United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Increases from 30 to 60 days the time period between the publication of a Federal rule and the effective date of such rule. Increases from 15 to 30 days the time period between the publication of a notice of a hearing and the beginning of such hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should take all necessary steps to: (1) bring the Baltic States question before the United Nations; (2) urge the United Nations to request the Soviet Union to withdraw all non-native troops, agents, colonists, and controls from the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia; and (3) return all Baltic exiles from Siberia, prisons, and labor camps in the Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of State to do his utmost to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations by means of special radio programs and publications. Declares that the United States should not agree to the recognition of the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Directs the President to take steps to provide that all maps of Europe show the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as independent states. Calls for a return of self-determination to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia through free elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) enter into negotiations to secure the withdrawal of Soviet personnel and the release of political prisoners from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; (2) instruct the U.S. delegation to present the illegal Soviet actions in such countries at the preparatory meeting of the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (3) gain the cooperation of other nations in achieving such objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Amends the Automobile Dealers Day in Court Act to prohibit a manufacturer from selling, leasing, or offering to sell or lease any passenger car, truck, or stationwagon to any person (or any other dealer) at a price lower than the price at which the same model is sold to its franchised dealers. Prohibits a manufacturer from imposing restrictions on some purchasers of automobiles, but not others. Requires that all rebates, discounts, refunds or other promotional inducement or benefit be provided to all ultimate purchasers of the same model of motor vehicle during the same period of time. Establishes an exception to the Act for the sale of automobiles to Federal, State or local governmental units. Applies this Act to importers of covered motor vehicles who import directly or through distributorships. Allows an automobile dealer to recover reasonable attorneys fees resulting from an action under this Act. Limits standing for a cause of action for termination of an agreement under this Act to dealers who comply with all reasonable provisions of the franchise agreement in question.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Residential Mortgage Investment Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from specified prohibited transaction provisions: (1) any qualified mortgage transaction engaged in by an employee benefit plan provided only that such transaction received the prior approval of an independent fiduciary; and (2) purchase, retention, or sale by an employee benefit plan of interests in Federal or State government-guaranteed residential mortgage loans.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Requires the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to consider the current and projected number of veterans residing in each State when deciding where medical facilities should be constructed or acquired. Directs the Chief Medical Director to determine, at the end of each fiscal year, the current and projected number of veterans residing in each State. Requires the Director to report such information to the appropriate committees and to consider it when making recommendations for the apportionment of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
States that the Administrator of Veterans Affairs should implement as quickly as possible the recommendations of "A Thirty Year Study of the Needs of Veterans in Florida" concerning the health needs of veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a defendant to give notice if he intends to introduce expert testimony which bears on the issue of whether he had the state of mind required for an offense charged. Amends the Federal criminal code to eliminate "insanity" as a defense to a prosecution under any Federal statute. Excludes from the definition of "mental disease or defect" an abnormality manifested only by repeated criminal or other anti-social conduct. Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty solely by reason of inability, because of mental disease or defect, to have had the state of mind required as an element of the offense charged." Requires any person acquitted because of such mental disease or defect to be committed to the custody of the Attorney General if found by clear and convincing evidence to be presently suffering from mental disease or defect. Directs the Attorney General to release such person to a State which will assume responsibility for his custody and treatment or otherwise to hospitalize such person in a suitable facility. Requires the court to hold a hearing upon the certification by the director of the facility that such person's release will no longer create a substantial danger to himself or the person or property of another. Directs the court to order the discharge of a person who is found to have recovered.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use certain computers with intent to defraud, obtain property by false pretenses, embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert the property of another. Limits the kinds of computers covered by this Act to those operating in interstate commerce, or operating on behalf of the Federal Government or of a financial institution (where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation). Specifies factors which Federal law enforcement officers must consider in determining whether to exercise jurisdiction over such offense, where concurrent jurisdiction exists with a State or local government. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the extent of the exercise of such Federal jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Transfers methaqualone from Schedule II (abuse potential, but with accepted U.S. medical use) to Schedule I (abuse potential, with no accepted U.S. medical use) of the Controlled Substances Act. Makes this Act effective within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to authorize a judicial officer, when making a pretrial release determination, to consider whether a person charged with possession or transfer of a controlled substance will pose a danger to any other person or the community. Requires the judicial officer to hold a hearing for such persons to determine whether surety resources have been obtained by noncriminal means.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1982 - Establishes criminal penalties applicable to licensees under the Gun Control Act of 1968 who import, manufacture, or sell a "restricted handgun bullet," except as authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury. Establishes additional criminal penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year's imprisonment, for: (1) using a restricted handgun bullet to commit a Federal felony; or (2) carrying a restricted handgun bullet unlawfully during commission of a Federal felony.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit prayer in public schools or institutions. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Natural Wetlands Inventory and Evaluation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to formulate and carry out a continuous program which: (1) classifies and inventories the Nation's wetlands; (2) measures the degradation and loss of wetlands; and (3) evaluates the contribution of wetlands to fish and wildlife conservation, land and water conservation, and the quality of the human environment. Directs all departments and agencies of the Federal Government to furnish information concerning the extent of destruction, alteration, and uses of wetlands under their respective programs. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with educational institutions, State fish and wildlife agencies, and private organizations to collect and analyze data for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Grants access to criminal records in the custody of the Attorney General to non-law enforcement officials and agencies of any State or city if the laws or regulations of such jurisdiction authorize or require such official or agency to acquire criminal record information in the performance of duty. Directs the Attorney General to establish standards and procedures for the acquisition and exchange of identification records.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during which such individual has such illness.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
