirements of the statutory guidelines. Specifies circumstances under which an alternate payee will be considered a participant or beneficiary under a retirement plan. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Title II: Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the earned income limitations placed on individual deductions for retirement savings (including those for married and for divorced individuals). Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; and (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income. Exempts displaced homemakers from the termination provisions relating to tax credits earned by employers who hire members of a targeted group designated under the Internal Revenue Code. Deems the performance of substantial volunteer services by a spouse as gainful employment for the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or a method for using a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products).
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that one-half of the cost of insurance paid by a self-employed taxpayer for medical care during the taxable year will be allowed as a business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Disapproves the President's recommendation to extend the President's authority to waive the freedom of emigration requirements under the Trade Act of 1974 in order to extend the most-favored nation status of Romania.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983
Establishes a select committee to investigate the alleged alterations of certain hearing transcripts during the second session of the 97th Congress and whether other House documents have been altered. Requires the select committee to report to the House not later than October 28, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1983
Free Market Copyright Royalty Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to direct the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to exempt a cable system's carriage of a national cable broadcast network signal beyond the local service area from specified adjustments in copyright royalty rates. Sets forth the criteria for determining when a television broadcast station can be classified as a national cable broadcast network. Reduces from five to three the number of commissioners on the Tribunal. Directs the Tribunal to appoint a general counsel and chief economist to its staff.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1983
High Technology Research and Development Joint Venture Act of 1983 - Exempts from liability under Federal or State antitrust law any person who notifies the Attorney General in writing within 30 days of the making of a contract for joint research and development projects which are concerned with the increasing industrial innovation, productivity, and the economic competitiveness of the United States. Requires such a contract to be carried out by a management board consisting of one individual representing each party to the contract. Requires the notification to contain a description of each project and all participating parties. Requires such parties to annually report to the Attorney General. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate such parties with respect to such projects. Prohibits, with respect to all research and development projects being carried out under a contract in connection with a line of commerce, the aggregate share of the parties to such contract for projects in connection with such line of commerce from exceeding 25 percent of the relevant market, subject to stated exceptions. Authorizes the parties to request the Attorney General to determine whether a contract violates such limitation, within ten days of making a contract. Provides that a person shall not be liable under the antitrust laws for an amount in excess of the actual damages sustained by the claimant, the cost of the suit, and any interest awarded with respect to such damages if liability arises from attempting to make, making, or performing a contract to carry out a joint research and development project with another person. Provides that in any antitrust action against a defendant found to be not liable under this Act, the court shall award the cost of the suit to the prevailing defendant. Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate describing the operation of this Act and making recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1983
Federal Constitution Convention Amendment Act - Sets forth procedures for holding constitutional conventions for proposing amendments to the Constitution. Requires that both Houses of Congress agree to a concurrent resolution calling for a convention whenever it determines that at least two-thirds of the States have submitted valid applications for the calling of a constitutional convention upon the same subject. Entitles each State to the same number of delegates at such convention as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress, with one delegate elected from each congressional district and two at large. Authorizes the convention to propose constitutional amendments by a two-thirds vote of the total number of delegates. Provides that an amendment shall become valid when ratified by three-fourths of the States. Permits a State to rescind its ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1983
Extradition Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set forth new procedures governing the extradition of persons from the United States for alleged criminal activity. Authorizes only the Attorney General to initiate an extradition complaint. (Current law permits any authority of a foreign government to do so.) Establishes criteria for use by the Secretary of State in determining which of several complaints for the same person to honor. Permits the filing of a complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia if the location of the person is unknown. Allows the Attorney General to request issuance of a summons rather than an arrest warrant. Requires the court to order the person detained during the first ten days following his arrest, unless such person shows by the preponderance of the evidence that: (1) he or she presents no substantial risk of flight; (2) he or she does not endanger any person or the community; or (3) no foreign treaty relationship will be