United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1984
Declares that it is the sense of Congress that the President should submit a revised budget proposal containing specific provisions to reduce the Federal deficit by a total of at least $200,000,000,000 over the next three fiscal years. Calls for the Congress to act expeditiously through legislative procedures to consider such proposals and enact a deficit reduction package.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1984
Repeals the program providing for residential energy conservation plans for public utilities and home heating suppliers and the energy conservation program for commercial buildings and multifamily dwellings under the National Energy Conservation Policy Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1984
Anti-Fraudulent Adoption Practices Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense for any person to knowingly make any false statement or conceal any material fact in connection with an adoption or with the placement of a child in a home for permanent free care. Makes it unlawful for any person to solicit or receive money for arranging for an adoption or for a placement for permanent free care. Provides for the following exceptions: (1) licensed agencies; (2) fees received for professional legal or medical services; and (3) if such person is the natural parent of a child or the prospective adoptive parent. Provides for imprisonment for not more than five years and/or a fine of not more than $10,000. Makes it a Federal offense for any person to use force or duress to cause any other individual to travel in interstate or foreign commerce in connection with an adoption. Provides for imprisonment for not more than ten years or a fine of not more than $20,000. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) review model adoption legislation and procedures and propose necessary changes to insure against fraudulent practices; (2) coordinate with national, State and volunteer organizations to improve State adoption legislation; and (3) assist States in the development of improved procedures for controlling illegal adoption practices. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction to hear any civil action involving fraudulent adoption practices regardless of the amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1984
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to exempt from Federal inspection requirements any restaurant central kitchen that prepares ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sent to and served at restaurants owned or operated by the same persons who own or operate such central facility.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
Declares U.S. policy toward Lebanon should include: (1) the prompt withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from the multinational force in Lebanon; (2) a diplomatic effort at the United Nations to replace the multinational force with another peacekeeping force, preferably under U.N. auspices; (3) advising Lebanon of their need to develop a plan which recognizes the aspirations of all groups there; (4) development of diplomatic efforts with Syria to achieve acceptance by Syria of a reconciliation plan for Lebanon; (5) promotion of a dialog between Israel and Lebanon concerning security arrangements and a reconciliation plan for Lebanon; (6) continuation of other efforts to achieve the withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon and the reestablishment of a sovereign Lebanon; (7) renewal of efforts to pursue a broader Middle East peace; (8) intensification of U.S. efforts to retrain and reequip the Lebanese Armed Forces; (9) implementation of an economic assistance program for the reconstruction and development of Lebanon; and (10) implementation of military contingency plans to protect U.S. interests from terrorist attacks.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Continues to apply after FY 1983 the certification requirements of the International Security and Development Cooperation Act of 1981 which relate to El Salvador until Congress enacts new legislation providing conditions for U.S. military assistance to El Salvador or until September 30, 1984, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to provide that a buyer in the ordinary course of business who buys farm products from a person engaged in farming operations shall own such goods free of any security interest in such goods even though the security interest is perfected and even though the buyer knows of its existence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Job Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the expiration date for the targeted jobs tax credit from December 31, 1984, to December 31, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
High Technology Research and Scientific Education Act of 1983 - Title I: The Credit for Increasing Research Activities; ACRS for R&D Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax credit for research and development (R&D) expenditures. Modifies the definition of qualified research for purposes of the R&D credit to narrow the category of eligible activities for which the credit is allowable. Makes depreciation of research equipment eligible for the R&D credit. Eliminates the special three-year accelerated cost recovery system (ACRS) category for research equipment. Increases contract research expenses eligible for R&D credit purposes to 75 percent of the amount paid to others for research on the taxpayer's behalf. Provides that in-house and contract research expenses paid or incurred by a regular corporation will constitute qualified research expenses for R&D credit purposes. Provides that in the case of research being conducted in partnership form, the "in carrying on" test is applied at the partnership level, and the credit is apportioned among the partners in accordance with general partnership rules. Title