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Official portrait of Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3]

Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3]

United States · Official source

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1,816 records where Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· HRH.R. 2236 (98th)referred

National Diffusion Network Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983

National Diffusion Network Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to promote the use of exemplary educational programs, products, and practices to interested elementary and secondary schools. Requires the Secretary to provide information, materials, training, technical assistance, and evaluations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, public and nonprofit private educational institutions and organizations to carry out such program. Declares that such program shall be deemed to be a continuation of the National Diffusion Network for which provision is made under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds available under such Act to such program. Authorizes additional appropriations, if necessary, to carry out such program in FY 1984 through 1987.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 147 (98th)open

A resolution concerning observance by the Government of Romania of the Human Rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania, especially the right of self-determination.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983

Declares that the House of Representatives deplores the denial of the rights of Hungarians and people of other nationalities in Transylvania by the Romanian Government. Requests the President and the Secretary of State to discuss the human rights of the Hungarians in Transylvania with the Government of Romania.

Bill· HRH.R. 2053 (98th)open

Air Travelers Security Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983

Air Travelers Security Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare congressional policy with respect to the marketing and sale of passenger air transportation. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to vacate Order 82-12-85, adopted on December 16, 1982, and to adopt as its final decision in docket numbered 36595 the recommended order of an administrative law judge dated June 1, 1982.

Bill· HRH.R. 1955 (98th)open

Enterprise Zone Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983

Enterprise Zone Act of 1983 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Specifies that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 75 nominated areas per year over three years (one third of which such designations shall remain in effect. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (with a population of at least 50,000) or 1,000 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamlining regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on June 30, 1986, or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Exempts enterprise zones from certain requirements relating to Federal environmental policy. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three year carryback and 15 year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $9,000 in wages per year). Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investment in certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Allows noncorporate taxpayers to deduct from gross income 100 percent of any net capital gain from qualified enterprise zone property. Subtitle D: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon the request of a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuing the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations remain in effect. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis, and expedite the processing of, applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.

Law· HRH.R. 1870 (98th)enacted

Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983

Vietnam Veterans National Medal Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell a medal in honor of the members and former members of the Armed Forces who served in Vietnam. Declares that the Secretary shall offer such medals for sale to the public at a price sufficient to cover the cost of minting and distributing of such medals.

Bill· HRH.R. 1918 (98th)open

World War I Veterans Service Pension Act

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.