jeopardized. Requires the prehearing release of a person if the evidence and documents required by treaty are not filed with the court within 60 days of the arrest. Sets forth general standards for prehearing release of persons arrested for purposes of extradition. Requires the release of such persons unless the Government shows by the preponderance of the evidence that release will not: (1) assure such person's appearance; or (2) assure the safety of another person or the community. Permits the Attorney General to appeal a decision of release or seek the revocation of release. Provides for waiver of the extradition hearing and consent to removal. Entitles persons subject to extradition hearings to representation by counsel and indigents to appointment of counsel. Amends the "dual criminality requirement" to require that the alleged crime for which extradition is sought be punishable by more than one year's imprisonment, or in the case of a person already convicted, that more than 180 days of the sentence remain to be served in one of the States. Requires additionally that the offense would be punishable under Federal law, the majority of State laws, or in the State where the fugitive is found. Authorizes the district court, as under current law, to determine whether the foreign state seeks extradition of a person for a "political offense." Requires the person to establish the political offense exception by a preponderance of the evidence. Requires the court to determine whether the person is otherwise extraditable before receiving any such evidence. Permits either party to appeal the findings of the district court on a complaint of extradition to the U.S. court of appeals. (Neither side may appeal under current law.) Requires detention pending appeal of a person found extraditable unless such person establishes that the probability of success on appeal is great and that: (1) he or she presents no substantial risk of flight and does not endanger any person or the community; and (2) no foreign treaty relationship will be jeopardized. Authorizes the United States to cooperate in the transit of persons through the United States for extradition from one foreign state to another. Permits the temporary extradition to the United States of a person whose delivery has been conditioned by a foreign state on such person's return to its custody. Charges the U.S. Supreme Court with prescribing rules governing extradition practice and procedure.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Title I: Comprehensive Drug Penalty Act of 1983 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to subject to forfeiture provision all land and buildings used for holding or storing controlled substances or materials used to manufacture such substances except if done without the knowledge or consent of the owner. Provides that a procedure for forfeiture may be brought in the judicial district in which the defendant owning such property is found or in the judicial district in which the criminal prosecution is brought. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund known as the "Drug Enforcement Fund." Allows the fund to be used for the payment of rewards for information that results in a forfeiture and for the expenses incurred in a forfeiture action. Requires deposit in this Fund of proceeds and profits forfeited as a result of drug violations. Authorizes appropriations from the fund for fiscal years 1984 and 1985. Sets the maximum reward for information at $250,000. Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the maximum authorized fines for certain drug offenses. Permits imposition of an alternative fine up to twice the gross gain derived from the offense. Provides judicial procedures for seizure of property subject to criminal forfeiture. Title II: - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the seizure of vessels, vehicles, merchandise or baggage valued at $100,000 or less. Requires written notice of such seizure to all interested parties. Increases the surety bond for any person claiming interest in the seized property to $2,500, or ten percent of the value of the claimed property, whichever is less. Establishes in the Treasury the Customs Forfeiture Fund to pay for maintenance of forfeited property, awards to informants, and liens and mortgages. Requires the deposit in such Fund of all proceeds from the sale and disposition of property forfeited under custom law. Allows transfer of the property for forfeiture under State law. Increases from $50,000 to $250,000 the award of compensation given to informers for information leading to forfeiture. Grants customs officers arrest authority and the right to carry firearms. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code dealing with customs officers' law enforcement authority to conform to this Act. Title III: - Sets forth an effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow married individuals to compute the amount of their income tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings accounts on the basis of the earnings of their spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Comprehensive Drug Penalty Act of 1983 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to subject to forfeiture all land and buildings used for holding or storing controlled substances or materials used to manufacture such substances except if done without the knowledge or consent of the owner. Provides that a procedure for forfeiture may be brought in the judicial district in which the defendant owning such property is found or in the judicial district in which the criminal prosecution is brought. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund known as the "Drug Enforcement Fund." Allows the fund to be used for the payment of rewards for information that results in a forfeiture and for the expenses incurred in a forfeiture action. Requires deposit in this Fund of proceeds and profits forfeited as a result of drug violations. Authorizes appropriations from the fund for fiscal years 1985 and 1986. Sets the maximum reward for information at $250,000. Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to increase the maximum authorized fines for certain drug offenses. Permits imposition of an alternative fine up to twice the gross gain derived from the offense. Provides judicial procedures for seizure of property subject to criminal forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Bankruptcy Court and Federal Judgeship Act of 1983 - Title I: Bankruptcy Jurisdiction, and Procedure - Confers upon the district courts original and exclusive jurisdiction of all cases under title 11 (the bankruptcy code). Confers original, but not exclusive, jurisdiction upon the district courts of all civil proceedings arising under title 11 or arising in or related to cases under title 11. Authorizes district courts to refer all cases and civil proceedings arising under title 11 to the bankruptcy court for the district. Confers upon such bankruptcy court all jurisdiction granted the district courts for title 11 actions and proceedings. Authorizes district courts to withdraw certain actions previously referred to bankruptcy courts. Allows district courts to abstain from hearing a particular proceeding under title 11, and precludes appeals from such decisions. Requires the district courts to abstain, upon proper motion, from adjudicating claims based upon State law where such claims will be timely instituted in an appropriate State forum. Authorizes district courts to exercise jurisdiction over all the debtor's property, wherever located, and over the bankruptcy estate. Sets venue guidelines for: (1) cases and proceedings under title 11; (2) cases to enjoin actions in a State or Federal court; and (3) actions to enjoin liens against property in such courts. Delineates procedures for removal of bankruptcy cases by a party. Authorizes courts to remand cases which have been so removed, and precludes any appeal of a remand decision. Designates bankruptcy courts for each judicial district. States that such courts shall constitute a department of the district court and be comprised of bankruptcy judges in regular active service. Requires the United States court of appeals for a circuit to appoint the bankruptcy judges for each judicial district within such circuit. Sets forth provisions for: (1) official duty stations of bankruptcy judges; (2) removal procedures of such judges; (3) salaries ; (4) outside employment; (5) division of business; (6) appointment of chief bankruptcy judgeships; (7) temporary transfers of bankruptcy judges; and (8) court personnel. Requires district courts to withdraw specified actions previously referred to the bankruptcy courts. Authorizes district courts to refer certain cases or proceedings to: (1) a bankruptcy court to serve as special master; (2) a United States magistrate; or (3) a bankruptcy judge who shall exercise all the powers of a United States magistrate. Confers jurisdiction upon the district courts to hear appeals from bankruptcy court judgments and establishes appellate procedure. Sets standards for bankruptcy judge salaries and terms of office. Title II: Omnibus Judgeship - Enumerates additional permanent circuit and district judgeships for the States. Establishes retirement guidelines for judges holding office during good behavior. Outlines retirement and resignation criteria for judges, including retirement pay and salary upon resignation. Title III: Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments. Provides for annuities for certain bankruptcy judges. Provides criteria for filling vacant bankruptcy judgeships.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the changes in the Federal estate tax laws which were made by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 are vital to the continuation of the family farm and small business, and should not be repealed or amended.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Credit Card Counterfeiting and Fraud Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it an offense to knowingly and unlawfully produce, buy, sell, or transfer a credit card or account which is counterfeit, forged, lost, or stolen. Makes it a federal offense to possess with the intent to defraud five or more credit cards or fraudulent payment devices. Makes it unlawful to produce, buy, sell, transfer, or possess equipment used in the production of such fraudulent payment devices. Includes within the prohibition of the Act any individual who attempts or conspires to commit any of these offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the continuing possibility that the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to withholding of tax from interest and dividends will be repealed is creating, for all payors, an undue hardship within the meaning of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982, and that the Secretary of the Treasury should exercise his authority under such Act to delay the effective date of such provisions until December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1983
Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 1983 - Title I: System for Making Income-Dependent Education Assistance Loans - Requires the Secretary of Education to establish a program of entering into agreements with guarantee agencies in order to provide funds to postsecondary schools or vocational schools which have entered into agreements under this Act to make loans to students who are eligible for assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides that pursuant to such agreements, guarantee agencies shall issue debt obligations approved by the Secretary the proceeds of which shall be allocated among eligible educational institutions. Requires the United States to agree to repay the principal and interest of such debt obligations. Permits guarantee agencies to make loans under this Act for the purpose of discharging liability on federally insured or guaranteed loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Provides that the guarantee agency for eligible educational institutions in any State shall be: (1) the State or nonprofit private institution which has an agreement with the State to provide subsidy payments under the State's student loan insurance program; or (2) the State or nonprofit institution of another State which has such an agreement or the Student Loan Marketing Association if there is no such an agreement under effect in the State. Provides that in order to qualify for funds under this Act, an educational institution must enter into an agreement with the Secretary to, in addition to meeting other terms prescribed by the Secretary: (1) use such funds