United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1984
Pay Equity Resolution of 1984 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Justice should enforce the provisions of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. States that the Office of Personnel Management should ensure the requirements made in the Pay Comparability Act of 1970 relating to equal pay for equal work within the Federal Government are met. States that Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs in the Department of Labor should ensure that government contractors and subcontractors comply with Executive Order Numbered 1111246 and do not engage in wage discrimination prohibited under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Declares that other Federal departments and agencies should take steps to determine whether wage discrimination exists in their work force or any of their programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should direct the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the U.N. Security Council to establish a U.N. peacekeeping force to replace the Multinational Force in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require each Federal agency conducting or supporting an activity (whether inside or outside the coastal zone) that produces an identifiable physical, biological, social or economic consequence in the zone or initiates a chain of events likely to result in such consequences to conduct or support that activity in a manner which is, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with approved State management programs. Specifies circumstances in which a Federal agency activity may be inconsistent with approved management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Federal Employee's Pay Equity Act of 1984 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to study and report to the President and Congress on: (1) any Government practices of setting lower wage rates within the position classification system for jobs held predominantly by women than for jobs with comparable requirements held predominantly by men; (2) the discriminatory wage differentials resulting from such practices; and (3) appropriate measures for eliminating such practices and differentials, including the use of equitable job-evaluation techniques, along with a timetable for implementing such measures within two years. Requires such measures to be instituted according to such timetable. Requires OPM, beginning in 1986, to submit to the President and Congress an annual report on actions taken during the previous year and actions planned for the current year to carry out this Act. Directs each Federal agency responsible for submitting an equal employment opportunity plan under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include in each plan or update a review and identification of any discriminatory wage-setting practices and wage differentials with respect to its labor force and a plan to eliminate any such practices and differentials. Requires any agency which does not submit a plan or update within one year to amend its existing plan to include such information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to provide that the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency shall be a member of the President's Cabinet.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
States that the President should: (1) announce to the Soviet Union and other nuclear nations that the United States will suspend testing of nuclear weapons and challenge the Soviet Union to do the same; (2) express to the diplomatic community that U.S. policy is to cease testing such weapons and that such testing will be resumed if the Soviet Union proceeds with further underground testing of such weapons; (3) ensure that upon suspension of U.S. testing the United States will make use of existing technology and equipment to verify that nuclear explosions have ceased; and (4) initiate negotiations for a permanent U.S.-Soviet test ban treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Commission on Pay Equity - Establishes a Commission on Pay Equity which shall: (1) retain a private contractor who shall study the compensation paid to job classes in a Federal legislative branch agency in which at least 50 percent of the employees are subject to provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibiting discrimination in Government employment and which has the broadest range of job classification of all eligible agencies, determine whether the compensation system in that agency provides for pay equity and equal employment opportunity, and, if not, make recommendations to Congress for necessary action; and (2) based on the findings of such study, establish a comprehensive plan and make recommendations to Congress to ensure pay equity and equal employment opportunity in the legislative branch. Directs the Commission to submit to Congress appropriate interim reports and a final report within one year after its first meeting. Terminates the Commission 30 days after submission of such final report. Requires payment of Commission expenses from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1983 - Title I - The Credit for Increasing Research Activities; ACRS for R&D Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research and development (R&D) expenditures. Modifies the definition of qualified research for purposes of the R&D credit to narrow the category of eligible activities for which the credit is allowable. Makes depreciation of research equipment eligible for the R&D credit. Eliminates the special three-year accelerated cost recovery system (ACRS) category for research equipment. Increases contract research expenses eligible for R&D credit purposes to 75 percent of the amount paid to others for research on the taxpayer's behalf. Provides that in-house and contract research expenses paid or incurred by a regular corporation will constitute qualified research expenses for R&D credit purposes. Provides that in the case of research being conducted in partnership form, the "in carrying on" test is applied at the partnership level, and the credit is apportioned among the partners in accordance with general partnership rules. Title II - Promotion of University Research and Scientific Education - Establishes a new income tax credit equal to 25 percent of payments to universities for basic research which exceed a fixed, maintenance-of-effort floor. Calculates the maintenance-of-effort floor as the greater of the annual average of university basic research payments over 1982-1983 or one percent of the average annual R&D budget over 1981-1983. Treats the portion of the university basic research payments which is not in excess of the maintenance-of-effort floor as contract research expenses eligible for purposes of computing the regular incremental R&D credit. Allows corporations an income tax deduction for contributions of scientific and technical property or services to an institution of higher education. Defines scientific property to mean computer software or other equipment used in a trade or business, which is donated for the direct education of students and faculty, for research and experimentation, or for research training in the United States in mathematics, the physical or biological sciences, engineering, or computer science. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of the allowable deduction for contributions of scientific property or services. Limits the amount of such deduction to ten percent of taxable income computed without regard to specified deductions. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of a graduate student in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences. Specifies that such tax exclusion is not forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prescribe and collect an application fee for ocean dumping permits. Requires the Administrator to prescribe and collect a special fee for activities directly associated with the issuance of permits for ocean dumping, including: (1) site designations and program operations; (2) the undertaking of measures to determine compliance with permit terms; (3) the assessment of the effects of the dumping; and (4) surveillance and enforcement activities undertaken by the Coast Guard.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Sewage Sludge Dumping Amendments of 1983 - Amends a specified Federal law which amended the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 ("the Act"). Revises provisions relating to the dumping of sewage sludge into ocean waters or other specified waters. Provides that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may not issue or renew any permit for such dumping: (1) after December 31, 1988; or (2) to any person other than a municipality that was authorized to dump sewage sludge into such waters under such Act, or under court order, as of January 1, 1983. Provides that sewage sludge shall be considered harmful, for purposes of such regulation of dumping, if it fails to meet the environmental impact criteria of EPA regulations issued under the Act, except that, for constituents under specified provisions of the London Dumping Convention, applicable trace contaminant limits that are binding on the United States must be defined numerically without regard to the rate of sludge discharge into the ocean. Sets a civil penalty for each act of unlawful dumping of sewage sludge at: (1) $10,000 for each act that occurs during 1989; and (2) $50,000 for each act that occurs after 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Prohibits providing Turkey with military assistance, military education and training assistance, arms sales credits, or arms sales guarantees until: (1) Turkey has withdrawn its recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; (2) Turkey has taken all necessary steps to reverse the illegal declaration of an independent state in northern Cyprus; (3) negotiations for resolving the Cyprus conflict have resumed and significant progress has been made in settling the conflict; and (4) all Turkish military forces, in excess of those permitted by the 1959 Treaty of Alliance, are withdrawn from Cyprus.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives, within ten days after adoption of this resolution, documents relating to: (1) the U.S. invasion of Grenada; (2) U.S. communications with international organizations with respect to Grenada; and (3) combat activities of and casualties incurred by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Declares that the London Dumping Convention: (1) is the appropriate vehicle for the regulation and control of subseabed emplacement of high-level radioactive materials; and (2) should continue to prohibit the subseabed emplacement of high-level radioactive wastes until scientific research demonstrates that such activity will not pose a threat to the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) enter into negotiations with Nicaragua to consider that country's October 1983 treaty proposals; (2) encourage Honduras to enter into negotiations with Nicaragua to consider Nicaragua's treaty proposal to Honduras; and (3) encourage other Central American countries to enter into negotiations with Nicaragua to consider Nicaragua's treaty proposal to them.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the public and private sectors should establish programs to assist low-income individuals in meeting heating fuel and weatherization costs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Directs the President to investigate and report to the Congress within 18 months concerning the living conditions and available assistance for El Salvadorans displaced inside and outside their country. Requires such investigation to report on the fate of El Salvadoran deportees. Requires the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to hold hearings within two years to consider appropriate U.S. steps to assure the personal safety and equitable distribution of assistance to such displaced El Salvadorans. Provides for a three-year moratorium on specified categories of El Salvadoran deportations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Human Needs and World Security Act - Requires that for FY 1985: (1) not less than $102,000,000 shall be provided to the United Nations Children's Fund with the Fund's excess FY 1984 funds to be devoted to the provision of low-cost preventive health measures associated with the "child health revolution" developed by United Nations agencies; (2) not less than $90,000,000 shall be provided for the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and (3) not less than $175,000,000 shall be provided for health care activities with excess FY 1984 funds to be devoted to preventive health care activities directly benefitting the poor majority. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the Peace Corps. Requires that $700,000,000 shall be available to carry out famine relief under the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for FY 1985. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the Inter-American Development Bank for assistance under the Bank's program for financing small projects. Limits for FY 1985 the aggregate amount of foreign military sales credits, foreign military sales guarantees, military assistance, and international military education and training. Limits the amount of assistance provided during FY 1985 through the Economic Support Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