Bill· HRH.R. 1928 (98th)open

Indian Housing Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983

Indian Housing Act of 1983 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to provide grants, financing, and loan guarantees to assist Indians in obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Title I: Indian Housing Improvement Program - Establishes an Indian housing improvement program to make grants or provide assistance to preserve existing housing, make repairs, and construct or acquire standard housing for Indians. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon application of an Indian tribe or individual, to make grants or provide assistance to Indian families ineligible for housing assistance under titles II or III of this Act because of low income or extremely isolated circumstances. Requires that grants or assistance under this title be consistent with plans and priorities established by tribes. Authorizes the Secretary, in providing such assistance, to: (1) make direct grants to individual Indians; (2) enter into agreements with tribes or tribal housing agencies; (3) contract with private construction firms; or (4) have repairs or new construction performed directly by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Authorizes a tribe or tribal housing agency, with respect to such agreements, to require an assisted family to make a monthly payment, not to exceed the amount of an administrative charge or an amount satisfactory to the Secretary, to be used solely for tribal housing-related activities. Permits grants or assistance under this title to be used, under specified conditions, to finance: (1) minor repairs and additions (under $5,000); (2) major repairs, renovations, and enlargements; and (3) the construction or acquisition of new standard housing. Requires appropriate insurance for such housing, unless waived by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to insure that a lien upon fee land is recorded under appropriate State law whenever a house on such land is constructed, acquired, or repaired pursuant to this title. Prohibits the Secretary from approving the sale or lease of trust land upon which a house is so located, constructed, acquired, or repaired unless: (1) funds provided under this title are reimbursed to the United States in an amount equal to the initial cost reduced by ten percent per year; and (2) the tribe has first refusal on the sale of houses located on tribal land. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title in FY 1984 through FY 1987. Title II: Indian Housing Finance Fund - Establishes an Indian housing finance fund to provide financing to Indian tribes for the construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of standard housing for Indian families who are: (1) unable to obtain financing from other sources on reasonable terms and conditions; (2) not eligible for assistance under title III of this Act; and (3) able to meet the minimum monthly payment required by this title. Requires a tribe, as a prerequisite for eligibility for financing from the fund, to submit a tribal housing plan for approval by the Secretary. Sets forth required inclusions in such plan and in applications for financing from the fund. Sets forth criteria upon which applications shall be evaluated and approved. Requires that tribal housing agencies be established to implement housing project agreements. Sets forth requirements for project agreements. Empowers the Secretary, under conditions specified in the project agreement, to attach any obligated or unobligated funds held by the United States in trust for the benefit of any Indian or Indian tribe. Prohibits the Secretary from rejecting an application or refusing to enter into a project agreement, and prohibits a tribal housing agency from refusing to execute a housing assistance contract, on the basis that a tribe or Indian family has no trust funds to its credit. Provides for a period of notice, prior to attachment of trust funds, during which a tribe may: (1) pay the amount in default; (2) negotiate a repayment schedule; or (3) institute administrative appeals. Sets forth requirements relating to: (1) disbursements from the fund; (2) construction or acquisition contracts; (3) final plans and specifications; (4) fee titles and leases; and (5) land purchases. Sets forth provisions for: (1) housing assistance contracts between eligible Indian families and tribal housing agencies; (2) minimum monthly payments to such agencies by such families; and (3) residual receipts to be deposited into the fund by such agencies. Makes tribal housing agencies responsible for implementation of monitoring and construction inspection procedures. Makes the technical staff of the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing recommendations to the Secretary with respect to the adequacy of such procedures to assure compliance with minimum housing standards and project plans and specifications. Sets forth bonding requirements. Makes maintenance and utilities costs the responsibility of participating families. Sets forth contract bidding requirements. Permits tribal housing agencies to formulate Indian affirmative action plans satisfactory to the Secretary. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) family sale or purchase of houses constructed, acquired, or rehabilitated with funds under a project agreement; (2) inheritance or assignation of family contractual interests in such housing; and (3) abandoned houses. Authorizes tribal housing agencies to use project agreement funds to assist Indian families in making down-payments on standard housing to be financed through other sources of credit, under specified conditions. Requires tribal housing agencies to require that families with specified incomes provide evidence that at least two area lending institutions rejected home loan applications before such families are eligible for housing assistance under this title. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title in FY 1984 and thereafter. Title III: Indian Housing Loan Guaranty Fund - Establishes an Indian housing loan guaranty fund to provide access to sources of private financing for Indian families who otherwise would not be eligible for housing credit because of Federal laws restricting the mortgage or other encumbrance of trust land. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 100 percent of the unpaid principal and interest due on any loan made to an Indian for the acquisition or construction of a standard house, on trust land. Sets forth provisions relating to loan security, interest, premium charges, applications, sale or assignment, maturity, default, collection, and reimbursement guaranty. Sets forth requirements for lenders. Requires that this title's guaranteed loan program be operated separately from the Indian housing finance fund under title II of this Act and that no designated funds be transferred from one program to the other. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1987 in specified amounts and thereafter in such amounts as necessary to maintain a specified guaranty fund balance. Sets forth permissible uses of such guaranty fund. Limits the aggregate outstanding principal amount which may be guaranteed by the Secretary. Sets forth provisions relating to guaranty fund assets, liabilities, and obligations and to servicing or purchasing guaranteed loans. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish in the Bureau of Indian Affairs an Office of Indian Housing Programs with primary responsibility for administering the programs created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes for housing plan development and implementation and for application preparation and submission. Directs the Secretary to provide for establishment of a training program to develop understanding by the participating families of the roles and responsibilities of the tribal housing agency, the Government, and participants under titles I and II. Requires that such program include basic home maintenance training. Allows up to one percent of funds appropriated under authority of titles I and II to be used to provide such technical assistance and training. Makes the Indian Health Service responsible for provision of water and sanitation facilities for houses constructed, acquired, or rehabilitated with assistance provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such activities and responsibilities with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to continue to provide all-weather access roads to multiunit projects constructed under this title through existing road programs and authorizations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a biennial housing inventory of current Indian housing needs and conditions to be used for purposes of specified title II provisions; and (2) submit a copy of such inventory to the Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 1824 (98th)open

Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983

Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to inform the public of the health hazards of cigarettes through research, demonstration, and educational activities. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health to coordinate such Federal and private activities. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress biennially (with the first report due by January 1, 1984). Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to require cigarette packages to carry one of three specified label warnings on a rotating basis. Includes exports under such requirements. Makes it unlawful to advertise cigarettes without one of three specified warnings. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without disclosing tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels on the package. Requires the Secretary to test such levels at least once a year. Makes it unlawful to manufacture, import, or package cigarettes commercially without first filing with the Secretary a list of chemical additives (types and amounts). Requires the Secretary to report at least annually to Congress regarding cigarette additives and their health hazards. Increases the fine for violation of such Act from $10,000 to $100,000.

Bill· HRH.R. 1800 (98th)referred

A bill to amend title 11 of the United States Code with respect to consumer credit, agricultural produce, and for other purposes.

