United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983
Alternative Energy Tax Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for renewable energy sources for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reduces the qualifying percentage for energy source expenditures by specified increments between 1985 and 1990. Increases from 15 percent to 20 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such tax credit for five years from 1985 to 1990. Extends the investment tax credit for hydroelectric generating property and biomass property for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reestablishes the credit for cogeneration property until 1990. Qualifies until 1995 affirmative commitments for solar, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, and cogeneration projects begun by December 31, 1990. Eliminates the 20 percent limitation for oil and natural gas used in cogeneration facilities. Qualifies as biomass property methane- containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Revises the definition of geothermal deposit to lower the required temperature to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (from 122 degrees Fahrenheit). Includes shale oil property and tar sands equipment as energy property for purposes of the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1983
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to extend medical benefits to former military spouses who were married at least 20 years to a member with at least 20 years of service when a minimum of ten years of such marriage and service coincide. Grants medical benefits to a former spouse who has a disease or disability attributable to the nature or location of a member's or former member's military service. Limits the health care available to such former spouses to that necessary for the treatment of such a disease or disability. Entitles such former spouses to post exchange and commissary privileges as well. Applies this Act to all eligible former spouses, regardless of date of divorce.
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 · 30 September 1983
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that for purposes of printing in the Congressional Record, remarks of Members made on the floor or submitted for inclusion in the Record, including associated materials, shall be relevant to governmental matters. Exempts from such provision, remarks on the death of present or former Federal officials.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Federal Agricultural Policy Review and Development Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) conduct an opinion survey of the agricultural community within six months as a first step in developing Federal agricultural policy for the remainder of the century; (2) investigate the feasibility of conducting scientific polling on such public policy questions; and (3) summarize and make available to the public the results of such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the the President should request the resignation of the Secretary of the Interior, James Watt.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1983
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to: (1) double the maximum amount of the personal expense allowance provided for eligible individuals and eligible spouses who are in medical institutions; and (2) provide that subsequent annual increases in such amounts include cost of living adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
National Task Force on Organ Procurement and Transplant Reimbursement Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within 60 days a National Task Force on Organ Procurement and Transplant Reimbursement to develop a plan for a comprehensive organ donor network and organ procurement system. Sets forth membership and operating provisions. Authorizes the Task Force to submit interim reports to the President and each House of Congress, and a final report within six months after its establishment. Terminates such Task Force three months after submitting such final report.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit hospital of up to 125 beds (currently, 50 beds) in a rural area to use its inpatient hospital facilities to provide services which if provided by a skilled nursing facility would constitute extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1983
Korean Airlines Victims' Claims Act - Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide for the determination of the validity and amounts of outstanding claims against the Soviet Union for the loss of life and property of the 61 U.S. citizens who were onboard the Korean Air Lines airplane that was shot down on September 1, 1983. Directs the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to receive and determine the validity and amounts of claims by survivors of the victims of the Korean Air Lines incident. Permits a claim to be considered only if the property right on which it is based was owned by U.S. nationals on the date of loss and only to the extent that the claim has been held by U.S. nationals continuously from the date that the loss occurred until the date of filing with the Commission. Directs the Commission to certify to each claimant the amount determined by the Commission to be the loss suffered by the claimant which is covered by this Act. Provides for consolidated awards if the claim, at the time of the award, is vested in persons other than the person by whom the original loss was sustained. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury the Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims of U.S. nationals against the Soviet Union. Directs the Commission to certify to the Secretary each award. Sets forth the manner of payment of the awards. Requires the Commission to complete its affairs in connection with settling claims within six months of the date for filing claims. Requires other departments to make available to the Commission certain records relating to the claims. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the percentage of an award that may be collected as a fee for services rendered on behalf of a claimant. Directs the Secretary of State to initiate negotiations to conclude an agreement with the Soviet Union which would provide for payment in full of all such awards.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce the 1984 feed grain program by September 30, 1983, the 1985 feed grain program by September 30, 1984, and the 1985 wheat program by July 1, 1984 (under present law announcement deadlines are November 15 for feed grains, and August 15 for wheat). Authorizes the Secretary to make adjustments in the program announcement within 30 days if a significant supply change occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the transfer of ownership or management of any civil meteorological satellite system and associated ground system equipment to the private sector is not presently appropriate.