National Acid Deposition Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Acid Deposition Control and Assistance Program - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish new requirements for acid deposition control. Sets forth direct federally mandated emission reductions and retrofit technology for the 50 fossil fuel fired electric utility generating plants which had the largest total emissions of sulfur dioxide during the calendar year 1980. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) identify each such plant which emitted sulfur dioxide during calendar year 1980 at an annual average rate equal to or exceeding three pounds per million Btu; (2) within two months after enactment of this Act, publish a list of the 50 plants which have the largest total emissions and notify the owner or operator of each of the 50 plants listed; and (3) within four months after such enactment, after notice and opportunity for comment, publish a final list of the 50 plants with the largest total emissions. Permits the owner or operator of any plant on the final list and the owner or operator of any other plant located in the same State to apply, within 18 months after enactment of this Act to substitute one or more fossil fuel fired steam generating units of such other plant for a unit of the plant on the list. Authorizes the Administrator to approve such a substitution under specified conditions. Requires the owner or operator of each plant on the final list to submit to the Administrator, by January 1, 1985, a compliance schedule, including increments of progress. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove such schedule, within one year after submission, and after notice and opportunity for hearing. Directs the Administrator, if such schedule is not submitted by the deadline or is not approved, to promulgate a compliance schedule for such plant on January 1, 1986. Provides for modification and publication of such schedules. Requires that each compliance schedule provide that: (1) a technological system of continuous emission reduction be used for each steam generating unit in the fossil fired electric utility generating plant concerned (other than a unit for which a substitute has been approved); and (2) sulfur dioxide emissions from such plant for the calendar year 1990 and each calendar year thereafter shall not exceed 1.2 pounds per million Btu heat input and ten percent of the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions during calendar year 1980 (90 percent reduction) or 0.6 pounds per million Btu and 30 percent of the total annual sulfur dioxide emissions during the calendar year 1980 (70 percent reduction). Sets forth procedures for determining plant compliance with such emission limitation. Sets forth similar emissions reduction requirements and procedures for substitute units. Requires that: (1) contracts be entered into for the purchase and installation of the technological systems of continuous emission reduction by January 1, 1988; (2) such systems be installed and in operation by January 1, 1990; and (3) the emission limitation be achieved for each calendar year after 1989. Directs the Administrator, from the Acid Deposition Control Fund established under this Act, to pay for 90 percent of the costs of construction and installation of the technological system of continuous emission reduction necessary for each such plant to comply with the emission limitation. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to promulgate regulations under which such payments: (1) may be made to utilities only if they will be used entirely to reduce those electric rate increases which would otherwise result from such construction and installation; and (2) shall be made at such times as will minimize rate increases. Sets forth requirements for State plans for additional emission reductions of sulfur dioxide. Directs the Administrator, within 18 months after the enactment of this Act, to compute a State share, for each of the 48 contiguous States, of a 12,000,000 ton reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide by 1993 below that of 1980 (or below that of any subsequent year designated by the Administrator as the baseline year in the case of: (1) any fossil fuel fired steam generating unit which is not part of an electric utility generating plant; or (2) any stationary source of industrial process emissions). Directs the Administrator, in computing State shares, to use the best available data and, to the extent that better data is not available, to use the inventory of emissions developed under a specified memorandum of intent on transboundary air pollution signed by Canada and the United States. Makes each State share the sum of the number of tons computed, under specified formulas, for: (1) fossil fuel fired electric utility plants in the State (except those required to comply with federally mandated emission reductions under this Act); (2) other fossil fuel fired steam generating units in the State; and (3) industrial process emitters of sulfur dioxide in the State. Directs the Administrator, on the basis of specified data and within one year after enactment of this Act, to establish a national average best available control technolgoy (BACT) emission limit for sulfur dioxide for emissions units within each category of process emitters of sulfur dioxide. Permits, under regulations promulgated by the Administrator, the Governors of two or more States to reallot State shares among agreeing States, if there is an equal or greater total reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide through such reallotment. Sets deadlines and procedures for submission and approval of State plans for such State shares. Sets emissions limitations applicable in the absence of an approved State plan. Requires State plans for State shares to provide for emission limitations applicable to any stationary sources (other than a source which is one of the listed 50 electric utility plants subject to direct federally mandated emission reductions) in the State for which: (1) the actual annual sulfur dioxide emission rates have been calculated by the Administrator for the baseline year; and (2) no new source standard of performance is applicable. Requires that the emission limitations for each stationary source subject to the State plan establish an allowable average annual sulfur dioxide rate at a level such that the total reduction would equal the State share. Permits State plans for State shares to provide for compliance with emission limitations through use of technological systems of continuous emission reduction or any other appropriate requirements. Directs the Administrator, from the Acid Deposition Control Fund established under this Act, to make available a portion of specified funds to each State: (1) which has in effect a State plan approved under this Act; and (2) which each plant subject to the direct federally mandated emission reduction has achieved such reduction. Sets forth a formula for determining each State's portion of such funds. Requires that such funds be used by the State, in such manner as it deems appropriate, to: (1) provide for the required State share of emissions reductions; (2) reduce, or provide refunds of, the fee on electric energy imposed under this Act; or (3) fund any other State program which it deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Limits to five percent of the amount of the State portion the amount which may be used for administration of the State plan under this Act. Establishes a trust fund in the Treasury of the United States to be known as the Acid Deposition Control Fund, consisting