exclusively for student loans; (2) comply with information requirements; (3) notify students of their obligations and responsibilities under the loan program; and (4) repay portions of refunds owed to students who withdraw after receiving loans under the loan program. Permits the Secretary to suspend or revoke such an agreement and to recover funds held by an educational institution for noncompliance with this Act or with the terms of the agreement. Sets forth requirements with respect to loan terms and disbursement of loan proceeds. Establishes information requirements for the loan program. Title II: Collection of Income-Dependent Education Assistance Loans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the collection of loans made under this Act through income taxes. Requires the Secretary of Education to notify borrowers annually with respect to their account balances and the procedure for computing the amount of repayment owing for the taxable year. Requires that such information be submitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. Sets forth requirements with respect to the computation of annual loan repayment amounts, termination of a borrower's repayment obligation, and failure to make repayments. Establishes in the Treasury the Income-Dependent Education Assistance Loan Trust Fund, which shall be available for repayment of principal and interest on debt obligations issued under this Act and for advancing funds directly to schools for new loans to students. Appropriates to such trust fund amounts received in the Treasury on any loan made under title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1983 - Title I - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (the Superfund Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to States to assist States in: (1) carrying out hazardous waste enforcement programs under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) carrying out remedial actions and other response measures necessary with respect to the release, or substantial threat of release, of any pollutant or contaminant from a facility not on the 400 top priority known response targets list but which the State determines may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare; and (3) providing technical assistance to companies engaged in the recycling of hazardous substances. Requires that at least $200,000,000 of the amounts appropriated to the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund shall be reserved to make such grants to States. Revises provisions for audits by each Inspector General of each department or agency delegated responsibility to obligate money in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Directs each such Inspector General to report annually to the President and the Congress on such auditing of the Fund and to specifically identify any improper uses of the Fund. Provides for reimbursement to the Fund for any improper expenditures. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Increases the yearly amount of such authorization of appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 (above the yearly amount currently authorized through FY 1985). Amends the hazardous waste management provision of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976) to establish a hazardous waste quantity assessment program. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the States, to develop and implement methods to estimate the quantities of hazardous waste which are generated in each calendar year, on the basis of specified data. Directs the Administrator to report at least annually to the Congress, comparing the quantities of hazardous waste estimated to have been generated during the preceding calendar year and the quantities of waste on which the recycling incentive tax on disposal of hazardous wastes was paid. Title II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace (effective October 1, 1985) the environmental taxes on petroleum and chemical feedstocks with a recycling incentive tax on disposal of hazardous wastes (effective for FY 1985 through 1995). Sets forth tables for determining the amount of such tax. Distinguishes between: (1) toxic and nontoxic hazardous waste; (2) waste disposal before and after the end of FY 1990; and (3) disposal of waste and storage of waste for more than one year. Imposes such tax on the person disposing of such waste. Sets forth requirements for records, statements, and returns relating to such tax. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe any such requirements, as necessary, for persons involved in the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes. Extends through FY 1995 the authority to collect taxes conferred by the Superfund Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Operational Testing and Evaluation Act of 1983 - Establishes in the Department of Defense a Civilian Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires such Director to perform all duties relating to operational testing and evaluation in the Department. Requires such Director to advice and report directly to the Secretary of Defense. Grants such Director access to all necessary Department records. Permits the Director to require observers to be present during testing. Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to report all testing results to the Director. Requires the Director to respond to congressional requests for information. Prohibits the obligation of funds for operational testing without the advance approval of the Secretary. Directs the President to request separately budget authority for the Director's activities. Grants the Comptroller General access to all records of the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Preemptory Challenge Act of 1983 - Amends the judicial code to require reassignment of cases in Federal District or bankruptcy courts to another judicial officer if all parties on one side of a case make such a request. Sets guidelines for such reassignment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to: (1) remove the minimum wage floor for handicapped workers; and (2) link such workers' wages with worker productivity.