II: Promotion of University Research and Scientific Education - Establishes a new income tax credit equal to 25 percent of payments to universities for basic research which exceed a fixed, maintenance-of-effort floor. Calculates the maintenance-of-effort floor as the greater of the annual average of university basic research payments over 1982-1983 or one percent of the average annual R&D budget over 1981-1983. Treats the portion of the university basic research payments which is not in excess of the maintenance-of-effort floor as contract research expenses eligible for purposes of computing the regular incremental R&D credit. Allows corporations an income tax deduction for contributions of scientific and technical property or services to an institution of higher education. Defines scientific property to mean computer software or other equipment used in a trade or business, which is donated for the direct education of students and faculty, for research and experimentation, or for research training in the United States in mathematics, the physical or biological sciences, engineering, or computer science. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of the allowable deduction for contributions of scientific property or services. Limits the amount of such deduction to ten percent of taxable income computed without regard to specified deductions. Provides for an income tax exclusion for the scholarships, fellowship grants, student loan forgiveness, or stipends of a graduate student in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences. Specifies that such tax exclusion is not forfeited merely because the student is required, as a condition of the scholarship or fellowship, to perform future service in teaching or research.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 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 within 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 · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) continue to express U.S. opposition to the exile of Igor Ogurtsov; and (2) urge the Soviet Union to provide Igor Ogurtsov with medical care, grant his release from exile, and accept his application for an exit visa and allow him to emigrate without forcing him to renounce his views (in accordance with a specified international treaty).
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Employee Stock Ownership Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the nonrecognition of gain on stock sold to: (1) an employee stock ownership plan; (2) a tax credit employee stock ownership plan; or (3) an eligible worker-owned cooperative, if within a specified period of time qualified replacement property is purchased by the taxpayer. Defines "qualified replacement property" as any security issued by a domestic corporation: (1) which does not have passive investment income in excess of a specified limitation; and (2) the equity capital of which does not exceed $10,000,000. Allows an income tax deduction for cash dividends paid with respect to employer stock which is held by a tax credit employee stock ownership plan or an employee stock ownership plan which is a stock bonus plan. Extends the partial exclusion for dividends received to such amounts. Excludes from gross income 50 percent of interest received by a bank, an insurance company, or other lender on loans used by an employee stock ownership plan to acquire employer securities. Provides for a reduction in the capital gains tax with respect to sales of stock in employee-owned corporations. Sets forth special rules for the calculation of such reduction. Relieves an estate of liability for payment of the estate tax to the extent that amounts of the tax are attributable to employer securities transferred to an employee stock ownership plan pursuant to a written agreement guaranteeing that the tax will be paid by the plan in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of the tax imposed upon the acquired employer securities; or (2) the amount of the tax imposed on the gross estate reduced by the sum of allowable credits. Permits the payment of such tax in installments. Exempts such transfers from the tax on prohibited transactions. Treats as charitable contributions certain contributions to an employee stock ownership plan. Specifies a qualification test for contributions to receive such treatment. Allows certain small business corporations (subchapter S corporations) to maintain a tax credit employee stock ownership plan or an employee stock ownership plan. Permits recaptured employee stock ownership plan investment tax credits to be used to reduce contributions to payroll based tax credit employee stock ownership plans.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Designates 1984 as the Year of Water. Requests the President to welcome the delegates of the International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage in Fort Collins, Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that, upon confirmation, the new Secretary of the Interior should act to insure that the policies and programs of the Department of the Interior conform with the expressed will of the Congress and regain public support and confidence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1983
States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1983
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to continue the suspension of duty on certain forms of zinc through June 30, 1989. Makes the suspension of duty retroactive to June 30, 1984, if a request for such treatment is filed within a specified time.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1983