of amounts generated by fees imposed under this Act. Directs the Administrator to make expenditures from the Fund in accordance with the following priorities: (1) the Administrator shall make payments to utilities for specified utility rate reductions; (2) not more than $10,000,000 may be made available for the limestone injection multistaged burner (LIMB) technology demonstration project; (3) not more than $10,000,000 may be made available in any fiscal year for accelerated research on other cleaner burning industrial processes; (4) not more than $25,000,000 per fiscal year for each of FY 1984 through 1988 may be made available for the mitigation program under title III; (5) the Administrator shall next make expenditures for payment of capital costs of control for plants subject to the direct federally mandated emissions reductions, allocating available amounts first to the facilities which first applied for such payment; and (6) if all expenditures for such capital costs which currently can be made have been made, the Administrator shall provide funding to States to assist compliance with State plans. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to be the trustee of the Fund and to report to the Congress for each fiscal year ending on or after September 30, 1984, on its financial condition and the results of its operation during such fiscal year and on its expected condition and operations during the next five fiscal years. Sets forth Fund investment duties of the Secretary. Imposes, under regulations promulgated by the Administrator, a fee for each kilowatt hour of electric energy: (1) generated in the contiguous 48 States by an electric utility; and (2) imported into the contiguous 48 States. Makes such fee effective with respect to electric energy generated, or imported after December 31, 1984. Makes the fee cease to apply on December 31, 1995. Requires that the fee be applied during each calendar quarter at a rate per kilowatt hour which is equal to 1.5 mill multiplied by the inflation adjustment for the calendar quarter in which the electric energy is generated or imported. Sets forth a formula for determining such inflation adjustment. Exempts from such fee any electric energy (including imported electric energy) which is generated by nuclear or hydroelectric power. Requires each electric utility to determine the fraction of energy sold which is exempt from the fee to state the amount subject to such fee on each billing document. Directs the Administrator to make payments from the Fund to each electric utility which has sold electric energy to any individual customer who certifies that, at the time of such certification, he or she is: (1) receiving aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) receiving supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act; (3) receiving low-income home energy assistance under the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act of 1981; (4) a member of a household receiving food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; or (5) receiving payments under specified Federal law relating to veterans or under specified provisions of the Veterans and Survivors Pensions Improvement Act of 1978. Requires that such certification be made within 180 days after the date of the sale of the electric energy with respect to which such payment is made. Prohibits any such payment unless the Administrator determines that: (1) under applicable rate schedules, the full amount of such payment will be used to reduce the electric rates of the certified customer; and (2) the utility has established adequate procedures to assure that each customer will be informed, in the utility's periodic billings, of such payment and such rate reduction. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such payment. Directs the Administrator to promulgate within six months after enactment of this Act regulations setting forth: (1) the time and manner required for payment of such fee; (2) related reporting requirements; and (3) requirements applicable to the exemption and rate reduction. Establishes civil penalties for: (1) electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which fail or refuse to pay such fees or to file required reports; and (2) any person who makes false or misleading statements in such required documents. Directs the Administrator to bring civil actions in such cases. Establishes additional criminal penalties for: (1) electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which knowingly commit such violations; and (2) persons who knowingly file any false certificate or document to obtain an exemption from the fee. Directs the Administrator to carry out a full-scale demonstration project to demonstrate the feasibility of the limestone injected multistaged burner (LIMB) technology. Limits the amount authorized to be appropriated from the Fund for such project to $10,000,000. Directs the Administrator to make such grants, contracts, and other arrangements to accelerate the research necessary to develop advanced industrial processes, including atmospheric fluidized bed construction and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), other than the LIMB technology which may result in lower levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Limits to $10,000,000 in each of fiscal year 1985 through 1989 the amount which is authorized to be appropriated for the Fund for such research. Makes conforming amendments. Title II: Control of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions - Directs the Administrator to revise standards of performance for new stationary sources for emissions of nitrogen oxides from electric utility steam generating units which burn bituminous or subbituminous coal and which commence construction from such units at a rate which exceeds: (1) 0.30 pounds per million Btu, in the case of subbituminous coal; and (2) 0.40 pounds per million Btu, in the case of bituminous coal. Adds to provisions relating to emissions from mobile sources to set the following nitrogen oxide emission standards for model year 1986 and after truck and truck engines: (1) gross vehicle weight of 6,000 pounds or less - 1.2 grams per vehicle mile; (2) 6,000 to 8,500 pounds - 1.7 grams per vehicle mile; and (3) more than 8,500 pounds - 4.0 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Title III: Acid Deposition Damage Mitigation Program - Allows any State to prepare and submit for the approval of the Administrator and for comment by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: (1) a survey of water quality deterioration in such State which has resulted from acid deposition; (2) a proposal for research mitigating the effects of acid deposition on terrestial and aquatic ecosystems; and (3) proposed methods and procedures to restore the quality of water in such State which has deteriorated as a result of acid deposition. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with the Director, to provide from the Fund financial assistance to States to carry out measures and procedures for restoration which have been approved by the Administrator. Limits the amount granted under this title to any State for any fiscal year to 80 percent of the funds expended by such State in such year for carrying out such methods and procedures. Directs the Administrator to provide for equitable distribution of sums appropriated under this title among States with approved methods and procedures. Requires that such distribution be based on the relative need of such State for the restoration of water quality which has deteriorated as a result of acid deposition. Provides that the amount of any grant to a State under this title shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions to candidates for the office of U.S. Representative. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for any one qualified candidate, and $200 for all qualified candidates. Requires that such contributions be verified in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Prohibits a candidate from misrepresenting his eligibility for office or the eligibility of a potential contributor for the tax credit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of such political tax credits not later than June 30 following each Federal election. Adds a new title to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: "Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives." Sets forth requirements for the qualification of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives to receive contributions eligible for the tax credit provided by this Act. Requires a candidate to certify to the Federal Election Commission that neither he nor his authorized committee will accept any contribution or make any campaign expenditure in excess of prescribed limits. Requires further that the candidate maintain a separate accounting of contributions which qualify for the income tax credit for political contributions provided by this Act and that the candidate provide any appropriate information to the Commission for purposes of auditing or examining campaign contributions. Requires the candidate to certify the receipt of a certain amount of threshold contributions. Limits to $20,000 the amount of personal funds (from the candidate or his immediate family) that a candidate may spend in an election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates whose opponents have exceeded applicable expenditure limits or who have otherwise failed to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to be reported to the Commission and each candidate within specified time frames. Qualifies a candidate against whom more than $5,000 in independent expenditures have been made for premium postal rates. Requires the Commission to verify upon request the eligibility of a candidate under this Act to the Secretary. Requires the Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the qualified candidates under this Act to determine compliance with the expenditure limitations and other requirements of this Act. Empowers the Commission to bring a civil suit in U.S. district court to enforce any requirement of this Act or recover any amounts resulting from an audit of campaign expenditures. Permits private citizens to file complaints with the Commission and initiate court actions. Authorizes appropriations. Includes within the definition of "contribution" for purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 certain extensions of credit for advertising and broadcasting in excess of $1,000 for a period of more than 60 days. Limits to $90,000 (adjusted for inflation) in any calendar year the amount of contributions which candidates for U.S. Representative may accept from non-party multicandidate political committees. Specifies exceptions for candidates in general and special elections. Limits to $240,000 the expenditure amounts for such candidates. Permits candidates for the office of U.S. Representative to make expenditures independently of the campaign committee of his party in specified circumstances. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide candidates for the office of U.S. Representative with equal time in broadcast media to respond to the remarks of an opposing candidate.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the news media should voluntarily refrain from projecting election results before the polls close; and (2) the news media and industry, trade and professional organizations should voluntarily adopt guidelines to assure that exit interview data is not used to project election results before the polls close.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Imposes penalties upon persons who operate a vessel while intoxicated. Requires marine casualty reports to include information on whether alcohol was a cause of the casualty. Requires State boating safety education programs to include information on the hazards of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Industrial Competitiveness Act - Title I: Council on Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the Council on Industrial Competitiveness. Sets forth the duties of the Council including the duty to: (1) collect and analyze information concerning current and future economic trends and market opportunities; (2) create forums where national leaders will identify national economic problems; (3) provide policy recommendations regarding specific issues concerning industrial strategies; and (4) evaluate existing government policies and business practices in terms of their competitive impact. Sets forth the membership and powers of the Council. Requires the Council to report to Congress and the President, within one year of enactment of this title, recommendations for changes in Federal policy necessary to implement effective industrial strategies. Requires the Council to report annually to the President, Congress, and the Bank for Industrial Competitiveness on the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet such priorities. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Subtitle A: Bank for Industrial Competitiveness - Establishes the Bank for Industrial Competititveness which shall be an agency of the United States. Sets forth the powers of the Bank and the qualifications for members of the board of directors. Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance to: (1) businesses in mature or linkage industries which require revitalization and modernization in order to be competitive in a world market; and (2) businesses in emerging industries which require financial assistance to develop and market new products or technologies. Limits the amount of aid for each project to 30 percent of the funding necessary to carry out the project. Sets forth the requirements for applications for such assistance. Sets forth the terms and conditions for financial assistance from the Bank. Terminates the authority of the Bank to make loans, issue loan guarantees, and purchase capital stock of applicants ten years after the effective date of this title. Sets forth the amount of capital stock the Bank shall have. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations to provide sufficient funds to carry out the Bank's purposes and to renew, refund or pay other obligations. Limits the amount of the Bank's outstanding obligations to five times the paid-in capital of the Bank. Prohibits any of the loans made, guaranteed, or committed to be guaranteed under this title from being eligible for purchase by, or commitment to purchase by, or sale or issuance to, any Federal agency or government-owned entity. Exempts obligations of the Bank from taxation. Authorizes the Bank to enter into appropriate agreements respecting obligations of the Bank. Sets forth provisions dealing with moneys of the Bank. Exempts from taxation all property of the Bank except for the Bank's real property. Authorizes the Bank to inspect all documents of an applicant relating to the applicant's financial affairs and to all facilities and properties of the applicant. Requires the Bank to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Terminates the Bank 30 years after the effective date of this title. Subtitle B: Secondary Markets for Industrial Mortgages - Authorizes the Bank to purchase and to make commitments to purchase industrial mortgages from any qualified financial institution. Authorizes the Bank to set priorities regarding the types of industrial mortgages to be purchased. Sets forth conditions which such mortgages must meet. Prohibits an industrial mortgage from being purchased unless specified conditions are met. Authorizes the Bank to set aside mortgages held by it and to issue and sell securities based upon the set aside mortgages. Subtitle C: Investment in Public Industrial Development Banks - Authorizes the Bank to invest in the stock of public industrial development finance institutions established at the State, local, or regional levels. Requires that the Bank be given, in return for its investment, one or more seats on the Board of Directors of the public development bank in which it invests. Prohibits the Bank from contracting with institutions that offer no reasonable prospect of return. Sets forth conditions for participation by the Bank in public industrial development banks. Subtitle D: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations beginning in FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1983
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping of municipal sludge, except as provided in the Act. (Current law prohibits dumping sludge, except as provided in the Act.) Defines "municipal sludge" as solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated by a wastewater treatment plant. Authorizes issuance of a dumping permit for any hazardous waste identified and listed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1979 only if the waste will be incinerated at sea or rapidly neutralized in the marine environment. Authorizes the issuance of a dumping permit for municipal sludge only if: (1) the plant generating the sludge is in compliance with requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) a suitable land-based alternative to ocean disposal is not available. Requires, rather than permits, the imposition of processing fees for permits. Sets forth provisions regarding the dumping of municipal sludge in the New York Bight Apex. Prohibits dumping in the Apex after the earlier of December 31, 1986, or the day the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that municipal sludge can reasonably be dumped elsewhere. Permits dumping, however, after December 1, 1986: (1) if dumping in the Apex will result in less harm than dumping elsewhere; and (2) until a more suitable location is found. Imposes fees for municipal sludge dumped in the Apex of: (1) $25 for each dry ton dumped during 1984; (2) $40 for each dry ton dumped during 1985; and (3) $55 for each dry ton dumped after 1985. Requires the fees, whether used by the Administrator or local authorities, to be utilized as specified for the improvement of the Apex. Provides for trust accounts for local authorities for any fee amounts not paid to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to: (1) prepare a comprehensive assessment of disposal options for municipal sludge generated by local authorities; (2) prepare a New York Bight Apex Restoration Plan; and (3) carry out base-line monitoring of alternative sites. Requires the assessment and plan to be submitted to Congress. Requires the assessment to be prepared in consultation with State and local officials from New York and New Jersey. Requires the Administrator to submit a report to Congress on the technological and economic feasibility of establishing and implementing quality standards for the disposal of municipal sludge through ocean or land-based methods. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 to the Environmental Protection Agency for purposes of preparing the New York Bight Apex Restoration Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an energy investment tax credit for equipment designed to use sail power on vessels. Specifies that qualified equipment shall include: (1) masts; (2) standing and running rigging; (3) sails; (4) deck hardware related to hoisting, trimming, or otherwise controlling sails; and (5) rotor systems. Specifies that such credit shall apply to periods after December 31, 1984, and prior to January 1, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast licensee to provide any person whose personal qualities are attacked during the presentation of views in a broadcast on a controversial issue of public importance with: (1) notification of the time, date, and identification of the broadcast; (2) a script or tape of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Excludes from such requirement any attack: (1) on a foreign group or foreign public figure; (2) made by a legally qualified candidate for public office during the use of a broadcast station; (3) made by such a candidate on another such candidate; or (4) made on a bona fide news show. Requires any licensee which endorses or opposes any candidate in an editorial to transmit to the opposing candidates (in the case of an endorsing editorial) or to the candidate (in the case of an opposing editorial): (1) notification of the date and time of the editorial; (2) a script or tape of the editorial; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Terminates the application of this Act on December 31, 1984. Suspends the personal attack rule and the political editorial rule of the Federal Communications Commission until after such date. Prohibits the Commission from repealing or modifying such rules after October 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1985. Voids any such action taken by the Commission after October 31, 1983, and before enactment of this Act. Allows the Commission to repeal or modify such rules beginning on January 1, 1985, provided that no repeal or modification shall become effective until 120 days of continuous session of Congress after it is published as final.