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
Grand Ronde Restoration Act - Deems the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon one tribal unit for purposes of Federal recognition and eligibility for Federal benefits, as well as for purposes of tribal self- government, and the establishment of a tribal reservation. Extends Federal recognition to the Tribes and reinstates the tribal corporate charter issued under specified law. Applies to the Tribes all federal laws generally applicable to Indians. Renders the act approved August 13, 1954, inapplicable to the Tribes, and restores all rights and privileges which may have been diminished or lost under it. Makes the Tribes and their members eligible for all Federal services and benefits furnished to federally recognized Indian tribes regardless of the existence of a reservation. Provides that tribal members residing in specified counties will be deemed to be residing on or near a reservation for purposes of the availability of Federal services. States that the establishment of a reservation for the Tribes will not affect a member's eligibility for Federal services. Precludes the restoration of any hunting, fishing or trapping rights under this Act. Establishes an Interim Council of the Tribes to represent and govern them until a permanent governing body has convened. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) announce the date of a general council meeting to nominate candidates for election to the Interim Council; (2) hold an election by secret ballot to elect Interim Council members by a specified date; and (3) ensure that specified tribal members receive at least ten days notice of meetings and elections. Grants such Council authority to receive grants, enter into contracts, and bind the tribal governing body as successor in interest for a maximum of six months. Vests the Interim Council with responsibility for preparing the tribal constitution and bylaws including bylaws covering the election of a tribal governing body. Establishes: (1) an open tribal membership roll; (2) criteria governing membership eligibility; and (3) procedures to verify such eligibility. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into negotiations with the first elected tribal governing body to establish a tribal reservation; (2) develop a plan for the establishment of such reservation within a specified time; and (3) notify and consult with State and local governmental officials to avoid prejudice by the proposed enlargement of the reservation. Enumerates restrictions placed upon any tribal reservation plan developed by the Secretary.
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 · 14 September 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the ocean conditions associated with "El Nino" are causing economic injury to the commercial salmon fishermen of California, Oregon, and Washington. States that the Small Business Administration should provide economic injury disaster loan assistance to these fishermen.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1983
Amends the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930, to impress a trust on behalf of an unpaid seller or supplier on the inventories, commodities, or proceeds from the sale of such commodities held by a commission merchant, dealer, or broker. States that payment shall not be considered to have been made if the supplier, seller, or agent receives a payment instrument which is dishonored. Exempts cooperative association-member transactions from such provisions. States that an unpaid seller or supplier shall lose such trust benefits unless he or she: (1) gives written notice of intent to preserve such benefits to the commission dealer or agent; and (2) files such notice with the Secretary of Agriculture within specified times. Vests U.S. district courts with jurisdiction over actions to preserve a trust or to enforce a trust beneficiary's payment. Makes a failure to properly maintain a seller trust or violation of such Act.
