United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1982
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to provide that a blind or disabled child accompanying a parent in the Armed Forces stationed overseas may receive SSI benefits even though the child is not a U.S. resident.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1982
Authorizes the President to present gold medals to the families of Lieutenant Commander John C. Waldron, United States Navy, Lieutenant Commander Eugene E. Lindsey, United States Navy, and Lieutenant Commander Lance E. Massey, United States Navy, in recognition of heroic actions taken by these persons during the Battle of Midway. Authorizes appropriations after October 1, 1983, to carry out this provision. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medals. Provides for the reimbursement of authorized appropriations from the sale of such duplicates.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1982
Repeals specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 which reduce the pay of members or former members of the uniformed services holding Federal civilian positions by the amount of any cost of living increase in their retired or retainer pay during FY 1983 through 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1982
Repeals specified provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982 which require reduced cost of living increases in the annuities or retired or retainer pay of Federal retirees who are under 62 years old.
United States · United States Congress · 19 August 1982
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses in areas of economic dislocation resulting from: (1) drastic fluctuation in the value of the currency; and (2) adjustments in the regulation of the monetary system of a country contiguous to the United States. Requires that such economic dislocation be of such magnitude that without the benefit of the loans under this Act a significant number of otherwise financially sound small businesses in those areas would become insolvent or would be unable to return quickly to their former level of operation. Limits each loan to a maximum of $100,000. Prohibits the use of loan proceeds to reduce other loans. Permits the deferral of loan repayment for one year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1982
Joint Chiefs of Staff Reorganization Act of 1982 - Permits a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit dissenting military opinions to the Secretary of Defense and then to the President. Permits the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide the Secretary and, when appropriate, the President with military advice in his own right. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman to be appointed by the President and to be a member of a different armed force from the Chairman's. Requires the Deputy Chairman to perform the duties of the Chairman when absent but prohibits the Deputy from exercising military command over the Joint Chiefs or any of the armed forces. Directs the Chairman to select the Joint Staff from a list of officers submitted by each armed force. Fixes the period of assignment to the Joint Staff at three years during peacetime, unlimited during time of war. States that such members serve at the discretion of the Secretary rather than that of the Chairman and that their tenure may be extended for an additional term. Permits up to 100 selected officers to be recalled to Joint Staff duty in less than three years. Provides each officer serving as a chief of service or as a commander of a unified or specified command with an opportunity to provide formal comments on any report or recommendation from the Joint Staff to the Joint Chiefs. Makes the Secretary responsible for the operation of the Joint Staff so as to provide unified strategic direction of the combatant forces. Establishes in the Department of Defense a Senior Strategy Advisory Board to provide the President, the Secretary, and the Joint Chiefs with advice on matters of military strategy and tactics.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1982
Firearms Ownership Rights Act of 1982 - Title I: Findings and Purposes of this Act - Sets forth findings regarding the legislative history of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and Federal preemption of State and local firearms laws. Title II: Amendments to the Gun Control Act of 1968 - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to declare that no provision shall be construed to preempt a State law on the same subject matter, unless there is a direct and positive conflict between the laws which cannot be reconciled. Declares that Congress does intend to preempt any local government law which prohibits or regulates the ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition, unless the local law is created by Federal or State law. Makes any local government which enacts a law conflicting with this Act ineligible to receive Federal funds for law enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1982
Joint Chiefs of Staff Reorganization Act of 1982 - Permits a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to submit dissenting military opinions to the Secretary of Defense and then to the President. Permits the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide the Secretary and, when appropriate, the President with military advice in his own right. Establishes the position of Deputy Chairman to be appointed by the President and to be a member of a different armed force from the Chairman's. Requires the Deputy Chairman to perform the duties of the Chairman when absent but prohibits the Deputy from exercising military command over the Joint Chiefs or any of the armed forces. Fixes the period of assignment to the Joint Staff at three years peacetime, and unlimited during time of war. States that such members serve at the discretion of the Secretary rather than that of the Chairman. Increases from 30 to 100 the number of officers that may be recalled to Joint Staff duty in less than three years. Provides each officer serving as a chief of service or as a commander of a unified or specified command with an opportunity to provide formal comments on any report or recommendation from the Joint Staff to the Joint Chiefs. Makes the Secretary responsible for the operation of the Joint Staff so as to provide unified strategic direction of the combatant forces.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1982
Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of 1982 - Title I: Declaration of Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes. Title II: General Program Authorizations and Reporting Requirements - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce for atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution programs for FY 1983 and 1984. Permits the transfer of funds between categories. Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to notify Congress of the nature of, and reasons for, any transfers in excess of ten percent, or the appropriate committees of Congress must notify the Administrator that they have no objection to such transfer. Requires the Administrator to report to the appropriate committees of Congress on all aspects of the atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution activities of such Administration. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress and the President on the same date as the FY 1984 budget request a report on the importance of meteorological satellites to weather forecasting, including analyses of the impact of such satellites on forecasting, their expected lifetimes and replacement times, and the appropriateness of transferring civilian meteorological satellites to the private sector. Prohibits the use of funds to effectuate such transfer unless the appropriate committees of Congress give the Secretary of Commerce written notice of no objection within 30 days after receipt of a comprehensive plan for such transfer. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress and the President on the future organization and technological capabilities of the National Weather Service, including cost estimates and a ten year reorganization plan. Title III: National Climate Program - National Climate Program Amendments of 1982 - Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain an interagency Climate Program Policy Board (Board) to coordinate planning, review all executive branch budget requests relating to climate, establish other groups as necessary and establish and maintain a committee of users and producers of climate data and services to provide advice on the conduct of the program. Establishes the position of Director to head the National Climate Program Office, represent the Board, and be the spokesperson for the program. Requires the Office to analyze agency budget requests, coordinate interagency participation in international climate-related activities, and work with the National Academy of Sciences and other groups in preparing and implementing the five-year climate plan. Permits the Office to provide financial assistance for activities needed to meet the goals of the program set forth in such plan. Expands the mechanisms for intergovernmental climate-related studies and services under the program. Requires that the plan be revised and extended not more than biennially but not less than quadrennially. Title IV: Great Lakes Protection - Great Lakes Protection Act of 1982 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes protection policy under such Act. Establishes within NOAA a Great Lakes Research Office to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator after consultation with the Governors of specified affected States. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the environmental quality of the Great Lakes. Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Sets forth responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, the Executive Director report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the current state of Federal research efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; (2) recommendations for the improvement, increased coordination and use of such research efforts; and (3) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Requires that responsible Federal officials include Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through FY 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1982. Title V: Ocean Pollution Research - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to combine ocean dumping and monitoring reporting requirements into a single annual congressional report due in March of each year. Specifies that the following are to be included in the NOAA research program: (1) development of techniques for quantifying and defining marine environment degradation; (2) assessment of the ocean waters' ability to assimilate waste materials; and (3) monitoring programs to assess the health of coastal ecosystems. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the feasibility of regional management plans for waste disposal which integrate social and economic factors into Federal decisions regarding ocean dumping. Requires such guidelines to be reported to Congress by October 1, 1984. Directs the Administrator of EPA, in cooperation with the Administrator of NOAA, to report to the President and Congress by the end of 1983 on sewage sludge disposal in the New York City region. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1983 and 1984 for such report. Title VI: Other Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and 1984 for reporting of weather modification activities.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1982
Expresses the support of the Congress for beginning strategic arms reductions talks. Urges the Soviet Union to join with the United States in concluding an equitable and verifiable agreement which freezes strategic nuclear forces at equal and substantially reduced levels. Reaffirms congressional support for the position that the United States should not enter into an arms agreement which provides for force levels inferior to those of the Soviet Union. Declares that the United States should propose practical measures to: (1) reduce the danger of accidental nuclear war; (2) prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties, including terrorists; and (3) halt the worldwide proliferation of nuclear weapons. Insists that any arms control agreement must be fully verifiable.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1982
Commemorates July 1, 1982, the 25th anniversary of the beginning of the International Geophysical Year. Reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to a new era of international cooperation in all the sciences.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1982
