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United States · Official source
4,407 records where Sen. Cranston, Alan [D-CA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Disapproves the proposal of the Study Group on Senate Practices and Procedures to abolish the Committee on Veterans' Affairs by merging it with the Committee on Armed Services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Emergency School Aid Extension Act of 1983 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reestablish the Emergency School Aid Act as title VI of ESEA. Makes the emergency school aid program a categorical grant program to assist public school desegregation. Authorizes appropriations for the emergency school aid program for FY 1984 through 1987. Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to delete references to the emergency school aid program under the block grant provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
High Technology Trade Act of 1983 - Authorizes the President to negotiate with foreign governments and instrumentalities to obtain and preserve maximum openness in international trade and investment in high technology and to strengthen the international trading system. Authorizes the President to enter into bilateral and multilateral agreements to achieve the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the President, in order to carry out an agreement under this Act, to proclaim tariff changes and to use procedures contained in the Trade Act of 1974 if changes in U.S. law are required. Requires the President to determine whether or not a key country is providing national treatment for U.S. exports of high technology products and investments in high technology industries. Defines "key country" to mean Japan, the European Economic Community, Canada, and any other foreign country so designated by the President. Defines "national treatment" to include treatment not less favorable than that accorded to any national in specified economic respects. Requires the President to enter into consultations with key countries not providing national treatment. Requires the President to consider taking necessary actions under trade agreements if such consultations do not establish national treatment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on: (1) the extent to which any key country uses industrial policies or measures that distort international trade and have significant adverse effects on the U.S. high technology industry; and (2) the measures the United States is taking to remedy such adverse effects. Sets forth material to be analyzed in such report. Directs the President to take whatever steps are necessary to eliminate foreign industrial policies which: (1) significantly distort international trade or investment to the detriment of any U.S. high technology industry; and (2) may result in sales of articles at less than fair value in the U.S. market or subsidization of imports and cause material injury to any U.S. high technology industry. Directs the Secretary to analyze high technology trade and investment patterns, to evaluate the equivalency of competitive opportunities, and to further the objectives of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President on such analysis. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretary to report annually to the President concerning: (1) measures in violation of U.S. international agreements; or (2) unreasonable or discriminatory burdens or restrictions on U.S. high technology products, services, or investments. Directs the President to consider what action may be taken to reduce or eliminate such measures. Directs the Secretary and the USTR to establish a High Technology Industry Advisory Committee. Requires the USTR and the Secretary to consult with the Committee on negotiating positions, concluding agreements, imposing restrictions under this Act, and monitoring the results of any such agreement or restriction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act to include all areas managed (as well as administered) by the Secretary of the Interior within the "National Wildlife Refuge System." Authorizes the Secretary to sell, exchange, or interchange lands in the System only if: (1) the lands to be conveyed are not components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, or the National Trails System and are not under study for possible inclusion in any such System; (2) the Secretary determines, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that the lands to be conveyed are no longer needed for the purposes for which the System was established; and (3) the Secretary has provided thirty days notice of the proposed sale, exchange, or interchange to the congressional delegation of the State or States in which the lands to be conveyed are located and to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Permits, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a sale, exchange, or interchange authorized by an Act of Congress enacted after May 6, 1983. Provides that the only lands and interests in lands in the System that may be exchanged under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 are those lands and interests in lands described in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Authorizes the erection of a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia, or its environs, in honor and commemoration of members of the armed forces who served in the Korean war. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial. Authorizes appropriations for site acquisition and preparation in the event nonpublic land is selected for the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should seek a consensus at the Williamsburg Summit, aimed at: (1) reducing disparities in certain financial rates and economic policies among summit countries; and (2) arranging a meeting of summit country finance ministers with the Secretary of the Treasury, to achieve an alignment between the interest rates and major currencies. Urges the President to arrange, in conjunction with the Williamsburg Summit, bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Japan to bring about further realignment of the yen and dollar exchange rates.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1983 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap", "aggrieved person" and "familial status." Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse or which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Defines "familial status" as one or more minors being domiciled with their parent or guardian. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. States that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Prohibits discrimination against families with children. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin or familial status of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin, or familial status. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. States that nothing in this Act is to be construed to defeat any reasonable local, State or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. Provides that familial status does not apply to any State or Federal programs aimed at assisting elderly persons. Establishes the Fair Housing Review Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practice on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a position for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon determining that a health emergency exists, to make grants and enter into contracts for research into its cause, treatment, or prevention. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984, and for subsequent years such sums as necessary to have $40,000,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Congress supports Solidarity Sunday for Soviet Jewry.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Recognizes the week of May 8 through May 14, 1983, as Small Business Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1983 - Extends copyright protection to mask works. Defines a mask work as a series of related images: (1) having the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern of metallic, insulating, or semiconductor material present or removed from the layers of a semiconductor chip product; and (2) in which the relation of the images to one another is that each image has the pattern of the surface of one form of the chip product. Excludes masks and mask works from the pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works categories. Sets forth the exclusive rights the owner of copyright holds, including the right to: (1) embody the mask work in a mask, a two- dimensional partially transparent and opaque sheet; (2) distribute a mask embodying the mask work; (3) reproduce such work on material intended to be part of the semiconductor chip product; and (4) manufacture and distribute semiconductor chip products incorporating such masks. Sets forth limitations on such exclusive rights, including compulsory licensing, as specified. Sets the copyright term for masks at ten years from first authorized distribution, use, or manufacture. Excludes an innocent purchaser in good faith of a semiconductor chip product from infringement liability. Permits the impoundment and seizure of masks made or used in violation of the copyright owner's exclusive rights.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Operational Testing and Evaluation Act of 1983 - Establishes in the Department of Defense a Civilian Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires such Director to perform all duties relating to operational testing and evaluation in the Department. Requires such Director to advise and report directly to the Secretary of Defense. Grants such Director access to all necessary Department records. Permits the Director to require observers to be present during testing. Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to report all testing results to the Director. Requires the Director to respond to congressional requests for information. Prohibits the obligation of funds for operational testing without the advance approval of the Secretary. Directs the President to request separate budget authority for the Director's activities. Grants the Comptroller General access to all records of the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize FY 1985 through 1987 appropriations for tuberculosis prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Makes the Select Committee on Indian Affairs a permanent committee of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the amount of the charitable deduction allowable for motor vehicle expenses will be determined in the same manner Federal employees determine reimbursement for business use of their vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to exempt from the termination provisions the export of domestically produced crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Health Care for Unemployed Workers Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to provide health insurance or health care benefits to eligible unemployed workers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986. Bases State allotments on specified categories of unemployed persons. Permits reallotment of unused funds among States. Permits States to charge participants (premiums and deductibles) up to five percent of their unemployment compensation. Requires participating States to submit an annual application, with required public hearings on funds use and distribution after the first year of participation. Permits States to design such health programs but specifies certain program requirements. Requires an annual report to the Secretary. Provides grants to hospitals and health care facilities serving medically underserved populations or areas of high unemployment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding participating facilities by December 31, 1984. Requires private and public employer-provided health plans to contain an open enrollment period of at least 30 days for spouses of unemployed workers. Exempts from such requirement plans of employers who employ less than 25 employees. Provides civil penalties for noncompliance and specified PHSA fund-cutoffs for State noncompliance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Grants a Federal charter to the organization known as the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise: (1) the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in effect under part 404 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations which are used to make individualized determinations of disability for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act; and (2) the methods and procedures for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from carrying out continuing eligibility reviews with respect to individuals previously determined to be under a disability due to mental impairment until such revisions have been established by final