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 tax 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 conflicts with rights and privileges granted under the Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Florida Wilderness Act of 1983 - Designates the following lands in Florida as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Bradwell Bay Wilderness Addition in the Apalachicola National Forest; (2) the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness in the Apalachicola National Forest; (3) the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness in the Osceola National Forest; (4) the Alexander Springs Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest; (5) the Juniper Prairie Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest; (6) the Little Lake George Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest; and (7) the Billies Bay Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest. Prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing phosphate leases in the Osceola National Forest until the President recommends to Congress that such leases be permitted in a specified area of the forest, based upon a national need for phosphate. Requires the President to submit the basis for such recommendation, a statement of conditions governing the activity, and the required environmental impact statements. Makes a Presidential recommendation effective within 90 days after its submission to Congress unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution disapproving it. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to determine if specified phosphate preference right lease applicants have discovered valuable deposits of phosphate. Requires the Secretary, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to determine the fair market value of phosphate leases which would be issued to such lease applicants absent the leasing ban under this Act. Directs the Secretary to acquire by exchange, monetary credit, lease issuance suspension, or purchase any valuable phosphate lease rights from such lease applicants within three years after enactment of this Act. Provides that the designation of the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness will not alter phosphate lease rights applicable to lands within the wilderness. Allows waivers of the time deadlines under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance to any country which is a known source of illicit drugs, unless the President has certified to Congress during the fiscal year that the governing authorities of that country are fully cooperating with the United States in its efforts to reduce the flow of illicit drugs from that country. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to prohibit issuing letters of offer and export licenses and to prohibit extending credits or guarantees to any country which is a known source of illicit drugs, unless the President has certified to Congress during the fiscal year that the governing authorities of that country are fully cooperating with the United States in its efforts to reduce the flow of illicit drugs from that country.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services to include chiropractic care among the services offered members, former members, and dependents of the uniformed services. Authorizes the appointment of chiropractors as commissioned officers in the Medical Services Corps of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. Entitles such officers to the same pay as dental officers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to require a judicial officer, in setting conditions for pretrial release for any person charged with certain narcotics offenses, to consider which conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community, the personal safety of persons in the community, and the prevention of similar offenses by such person. Requires a judicial officer to deny release to any person charged with a narcotics offense who: (1) has previously been convicted of a felony narcotics offense under Federal, State, or foreign law; (2) is on parole, probation, or other conditional release for a felony offense under Federal or State law; (3) is an illegal alien; (4) was arrested in possession of a false passport; or (5) has been convicted of being a fugitive from justice. Requires the Government to provide clear and convincing evidence that the person charged falls within any such category and to establish that there is substantial probability that the person committed the offense . Permits the judicial officer to grant release to a person who has not been previously convicted of a felony narcotics offense upon a finding of special mitigating factors. Requires that the case of a person who is denied release be placed on an expedited calendar.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal census provisions to require Federal agencies to use the most recent population data (rather than the most recent decennial census data) in determining the amount of benefits due State and local governments under Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) temporarily suspend the airman certificate of anyone indicted for a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense charged; and (2) revoke the airman certificate of anyone convicted of a violation of such Act if operation of an aircraft is an element of the offense for which the holder was convicted. Sets forth criminal penalties for the use or sale of fraudulent certificates with the intent or knowledge that such certificates will be used in connection with a violation of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Provides criminal penalties for any person who: (1) while navigating an aircraft, knowingly and willfully violates such Act; or (2) is the owner of an aircraft and knowingly allows any person to use such aircraft in violation of such Act. Requires that such penalties shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty imposed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1983
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Hunger to conduct a continuing comprehensive study of the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1982
Establishes the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1982
Immigration Emergency Act - Authorizes the President to declare an immigration emergency if in his judgment: (1) a substantial number of undocumented aliens from a designated country (countries) or geographic area (areas) are ready to leave for the United States, or have already done so; and (2) the normal procedures and resources of the Immigration and Naturalization Service would be inadequate to handle the influx of these aliens. Requires the President to explain such action to the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate within 48 hours. Terminates such emergency period after 120 days unless ended sooner or extended by the President. Authorizes the President during an immigration emergency to: (1) prevent U.S. vessels, vehicles, or aircraft from traveling to designated countries or areas; (2) prevent inadmissible aliens from arriving by requiring their return or their vessel, vehicle, or aircraft's return to a suitable country or area; (3) exempt executive instrumentalities from additional specified environmental requirements for up to one year; and (4) designate one or more Federal agencies including the military to carry out these emergency powers (once they are invoked by the President). Requires an alien to be detained pending a final determination of admissibility. Permits the Attorney General to transfer such detained aliens at any time. Limits judicial review of the Attorney General's detention and transfer authority to habeas corpus questions of whether a particular person is within the category of aliens subject to detention. Grants search and seizure and disaster authority to agencies enforcing this Act. Prohibits U.S. conveyances to travel to, or within specified distances of, designated countries or areas during an immigration emergency without prior executive approval. Provides penalties for violations, including fines, forfeiture, and imprisonment. Provides that violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act committed during an immigration emergency may be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Coast Guard, or any component of the Department of the Treasury. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the fine for unlawfully bringing aliens into the United States. Permits the seizure of a vessel or aircraft so involved. Authorizes up to $35,000,000 for purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1982
Amends the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to repeal provisions which require the withholding of tax on interest and dividends. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure tax collection on such income by matching information returns with individual income tax returns.
![Official portrait of Rep. Young, C. W. Bill [R-FL-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/y000031_200.jpg)