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471 records where Rep. Vandergriff, Tommy J. [D-TX-26] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
World War I Veterans Service Pension Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and to certain surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the clergy to deduct expenses related to tax-exempt housing allowances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,500. Phases out such credit in annual increments after 1988. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1983 and before January 1, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate February 27, 1986, as Hugo LaFayette Black Day.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates the week beginning May 8, 1983, as Municipal Clerk's Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates November 1983 as National Alzheimer's Disease Month.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of October 2, 1983, as National Port Week.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) call upon all nations to designate May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day; (2) urge the Soviet Union to permit the Sakharovs to freely choose their place of residence; and (3) direct the American delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling upon that body to designate May 21, 1983, as International Sakharov Day.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and articles of fur from animals that were caught in such traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Title I: Consumer Credit - Consumer Debtor Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to permit a bankruptcy court to dismiss a case or suspend all proceedings if it determines that a debtor whose debts are primarily consumer debts does not need the provisions of the chapter under which relief has been sought and the granting of relief under such chapter would be a substantial abuse of its provisions. Requires the Clerk of each Federal judicial district to compile statistics regarding debtors where debts are primarily consumer debts. Requires the bankruptcy judge to convene, and permits such judge to preside at, any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties as may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in consumer goods property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan effecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Permits the court to utilize other methods of valuation if no such market exists or if the court determines that resale value is inappropriate in light of the property's proposed use or disposition. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of estimated income and expenses for the year following filing of his petition. Requires the debtor, if the schedule of assets and liabilities include consumer debts secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and upon the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Requires that the notice of meeting of the creditors be accompanied by a copy of the statement of estimated income and expenses and that the debtor supply the clerk of the court, upon the filing of the petition, with enough copies of such statement to accommodate the listed creditors. Requires individuals filing for bankruptcy in joint or consolidated cases to elect either the Federal or State exemptions. Places an aggregate limit of $3,000 on the value of the exemption with regard to household goods and personal effects. Prohibits the debtor from utilizing the unused dollar value of the homestead exemption to exempt additional property not explicitly provided for by such Act. Repeals the provisions of such Act which currently authorize the debtor to avoid nonpurchase money security interest in property. Presumes nondischargeable any debt incurred on or within 40 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title. Allows for rebuttal of such presumption. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been avoided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge and of any reaffirmation of debt. Prohibits the custodian from being an assignee under a general assignment for the benefit of the debtor's creditors that was appointed or took possession more than 120 days before the date of the filing of the petition. Permits the trustee or the court, however, to require such an assignee to file an accounting. Limits the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified household goods and tools of the debtor's trade. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to avoid any lien in whole or in part, if the court finds;: (1) that the debtor has no reasonable ability to pay the redemption value of such property out of anticipated future income; and (2) the enforcement of such lien would impose undue hardship on the debtor. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence within thirty days after the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of codebtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where a reasonable portion of unsecured claims are paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan, but was prevented from so doing by unforeseen circumstances. Title II: Agricultural Produce - Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Requires bankruptcy courts to give priority to allowed unsecured claims of farmers arising from the sale or conversion of farm produce to or by a debtor who operates a farm produce storage facility. Specifies that such sale or conversion must have occurred within 180 days before the filing of the petition or before the cessation of the debtor's business, whichever occurs first. Limits the payment of any such claim to $2,000 per individual. Permits a bankruptcy court to expedite the procedures for determining interests in and the disposition of grain and proceeds held by debtors who own or operate grain storage facilities. Requires the court to expedite such procedures if requested by a trustee or a claimant. Sets forth factors for the court to consider before deciding whether to shorten the time periods for procedures. Lists the procedures which may be expedited. Specifies administration details. Title III: Miscellaneous - Declares that if any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid the provisions of every other part and their application shall not be affected thereby. Makes the provisions of this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Declares that the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to cases pending before the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Designates the week of May 29, 1983, as National Tourism Week.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Authorizes the Commission on Arts and Antiquities of the Senate (the Commission) to provide for the design and sculpture of a marble bust of Carl Hayden. Authorizes the Commission to accept such bust and to place it in an appropriate location. Authorizes until December 31, 1983, the solicitation and acceptance of gifts to carry out this resolution. Provides funds for the Commission's expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Designates the square dance as the national folk dance of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to repeal the employer reporting requirements with respect to tips.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 and FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for any person who takes, by force, violence, or intimidation, a controlled substance from a pharmacist. Prohibits the granting of probation or parole to any such offender.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an income tax deduction from gross income for adoption fees, court costs, attorney's fees, and other expenses incurred in the adoption of a child.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Designates the week of May 15 1983 through May 21, 1983, as National Parkinson's Disease Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Armed Career Criminal Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life for "armed career criminals." Applies such penalties to any person with two prior convictions who commits, conspires, or attempts to commit a robbery or burglary while in possession of a firearm or imitation firearm. Allows the Federal Government to bring prosecutions under this Act, if consented to or requested by the local prosecuting authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1983, to delay until July 1, 1984, the effective date for the denial of Federal educational assistance to students who have failed to comply with the registration requirements under the Military Selective Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Requests the President to designate the second week in May, beginning May 8, 1982, as Senior Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no limitation should be placed on the Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on a residential mortgage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Aviation Drug-Trafficking Control Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to revoke the airman certificate of any person who has been convicted of violations (other than simple possession) of State or Federal law relating to controlled substances. Requires the Administrator to revoke the airman certificate of any person who has knowingly transported any controlled substance, where such transportation is prohibited. Prohibits the Administrator from reissuing any revoked certificate for a period of five years. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to reissue such certificate in certain circumstances before the end of a five-year period, but not before the end of the first year after revocation. Requires the Administrator to revoke the certificate of registration of an owner of an aircraft if it is determined that such aircraft has been used to transport controlled substances illegally. Sets forth certificate reissuance guidelines similar to those for the reissuance of airman certificates. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act, including selling or using fraudulent certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