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 · 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 · 12 September 1983
Prohibits the President, notwithstanding any U.S.-Soviet grain agreements, from exporting any grain to the Soviet Union until he transmits a report to Congress explaining what resolutions have been reached with respect to the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines flight 7. Suggests that such report detail: (1) the extent to which reparations have been made to the victims' families; and (2) agreements which have been entered into to reduce the possibility of the recurrence of such loss of life.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
Requires the President to submit a specified report to Congress, as required under the War Powers Resolution, dealing with the U.S. armed forces in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Columbia River Gorge Act of 1983 - Establishes the Columbia River Gorge Area in Washington and Oregon. Establishes the Columbia River Gorge Commission, which shall: (1) establish and implement a unified management plan for the Gorge; (2) identify and establish a protection program for critical and sensitive lands in the Gorge; (3) review Federal, State, and local implementation plans for land management and development in the Gorge for compliance with the management plan; and (4) report biennially to the President, to Congress, and to the Governors and State legislatures of Washington and Oregon on the status of the management plan for the Gorge. Sets forth a timetable for the appointment of the Commission, the adoption of the management plan for the Gorge, and the submission of implementation plans to the Commission. Authorizes the Commission, during the interim period between the appointment of members and the review of implementation plans, to review proposed Federal, State, or local government land management or development activities to determine their consistency with this Act, with Commission guidelines, and with the management plan when adopted. Provides that activities which the Commission determines are inconsistent with this Act, with Commission guidelines, and with the management plan shall not proceed unless the proposals are approved upon resubmission to the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to provide information to agencies and local governments with respect to: (1) the application of this Act to land management or development undertaken, regulated, or approved by them; (2) interim review requirements and procedures; and (3) Commission rules and regulations. Requires that the management plan for the Gorge: (1) designate and provide a protection program for lands which are essential to the Gorge's protection, development, and interpretive value; (2) establish objectives for the treatment of Gorge resources; (3) establish review and amendment procedures for implementation plans; and (4) promote the economic viability of the communities within the Gorge Area. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to the submission by agencies and local governments of implementation plans for land management and development within the Gorge. Makes such plans effective upon review and approval by the Commission. Provides that upon certification by the Commission of an implementation plan, such plan shall become the basis for all subsequent decisions by the agency or local government concerning land management and development. Permits amendments to implementation plans by the Commission, by the agencies, or by the local governments. Sets forth acquisition procedures for lands within the Gorge. Exempts from this Act: (1) the ongoing development of new locks at the Bonneville Dam; (2) emergency land management or development by an agency or local government which is essential to the public health or safety or for national security or defense; (3) land management or development commenced before the enactment of this Act; and (4) agricultural activity on lands used principally for agricultural purposes and commercial forest activities on forest lands defined in the respective Forest Practice Acts of Oregon and Washington. Sets forth the Commission's authority to enforce this Act and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Gives the Federal courts exclusive jurisdiction of actions arising under this Act. Provides for administrative and judicial review of Commission decisions pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and thereafter to carry out this Act and for land acquisition. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the operation of the Commission and the initial implementation of this Act. Establishes a land acquisition fund.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Designates the following lands in Texas as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Turkey Hill Wilderness in the Angelina National Forest; (2) the Upland Island Wilderness in the Angelina National Forest; (3) the Jordan Creek Wilderness in the Angelina National Forest; (4) the Big Slough Wilderness in the Davy Crockett National Forest; (5) the Alabama Creek Wilderness in the Davy Crockett National Forest; (6) the Chamber's Ferry Wilderness in the Sabine National Forest; (7) the Indian Mounds Wilderness in the Sabine National Forest; (8) the Little Lake Creek Wilderness in the Sam Houston National Forest; (9) the Four Notch Wilderness in the Sam Houston National Forest; and (10) the Big Creek Wilderness in the Sam Houston National Forest.
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