Military Widows and Surviving Children Benefits Restoration Act -- Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to make monthly payments equivalent to the child's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act before enactment of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to certain children between the ages of 18 and 22 attending institutions of higher learning. Limits eligibility for such payments to children of veterans who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability. Directs the Secretary to make a lump-sum payment to persons who would have been entitled to such payments one month before the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to make monthly payments to the surviving spouse of such a veteran in the amount such spouse would have received under the Social Security Act were she caring for a child under 16 (when such child is actually between 16 and 18 years of age). Directs the Secretary to make a lump-sum payment to persons who would have been entitled to such payments one month before the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary concerned to notify each member of the armed forces that their dependents will be ineligible for such benefits should the member die after the applicable date, in no case later than August 13, 1983. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the Secretary concerned with information necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1982
Military Widows and Surviving Children Social Security Benefits Restoration Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make monthly payments to persons who: (1) would have been entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of student status under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act as in effect before the amendments made by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981; and (2) are children of individuals who were members or former members of the Armed Forces before August 13, 1981, and who die while in active military service within a specified time period or who die from a service-connected disability incurred within a specified time period. Provides that such monthly payments shall be equal to the monthly child's insurance benefit to which such persons would have been entitled under title II of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to make monthly payments to persons who: (1) are surviving spouses of individuals who were members or former members of the Armed Forces before August 13, 1981, and who die while in active military service during a specified time period or who die from a service-connected disability within a specified time period; and (2) are not entitled to mother's insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act because they are caring for such veterans' children who are between the ages of 16 and 18 and are entitled to child's insurance benefits. Provides that such monthly payments shall be equal to the monthly mother's insurance benefit which such persons would receive under title II of the Social Security Act if the children in their care were under 16 years old. Provides that payments under this Act shall be paid from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1982
Title I: Growth of Money Supply - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to govern all purchases and sales of paper with a view to maintain a constant level of domestic prices and avoid destabilizing changes in total purchasing power. Limits the growth in the money supply at an amount of not more than 3.5 percent per year. Provides a procedure for an additional one percent increase which shall go into effect unless vetoed, within 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, by a concurrent resolution passed by both Houses of Congress. Title II: Off-Budget Federal Entities - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to bring their fiscal activities within the Federal budget. Provides that all transactions of the Postal Service Fund, The Federal Financing Bank, and the United States Synthetic Fuels Corporation shall be included in the totals of the unified budget. Title III: Expenditures May Not Exceed Revenues - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit Federal expenditures during any fiscal year from exceeding revenues for that year. Prohibits Congress from authorizing budget authority in excess of revenues except in time of declared war or upon the adoption of a concurrent resolution which passed each House by the vote of at least two-thirds of the members present and voting. Title IV: Limitation on Total Budget Outlays - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to prohibit either House from adopting the first concurrent resolution on the budget for any fiscal year if the level of budget for any fiscal year if the budget outlays contained in it exceed for the fiscal year an amount equal to 20 percent of the estimated gross national product. Allows the President and the House and Senate to agree to suspend such requirement. Title V: Retirement of the Public Debt - Expresses the sense of Congress that, after the adoption of the first concurrent resolution on the budget for any fiscal year with respect to which expenditures by the United States government are not in excess of its revenues for that year, the public debt of the United States should be systematically retired by the Board of governors of the Federal Reserve System acting through the Federal Open Market Committee. Title VI: Effective Dates - Establishes effective dates for the titles in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1982
Professional Sports Stabilization Act of 1982 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful under any antitrust law for a professional sports league and its member clubs to enforce rules: (1) requiring approval by the league membership for the relocation of a member club; or (2) providing for the division of league or member club revenues that promote comparable economic opportunities for member clubs. Prohibits State and local governments from imposing limitations on the collective conduct of sports leagues or member teams authorized by this Act. Specifies the applicability of this Act to actions commenced under the antitrust laws before its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1982