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Veterans Administration (VA) should develop a comprehensive policy for the study of post-traumatic stress disorder and establish a central office to advise VA personnel on setting up treatment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging: (1) in making training and recruitment grants and contracts, to give special consideration to the recruitment and training of volunteers and persons employed in or preparing for employment in that part of the field of aging which relates to providing custodial and skilled care for older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases; and (2) in making grants and contracts for demonstration projects to give special consideration for projects designed to meet the special needs of older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases and projects designed to provide family respite services with respect to older individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases. Authorizes appropriations under such Act for FY 1985 for training, research, and discretionary projects and requires that a specified minimum amount be made available to carry out provisions relating to Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Amends veterans' hospitalization benefits to authorize the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a screening and treatment program for eligible veterans suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Permits the furnishing of hospital or nursing home care to afflicted veterans who are at least fifty years old.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for the home care expenses of individual taxpayers who maintain a household which includes a dependent of the taxpayer who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Permits this deduction whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1983
Commission on Civil Rights Resolution - Establishes within the legislative branch an eight member Commission on Civil Rights (Commission). Provides rules of procedure for Commission hearings. Requires the Commission to: (1) investigate allegations of citizens' being denied their right to vote by reason of their color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin; (2) study and collect information concerning discrimination or a denial of equal protection; (3) appraise Federal laws and policy with respect to discrimination and the denial of equal protection; and (4) serve as a national clearinghouse for such information. Prohibits the Commission from investigating any membership practice or internal operation of any fraternal organization, college or university fraternity or sorority, private club or religious organization. Prohibits the Commission from collecting or studying information with respect to abortion. Directs the Commission to appraise the laws and policies of the Federal Government with respect to denials of equal protection involving Americans who are members of eastern - and southern - European ethic groups.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1983
Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from specified prohibited transactions: (1) any qualified mortgage transaction engaged in by an employee benefit plan if such transaction received the prior approval of an independent fiduciary; (2) the purchase, retention, or sale by an employee benefit plan of interests in Federal or State guaranteed residential mortgage loans; and (3) any participation or dealings by an employee benefit plan in residential mortgage-backed securities if such securities bear one of the three highest ratings of a nationally recognized rating service. Prohibits the promulgation of rules or orders which limit, interpret or implement: (1) the exemptions or definitions of this Act; and (2) the term "reasonable rate of interest."
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1983
Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to exclude from the claims settlement provisions those claims arising by reason of the presence of vessels in the Panama Canal or the waters adjacent to the Canal. Requires that the award of the Panama Canal Commission rather than the acceptance of the award by the claimant shall be final and conclusive on the claimant. Prohibits bringing suit on claims for injuries to persons or property in the Canal against the United States, the Commission, or any officer or employee of the United States. Repeals the provisions dealing with damage to vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983
States that the War Powers Resolution became operative on October 25, 1983, for purposes of determining the termination date for the presence of U.S. armed forces in Grenada.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Amends the charter of the American Veterans of World War II (AMVETS) by extending eligibility for membership to individuals who qualify on or after May 8, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from Federal income taxes members of the armed forces of the United States who die as a result of hostile action outside the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983
School Facilities Child Care Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations having the capacity to furnish school-age child care services in order to assist such agencies and organizations to establish and operate such services in public schools. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987. Sets forth information which must be included in applications by such agencies or organizations to the Secretary for such grants. Requires the Secretary, in approving the applications, to: (1) assure that there is an equitable distribution of approved applications; (2) give priority to applications from applicants in communities with the greatest need and a shortage of economic resources for such services; and (3) give consideration to applications from applicants who can illustrate an identifiable base of community support. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of collecting data from recipients of assistance under this Act designed to provide a national needs assessment for child care services of school-age children in the United States. Requires the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under this Act together with a needs assessment of child care services for school-age children in each State. Requires the Secretary to operate a clearinghouse on school-age child care programs. Sets forth general administrative provisions with respect to carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1983
Declares it to be the policy of the United States to: (1) renounce the first use of all nuclear weapons; and (2) conclude treaties with all nations renouncing the first use of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Transportation should submit to the appropriate congressional committees, not later than June 30, 1984, full research and development program planning documentation for the expedited civilian use of the Global Positioning System (a system which provides navigational information to aircraft).