regulation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in any case involving fraud or where an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth requirements for the redetermination of disability determinations made after the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Secretary's revisions are established by final regulation. Amends titles II and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist complete the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment in cases where an individual alleges to be under a disability due to a severe mental impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should reduce the percentage of the American apparel market occupied by imports to 25 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1983 - Requires appointees to the Legal Services Corporation's Board of Directors (the Board) to: (1) support the principle of providing low-income individuals equal access under the law to comprehensive legal services; (2) have participated in organizations concerned with providing legal services to the poor; or (3) have directly provided such services themselves. States that eligible client nominees to the Board must have been eligible to receive legal assistance under this Act before such nomination. Sets quorum requirements for Board meetings. States that six Board members, including at least one eligible client member, shall constitute a quorum at Board meetings. Delineates conditions under which action suits may be brought against government entities. Directs the Corporation to: (1) provide funds each fiscal year to compensate private attorneys who render legal services to eligible clients; and (2) allow recipients to use Corporation funds to pay for communications intended to influence decisions by government entities or elected officials when such communications are made in response to requests by such entities or officials. Repeals authority for a comprehensive, independent study to determine: (1) alternative methods of delivering legal services; and (2) if specified groups have difficulty gaining access to legal services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986. Sets forth formulae to insure that funding for current grantees and contractors is maintained at previous fiscal year levels whenever the Board contains fewer than six members qualified as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Dedicates the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to Phillip Burton. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to inform the public of the contributions of Phillip Burton through the use of signs, maps, and interpretive programs and to establish an appropriate memorial to him within the recreation area. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 12 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year from 1985 through 1988 regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1, 1989. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes ceilinged appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to extend coverage to American art work while on exhibition outside the United States whether or not such exhibition is part of a cultural exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Designates April 24, 1984, as a day of remembrance for all victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who died between 1915 and 1923.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States Army Reserve be commended on the 75th anniversary of its founding on April 23, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax-exempt interest shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of social security benefits subject to tax.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
National Commission on Monetary Policy Act - Establishes the Commission on Monetary Policy to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the degree of coordination appropriate in the making of monetary and fiscal policies, and to make recommendations to achieve such coordination. Requires the Commission to make periodic reports to the President and Congress concerning its activities. Sets forth the information to be included in such study. Requires the Commission to transmit to the President and the Congress not later than one year after its first meeting a final report containing a detailed statement of findings and conclusions. Terminates the Commission 60 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should proceed with the sale and delivery of F-16 aircraft to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the "sexual deviation" exclusion provision.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Construction Work in Progress Policy Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve, upon application by a public utility, the inclusion in the rate base of such utility of the costs of construction work in progress (defined as construction of a facility used to generate electric energy) with respect to: (1) any pollution control facility; and (2) the conversion of oil or natural gas-fired facilities to the use of other fuels. Authorizes the Commission to approve by final order the costs of construction work in progress for other types of facilities, subject to the requirements under this Act. Requires the Commission to hold an evidentiary hearing upon application by a public utility for approval of such a rate increase. Sets forth the items required in any such application. Requires the Commission to approve the rate increase applied for or to order a lesser rate increase if, after the hearing, the Commission finds that: (1) the utility will be in severe financial difficulty unless construction work in progress costs are included in the rate base; (2) the utility has initiated programs to acquire alternative energy resources; (3) the facility being constructed is reasonably necessary to meet energy demands; (4) any mismanagement involved will not affect the utility's future financial situation; (5) the long-term benefits justify short-run rate increases in the case of customers purchasing electric energy for resale; (6) innovative financing is insufficient to alleviate or prevent severe financial difficulty; and (7) the applicant utility will discontinue the capitalization of allowance for funds used during construction for those construction work in progress costs included in the rate base. Provides that no rate increase approved or ordered under this Act may: (1) be charged for electric energy sold before the date of such approval or order; (2) exceed the amount needed to alleviate the utility's financial difficulties; (3) have an anticompetitive effect; (4) be charged to recover any costs imprudently incurred; or (5) be unduly discriminatory or preferential or exceed a just and reasonable amount.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Designates the week of June 24, 1984, as Federal Credit Union Week.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