Atmospheric, Climatic, and Ocean Pollution Act of 1982 - Title I: Declaration of Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes. Title II: General Program Authorizations and Reporting Requirements - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce for atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution programs for FY 1983. Permits the transfer of funds between categories. Requires the Administrator of the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration to notify Congress of the nature of, and reasons for, any transfers in excess of ten percent, or the appropriate committees of Congress must notify the Administrator that they have no objection to such transfer. Requires the Administrator to report to the appropriate committees of Congress on all aspects of the atmospheric, climatic, and ocean pollution activities of the Administration. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress and the President on the same date as the FY 1984 budget request a report on the importance of meteorological satellites to weather forecasting, including analyses of the impact of such satellites on forecasting, their expected lifetimes and replacement times, and the appropriateness of transferring civilian meteorological satellites to the private sector. Prohibits the use of funds to effectuate such transfer unless the appropriate committees of Congress give the Secretary of Commerce written notice of no objection within 30 days after receipt of a comprehensive plan for such transfer. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress and the President on the future organization and technological capabilities of the National Weather Service, including cost estimates and a ten-year reorganization plan. Title III: National Climate Program - National Climate Program Amendments of 1982 - Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain an interagency Climate Program Policy Board (Board) to coordinate planning, review all executive branch budget requests relating to climate, and establish other groups as necessary. Establishes the position of Director to head the National Climate Program Office, represent the Board, and be the spokesperson for the program. Requires the Office to analyze agency budget requests, coordinate interagency participation in international climate-related activities, and work with the National Academy of Sciences and other groups in preparing and implementing the five-year climate plan. Permits the Office to provide financial assistance for activities needed to meet the goals of the program set forth in such plan. Expands the mechanisms for intergovernmental climate-related studies and services under the program. Requires that the plan be revised and extended not more than biennially but not less than quadrennially. Title IV: Great Lakes Protection - Great Lakes Protection Act of 1982 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes protection policy under such Act. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a Great Lakes Research Office, to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the environmental quality of the Great Lakes. Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Sets forth responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, the Executive Director report to the President and the Congress on: (1) the current state of Federal research efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; (2) recommendations for the improvement, increased coordination, and use of such research efforts; and (3) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Requires that responsible Federal officials include Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through FY 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1982. Title V: Ocean Pollution Research - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to combine ocean dumping and monitoring reporting requirements into a single congressional report due by March 1 of each year. Specifies that the following are to be included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research program: (1) development of techniques for quantifying and defining marine environment degradation; (2) assessment of the ocean waters' ability to assimilate waste materials; and (3) monitoring programs to assess the health of coastal ecosystems. Directs the Administrator of NOAA, to report to the President and Congress by the end of 1983 on sewage sludge disposal in the New York City region. Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 1983 and 1984 for such report. Title VI: Other Programs - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and 1984 for reporting of weather modification activities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1982
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1983 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1983 and 1984 for activities authorized under the: (1) Clean Air Act; (2) Federal Water Pollution Act; (3) Safe Drinking Water Act; (4) Solid Waste Disposal Act; (5) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; (6) Public Health Service Act (radiation activities); (7) interdisciplinary activities provisions; (8) Toxic Substances Control Act; (9) energy research programs relating to control technology, health effects, ecological effects, monitoring, and acid rain; and (10) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund). Authorizes appropriations to the EPA Office of Research and Development for FY 1983 and 1984 for program management and support. Sets forth permissible uses of such funds. Provides for congressional oversight of transfers of funds between categories. Prohibits the Administrator of the EPA from using any funds appropriated under this Act for a reduction-in-force, unless the Administrator has provided certain information to Congress in advance. Requires that at least 20 percent of specified funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be obligated and expended for long-term research and development. Distributes such long-term research and development funds among in-house peer-reviewed research, peer-reviewed research grants, cooperative agreements or block grants to university or nonprofit research institutues, and the exploratory research program and its salaries and expenses. Sets forth provisions for obligation, expenditure, and transfer of such funds. Directs the Administrator of the EPA to report annually on the performance of such long-term research and development programs to the appropriate committees of the Congress at the time the President's budget is submitted to the Congress. Requires that certain amounts of specified funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be authorized for environmental monitoring activities which are authorized under Federal environmental statutes and which support development of a continuing national environmental monitoring