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.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 102 (98th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the role of the Rural Electrification Administration should be enhanced to assure that Federal agencies consider the needs of rural America in establishing policies which affect telephone service in rural America.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Rural Electrification Administration assure that Federal agencies consider the needs of rural America in establishing rural telephone service policy. States that such agencies should consult on a routine basis with such Administration and with related State agencies.

Bill· HRH.R. 1415 (98th)open

A bill to protect franchised automobile dealers from unfair price discrimination in the sale by the manufacturer or importer of new motor vehicles, and for other purposes.

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.

Law· HRH.R. 1296 (98th)enacted

Payment-in-Kind Tax Treatment Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit farmers who participate in a Federal payment-in-kind program to elect to treat commodities they receive as income in the year of receipt or the year of sale. Permits farmers to elect a deferral of the income resulting from the cancellation of Commodity Credit Corporation loans. Provides that farmers participating in a payment-in-kind program do not forfeit eligibility for the special use valuation provisions for farm property.

Bill· HRH.R. 1176 (98th)open

Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983

Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit the continued issuance of tax-exempt (interest excluded from gross income) mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.

Bill· HRH.R. 1011 (98th)open

Space Commerce Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983

Space Commerce Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue licenses for launching private sector space objects. Sets forth the conditions for issuing a license, including the ability to meet liability insurance requirements. Establishes criminal penalties for launching private space objects without such a license. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for liability insurance to be carried by any licensee. Permits the Administrator to suspend or revoke a license for failure to comply with applicable regulations. Excludes from this Act space objects launched by or on behalf of the United States Government. Establishes the Commercial Space Commission to study the direction of future Government involvement and regulation of private sector commercial activity in outer space. Directs the Commission to report to Congress within a specified time. Terminates the Commission 60 days after its final report.

Bill· HRH.R. 1031 (98th)referred

Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983

Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Act to require 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 administrative details.

Bill· HRH.R. 953 (98th)open

Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983

Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.

Bill· HRH.R. 881 (98th)open

American Defense Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983

American Defense Education Act - Authorizes a national program to provide incentives to local educational agencies to improve: (1) instruction in mathematics, science, communication skills, foreign languages, and technology; and (2) guidance and counseling. Title I: Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Requires local education agencies which desire to participate in such national program to develop and carry out a program of improvement of instruction and student achievement. Sets forth requirements for such programs. Entitles participating local educational agencies to receive basic payments for each fiscal year equal to two percent of an established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Entitles agencies which show substantial evidence of meeting program goals to an incentive payment equal to an additional two percent of the established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Sets forth a formula for establishing such payment rate. Sets forth requirements for applications for payments. Directs the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary") to approve applications which meet such requirements. Sets forth provisions for participation in such program by children enrolled in private schools. Title II: Teacher Training and Postsecondary Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of grants to institutions of higher education for coordination between such institutions and local education agencies in improving science and mathematics education, through precollege teacher training, development, and recruitment programs. Sets forth requirements for grant proposals and priorities in grant selection. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants. Title III: Research to Improve Instruction - Directs the Secretary to administer, through the National Institute of Education (NIE), in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, a program to support research and development into effective education in mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and technology. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to be made available to NIE to carry out such educational research program for FY 1985 through 1987. Title IV: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to administer the program and to pay each local educational agency with an approved application the amount to which it is entitled for each fiscal year. Provides for a joint survey and report to Congress by the Secretaries of Defense and Education, for each year from 1983 through 1987, on the academic achievement levels of U.S. 18-year-olds and the personnel training and educational needs of the armed forces.

Bill· HRH.R. 836 (98th)referred

Math and Science Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983

Math and Science Education Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers an income tax credit for compensation paid to: (1) precollege mathematics and science teachers hired for the summer months for employment which provides experience in the applied use of high technology; and (2) permanent employees who teach precollege mathematics or science at a public school without compensation from such school. Sets the amount of such credit at the sum of: (1) 50 percent of the aggregate compensation paid to teachers employed for the summer months; plus (2) 100 percent of the aggregate compensation paid to permanent employees who teach at public schools. Limits the amount of compensation paid to a permanent employee which may be taken into account to $1,000 multiplied by the number of months such employee teaches in a public school. Requires that teachers hired for the summer months must be paid an aggregate salary greater than 25 percent of their annual teaching salary. Requires that permanent employees who teach at public schools must teach at an elementary or secondary school for at least ten hours per week (at least five of which must be actual instruction in the classroom) at the request of the school district administrators.

Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 93 (98th)enacted

A joint resolution to provide for the awarding of a special gold medal to Danny Thomas in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding work as an American.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1983

Authorizes the President to present on behalf of Congress a gold medal to Danny Thomas in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and outstanding work as an American. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by said Secretary. Provides, effective October 1, 1983, funds not to exceed $22,000 to carry out the purposes of the Act. Provides that the Secretary may cause bronze duplicates of the medal to be coined and sold under regulations prescribed by the Secretary at a price sufficient to cover the costs of producing the gold medal. Directs that the appropriation used to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be reimbursed out of the proceeds from such coin sales. Provides that the medals are to be national medals.