Women's Business Ownership Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women business owners nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women business owners; and (3) data collection procedures with regard to women-owned businesses and Federal initiative and procurement. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives regarding management and technical assistance to women business owners; (2) ways to create greater access to credit for women in business; and (3) ways to enhance procurement opportunities for women business owners. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Directs the Small Business Administration to assign a break-out procurement center representative to each major procurement center to review and evaluate the procurement methods for military items and develop and implement appropriate changes based on these findings. Directs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of the Department of Defense to assign technical advisors to assist each break-out procurement center representative. Requires each major procurement center to submit quarterly reports to the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Comptroller General regarding the cost savings through the use of break-out procurement procedures. Authorizes the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to pay a cash award to employees of the two major procurement centers which achieve the greatest percentage of savings through the use of break-out procurement procedures. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress regarding break-out procurement procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Reform Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to expand the definition of "active ingredient" to include any ingredient of a pesticide which will endanger human beings. Revises Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) information requirements for pesticide registration. Provides that waivers and variation in data requirements may be granted only if the advisability of the waiver or variation is clearly established. Requires the Administrator of EPA to make the data submitted in support of registration applications and petitions to establish tolerances publicly available. Specifies the procedures and provisions governing the joint development and sharing of defensive data as required by the Administrator to fill a data gap. Extends the application comment period from 30 to 90 days. Requires the Administrator, when registering a pesticide, to make a written determination of active and inert ingredients. Requires the Administrator to consider potential chronic health effects in determining whether a pesticide will endanger human beings. Eliminates the Administrator's authority to waive efficiency data requirements. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a summary of the factual basis supporting registration actions. Requires, rather than allows, the Administrator to deny registrations when certain requirements are not met. Prohibits the Administrator from granting a conditional registration for a previously canceled or suspended pesticide. Requires the Administrator to make the data submitted in support of a conditional registration publicly available. Repeals provisions specifying the conditions which must be met before initiating an interim administrative review. Directs the Administrator, in all decisions pertaining to classification, to consider the potential contamination of groundwater in determining whether a pesticide should be classified for restricted use. Provides that registration of a pesticide constitutes prima facie evidence that a pesticide is in compliance only if the active ingredient has been registered after enactment of this Act or re-registered since October 21, 1972, and provided that a cancellation proceeding is not in progress and that no required studies are outstanding. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of pesticide active ingredients not re-registered since September 31, 1978, in order of their priority for re-registration, and a list of active ingredients and data gaps. Requires the Administrator to issue a notice of intent to suspend a pesticide's registration if there are outstanding data gaps on the pesticide and the Administrator has failed to include the ingredient on the re-registration priority list. Provides that a registrant must conduct studies to fill data gaps and report the results of the studies to the Administrator within three years of the publication of the list and data gaps. Requires the Administrator to issue regulations specifying what tests shall be undertaken on inert ingredients. Allows information on inert ingredients to be disclosed under specified circumstances. Revises requirements for restricted use certification. Eliminates provisions that prohibit a State from requiring a written examination as part of the certification process. Prohibits the Administrator from granting an experimental use permit if the use has previously been canceled, suspended, or voluntarily withdrawn for health or environmental reasons. Requires the Administrator to revoke an experimental use permit if such permit will not yield certain registration data. Authorizes the Administrator to immediately issue a notice of intent to cancel a pesticide's registrations, or revoke tolerances, if it appears that false, misleading, or inaccurate supporting information has been submitted. Requires, rather than allows, the Administrator to issue a notice of intent to hold a hearing or cancel a pesticide's registration if it may reasonably be expected to endanger human beings (including children permitted to work in areas treated with pesticides). Restricts the scope of a hearing held to consider data not available to the Administrator either when the hearing for registration of a previously canceled use of a pesticide was terminated or upon issuance of a cancellation decision. Provides that when a use or uses of a pesticide have been canceled, suspended, or voluntarily withdrawn because of health or environmental concerns, such use or uses shall not be eligible for registration unless there are no alternatives to control new or expanding pest infestation. Authorizes the Administrator to issue commercial applicators' recordkeeping regulations. Repeals certain EPA indemnification provisions. Establishes a private right of action against any person (including the United States or any other governmental instrumentality or agency), or against the Administrator for violations under this Act. Specifies time limits and conditions for such an action. Revises the foreign government notification requirement to include cases where a pesticide's registration has been voluntarily withdrawn. Authorizes an Administrator to grant a public health danger exemption to a State or Federal agency when no other pesticide alternatives are available. Provides that such an exemption may not be issued for more than one year or renewed more than twice. Revises requirements regarding the comprehensive national plan for monitoring pesticides. Provides that the plan shall be proposed by rule not later than June 1, 1984, and be effective not later than October 1, 1984. Transfers