program. Directs the Administrator, in consultation and cooperation with specified Federal and State officials, to: (1) ensure that the national environmental monitoring program called for under this Act is comprehensive and national in scope; (2) develop a national monitoring program for air quality and apply its features, where appropriate, to programs for other media; and (3) prepare a plan for the design and implementation of the national monitoring program, with specified inclusions, to be reviewed by the National Academy of Science (NAS) and submitted to the appropriate congressional committees one year after enactment of this Act, and thereafter biannually, following plan review and update by program participants, the NAS, and the EPA. Directs the Administrator, on the last day of FY 1984 and of each subsequent fiscal year, to report on the state of, and factors affecting, air quality based on data gathered through the monitoring program. Requires that data for such monitoring programs be subjected to validated quality assurance procedures. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for special monitoring efforts to acquire data for specific, limited-duration health effects studies or for estimates of the environmental concentration of recently discovered pollutants. Requires that appropriations authorized for energy research under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be used for environmental research associated with; (1) synthetic fuels production; (2) coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuel extraction, processing, transportation, and combustion; and (3) other energy development activities and related problems posing threats to public health and the environment (including indoor air pollution). Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish and maintain a long-term health and ecological effects research program on energy-related pollutants; (2) coordinate such program with related Federal research programs; (3) establish and maintain an energy-related pollutants monitoring program; and (4) include in the air quality report a report on the emission and dispersion of energy-related air pollutants based on data from such monitoring program. Directs the Administrator to continue to conduct development and demonstration of energy-related pollution control technologies as required by pertinent pollution control statutes. Prohibits: (1) the administrative transfer of energy-related environmental research projects authorized to be administered by the EPA under this Act to any other Federal or State agency; or (2) the reduction of such programs through budget amendment. Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise provisions relating to the membership of the Science Advisory Board. Requires that the Board be composed of members appointed by the Administrator from a list recommended by a nominating committee. Requires that the nominating committee's representation include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Directs NIEHS, in consultation with the Administrator, to establish, chair, and manage the nominating committee. Directs the nominating committee to solicit candidates for nomination to the Board from the general public through notice in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Administrator to obtain necessary information from nominees. Directs the Administrator to publish the name, address, and professional affiliation of each nominee in the Federal Register. Directs the Administrator to ensure that Board membership is fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and functions to be performed. Requires that Board membership represent States, industry, labor, academia, consumers, and the general public. Directs the nominating committee to make certain such requirement is met in recommending nominees. Requires that the terms of Board members be three years and be staggered so that the terms of no more than one-third of the total membership of the Board and its committees expire within a single fiscal year. Requires that each member of the Board serve a full term unless such member is unable, for involuntary reasons, to discharge Board duties or has violated conflict of interest regulations. Requires, if a vacancy on the Board is not filled by the Administrator within 90 days, the nominating committee to meet and appoint, within 60 days, a member to fill such vacancy from its list of recommended nominees. Directs the Administrator, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations regarding conflicts of interest with respect to Board members. Requires that the Board's advice and comments be included in the record with respect to any proposed rule and published in the Federal Register in accordance with the requirements of the environmental statutes and the authority of the Administrator. Reserves a specified amount of the funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 for a study on management and organization of Federal environmental research, to be conducted outside of the Federal Government. Sets forth requirements for contracts let by the Administrator for such study, including an oversight and review role by the National Academy of Sciences. Requires that a report of such study be submitted to the President, the Administrator, and the Congress within two years after enactment of this Act. Requires that such report: (1) include appropriate recommendations for executive, administrative, or legislative action; and (2) not be subject to any prior clearance or review, except as specifically provided under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish and carry out a comprehensive indoor air pollution research and development program. Requires that such program: (1) broaden understanding and coordinate Federal, State, local, and private efforts; (2) emphasize data gathering and information transfer on all aspects of the problem (defines "indoor environment" to include residences and other non-manufacturing public and private buildings); and (3) be considered an integral part of the EPA's general responsibility to protect human health and welfare from air pollutants. Establishes, to assist the Administrator in the administration of such indoor air pollution research and development program: (1) a Committee on Indoor Air Quality representing specified Federal agencies; and (2) an advisory group of representatives of industry, the scientific community, and public interest organizations. Sets forth requirements for the principal objectives and particular emphases of such program. Requires the Administrator to maintain constant communication with appropriate State and local officials and private sector interested parties and to work constantly with appropriate industry representatives to develop industrywide voluntary standards for residential buildings to aid in indoor air pollution prevention or abatement. Directs the Administrator to submit reports to Congress at specified intervals containing certain information relating to such indoor air pollution research and development program. Reserves specified amounts to carry out such program from funds appropriated pursuant to authorization under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1982