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1983
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to prevent certain reductions in pay of members of a uniformed service holding civilian positions while receiving retired or retainer pay.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Civil Liberties Act of 1983 - Title I: Recognition of Injustice and an Apology on Behalf of the Nation - States that the Congress accepts the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and recognizes that a grave injustice was done to both citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry by the evacuation, relocation, and internment of civilians during World War II. Title II: United States Citizens of Japanese Ancestry and Resident Japanese Aliens - Requests the President to offer pardons of those convicted of violating laws during the internment period whose violation was based on a refusal to accept racially discriminatory treatment. Provides that Federal departments and agencies that review applications for restitution of positions, status, or entitlement lost during the internment period shall review such applications giving full consideration to the findings of the Commission. Establishes within the Treasury a Civil Liberties Public Education Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Requires the Attorney General to pay $20,000 each from the Fund in compensation to surviving internees. Establishes a Board of Directors which shall be responsible for making disbursement from the Fund. Provides that disbursement from the Fund shall be used to: (1) sponsor research and public educational activities dealing with the internment; (2) fund studies of similar civil liberties abuses; (3) prepare and distribute hearings and findings of the Commission; and (4) promote the general welfare of the ethnic Japanese community in the United States. Title III: The Aleuts - Requires the Attorney General to identify, locate, and pay a sum of $5,000 each to surviving internees of Alaskan Aleut ancestry. Establishes within the Treasury the Aleutian Islands Education and Restoration Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Fund. Provides for a Board of Directors to be responsible for making disbursements from the Fund. Authorizes disbursements for community and individual purposes that will be compensatory for the losses and injuries suffered as a result of the evacuation of the Aleuts. Directs the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild and restore churches and buildings damaged or destroyed in the Aleutian Islands and clear away the military debris that remains there from the evacuation and relocation period. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey the island of Attu, Alaska, to the Aleut native corporation. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides that all documents, personal testimony, and other material collected by the Commission shall be deposited in the National Archives of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Amends title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the United States Code to make nondischargeable in a bankruptcy case any debts for a contribution to an employee benefit plan for the purpose of providing medical benefits to employees who because of age or disability terminate employment before the order for relief.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
States that the United States, in negotiating an arms control agreement with the Soviet Union, should delay for six months the deployment of Pershing II and cruise missiles in Europe if the Soviet Union agrees to negotiate for specified mutual nondeployment and reductions of nuclear force missiles in Europe. Suggests that the United States and the Soviet Union should work with their respective allies to achieve a multilateral agreement on a reduction and a ban on nuclear weapon systems. Urges that the negotiations in Geneva on Soviet-American intermediate-range nuclear systems should be combined with the Strategic Arms Reduction negotiations with the objective of achieving a verifiable U.S.-Soviet freeze and reduction in the deployment of nuclear missiles and other delivery systems.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should give priority attention, in discussions with the Japanese, to the realignment of the yen-dollar exchange rates and to achieving greater equilibrium in the flow of goods, services, and investments between the two countries; and (2) measures to achieve such equilibrium should include mechanisms for close consultations and policy coordination in order to maintain acceptable fluctuations in the value of the yen, reduce disparities in the interest-rate levels, and allow equivalent access of foreign investors to domestic capital markets.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1983
Synthetic Fuels Corporation Fiscal Accountability Act of 1983 - Amends the Energy Security Act to prohibit the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation from making new awards of financial assistance after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Corporation's comprehensive strategy for achieving the national synthetic fuel production goal is approved by Congress. Makes limitations on Corporation construction projects effective upon the enactment of this Act rather than upon approval of the comprehensive strategy as provided under current law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require income tax returns to include space designated for the taxpayer to specify the amount of cash contributions, if any, which the taxpayer wishes to make to the Federal Government to reduce the public debt. Requires the transfer of amounts designated for this purpose to a special account to be used to reduce the public debt.
![Official portrait of Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001040_200.jpg)