responsibility for regulating occupational exposure to pesticides to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Authorizes States to impose or continue in effect requirements for pesticide labeling or packaging in order to enforce a prohibition on the use of a federally registered pesticide or device in the State. Eliminates the Administrator's discretion to disapprove a special local need registration that is inconsistent with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Allows a rebuttable presumption that a special local need for a pesticide does not exist if five or more States seek the same pesticide for the same local need. Revises provisions pertaining to the appointment of members of the Scientific Advisory Panel. Directs the Administrator to appoint members from specified scientific disciplines. Requires the Administrator to promulgate safe use regulations within one year. Allows States to impose enforcement provisions and regulations more stringent than required by Federal law. Allows States two years to adopt an enforcement program responsive to the new requirements and regulations established pursuant to the National Pesticide Hazard Prevention Act. Directs the Administrator to collect registration fees. Provides certain protections for employees who have commenced actions, testified, or otherwise participated in an enforcement action or complaint. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and enforce standards for indoor human exposure to pesticides. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
White House Conference on the Homeless and the Hungry Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on the Homeless and the Hungry to develop recommendations and stimulate a national assessment of the problem of hunger and homelessness in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct the planning and conduct of the Conference. Directs Conference participants to give special consideration to: (1) providing long-range planning to ensure appropriate shelter and nutrition for all needy families; (2) accelerating the availability of emergency community food and shelter facilities; (3) exploring ways of using Government surplus food for the hungry; (4) encouraging States to exchange information on available services and issues of mutual concern; (5) providing incentives for private developers and criteria to rehabilitate abandoned housing; and (6) improving data collection activities. Directs the Conference to submit its final report to the President within 120 days of its formation. Requires the report's findings and recommendations to be made available to the public. Requires the President to transmit recommendations for implementing the report's recommendations to Congress within 120 days after receiving such report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) for the services of a licensed or certified acupuncturist.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require: (1) the equitable distribution of lump-sum death benefits if there is no widow or widower who was living in the same household with an insured individual at the time of his or her death; or (2) the payment of such sum to the person assuming responsibility for the burial expenses of the deceased individual if there are no persons to whom such sum should be paid pursuant to title II requirements. Provides that the amount of the lump-sum death payment shall be equal to the amount of the average monthly old-age insurance benefit during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which an insured individual dies. (Under current law, the lump-sum death payment is equal to the smaller of three times the insured individual's primary insurance amount or $255.)
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 · 27 July 1983
Urges the United States to support the Contadora initiative, calling for: (1) the cessation of arms shipments and the withdrawal of foreign military advisers from Central America; and (2) a guarantee that the territory of any Central American state will not be used as a base for aggression against any other such state. States that the United States should: (1) announce its willingness to pursue negotiations with Central American nations and to stop U.S. arms shipments; (2) offer technical assistance to the Contadora Group to verify any agreements; and (3) exert diplomatic efforts to persuade other involved governments to participate in the Contadora negotiations and to cease activities aimed at destablizing the existing Central American governments.
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 · 21 July 1983
Universal Telephone Service Preservation Act of 1983 - Provides that, effective as of enactment of this Act, the decisions and orders of the Federal Communications Commission in C.C. docket numbered 78-72 shall cease to have effect. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Commission to establish a system of charges to compensate exchange common carriers for exchange access, and to reform the system of settlements and jurisdictional separation of property and expenses in force on the date of enactment. States that the purposes of such system of charges shall be: (1) to compensate exchange common carriers for all costs associated with providing or making available exchange access; (2) to achieve equitable treatment of all interexchange carriers and other persons who benefit from the services and facilities of each exchange common carrier, and to prevent contributions between exchange services or functions and interexchange services or functions of such carriers, except as provided below; (3) to ensure the continued universal availability of communications service provided by exchange common carriers at reasonable and affordable charges; (4) to assure that payments and assignments of costs relating to exchange access are carried out in a manner which ensures accountability and is open to public examination; and (5) to encourage efficient investment decisions and technological development. Requires the system to provide that an exchange common carrier shall file to the Commission a tariff for exchange access for each of its exchange areas. Authorizes a carrier to file, or the Commission or State Commission may require a carrier to file, a joint tariff for exchange access for all of its exchange areas within a single State until January 1, 1988, or later as the