United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1983
States that Congress: (1) deplores the assassination of Benigno Aquino; and (2) expresses its condolences to his family and to all Filipinos. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) steps should be taken to achieve an independent investigation of the Aquino assassination and to bring to justice those responsible for his death; and (2) the President should not visit the Philippines until there has been an accounting of the assassination and until the President's security can be guaranteed. States that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support fair elections to the National Assembly in May 1984; and (2) urge the Philippine Government to take steps to secure the full participation of the opposition parties in those elections, including the reconstitution of an impartial electoral commission and the restoration of freedom of the press. Urges the United States in conducting its relations with the Philippine Government to take into account the investigation and the fairness of the 1984 National Assembly elections.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Establishes a National Offshore Operators Safety Advisory Committee to advise and consult with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating concerning safety aspects of all operations associated with the exploration for, and recovery of, mineral resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Committee five years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1983
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act) to allow any State to prepare and submit for approval to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) a survey of water quality deterioration in the State which has resulted from acid deposition; and (2) methods and procedures to restore the water quality insofar as it has deteriorated as a result of acid deposition. Directs the Administrator to provide financial assistance to States to carry out such approved methods and procedures. Limits the amount of any such grant to 80 percent of the State expenditure for carrying out the approved methods and procedures. Directs the Administrator to provide for equitable distribution of such grants on the basis of the relative need of each State for the restoration of water quality which has deteriorated as a result of acid deposition. Provides that such grants shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1983
States that until Chile returns to democracy the United States should deny all military and economic assistance, including guarantees and loans from the Export-Import Bank and the Commodity Credit Corporation. Urges the United States to oppose all loans and grants to Chile by the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Development Association, unless such assistance is directed to programs which serve the basic human needs of the people.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1983
Urges the President to: (1) use every diplomatic and political tool to ensure that those responsible for the death of Benigno Aquino are brought to justice; (2) cancel his trip to the Philippines; and (3) propose the convening of an impartial international tribunal to investigate the Aquino assassination. States that the Congress expects: (1) democracy to be restored to the Philippines; and (2) free elections to be held there in May 1984 with a free press and the full participation of the opposition parties. States that if the Marcos government refuses such tribrunal and elections, the United States should reevaluate its relations with the Marcos government, including the status of military and economic aid. Expresses congressional condolences to the Aquino family and the Filipino people.
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
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Amendments Act of 1983 - Title I: Findings and Purposes Concerning Management of Outer Continental Shelf Lands Resources - Sets forth findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise provisions of the Outer Continenal Shelf leasing program. Requires the location, timing, and size of such leasing activity to be specified on the basis of individual geological basins on the Outer Continental Shelf in such manner as will provide definitive notice of the areas to be affected by each activity under such schedule. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, for purposes of determining the size, timing, and location of leasing activity, to propose or seek actively oil- and gas-bearing areas within individual geologic basins. Permits potential oil and gas producers to nominate tracts within such areas and States, local governments, and interested groups and individuals to submit comments, recommendations, and negative and positive nominations to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary, after consideration of such nominations, comments, and recommendations, to establish the schedule for exploration, development, and production. Permits only those tracts receiving a high level of industry nominations and no negative State recomendations to be included on the schedule, unless the Secretary rejects the recommendation. Requires an equitable sharing of developmental benefits and environmental risks associated with exploration, development, and production of oil and gas within each geologic basin, including the developmental benefits and socioeconomic risks for persons, local governments, or States within any portion of the affected coastal area. (Currently, an equitable sharing of developmental benefits and environmental risks among various regions is required.) Directs the Secretary, in considering the relative environmental sensitivity and marine productivity of areas of the Outer Continental Shelf, to consider both the particular and cumulative environmental and socioeconomic effects of exploration and development. Provides that in the case of all leasing following enactment of this Act, for purposes of the timing, location, and extent of such leasing, prior leasing activities in the geological basins concerned shall not be considered. Directs the Secretary to select the timing, extent, and location of leasing so as to minimize to the greatest extent possible the risk of environmental damage or adverse effects on the coastal zone. Authorizes the Secretary to reject a specific recommendation of the Governor of an affected State only if the recommendation does not provide for a reasonable balance between the national interest and the well-being of the citizens of the affected State. Requires the Secretary to show compelling reasons for rejecting the Governor's recommendations. Provides that the Secretary's determination as to whether or not an affected State's recommendations provide for a reasonable balance between national interests and the State's interests shall not, alone, be a basis to invalidate a proposed lease sale or development and production plan in any suit or judicial review, unless the determination is not supported by substantial