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Federal Anti-Child Pornography Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the criminal fines for sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $100,000 (from $15,000 to $200,000 for a second or subsequent conviction). Redefines "prohibited sexual conduct" to exclude any simulation in a visual medium that, when taken as a whole, has serious literary, artistic, political, scientific, or educational value. Permits authorization for the interception of wire or oral communications in the investigation of such offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a three-year moratorium on the imposition of specified sanctions in nonattainment areas. Prohibits, during such period, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from taking the following actions pursuant to specified provisions of such Act: (1) prohibiting construction or modification of any major stationary source; (2) disapproving any project, or refusing to award any grant under such Act; and (3) withholding, conditioning, or restricting any grant for construction of any sewage treatment works. Prohibits, during such period, any person from bringing any action under specified provisions of such Act against: (1) the Administrator for failure to impose such sanctions; and (2) any person alleged to be constructing or proposing to construct any new or modified major emitting facility without a permit under plan requirements for nonattainment areas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Church Audit Procedures Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the Secretary of the Treasury from investigating or auditing churches unless the Secretary possesses evidence causing him to believe that a church: (1) is carrying on an unrelated trade or business; or (2) should not be granted tax-exempt status. Restricts the Secretary from beginning any investigation unless he has first provided the church with written notice that an investigation is being commenced. Sets forth the requirements of such notice. Requires that the Secretary must first approve an application by the regional counsel of the internal revenue region for examination of church records and religious activities before beginning any such examination. Requires the Secretary, prior to the approval of any such application, to offer in writing an opportunity for a conference to discuss facts, evidence, and issues relevant to the investigation. Requires the Secretary to notify the church in writing of the approval of the application for examination at least 15 days prior to the commencement of such examination. Limits the examination of religious activities to that necessary to determine whether an organization is a church or convention or association of churches. Limits the examination of church records to that necessary to determine the amount of tax imposed. Allows an organization which claims that the Secretary has violated the provisions of this Act to bring a civil action for injunctive relief against the Secretary. Reduces the statute of limitations for collection after assessment of tax to three years in the case of any organization which is a church or convention or association of churches.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Establishes the Special Joint Committee on Arrangements to provide for the congressional commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Harry S. Truman. Declares it the duty of such committee to: (1) arrange a joint meeting of the Congress in commemoration of such anniversary; (2) plan proceedings for such joint meeting; and (3) coordinate activities with the Truman Centennial Committee. Enumerates the powers of such joint committee. Provides that the expenses of such joint committee may not exceed a specified amount and shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Home Ownership Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for contributions of cash, stocks, bond, or other securities tradeable on an established exchange to a tax-exempt trust account established for the exclusive purpose of purchasing the taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $1,000 with a maximum lifetime deduction of $10,000. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income if they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first principal residence. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions from an individual housing account which are not used for the purchase of a principal residence. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to report on the maintenance of the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to file required reports.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Repurchase Agreements Bankruptcy Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to define 'repo participant' to mean an entity that, on any day during the period beginning 90 days before the date of the filing of the bankruptcy petition, has an outstanding repurchase agreement with the debtor. Defines 'repurchase agreement' to mean any agreement which provides for the transfer of certificates of deposit, eligible bankers' acceptances or securities that are direct obligations or loan guarantees of the United States against the transfer of funds with a simultaneous agreement by the transferee to return such certificates of deposit, eligible bankers' acceptances, or securities to the transferor no more than one year later, or on demand, in exchange for funds. States that the filing of a bankruptcy petition does not automatically stay the setoff by a repo participant of any mutual debt and claim against the debtor for a margin or a settlement payment arising out of a repurchase agreement. Prohibits the trustee from avoiding a transfer that is a margin or a settlement payment made before commencement of the case by or to a repo participant in connection with a repurchase agreement. Provides that all margin or settlement payments made in connection with a repurchase agreement are taken for value to their full extent. Sets forth provisions concerning the exercise of a contractual right of a repo participant to cause the liquidation of a repurchase agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from taxation up to $750 ($1,500 for joint returns) of interest income. Repeals provisions of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 relating to the partial exclusion of interest income.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000244_200.jpg)