Bill· HRH.R. 481 (98th)open

National Technology Foundation Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983

National Technology Foundation Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Technology Foundation as an independent agency to: (1) foster communication between scientific and technological agencies of the Federal Government and the small business community; (2) collect, analyze and publish information concerning grants and contracts awarded to small business concerns by such agencies; (3) operate programs of grants and contracts for the development of high-technology small businesses; and (4) operate the programs transferred to it by this Act. Transfers to the Foundation; (1) the Patent and Trademark Office; (2) the National Bureau of Standards; (3) the National Technical Information Service; (4) the Office of Small Business Research and Development of the National Science Foundation; (5) the directorate for Engineering of the National Science Foundation; (6) any authorities of the Secretary of Commerce and the National Science Foundation under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980; and (7) other specified agency sections. Establishes specified offices within the Foundation to perform the functions of such organizations and other functions of the Foundation. Requires the Foundation to: (1) collect and analyze information on the availability of, and the current and projected need for, engineering, technical, and technology managerial resources in the United States; (2) support engineering, technical, and technological managerial training through grants, loans, or other assistance; (3) assist the establishment of Centers for Industrial Technology through specified means; (4) conduct technology assessments; (5) determine the relationships of technological developments and international technology transfers to the productivity, employment, and world trade performance of the United States and foreign industrial sectors; (6) develop improved indicators of the state of technology; (7) determine the influence of economic conditions and government policies on industrial innovation and the development of technology; (8) promote technology transfer from the Federal Government and private enterprise to State and local governments; (9) support applied research in engineering and other disciplines as necessary in the national interest; (10) promote United States interests in international voluntary standardization activities; and (11) promote technology transfer from the Federal Government to private enterprise. Establishes within the Foundation a National Technology Board to supervise and control the policy of the Foundation. Requires the Director of the Foundation to coordinate the programs of the Foundation with other programs of the Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector. Sets forth the powers of the Director, including the exercise of authority over the transferred Federal divisions, the establishment and alteration of regional or field offices, and the transfer of funds within the Foundation. Eliminates the National Industrial Technology Board established by the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.

Bill· HRH.R. 427 (98th)referred

Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1983

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983

Civil Rights Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of affectional or sexual orientation. Provides that this Act shall not be construed to permit a finding of discrimination based on statistical differences or the fashioning of any remedy requiring a quota.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 15 (98th)passed

A resolution to establish the Select Committee on Hunger.

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983

Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.

Bill· HRH.R. 7411 (97th)referred

Space Commerce Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1982

Space Commerce Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue licenses for launching private sector space objects. Sets forth the conditions for issuing a license, including the ability to meet liability insurance requirements. Establishes criminal penalties for launching private space objects without such a license. Directs the Secretary to establish requirements for liability insurance to be carried by any licensee. Permits the Administrator to suspend or revoke a license for failure to comply with applicable regulations. Excludes from this Act space objects launched by or on behalf of the United States Government. Establishes the Commercial Space Study Commission to study the direction of future Government involvement and regulation of private sector commercial activity in outer space. Directs the Commission to report to Congress within a specified time. Terminates the Commission 60 days after its final report.

Bill· HRH.R. 7309 (97th)referred

A bill to provide for the establishment of a Commission on the Bicentennial of the Constitution.

United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982

Establishes the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989.

Bill· HRH.R. 7014 (97th)referred

A bill to establish a Commission on Capital Markets to evaluate Federal and State regulation of financial and investment institutions and other financial intermediaries, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 1982

Establishes the Commission on Capital Markets to evaluate the regulation of financial intermediaries by the Federal and State governments and the functioning of such intermediaries in the accumulation and allocation of capital within the U.S. economy. Requires the Commission, not later than one year after its initial meeting, to submit to Congress a report on the results of its evaluation. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report to Congress. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry out this Act.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 546 (97th)referred

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution altering Federal fiscal decisionmaking procedures.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1982

Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, before each fiscal year, to adopt a statement for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote. Permits Congress to suspend the provisions of this Act in any fiscal year in which a declaration of war or national emergency is in effect. States that outlays for social insurance and national defense shall take priority and grants to governmental entities with taxing power shall be reduced before other outlays.

Bill· HRH.R. 6781 (97th)open

Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1982

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982

Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1982 - Permits employee benefit plans, as defined under this Act, to engage in any qualified mortgage transaction involving any qualified residential mortgage loan, provided transactions between all parties are at arm's length. Permits such plans to participate in any mortgage pool, provided such pool conforms to specified requirements with regard to permitted investments. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to carry out this Act. Provides that this Act shall supersede any and all contrary provisions of State law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the imposition of Federal excise tax on a plan or pool that engages in a transaction described under this Act.