National Commission on Down Syndrome Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a National Commission on Down Syndrome to formulate a long-range plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of Down Syndrome. Requires a final report to the President and the Congress within 12 months after the Commission is organized. Requires the Secretary to submit a related budget analysis to specified congressional committees. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to the reporting by employers of tips in the case of certain food and beverage establishments.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Designates the week beginning October 2, 1983, as National Children's Week.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Directs the President to designate March 18, 1983, as National Energy Education Day.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-59) for the Mass Transportation Capital Fund, as transmitted by the President to Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Designates the week beginning February 20, 1983, as Clergy Appreciation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that States should enact child passenger safety programs, including laws requiring the use of child safety seats.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 1983 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the first Sunday in June of each year as National Shut-In Day.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to specify the maximum interest rate on disaster loans made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to homeowners or small businesses for disasters commencing on or after January 1, 1983. Prohibits the SBA from imposing a cap of less than $100,000 for real property and less than $20,000 for personal property on loans made to individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Eliminates the social security offset against annuities provided under the Survivor Benefit Plan of the armed service when the benefits received are based on the annuitant's own employment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to allow nonprofit volunteer fire departments and rescue squads to receive donations of Federal surplus personal property.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
National Commission on Neurofibromatosis Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 60 days a National Commission on Neurofibromatosis which shall formulate a plan for the study, prevention, and treatment of neurofibromatosis. Sets forth operating and related provisions. Authorizes the Commission to transmit interim reports. Requires: (1) a final report to the President and to each House of Congress within one year; and (2) the Secretary to file a final report and a budget analysis for neurofibromatosis research with the appropriate congressional committees within 15 days after the President submits his budget to Congress. Terminates the Commission three months after submission of the final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the period from October 2 through October 9, 1983, as National Schoolbus Safety Week of 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Designates the week of June 24, 1984, as Federal Credit Union Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
National Science and Mathematics Teachers Development Act - Establishes the National Science and Mathematics Teachers Development Board in the Department of Education. Requires that the functions of the Secretary of Education under this Act be carried out through the Board. Directs the Secretary to make grants to institutions of higher education for continuing education programs designed to improve the skills and competence of secondary school teachers of science and mathematics. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations for related administrative expenses. Sets forth application requirements for program participation by institutions of higher education. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria to achieve equitable distribution of assistance under this Act among the States and areas within each State. Limits the amount of any grant under this Act to a single institution of higher education to $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplementary matching grants to institutions of higher education under specified conditions. Limits each grant to $250,000. Sets forth provisions for payments to institutions of higher education under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by December 31, 1985, on expenditures under this Act, Board activities, and types of grants made, with recommendations for further legislation to develop adequate science and mathematics teacher training.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Social Security Student Self-Help Act of 1983 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the outside earnings limitation for full-time students at postsecondary educational institutions who are entitled to child's insurance benefits under title II.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Designates the week beginning September 25, 1983, as National Adult Day Care Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer or other religious activity in public schools. States that neither the United States nor any State shall require any person to participate in prayer or other religious activity, or influence the form or content of any prayer or other religious activity in such public schools.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a defense to a Federal prosecution that at the time of the offense the defendant, as a result of a mental disease or defect, did not understand the wrongfulness of his conduct. Places the burden of proof of insanity on the defendant. Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity." Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit expert witnesses from offering opinions on the issue of the insanity of the defendant. Provides for an initial screening examination to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant lacks competence. Allows for a more thorough examination of the defendant if the initial results suggest incompetence. Requires a hearing on the issue of competence and further examination on the issue of the likelihood of the defendant's recovery. Allows for appropriate treatment if necessary. Requires in-patient treatment only when the defendant is dangerous, likely to flee, or in custody. Transfers to State officials for State civil commitment certain defendants who have received the maximum treatment under this section or are found incompetent with no substantial probability of improvement. Allows a person serving a sentence of imprisonment to be transferred to a mental institution upon a showing of clear and convincing evidence that the prisoner is in need of treatment. Establishes Federal commitment procedures for persons found "not guilty only by reason of insanity". Provides for a special examination of violent offenders in order to determine their dangerousness. Requires a board of examiners for every Federal penal and correctional institution which shall examine prisoners about whom there is probable cause to believe competence at trial was lacking even though the issue was not raised and determined. Requires the district court concerned to vacate conviction and order a new trial for any prisoner about whom such a board certifies that such probable cause does exist.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends the Military Selective Service Act to repeal the prohibition against providing student loans for persons who were required to but have not registered under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum, or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws should develop a model State act (and interstate recognition and enforcement procedures) providing grandparents with adequate rights to petition in State courts for privileges to visit their grandchildren after a dissolution of the parents' marriage; (2) States should adopt such model State act; and (3) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, should provide technical assistance to States in developing guidelines which help determine the "best interests of the child" in such cases and which take into account the ability of grandparents to help satisfy such child's need for continuity of care.