Amends Federal law regarding the farm disaster emergency loan program to: (1) require the Secretary of Agriculture to base single enterprise production loss determinations exclusively on actual production; and (2) prohibit the Secretary from including projected production determinations from payment-in-kind or land diversion program participation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the United States should fulfill its obligations to promote respect for human rights and freedoms in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (Baltic States); and (2) the President, acting through specified officials, should take the necessary steps to bring the question of self-determination of the Baltic States before appropriate forums of the United Nations. Suggests that such forums discuss a specified list of topics, including human rights violations in the Baltic States and the withdrawal of Soviet troops.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983
Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant) of the Social Security Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for FY 1984 and for each following fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983
Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Act of 1983 - Amends the Clean Water Act ("the Act") (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to provide for a nonpoint source pollution management program. Requires each State, by itself or in combination with other States and after notice and opportunity for public comment, to submit a proposed nonpoint source pollution management program to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency within 18 months after the enactment of the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1983. Requires that such proposed State program: (1) identify waters within State boundaries which, without additional action to control nonpoint sources of pollution, cannot be reasonably expected to attain or maintain applicable water quality standards or the goals and requirements of the Act; (2) designate categories or subcategories of nonpoint sources of pollution or, where appropriate, particular nonpoint sources, that contribute significant pollution loadings to such identified waters; (3) identify best management practices which will be undertaken to reduce pollutant loadings resulting from each designated category, subcategory, or particular nonpoint source; (4) identify programs to achieve implementation of such best management practices; (5) include a schedule containing annual milestones for utilization of program implementation methods and implementation of best management practices at the earliest practicable date; (6) include a statement by the State attorney general, or attorney for the State water pollution control agency, that State laws provide adequate authority to carry out the program, or a schedule and commitment by the State to seek such authorities as expeditiously as practicable; and (7) include an indentification of Federal financial assistance programs and Federal development projects for which the State will review individual assistance applications or development projects for their effect on water quality, pursuant to specified procedures, to determine whether such applications or projects would be consistent with and further the purposes and objectives of the program. Allows the State, in developing such program to rely upon specified information and utilize appropriate elements of waste treatment management plans. Allows the State, in developing and implementing such program, to make use of local agencies or organizations. Sets forth procedures and deadlines for revisions and approval or disapproval by the Administrator of such proposed or revised State programs. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on actions taken with regard to any State which fails to submit a program which meets specified requirements. Directs the Administrator to award grants to assist States in the implementation of approved management programs. Limits such grants to 75 percent of program implementation costs in any fiscal year. Requires that non-Federal sources provide at least 25 percent of such costs. Provides that two-thirds of the funds appropriated in any fiscal year for such grants shall be allotted among States according to a specified table of percentage allotments. Provides that one-third of such appropriations shall be made available to the Administrator who shall make grants in response to applications from States if the Administrator determines such grants are necessary and appropriate to assist such States in: (1) controlling particularly difficult or serious nonpoint source pollution problems, including those resulting from mining; (2) implementing innovative methods or practices for controlling nonpoint sources of pollution, including both regulatory or nonregulatory programs where appropriate; (3) controlling interstate nonpoint sources pollution problems; or (4) providing financial assistance, limited to a specified amount, for approved management program implementation by an Indian tribe within the reservation. Sets forth provisions for reallotment of State allotments. Permits States to use such grant funds for financial assistance to persons only to the extent that such assistance is related to the cost of demonstration projects. Prohibits such a grant to any State unless the Administrator determines that the State is implementing such program satisfactorily. Authorizes the Administrator to request information, data, and reports necessary for determination of continuing eligibility for such grants. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the nonpoint source pollution management program for FY 1985 through 1987. Requires each State to report annually to the Administrator on: (1) its progress in meeting the schedule of milestones; and (2) where appropriate information is available, reductions in nonpoint source pollutant loadings and improvements in water quality resulting from implementation of the management program. Directs the Administrator to transmit to the Office of Management and Budget and the appropriate Federal departments and agencies a list of those assistance programs and development projects identified by States for which individual assistance applications and projects will be reviewed. Requires each Federal department and agency, within 60 days after receiving such notification, to: (1) modify existing regulations to allow States to conduct such review; and (2) accommodate the concerns of the State regarding the consistency of such applications or projects with the State program. Directs the Administrator to collect and make available information pertaining to management practices and implementation methods. Directs the Administrator, within 36 months of enactment of the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1983, to report on: (1) management programs being implemented by the States by types and amount of affected waters, categories and subcategories of nonpoint sources, and types of best management practices being implemented; (2) State experiences in adhering to schedules and implementing best management practices; (3) the amount and purpose of grants awarded; (4) progress in reducing pollutant loads and improving water quality in the waters of the United States; and (5) what further actions need to be taken to attain and maintain in those waters applicable water quality standards and the goals and requirements of the Act. Revises provisions relating to agreements among Federal agencies to include a reference to approved nonpoint source pollution management programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) provide protection and security for U.S. Forces in Lebanon; (2) pursue, in coordination with our allies in the Multinational Peacekeeping Force, the transferral of the peacekeeping responsibilities in Lebanon to a United Nations peacekeeping presence or to other forces from neutral countries; and (3) prepare and transmit to the Congress a report setting forth the measures that have been taken to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Life Insurance Tax Act of 1983 - Title I: Life Insurance Provisions - Subtitle A: Taxation of Life Insurance Companies - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set the rate of tax on a life insurance company at the corporate rate on its life insurance company taxable income (LICTI). Sets forth an alternative tax in the case of capital gains. Defines life insurance company taxable income as life insurance gross income reduced by life insurance deductions. Defines life insurance gross income as the sum of: (1) premiums; (2) decreases in certain reserves; and (3) other amounts generally includible by a taxpayer in gross income. Allows three types of deductions: (1) general life insurance deductions; (2) the special life insurance deduction; and (3) the small life insurance company deduction. Sets forth definitions and special rules for each type of deduction. Sets forth rules for the calculation of net increases and decreases in reserves. Requires life insurance companies to use either the accrual method of accounting or a method permitted under regulations which combines an accrual method with another recognized method. Sets forth rules for the amortization of premiums and accrual of discount. Sets forth rules for the computation of a company's share and the policyholders' share of investment income. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of foreign life insurance companies. Requires an adjustment to LICTI where a required surplus held in the United States is less than a specified amount. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of contiguous country branches of domestic life insurance companies. Provides that life insurance company taxable income which has an existing policyholders surplus account shall be increased by any direct or indirect distribution to shareholders from such account. Defines "life insurance company" as an insurance company which is engaged in the business of issuing life insurance and annuity contracts or noncancellable contracts of health and life insurance if its life insurance reserves plus unearned premiums and unpaid losses comprise more than 50 percent of its total reserves. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of variable contracts. Sets forth rules relating to capital gains and losses of a life insurance company. Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act. Provides transitional rules. Subtitle B: Taxation of Life Insurance Products - Redefines "life insurance contract" for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Defines such a contract as any contract, which is a life insurance contract under applicable State or foreign law, but only if the contract meets either of two alternatives: (1) a cash value accumulation test; or (2) a test consisting of a guideline premium requirement and a cash value corridor requirement. Specifies requirements of each such test. Sets forth rules for contracts not meeting the life insurance definition. Sets forth transitional rules. Treats as distributed to a contract holder any amount of an annuity contract held by an individual who dies before the annuity starting date. Exempts any such amounts from the five-percent penalty tax on a premature distribution from an annuity. Limits the amount of the interest deduction allowed in the case of life insurance loans. Sets forth rules for the calculation of such limit. Extends to former employees and key employees the limitations on group-term life insurance purchased for employees. Subtitle C: Nondeductible Contributions to Individual Retirement Plans - Allows certain nondeductible contributions to individual retirement accounts and annuities. Limits such contributions to the least of: (1) $1,750; (2) the excess of compensation includible in gross income over the amount allowable as a deduction under present rules; or (3) an amount designated by the taxpayer as a nondeductible contribution. Subtitle D: Studies - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report annually to specified committees of the Congress on the revenues received by this Act and to compare the amount of such revenues and the amount anticipated by reason of changes made by the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 and this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports in the years 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 concerning the impact of this Act on specified segments and products of the life insurance industry.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1983