Declares that the United States should propose to the Soviet Union: (1) a long-term, mutual, and verifiable nuclear forces freeze at equal and sharply reduced levels of forces; and (2) practical measures to reduce the danger of an accidental nuclear war and to prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties. States that the United States and the Soviet Union should channel their resources away from nuclear armaments and towards fighting poverty, hunger, and disease. Declares that the United States should continue to work for balanced arms reductions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1982
Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Admiral Hyman George Rickover in recognition of his distinguished service and for his contributions to the development of safe nuclear energy and to the defense of the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such provision. Authorizes the Secretary to make available bronze duplicates of such medal for sale under regulations he prescribes and in accordance with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1982
Extends congratulations from the Congress to the Italian Government and its antiterrorist police forces for the successful rescue of Brigadier General James L. Dozier. Extends to General Dozier and his family best wishes for a quick recovery and return to normal life.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1981
Amends the Freedom of Information Act to limit the right of requesting the disclosure of information to U. S. citizens and lawfully admitted aliens. Prohibits the release of information to citizens or aliens acting on behalf of foreign governments or organizations. Directs agencies to set forth regulations to implement these provisions. Establishes criminal penalties for obtaining information under false pretenses. Adds as new exemptions to disclosure: (1) library and museum material used by an agency for reference or exhibition; (2) commercially exploitable resources, including formulas, maps, charts, research data, and computer programs; and (3) materials already available to the public, by sale or otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1981
High-Level Radioactive Waste Management and Policy Act - States that this Act shall not apply to the siting, construction, or operation of repositories used exclusively for the disposal of radioactive waste or spent fuel from the atomic energy defense activities of the Secretary of Energy. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive mission plan which will provide an informational basis for decisionmaking with respect to the siting, construction, and operation of repositories for the disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel and the research, development, and demonstration programs required under this Act. Specifies the information to be included in such plan. Directs the Secretary to submit, within a specified time, a draft mission plan to the States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and other Federal agencies for comments. Requires that the plan and the comments be available for public inspection and that a statement of reasons be published in the Federal Register if the Secretary does not revise the plan to meet any objections raised. Directs the Secretary to submit the plan to appropriate congressional committees within a specified time. Makes the plan effective at the end of the 30-day period following transmittal of the plan. Requires annual reports on the implementation of the plan, including any revisions. Directs the Secretary to complete a final programmatic environmental impact statement on the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel from civilian nuclear activities within 12 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to issue repository site selection guidelines within six months of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to identify three or more potential repository sites in different geologic media within one year after enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria for the location of such sites in addition to the guidelines issued by the Secretary. Requires notification of the Governor of a State in which a site is located or of the Indian tribe on whose reservation a site is located. Requires the completion of siting research activities, including site characterization activities, for at least three of the potential repository sites within 42 months after the sites have been identified. Requires that the Secretary be able to select a site for the expanded siting research activities pursuant to this Act within 30 months after the site identifications. Requires that within six months of the site identifications, and before beginning site characterization activities, the Secretary hold public meetings near each site on the activities to be conducted there and prepare an environmental assessment of the nonradiological impacts of the site characterization activities. Sets forth restrictions on the use of radioactive material at such sites. Requires at least one legislative-type public hearing near a site before repository site selection and within three months after completion of site characterization activities by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a site is located or the appropriate Indian tribe if the Secretary selects such site for a repository. Requires submission of a Repository Development Report by the President to Congress. Requires submission of a subsequent Repository Development Report for another site if the Secretary's first selection is disapproved by Congress or the President. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for a license for a repository at an approved site within 30 days after the site selection becomes effective and to provide the appropriate Governor or Indian tribe with a copy of the application. Requires the NRC to submit annual licensing status reports to Congress until an operating license is issued. Requires the NRC to make a final decision on the issuance of construction authorization within 24 months after the submission of the application. Permits an extension of the period for such final decision under certain circumstances. Requires the Secretary to select another repository site if the NRC disapproves an application. Sets forth the procedural requirements for NRC hearings on construction authorization and repository license applications. Requires that within six years after the Secretary obtains a construction authorization: (1) the Secretary complete construction of facilities needed to initiate emplacement of waste; (2) the Secretary operate the repository as soon as practicable after receiving an operating license; and (3) the NRC approve or disapprove an operating license for all or part of a repository. Authorizes the Secretary to petition the NRC any time after filing a license application for a construction authorization, license, or license amendment on an interim basis before the completion of a required hearing on the application. Directs the NRC to grant the petition if all legal requirements other than the required hearing are met and there will be adequate protection to the public health and safety. Prohibits the disposal of waste or spent fuel in a repository for which an interim license has been issued until the regular license to receive and possess waste in the repository has been issued. Requires the NRC to promulgate rules and criteria to apply in the review of all repository license applications within six months after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take title to the radioactive material emplaced in a repository. Grants to the State or Indian tribe notified of a site identification under this Act the immediate and continuing right to participate in a process of consultation and concurrence (including written agreements with the Secretary) whereby: (1) the Secretary keeps the Governor or appropriate Indian tribe informed about economic or public health and safety impacts in all stages of the establishment of a repository and receives, and works to resolve, objections of the Governor or Indian tribe; and (2) the State may independently and reasonably monitor on-site activities. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President, within six months after completing hearings, a Repository Development Report containing: (1) an environmental impact statement for the site selected; (2) the views and comments of the Governor of the affected State, the appropriate Indian tribe, the Governor of any other interested and affected State, the public, and appropriate Federal agencies and the Secretary's responses; (3) the repository license application to be submitted to the NRC; and (4) a plan for transporting the radioactive materials to the repository. Provides for presidential approval or disapproval of the site selection within 30 days after submission of the report. Requires notice to Congress of the President's decision. Makes a site selection effective 30 days after the President transmits approval to Congress unless the Governor of the affected State or the appropriate Indian tribe submits a petition for disapproval to Congress. Provides that if the President approves a site selection and the Governor or the Indian tribe submits a petition for disapproval, the site selection shall be effective 40 days of continuous session of Congress after submission of the petition unless either House of Congress passes a resolution approving such petition. Requires Federal agencies to assist the Secretary in the preparation of reports required by this Act. States that Federal agency action taken before a site selection becomes effective shall not be considered a major Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary and heads of all Federal agencies to avoid duplication of effort in the preparation of reports pursuant to such Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate general standards to protect the environment from radioactive material in repositories. Requires the Secretary to establish a Project Decision Schedule which shall constitute the lawful decisionmaking deadlines for Federal agencies involved in the establishment of a repository. Sets forth procedural requirements for agencies which cannot comply with the schedule. Requires the Secretary to begin, within 64 months after enactment of this Act, the mining and construction of a Test and Evaluation Facility for research on, and demonstration of, the technology for radioactive waste disposal in a repository. Sets forth design requirements for the facility. Requires the Secretary to begin within 88 months after enactment of this Act, an in situ testing program of research and development activities with respect to radioactive waste disposal to support the repository program. Sets forth limitations on the use, and the termination date, of the facility. Requires that the system of engineered barriers and selected geology have the design life required by NRC regulations for repositories. Directs the Secretary to enter into written agreements with the NRC and the Governor of the State in which the Test and Evaluation Facility site is located, or the appropriate Indian tribe, to establish consultative and cooperative roles in the construction and operation of the facility. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of such agreements. Requires the Secretary to prepare an environmental assessment before excavating major shafts for the facility and an environmental impact statement before conducting tests with radioactive materials. Provides for the establishment of a demonstration program, in cooperation with the private sector, for the dry storage of spent fuel at nuclear powerplant sites. Directs the Secretary to select between one and three candidate sites at nuclear powerplants and enter into cooperative agreements with the utilities to carry out demonstration projects using alternate dry storage technologies. Requires the Secretary to undertake a cooperative program with utilities to encourage the development of the technology for spent fuel rod consolidation in existing reactor water storage basins. Limits the total contribution to the demonstration program by the Secretary from appropriated funds and Federal services and facilities to 25 percent of the estimated total costs of the program. Provides for the remaining costs to be paid by the utilities involved or from the nuclear waste fund established by this Act. Provides for the Secretary to make specified payments to each State or Indian tribe which has entered into written agreements with respect to the consultation and concurrence process if the State agrees to provide a specified percentage of such payments to the local government which has jurisdiction over the repository site. Grants the State or Indian tribe discretion to use the payments for whatever purpose it deems necessary under the repository program. Grants to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions for review of Federal agency action under this Act and over civil actions challenging the constitutionality of actions taken under this Act. Provides that the Supreme Court shall have exclusive authority to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the Court of Appeals pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with individuals for radioactive waste and spent fuel disposal services. Prohibits the NRC from issuing a license to any person to use a utilization or production facility unless such person has contracted, or is negotiating a contract, with the Secretary for such services. Authorizes the NRC to require such an agreement as a precondition to the issuance of a license or license amendment under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a nuclear waste fund to be used by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1981
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full satisfaction of a claim against the United States for unreimbursed relocation expenses incurred while employed by the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1981
Waives certain time limitations for the filing of a claim by a named individual for travel and transportation allowances in connection with the relocation of himself and his family.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1981
Taxpayer Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in the collection of taxes, to provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act regarding communication and harassment in connection with debt collection. Prohibits the publication of any deficiency which has not been adjudged to be payable by a competent court. Permits individual taxpayers to bring a civil action in a U.S. district court for damages resulting from collection practices prohibited by this Act. Requires a Federal court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax. Specifies that a showing of fraud or malfeasance or a misrepresentation, for purposes of modifying or reconsidering a closing agreement between an individual taxpayer and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken into account only if such a showing or misrepresentation is determined by a competent court. Prohibits the Secretary from consenting to extend for more than one year the period for assessment of the income tax liability of any individual taxpayer. Requires the Secretary to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive statements which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such statement to accompany any tax forms sent to taxpayers. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Makes binding on the Secretary : (1) a tax return prepared for the taxpayer by an officer or employee of the IRS acting in his official capacity to provide such assistance; and (2) written information or advice given to the taxpayer by such an officer or employee acting in his official capacity. Places the burden of proof, in administrative and judicial proceedings involving the IRS and a taxpayer, upon the IRS. Directs that all property of taxpayers, for purposes of the estate and gift tax, be valued at historical cost (original cost to the taxpayer or the basis of the property if it was not purchased). Prohibits the use in IRS personnel evaluations of amounts collected pursuant to audits or investigations. Precludes the Secretary from exercising any enforcement authority over churches or certain other organizations. Prohibits the audit of any group of taxpayers unless the Secretary has first met certain notice requirements or permitted members of the group to file an amended return. Sets forth conditions which must be met by the IRS before any action is taken to interfere with the property rights of a taxpayer. Requires the IRS, before securing the records of, or personal data concerning, any taxpayer, to: (1) notify the taxpayer in writing of the demand, the material sought, and the need for the material; (2) have commenced an action in a competent court against the taxpayer; and (3) have justified its need before the court consistent with the discovery rules of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. States that the IRS shall have no authority, in enforcing the tax obligations of any person, which is in conflict with the rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1981
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress, prior to each fiscal year, to adopt a statement of receipts and outlays for that year in which total outlays are no greater than total receipts. Permits Congress in such statement to provide for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a three-fifths vote directed solely to that subject. Prohibits total receipts for any fiscal year set forth in such statement from increasing by a rate greater than the rate of increase in national income in the last calendar year ending before such fiscal year, unless Congress passes a bill directed solely to approving specific additional receipts and such bill has become law. Permits Congress to waive the provisions of this Act with respect to any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits the Congress from requiring that the States engage in additional activities without compensation equal to the additional costs. Declares that total receipts shall include all receipts of the United States, except those derived from borrowing and total outlays shall include all outlays of the United States except those for repayment of debt principal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1981
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in recognition of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
![Official portrait of Rep. White, Richard C. [D-TX-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000390_200.jpg)