evidence. Provides that in all oil and gas bearing areas not offered for lease sale before 1978, no tract in such areas may be offered for lease sale for three years after the first lease sale in such area except in the Alaskan oil and gas bearing area, where there shall be no tract offered for lease sale for five years after the first lease sale in the area concerned. Revises provisions relating to the use of the best available and safest economically feasible technologies for drilling and production operations to require the use of the best and safest technologies. (Currently, the best and safest technologies are required if they are determined to be economically possible.) Requires the research elements of the national earthquake hazards reduction program, established by the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, to include studies of the seismic activity on Outer Continental Shelf development. Title III: Moratorium on Oil and Gas Leasing On Outer Continental Shelf Lands - Prohibits the issuance of any of any oil and gas lease on any submerged lands located: (1) within specified geographical areas off the coastline of California and Massachusetts until January 1, 2000; and (2) within certain other specified geographical areas off the coastline of Massachusetts until January 1, 1990. Prohibits the issuance of any license or permit or the approval of any exploration plan or any development and production plan until January 1, 2000, which: (1) affects or provides for any activity affecting the geographical area described in clause one above; and (2) involves drilling for oil and gas. States that the above prohibitions shall not affect the authority of the Secretary to approve any plan or to grant any permit allowing scientific exploration or other activities.
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 allow a refundable income tax credit for expenses incurred in the care of elderly family members. Sets such credit at 30 percent of the expenses incurred for taxpayers with incomes of $25,000 or less. Reduces the rate of such credit, but not below 20 percent, by one percent for each $2,000 of taxpayer income in excess of $25,000. Limits such credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000. Imposes a maximum $7,000 limit on the amount of elderly care expenses that can be taken into account. Defines "qualified family member" as any individual who: (1) is related to the taxpayer by blood or marriage; (2) is at least 70 years of age (or diagnosed with senile dementia); and (3) has a family income of $15,000 or less. Defines "qualified elderly care expenses" as payments for: (1) home health agency services; (2) homemaker services; (3) adult day care; (4) respite care; or (5) certain health care equipment and supplies.
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
Prohibits sending combat troops into Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua for training exercises or any other purposes unless: (1) Congress has authorized their presence in advance by a joint resolution signed by the President; or (2) the presence of such troops is necessary to provide for the immediate evacuation of U.S. citizens, or to respond to a clear and present danger of military attack on the United States. Declares that, in either case, the President should advise and consult, to the extent possible, in advance with the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control, to make grants and enter into contracts for State and local public health emergency prevention and treatment programs. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes $60,000,000 for FY 1984 and for subsequent years such sums as necessary to have $60,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees on any such expenditures made during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1983
Limits the total number of U.S. Government personnel in Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador to the number of such personnel in each such country on June 1, 1983. Prohibits U.S. military personnel from conducting or participating in any blockade or quarantine by air, land, or sea of Nicaragua or El Salvador. Authorizes amendment or repeal of such limitation and prohibition by a joint resolution of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it should not be U.S. foreign policy to overthrow governments with which the United States disagrees politically. Urges the President to indicate U.S. support for the Contadora Group initiative by endorsing specified proposals of the Group. States that the United States should: (1) announce its willingness to pursue negotiations with all Central American nations and to stop U.S. arms shipments; (2) offer technical assistance to the Group to assist in the verification of such a freeze on arms traffic in the region; (3) stop funding guerrilla forces seeking to overthrow Nicaragua; and (4) exert diplomatic efforts to persuade other involved governments to cease activities aimed at destabilizing the existing Central American governments.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983
Establishes the Kamehameha National Monument in Hawaii. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to provide facilities to commemorate the historical significance of the monument. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) legislation is immediately required to protect Medicare and Medicaid (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act); and (2) an urgency exists to assure affordable health care for older Americans. States that Congress should enact legislation to reduce and control the rising cost of health care.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 90 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 90 day period, on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances. Limits to 20 the number of home health service visits covered under Medicare in the case of individuals who were furnished certain home health services but continue to need nursing care or the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that if a hospice program does not provide its own nursing care, such care must be provided through a certified Medicare provider.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Maritime Safety Act of 1983 - Prohibits vessels subject to Coast Guard inspection from being operated without such inspection. Subjects violators to fines under various Federal laws. Requires vessel owners, operators, or agents to notify the Coast Guard about any vessel that may have been lost or imperiled. Subjects violators to fines. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to contract with specified U.S. shipowners for installation of a marine satellite telecommunications system. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986. Subjects all acts of marine incompetency or misconduct committed by licensed personnel to Coast Guard jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should: (1) renew the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union on space cooperation for peaceful purposes; (2) initiate talks with the Soviet Union and other interested governments on opportunities for cooperative East-West space ventures as an alternative to an arms race in space; and (3) submit to the Congress a report detailing the provisions of such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 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; (3) notify the owner or operator of each of the 50 plants listed; and (4) within four months after such enactment, and after notice and opportunity for comment, publish a final list of the 50 plants with the largest total emissions. 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 fuel fired electric utility generating plant concerned; 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. 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 four months after the enactment of this Act, to compute a State share, for each of the 48 contiguous States, of a 10,000,000 ton reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide by 1993 below that of 1980. Sets forth a formula for computation of State shares. Permits 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. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a State plan on January 1, 1988, if no State plan has been: (1) submitted by June 1, 1985; or (2) approved by January 1, 1988. Requires State plans for State shares to provide for emission limitations applicable to any stationary sources in the State for which the actual annual sulfur dioxide emission rates have been calculated by the Administrator for the calendar year 1980, other than a source which is one of the listed 50 electric utility plants subject to direct federally mandated emission reductions. 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, with specified credits for States in which any of the 50 listed plants are located. 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 within this Act), to pay for 90 percent of the costs of the construction and installation at an electric utility generating plant of any technological system of continuous emission reduction necessary to comply with requirements under a State plan for a State share of sulfur dioxide emission reductions. Subjects such payments to regulations relating to reduction of increases in utility rates. 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 payments from the fund first to facilities covered by direct federally mandated emission reductions and then to facilities covered by State share plan requirements. 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 of one mill 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. Exempts from such fee electric energy: (1) used at the electric generating facility concerned; or (2) generated by a nuclear generating facility. Makes such fee effective with respect to electric energy generated, or imported, after December 31, 1984. Makes the fee cease to apply on the earlier of: (1) December 31, 1995; or (2) the date on which all payments required under this Act have been made. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate the fee at an earlier date upon estimation that sufficient funds have been collected to fund all such required payments. Directs the Administrator to promulgate within six months after enactment of this Act regulations setting forth the time and manner required for payment of such fee and related reporting requirements. 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 electric utilities (or importers of electric energy) which knowingly commit such violations. 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 after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the emission of nitrogen oxides 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.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to revise provisions for determining the number of weeks of Federal supplemental unemployment compensation payable in any State.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1983
Water Quality Renewal Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 through 1988 for: (1) specified research, investigation, and training programs in water pollution control; (2) State and interstate pollution control programs; (3) undergraduate programs in water quality control; (4) grants for developing waste treatment management plans for areas with substantial water quality control problems; (5) water pollution control programs in agricultural areas; (6) agreements among Government agencies providing for maximum use of existing programs for water quality control; (7) grants to States for lake pollution control; and (8) carrying out such Act generally. Increases the authorization for grants for construction of waste treatment works for FY 1984 and 1985. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY 1986 through 1988. Revises the timetable for compliance of all pollutants with effluent limitations. Requires as new conditions for the modification of treatment requirements with respect to the discharge of pollutants from a publicly owned treatment works that an applicant for such modification demonstrate that: (1) in the case of a treatment works serving a population of 50,000 or more, there is in effect a specified pretreatment program for toxic pollutants introduced into such works for which there is no pretreatment requirement in effect; and (2) the effluent which is discharged from such works is receiving primary treatment and meets the criteria for water quality established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Revises the meaning of the phrase "discharge of any pollutant into marine water." Requires that a water quality standard which is revised after January 1, 1983, maintain the designated uses of the navigable waters involved in effect on such date, except that such a standard may contain a less restrictive use if the State demonstrates that: (1) the existing designated use is not attainable because of natural background or irretrievable man-induced conditions; or (2) the application of effluent limitations needed to attain the existing designated use would result in substantial and widespread adverse economic and social impact. Requires a State to revise water quality standards to preserve the quality of those waters within the State exceeding the level necessary to support the designated use contained in existing water quality standards. Requires a State to consider the need to adopt numercial criteria in addition to other water quality criteria' with respect to specified toxic pollutants whenever such State reviews a water quality standard. Requires the maintenance and protection of water the quality of which exceeds levels necessary to support the propagation of fish and wildlife and to allow recreation in and on the water, unless a State chooses, after compliance with intergovernmental coordination and public participation requirements, to allow lower water quality because of essential economic or social development for which there is no feasible alternative. Prohibits a degradation of water quality which will interfere with or injure instream water uses. Prohibits degradation in high quality waters which constitute an outstanding national resource. Requires a State to minimize the effects of development on water quality in any case where water quality degradation is permitted. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of all navigable waters in each State the water quality of which is being impaired by the discharge from specific sources of toxic pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an individual control strategy for each listed segment of navigable waters which shall reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants from such sources so as to allow the achievement of water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water. Increases the civil penalties for violations of requirements with respect to water quality standards under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires the Administrator to convene a management conference whenever the attainment or maintenance of water quality in an estuary requires the control of sources of pollution in more than one State. Provides that such a management conference shall establish and provide for the implementation of a master plan which addresses the pollution problems of the estuary involved. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States participating in such a management conference which are equal to 55 percent of a State's cost of implementing a master plan for a fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1984 through 1988 for: (1) administrative expenses with respect to management conferences; (2) grants for the development of master plans for estuaries; and (3) monitoring the implementation of such master plans. Prohibits the specification of a disposal site in navigable waters for the discharge of dredged or fill material unless the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines that the discharge of such material at such site will not have an unacceptable adverse effect on the aquatic environmental and that there is no less adverse practicable alternative to the proposed discharge. Requires that an application for a permit to discharge dredge or fill material into navigable waters at a specified disposal site be filed with the district engineer of the Corps of Engineers for the district where the discharge is to be made. Requires the district engineers to notify the Administrator, the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, and other appropriate Federal agency heads of any such application. Specifies the time periods within which such agencies may submit comments on such applications. Requires the district engineer to give full consideration to such comments in deciding whether to issue a permit. Requires the district engineer to notify the Administrator or the appropriate Secretary if a permit to which the Administrator or the Secretary is opposed is to be issued. Specifies the time periods within which the district engineer must publish a decision with respect to a permit application. Provides that a denial of a permit application shall be the final decision of the Secretary of the Army. Provides that a decision to issue a permit shall be the final decision of the Secretary of the Army unless the Administrator, the Secretary of the Interior, or the the Secretary of Commerce requests a review of such a decision in any case in which the Administrator or either Secretary opposed the issuance of a permit. Specifies the time periods within which the Secretary of the Army must issue a final decision following such a request. Requires the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the effects of the impoundment and discharge of waters by dams upon the quality of navigable waters.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation - Makes this title effective only until both the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage and the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage are in force with respect to the United States. Permits claims for damages for economic loss, arising from oil pollution, to be asserted for: (1) removal costs; (2) injury to or destruction of natural resources; (3) injury to or destruction of real or personal property; (4) loss of subsistence use of natural resources; (5) loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to such injury or destruction; and (6) loss of tax revenue for a period of one year due to injury to real or personal property. Specifies the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the party responsible for the source of pollution. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for vessels, inland oil barges, ships, deepwater ports, and other facilities located on the Outer Continental Shelf. Makes the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund (the Trust Fund, established under title II of this Act) liable for damages for claims asserted under this Act, except as provided in title II of this Act, to the extent that the loss is not otherwise compensated. Requires the responsible party for vessels over 300 tons (including foreign vessels) and the party responsible for offshore facilities to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Limits the liability of a guarantor to the aggregate amount of financial responsibility that the guarantor provided. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary of Transportation shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary to advertise claims to be presented initially to the responsible party or to such person's guarantor, in instances in which: (1) the responsible party and guarantor both deny involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source. Permits claimants either to present a claim to the Trust Fund or to bring an action in an appropriate U.S. court if liability is denied or the claim is not settled within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Trust Fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against a responsible party or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the Fund. Permits the Trust Fund to intervene in such actions. Requires a claim to be presented within three years of discovery of an economic loss, or within six years of the date of the incident, whichever is earlier. Subrogates any person, including the Trust Fund, to all the claimant's claims and rights under this title. Sets forth the measure of recovery for actions brought by the Trust Fund against any responsible party or guarantor. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive original jurisdiction over all controversies arising under titles I, II, and III of this Act, without regard to the citizenship of the parties or the amount in controversy. Makes the rights and remedies under this title exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution (but does not preclude State imposition of taxes or fees to finance the purchase and prepositioning of oil pollution cleanup and removal equipment). Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Authorizes appropriations for this title. Title II: Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund - Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund which shall consist of: (1) the 1.3 cent a barrel fee imposed by this title; (2) amounts recovered or collected on behalf of the Trust Fund under title I; and (3) any amounts transferred to the Trust Fund under title III of this Act from the Deepwater Port Liability Fund and the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Provides for the establishment of a Board of Directors for the Trust Fund. Exempts the Trust Fund and its income and property from all taxation except that any real property owned in fee by the Trust Fund shall be subject to State, territorial, county, municipal, or other local taxation to the same extent as other similar real property. Requires an annual independent audit of the Trust Fund. Requires a fee of 1.3 cents a barrel to be paid into the Trust Fund by the owner of: (1) oil received at a U.S. refinery; (2) oil entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing; and (3) oil produced from a well located in the United States which is used in or exported from the United States. Provides that such fee shall be in effect only when the amount in the Trust Fund is less than $200,000,000. Prohibits the imposition of the fee with respect to any oil if the person who would be liable for the fee establishes that a prior fee has been imposed with respect to that oil. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for any person who fails to collect or pay the fee. Makes the Trust Fund available for: (1) immediate payment of removal costs; (2) payment of claims under title I for damage which is not otherwise compensated; (3) the costs of administration of this Act; and (4) the payment of initial and annual contributions to the International Fund established under title IV of this Act. Requires the prudent investment of sums not needed for the above, but requires rebates to those who paid the 1.3 cent fee whenever the amount in the Trust Fund exceeds $300,000,000. Prohibits payment of any claim from the Trust Fund if payment would reduce the amount in the Trust Fund to an amount less than $30,000,000. Authorizes the Trust Fund to borrow from any commercial credit source. Limits the liability of the Trust Fund with respect to one incident to a maximum of $100,000,000. Requires the Comptroller General to review the required audit of the Trust Fund. Provides that if the balance of any fund is to be transferred to the Trust Fund, any claim arising before October 1, 1984, shall be paid from the Trust Fund. Provides that if the Secretary determines that there is a Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAP) fund deficit, then the 1.3 cent fee shall be increased by two cents per barrel until the total amount of such increased fees equals such deficit. Defines a TAP fund deficit. Provides that for purposes of this title, the term "United States" includes the Outer Continental Shelf and any foreign trade zone of the United States. Title III: Regulations, Effective Dates, and Savings Provisions - Specifies the effective dates of specified provisions of this Act. Eliminates the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund and provides that all unused assets of such Fund shall be rebated directly to the operator of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline for pro-rata payments to those owners who had paid into such Fund. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act. Transfers to the Trust Fund amounts remaining on the Deepwater Port Liability Fund and the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (both having been eliminated by the above repeals). States that if any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected. Title IV: Implementation of Conventions - Recognizes the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (International Fund) as a legal person under the laws of the United States. Requires, in any action brought in the United States against the owner of a ship or his guarantor under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, that the International Fund and the Trust Fund be served a copy of the complaint and any subsequent pleading. Entitles the International Fund to intervene as a party in any such action. Exempts the International Fund from all direct taxation in the United States. Requires any initial or annual contribution to the International Fund to be paid by the Trust Fund. Sets forth the jurisdiction of the U.S. district courts for controversies arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the International Fund Convention. Requires U.S. courts to recognize final judgments of courts of nations which are a party to the Civil Liability Convention or the International Fund Convention. Requires the owner of each U.S. documented ship, or any ship, wherever registered, which enters or leaves a U.S. port or terminal carrying more than 2,000 tons of oil in bulk as cargo to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in amounts sufficent to cover the maximum liability arising from one incident under the Civil Liability Convention. Imposes a civil penalty for noncompliance with provisions of the above sentence. States that the United States waives all defenses based on its status as a sovereign State with respect to any controversy arising under the Civil Liability Convention or the International Fund Convention relating to any ship owned by the United States an used for commercial purposes. States that one franc shall be deemed to equal one-fifteenth of a special drawing right, as defined by the International Monetary Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to issue such rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the Civil Liability Convention and the International Fund Convention.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1983
Civilian Nuclear Power Regulation Improvement and Safety Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends specified provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (which incorporate the Anderson-Price Atomic Energy Damages Act) to eliminate the ceiling on the aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident of persons indemnified. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to nuclear incidents, to incorporate provisions in indemnity agreements with licensees and contractors and to require provisions to be incorporated in insurance policies or contracts furnished as proof of financial protection which waive: (1) issues or defenses as to conduct of the claimant or fault of the persons indemnified; (2) issues or defenses as to charitable or governmental immunity; or (3) issues or defenses based upon any statute of limitations. Eliminates the requirement that a suit be filed within ten years after a nuclear incident in order for a waiver of a defense based upon a statute of limitations to be effective. (Under current law, the NRC may incorporate such waiver provisions and may require the incorporation of such provisions with respect to extraordinary nuclear occurrences.)