Commission on Civil Rights Resolution - Establishes within the legislative branch an eight member Commission on Civil Rights (Commission). Provides rules of procedure for Commission hearings. Requires the Commission to: (1) investigate allegations of citizens' being denied their right to vote by reason of their color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin; (2) study and collect information concerning discrimination or a denial of equal protection; (3) appraise Federal laws and policy with respect to discrimination and the denial of equal protection; and (4) serve as a national clearinghouse for such information. Prohibits the Commission from investigating any membership practice or internal operation of any fraternal organization, college or university fraternity or sorority, private club or religious organization. Prohibits the Commission from collecting or studying information with respect to abortion. Directs the Commission to appraise the laws and policies of the Federal Government with respect to denials of equal protection involving Americans who are members of eastern - and southern - European ethic groups.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1983
Vaccine-Injury Compensation Act of 1983 - Directs the President to evaluate the establishment of a Federal program to compensate victims seriously injured by Government vaccination programs. Directs the President to design and report to Congress by July 1, 1984, such a proposed program and alternative programs, with associated costs, which: (1) do not propose creating a new agency or hiring additional Federal personnel; (2) ensure that victims of episodic vaccination programs and participants in all childhood vaccination programs are eligible for compensation; (3) propose options including the imposition of a vaccination fee to create a compensation trust fund; and (4) ensure that State governments participate in the administration and, if appropriate, the expense of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Retirement Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments Relating to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower the age requirement for participation in a tax- deferred retirement plan from 25 to 21. Lowers the minimum age at which years of employment begin to be credited for retirement plan vesting purposes from 22 to 18. Provides that nonvested participants in a retirement plan with a break in service of up to five years will not lose credit for pre-break periods of service. Permits limited breaks in service for paternity or maternity leave without loss of vesting credits. Requires tax-deferred retirement plans to offer survivor benefits to plan participants who have attained age 45 and have ten years of creditable service. Requires spousal consent in order for a retirement plan participant to elect not to take a joint and survivor annuity. Requires that such consent must be in writing and must be witnessed by either a plan representative or a notary public. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a retirement plan in the case of a judgment, decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State's domestic relations law. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of retirement plan distributions pursuant to a divorce decree. Increases the amount of allowable mandatory distributions from a retirement plan from $1,750 to $3,500. Requires that a plan participant must be notified that benefits under the plan may be forfeited if the participant dies before a certain date. Title II: Amendments Relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to incorporate into such Act the changes made by Title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1983
Drought Relief Act of 1983 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit farmers and ranchers to qualify for disaster assistance whether or not their counties have been designated as disaster areas. Permits family farmers to request economic hardship loan repayment and foreclosure deferrals through FY 1984. Requires a showing of: (1) good management; (2) temporary inability to repay because of circumstances beyond one's control; (3) reasonable chance of repayment; and (4) no available loan-servicing alternatives. Provides for loan consolidation and rescheduling at the end of such deferral period. Requires the Secretary to notify borrowers regarding such deferral and rescheduling programs. Requires deferred or rescheduled loan interest rates to be at the lower of either original or current rates. Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to extend the economic emergency loan program through FY 1984. Gives preference to farmers affected by the 1983 drought. Limits interest rates to eight percent. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase insured and guaranteed operating loan limits. Extends the maximum payment period from seven to 15 years. Requires that at least 20 percent of FY 1984 farm ownership and operating loans be for limited-resource farmers. Requires the Secretary to notify all farmers about such program. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require the Secretary to make advance deficiency payments to 1984 wheat, feed grain, upland cotton, and rice producers. Requires the Secretary to make low-grade Commodity Credit Corporation corn available (at 75 percent of the local loan rate) to poultry and livestock producers in areas affected by the 1983 drought. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make emergency business loans available to small rural businesses in areas adversely affected by the drought or payment-in-kind program. Requires the Secretary to provide for a graduated scale of rural water and waste disposal grants based on income and population levels. Restricts the maximum rate to projects in communities with populations of 1500 or less and a median income level below 80 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan median income level. Directs the Secretary to establish a project selection system based on income, population, and health hazards due to lack of potable water or inadequate waste disposal. Authorizes predevelopment grants and technical assistance. Revises the standard for five percent loans from one based on the Federal poverty line to one based on the statewide nonmetropolitan median income level. Establishes a seven-percent loan for communities with median incomes of between 80 and 100 percent of such statewide income level.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of Congress, a gold medal to Lady Bird Johnson in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and contributions to the beautification of America. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide for the striking of such medal and bronze duplication for sale to the public. Declares such medals to be national medals. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President and the Secretary of State should, in formulating U.S. foreign policy, recognize and take into account the genocide of the Armenian people; and (2) the President should direct his representatives to communicate in international forums the U.S. abhorrence to the genocide of the Armenian people.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a business expense deduction for advertisements placed with a foreign broadcast station and directed to a market in the United States if a similar deduction is denied in the country in which such station is located for an advertisement placed with a U.S. broadcast station and directed to a market in that country.
United States · United States Congress · 6 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. (Present regulations require a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.) Includes shale oil property and tar sands equipment as energy property for purposes of the investment tax credit. Grants a 15 percent depletion allowance for tar sands. Allows an investment tax credit for photovoltaic energy property. Defines photovoltaic property.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Food Safety Modernization Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to define "safe", as applied to food additives, color additives, pesticide residues, and other specified substances, to mean a reasonable certainty that the risks of a substance under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit, under specified conditions, the gradual elimination or phase-out of substances from the food supply if the FDA determines that there will be no unreasonable risk to the public health from continued use of a substance while it is phased out and there is no practicable substitute. Permits an extension for up to an additional five years. Provides that certain cancer-causing substances shall not be banned (and may be approved) if the proponent of use demonstrates on the basis of credible experimental evidence that the risks to humans under the intended conditions of use are negligible. Authorizes the FDA to consider the benefits to human health from a long-used additive with no practicable substitute before prohibiting its use on the basis of risks to human health. Permits continued use of an additive if the risks to human health are acceptable on account of the benefits to human health, such as the effects of its use on the nutritional value and availability of food and uses for dietary management and other health-related purposes. Directs the FDA to establish an independent scientific peer review committee to study and give advice on substantial scientific issues related to food safety. Requires the FDA, within two years of enactment of this Act, to establish by regulations standards to determine under what circumstances the use of a substance in a food contact situation (i.e., an indirect additive) meets the food additive definition of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the FDA, in issuing regulations, to consider the extent of human exposure to a substance under its intended conditions of use and the toxicological characteristics of the substance. Title II - Amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act to provide that a meat, poultry or egg product is adulterated because it contains an added poisonous or added deleterious substance when the presence of the substance renders the food unsafe within the meaning of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for added poisonous or added deleterious substances in meat, poultry and egg products but only if the FDA has not already done so. Authorizes the Secretary to phaseout the use of substances in meat, poultry, and egg products for which the Department of Agriculture has primary responsibility. Directs the Secretary to establish an independent scientific peer review system. Title III - Effective Date - Provides that the Act shall become effective upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Declares that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Afghanistan in their struggle to be free from foreign domination; (2) provide the Afghans, upon request, with material assistance; and (3) pursue a negotiated settlement of the war in Afghanistan based on the total withdrawal of Soviet troops and the recognition of the right of the Afghans to choose their own destiny.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000401_200.jpg)