Commission may provide. Requires each tariff to specify separate charges for each type of exchange access on an element-by-element basis. Requires the charges for each type of tariff to be justified by costs. Requires each tariff to consist of four charges to be recovered from interexchange carriers. Provides that three of the charges shall encompass all costs associated with exchange access and one shall be the surcharge determined by the Universal Service Board (established by this Act). Requires the charges of each tariff which encompass all costs associated with exchange access to specifically identify the separate charges involved. Requires the system to provide that an exchange common carrier shall submit to the Commission a tariff for exchange access available from such carrier for interexchange carriers or other persons who indirectly interconnect with the facilities of such exchange carrier. Requires each tariff to include: (1) a charge for the direct costs of any services, facilities, or other factors required solely for the provision of such interconnection; (2) a charge reflecting an appropriate portion of the cost of services, facilities, and other factors which are used jointly or in common to provide exchange service and exchange access; (3) a charge reflecting the availability of the facilities of the exchange carrier for exchange access as an alternative for indirectly interconnecting interexchange carriers and interexchange customers to the extent such facilities are not used for exchange access by such carriers and customers; and (4) the surcharge determined by the Universal Service Board. Requires any person who owns or operates facilities to originate or terminate interexchange communication other than through direct interconnection to notify the appropriate exchange carriers, the Commission, and the appropriate State Commissions. Imposes a $50,000 fine on any person who is required, but fails, to make such notification. Directs the Commission, after consideration of recommendations of the Universal Service Board, to establish practices and methods to ascertain and fully apportion the cost of services, facilities, and other factors used jointly or in common to provide exchange services and exchange access. Provides that the initial tariffs for exchange access shall take effect on July 1, 1985. Sets forth provisions governing the transitional period. Establishes the Universal Service Fund, in order to assure the continued availability of universal transmission services, including service in rural or remote areas, at reasonable and affordable charges. Directs the Universal Service Board to annually determine uniform surcharges on the amounts collected by exchange common carriers under this Act, such that the Fund is sufficient to make required payments. Provides that an exchange common carrier is entitled to receive payments from the Fund if it certifies to the Universal Service Board that its average costs for nontraffic sensitive facilities per customer access line is in excess of 115 percent of the national average of such costs. Provides that the amount of such payments for an eligible exchange carrier shall be determined by the Universal Service Board. Directs the Universal Service Board to establish and oversee an exchange access board (consisting of representatives of exchange common carriers, interexchange carriers, and other customers directly obtaining exchange access) to administer the accounts of the Universal Service Fund. Directs the Commission to establish the Universal Service Board for the purpose of: (1) ensuring equitable and efficient economic treatment of users of common carrier services and exchange services and carriers providing such services; (2) providing for an orderly transition to the system of charges for exchange access established by this Act; and (3) achieving cooperation between the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Board to: (1) establish and maintain formulas for defining and comparing national average costs and charges and uniform practices for determining the payments required by the Fund, and to oversee the distribution of funds from the Fund by the exchange access board; (2) make such changes and modifications in the system of jurisdictional separation of carrier property and expenses in force as may be necessary for the transitional system of charges for exchange access; and (3) determine at regular intervals the relative assignment by exchange common carriers of the cost of factors of production which are used jointly or in common to provide exchange service and exchange access. Grants State commissions authority: (1) to establish classifications for exchange facilities and the portion of facilities used jointly for exchange and interexchange services assigned to the States by the Board; and (2) to prescribe the methods by which exchange carriers shall recover investments in such facilities. Requires such methods to provide for recovery of investments in such classes of facilities in a manner which promotes the economic viability of the exchange carriers involved. Provides that in the case of any interexchange service provided by any carrier under a tariff in effect July 1, 1983, which was filed jointly with another carrier or under any successor tariff in effect after such date, the tariff applicable to such service provided by such carrier shall be based on the nationwide average of the cost of providing interexchange service. Authorizes a State commission to require any exchange common carrier to lease and maintain on request a single basic one-line telephone instrument, and associated wiring, to any subscriber within such State on the basis of a tariff that includes all costs of providing and maintaining such instrument and wiring. Requires each State commission to establish rules for the provision of lifeline telephone service by exchange carriers which consists of providing minimum telephone exchange service at a discounted rate for low-income residential customers. Prohibits any carrier or exchange carrier from using revenues from regulated communications services to defray any costs associated with its entry into or engaging in commercial activities the prices for which are not regulated by the Commission or any State commissions.
![Official portrait of Rep. Weaver, James H. [D-OR-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000227_200.jpg)