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation to export or aid in the development of foreign markets for fish and fish products without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to include fish within the definition of agricultural commodities, for purposes of that Act, without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations. Deletes the provision which requires that priority be given to financing the sale of food and fiber commodities under title I of such Act. Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to include fish within the definition of agricultural commodities, for purposes of the export sales credit program of that Act, without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate provisions which: (1) permit petitions to the Secretary of Energy for prescription of rules which supersede State energy efficiency standards; and (2) provide for supersedure of State energy efficiency standards prescribed after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate recommended maximum contaminant levels and revised national primary drinking water regulations within specified time periods for: (1) each of 14 contaminants listed in 47 Federal Register 9352; (2) toxic water pollutants which are found in drinking water; and (3) other substances which may have an adverse effect on the health of persons. Sets forth requirements with respect to such contaminant levels and drinking water regulations. Requires the Administrator to list a contaminant and promulgate a revised drinking water regulation for such contaminant which requires the use of treatment techniques if such contaminant cannot be accurately enough measured in water to establish a maximum contaminant level. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into arrangements with independent scientific organizations to assist in the establishment of recommended maximum contaminant levels. Requires the Administrator to establish a program which shall require a representative sample of various public water systems to monitor for unregulated contaminants. Directs the Administrator to require the owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to persons served by it of contaminant levels of any unregulated contaminants required to be monitored. Requires the Administrator to enforce compliance with national primary drinking water regulations through civil actions or administrative orders with respect to public water systems, unless there is in effect a variance or an exemption. Revises the compliance schedules in the case of public water systems which have been granted an exemption from compliance with interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations. Permits extensions of such exemptions in certain cases. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to administrative orders issued to enforce compliance with regulations, schedules, or other requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty; or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of a primary national drinking water standard. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of a public water system which fails to comply with a national primary drinking water regulation beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility over such public water system. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with national drinking water regulations. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY 1984 through 1987. Authorizes the Administrator to require, as a condition of a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility with respect to national drinking water regulations, that the State carry out technical assistance programs for small public water systems which are substantially similar to the Federal program. Provides that, in requiring a public water system to keep records with respect to the compliance with national primary drinking water regulations, the Administrator shall take into account the system size and the contaminants which are likely to be found in the system's drinking water. Sets forth criminal penalties for tampering with a public water system. Provides that notice by the owner or operator of a public water system which fails to comply with national primary drinking water regulations to the persons served by such system shall provide an explanation of such failure, the steps being taken to correct such failure, and the groups which should seek alternative water supplies until such failure is corrected. Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to also give annual notice to the persons served by it of the availability to the public of records and reports kept by such system with respect to compliance with the national primary drinking water regulations. Permits civil actions by public water systems and any other persons against any persons who are causing or contributing to the presence of a contaminant in the drinking water used by such systems or other persons if such contamination results in the water supply not meeting national primary drinking water regulations. Title II: Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water - Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by underground injection above, into, or under a formation which contains a drinking water source, unless it is established that such injection will not cause the hazardous waste to migrate into or otherwise endanger drinking water sources. Requires State underground injection programs to prohibit the disposal of brine brought to the surface in connection with oil by any means other than underground injection in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Defines the term "drinking water source" as underground water which supplies a public water system, is capable of supplying a public water system, or could supply a public water system if the system used technologically advanced treatment. Requires the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register if an area has an aquifer which furnishes or may furnish in the future a substantial part of the drinking water supply for any public water system and which would create a significant hazard to the public health if contaminated. Permits Federal financial assistance for projects which are designed not to contaminate such an aquifer. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for State programs to prevent surface impoundments which are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act from endangering drinking water sources. Permits States to apply to exercise primary enforcement responsibility. Requires the Administrator to prescribe a program for a State if no State program is approved. Permits States to submit to the Administrator plans to protect underground drinking water sources. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to the States to assist them in the development of such plans. Requires that Federal actions with respect to underground drinking water sources in a State be coordinated with the State protection program. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance with underground injection control program requirements. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such administrative orders. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty, or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of an underground injection control program. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of any person who fails to comply with underground injection control program requirements beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility for underground water sources. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for: (1) the provision of research, technical assistance, information, and training of personnel to the States and municipalities to implement the Safe Drinking Water Act; and (2) grants to States for public water system supervision programs and underground water source protection programs. Extends indefinitely the authority of the Administrator to issue certifications of need and orders for the provision of chemicals necessary for the treatment of water.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it supports the reduction of child mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Urges the President to promote and undertake activities to further the objectives of the child health revolution. Directs appropriate Government agencies to support UNICEF and other specified international agencies and public and private organizations in fostering the child health revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Renewable Energy Incentive Act of 1983 - Title I: Certain Renewable Energy Source Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years from 1985 to 1990 the investment tax credit for: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) hydroelectric generating property; and (4) biomass property. Allows an investment tax credit for cogeneration energy property until 1990. Increases the energy percentage for solar, wind, or geothermal energy and ocean thermal property from 15 percent to 25 percent. Increases the energy percentage for hydroelectric generating property from 11 percent to 15 percent. Allows an energy percentage of ten percent for cogeneration property. Extends the residential energy income tax credit from 1985 to 1990. Allows the regular investment tax credit for energy property which is considered to be a structural component of a building and is used as air or water heating equipment for such building. Allows an investment tax credit until 1995 for affirmative commitments made for projects concerning: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) biomass property; and (4) cogeneration property. Extends for seven years from 1988 to 1995 the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for certain hydroelectric generating property. Increases from two to five the number of possible sites for ocean thermal property. Allows an investment tax credit for ocean thermal property which produces energy used in a possession of the United States. (Present law requires that such energy be used in the continental United States.) Title II: Biomass Incentive - Treates as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Title III: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow income tax deductions for contributions to private foundations on the same basis as contributions to public charities (deductible up to 50 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income). Redefines "lineal descendants" to include only children and grandchildren, for purposes of private foundation penalty tax rules dealing with substantial contributors. Provides that private foundation gifts to public charities do not forfeit their tax deductibility due to the disqualification of the charity's tax exemption if: (1) the gift is made before the Secretary of the Treasury publishes a notice of disqualification or before the foundation receives actual notice of disqualification; (2) and the foundation was not responsible for or aware of the charity's change in status. Exempts a private foundation from expenditure responsibility requirements if such foundation and all related foundations contribute no more than $15,000 in grants during a taxable year. Permits the Secretary to abate first tier penalty taxes on private foundations if it is determined that a violation of private foundation rules was due to a good faith error or omission and was corrected within the statutory correction period.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the interstate compact entered into by Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont relating to the restoration of Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River Basin and creating the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to participate as members of such Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Permits the Secretary of Defense to provide air transportation to annual national meetings within the continental United States sponsored by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia to the next of kin of persons missing in action in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era, or reported dead without repatriation of the remains.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should seek a consensus at the Williamsburg Summit, aimed at: (1) reducing disparities in certain financial rates and economic policies among summit countries; and (2) arranging a meeting of summit country finance ministers with the Secretary of the Treasury, to achieve an alignment between the interest rates and major currencies. Urges the President to arrange, in conjunction with the Williamsburg Summit, bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Japan to bring about further realignment of the yen and dollar exchange rates.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 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's, 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 significant improvement in the individual's condition so that such individual can perform substantial gainful activity; (2) the individual can perform substantial gainful activity as a result of medical or vocational therapy or technology; (3) the prior disability determination was clearly erroneous or fraudulently obtained; or (4) the individual is currently performing substantial gainful activity. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services 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. Requires that subjective evidence of pain or other symptoms be considered in determining whether an individual is under a disability. Provides that subjective evidence may lead to a determination of disability even without corroboration by medical findings. Requires that a determination as to an individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity be based on an evaluation of the individual's remaining capacity to meet the demands of competitive work on a sustained basis. Provides that an individual who is working in a noncompetitve work environment shall not be regarded as demonstrating an ability to engage in substantial gainful activity solely on the basis of such work. Permits such work to be considered as a factor in a determination that an individual is able to engage in substantial gainful activity. Title II: Disability Determination Process - Requires the Secretary to revise: (1) 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; and (2) the methods and procedures for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. 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. Removes certain time restrictions on the continued payment of disability benefits during the appeal process. 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, modify, or reverse 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 medical evidence before or at such hearing. Requires a State agency or the Secretary, in making a disability determination, to consider all medical and vocational evidence relating to the physical or mental impairments of the individual involved. Requires that a complete medical history of at least the preceding year be made for each disability determination or continuing disability determination. Requires that medical information be obtained from the individual's treating physician. Requires that assistance be given where necessary to those individuals who have been previously determined to be under a disability based on mental impairment and with respect to whom reviews of continuing eligibility are being carried out. Requires that hearings with respect to disability determinations be reasonably accessible to the persons requesting them. Directs the Secretary to insure the reimbursement of costs connected to disability determinations for individuals who have presented evidence of financial need. Provides that a disability determination shall be made only after a qualified physician (or a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist where appropriate) has made the proper medical evaluation. Requires the Secretary to prescribe standards with respect to consultative examinations which must be obtained for disabilty determinations. Requires that rates for medical examinations in connection with disability determinations be consistent with the rates for such services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. 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. Amends title VII (Administration) of such Act to specify court orders 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. Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to eliminate as a condition for the continued payment of benefits to persons in vocational rehabilitation programs that the Commissioner of Social Security determine that the continuation or completion of such program will increase the likelihood that a beneficiary may be permanently removed from benefit eligibility following participation in such a program. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to require the Secretary to notify all recipients of title II benefits who may be eligible for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act of the availability of the SSI program and to encourage such individuals to contact the social security district office. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give such notification to all elderly title II beneficiaries.) Requires that the Secretary include in such notices that, upon request, assistance will be provided in the completion of claims and to establish benefit eligibility. Amends title II of the Social Security Act to revise the time periods for trial work which is used as a basis in determining whether an individual's disability has ended. Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services an Advisory Council on the Medical Aspects of Disability, which shall evaluate and advise the Secretary on the disability determination process under title II of the Social Security Act. Requires the Council to report to Congress at least biennially on its activities. 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 · 10 May 1983
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Preempts State or local laws which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines are inconsistent with this Act. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Encourages the President's efforts to achieve deep cuts in the amounts of nuclear weapons held by each nation and to establish an enduring peace. Declares that Congress would welcome an international agreement based on specified principles providing for: (1) the staged, proportional disarmament of all nations until nonthreatening force levels are reached under effective international inspection and control; and (2) concurrent agreements (in accordance with specified principles) providing methods for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, for effective compliance during the staged disarmament process, and for effective enforcement as nonthreatening force levels are approached. Urges the President to initiate: (1) renewed consideration of the "Joint Statement of agreed Principles for Disarmament Negotiations" ("Joint Statement") by appropriate U.S. agencies; and (2) joint United States and Soviet reconsideration of such "Joint Statement." Requests the President to: (1) transmit copies of this resolution to the heads of government of all nations and to invite them to participate in negotiations on such an international agreement; and (2) report to Congress on the steps taken respecting this resolution and the responses received and on the U.S. reassessment of the "Joint Statement."
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "geothermal energy" as the natural heat of the Earth at any temperature (present regulations require that such heat must exceed a specified temperature). Qualifies for the residential energy tax credit and the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source not eligible for such credits if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system. Qualifies for the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source eligible for such credit (such as biomass, solar, wind, ocean thermal, or hydroelectric) if the combination of such energy sources provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Republic of South Africa should comply with international human rights agreements by ending its "black-spot" policy and by allowing forcibly relocated South Africans to return to ancestral lands; (2) U.S. nonrecognition of South African "homeland" sovereignty should continue; (3) travel to the United States should be denied to "homeland" officials who seek to enter this country under "homelands" visas; and (4) the President should send a copy of this resolution to the Republic of South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to authorize appropriations for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency for FY 1984 and 1985. Provides that the Director of the Agency shall be a permanent member of the National Security Council.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause two named vessels to be documented as vessels of the United States entitled to engage in the coastwise trade.
![Official portrait of Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s001040_200.jpg)