National Security and Arms Export Review Act of 1983 - Amends the Arms Export Control Act to express the sense of the Congress that the President should begin discussions to limit the transfer by member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to developing countries of conventional arms. Requires the President to provide as an addendum to the quarterly report to Congress on military exports the text of all defense requirement surveys completed during the preceding quarter. Requires that the Presidential certification that is sent to Congress before the issuance of a letter of offer to sell defense articles must contain an item stating whether the proposed recipient country or organization has agreed not to transfer the defense article or related training without the consent of the President. Requires that Congress be notified and given an opportunity to disapprove letters of offer to sell and applications for export licenses for: (1) defense articles or services if the price of the defense articles or services is between $50,000,000 and $200,000,000; and (2) defense equipment if the price of the equipment is between $14,000,000 and $200,000,000. Prohibits the issuance of a letter of offer to sell or of an export license for defense articles or services, design, and construction services, or defense equipment if their price is $200,000,000 or more unless: (1) the Congress, within 30 days after receiving certification of the letter of offer or export license application approves of the proposed sale or export; or (2) the President states in the certification that an emergency exists which requires such sale or export in the interests of national security. Prohibits splitting up letters of offer for the sale of defense articles, services, equipment or design and construction service in order to circumvent reporting or review requirements. Requires such letters of offer to include as part of their proposed sales price the sales price of related equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Requests the President to designate the week beginning May 8, 1982, as Senior Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the month of May 1983 should be appropriately observed as Older Americans Month.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Designates October 16, 1983, as World Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Veterans' Emergency Job Training Act - Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor to carry out an on-the-job training program for veterans who: (1) actively served in the armed forces during a period of war; and (2) have been unemployed for 15 or more consecutive weeks. States that assistance will be in the form of payments to employers employing eligible veterans in jobs involving significant training. Prohibits a participating veteran from receiving assistance under any other veterans' education or training program or the Job Training Partnership Act during the same period. Requires veterans seeking assistance to apply to the Secretary of Labor who will certify such veterans eligibility for an employer. Requires an employer to provide a program of approved job training for at least six months. Establishes maximum periods of assisted training: (1) 12 months for a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more; and (2) six months for other veterans. Requires employers seeking participation in this program to certify to the Secretary that: (1) a position for which the veteran is training is likely to be available at the end of the training period; (2) wages and benefits will be comparable to those received by other employee/trainees; and (3) currently employed workers will not be displaced as a result of this program. Requires the Secretary to give preference to programs of training and equitable regional distribution of training opportunities when approving a program of training. Limits the payments to employers to 25 percent of the wages paid, the actual cost of training, or $3,000 ($6,000 in the case of certain disabled veterans), whichever is less. Requires as a condition of payment a certification from both the veteran/employee and the employer concerning the training and its satisfactory progress. Prohibits the Secretary from continuing payments when the progress or conduct or the veteran is unsatisfactory or that the program of training or the employer's certification is faulty in a material respect. Establishes civil penalties for fraud under this program. Entitles the United States to recover any overpayments from either the veteran or the employer, depending upon culpability. Directs the Secretary of Labor to administer this program and make special efforts to inform eligible veterans and employers of the training opportunities. Requires utilization of disabled veterans outreach specialists in coordinating employment efforts. Directs the Administrator to provide an outreach and public information program to inform veterans and employers of this program's opportunities. Terminates this program after FY 1984 for veterans' applications and after FY 1985 for employer payments. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1983 - Declares it to be the public policy to: (1) promote national population stabilization; (2) encourage other nations to achieve population stabilization; and (3) coordinate research and national planning concerning global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change. Directs all Federal agencies to: (1) use reliable demographic research in planning and decisionmaking which affect national and global population characteristics; and (2) develop procedures to insure the consideration of population characteristics, population stabilization, and environmental, economic, and natural resource aspects in agency planning and decisionmaking. Directs each agency head to: (1) review the agency's statutory authority, policies, and regulations to determine whether there are any impediments to complying with this Act; and (2) recommend the necessary administrative or legislative actions to eliminate such impediments. Establishes an interagency Council on Global Resources, the Environment, and Population to: (1) coordinate research, conduct studies, and report to the President and Congress on trends in population characteristics; (2) assess the impact of such trends on population stabilization, the environment, and the availability of natural resources; (3) recommend legislative and administrative actions to modify or eliminate Federal programs, laws, and regulations which limit the achievement of the policies of this Act; and (4) recommend to Congress and the President a national population policy and policies to encourage global population stabilization at a level which maintains the highest possible standard of living and does not deplete the world's natural resources or degrade the global environment. Requires the President to submit to Congress, annually, a national population change and planning report which includes: (1) an evaluation of the impact that national and global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change will have on the nation's economy and national security; and (2) recommendations for necessary legislative actions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, to include, in a study and investigation of the national incidence of child abuse and neglect, a determination of those incidents of child abuse and neglect which involve the denial of nutrition, medically indicated treatment, general care, or appropriate social services to infants at risk with life-threatening congenital impairments. Requires that the study's findings be submitted, with recommendations for administrative and legislative changes, to the Congress within two years after the effective date of this Act. Deletes outdated plan provisions. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, to provide technical assistance and training to States for development and implementation of procedures to be followed by appropriate agencies or individuals to insure that nutrition, medically indicated treatment, general care, and appropriate social services are provided to infants at risk with life-threatening congenital impairments. Requires that such procedures be in place throughout the State within two years after enactment of this Act, in order for a State to qualify for grants for child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment programs. Requires the establishment of procedures for any interested person to report to the appropriate authorities denial of such care or services. Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations under such Act for child abuse and neglect and sexual abuse of children prevention and treatment programs. Requires that a specified amount of such funds be used for grants to States for programs for prevention, identification, and treatment of sexual abuse of children. Directs the Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect to assist the Secretary in coordinating adoption related activities of the Federal Government, including services to pregnant teenaged children considering adoption as a plan for their infants, services to couples experiencing infertility, adoption referral services for infants at risk with life-threatening congenital impairments, and services for children legally free for adoption and in need of adoptive homes. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 to include pregnancy counseling, which presents adoption as a positive alternative, among those quality standards for adoption services to be promoted by the Department of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) review all model adoption legislation and procedures developed or promulgated under such Act for the purpose of making appropriate changes to facilitate adoption opportunities for infants at risk with life-threatening congenital impairments; and (2) coordinate efforts to improve State legislation with national, State, and local child and family services, including organizations representative of minorities and adoptive families. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, including the Bureau of the Census, to provide for the establishment and operation of a Federal adoption and foster care data-gathering and analysis system. Includes adoptive family groups and minority groups among those nonprofit organizations which may receive Federal contracts to provide technical assistance for adoption programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage involvement of corporations and small businesses in supporting adoption as a positive family-strengthening option, including the establishment of adoption benefit programs for employees who adopt children; and (2) continue to study the nature, scope, and effects of placement of children in adoptive homes by unlicensed and unregulated persons or agencies, including the legal status of surrogate parenting. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one-year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market-out-option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the amount the pipeline paid was excessive due to imprudence. Declares any minimum commodity bill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent that it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the August 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price shall be prescribed by FERC at a rate which provides reasonable incentives for production, but may not exceed 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Authorizes a higher price for high-cost gas in the case of wells the surface drilling of which commenced on or after April 7, 1983, if necessary to allow a reasonable return. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after August 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Prohibits U.S. agencies from spending money to produce lethal binary chemical munitions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should continue and intensify efforts at the Disarmament Talks in Geneva to achieve with the Soviet Union a mutual and verifiable ban on the production and stockpiling of such munitions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 17 through April 24, 1983, as Jewish Heritage Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to establish guidelines and criteria for resolving claims for benefits resulting from a service-connected death or disability based on a veteran's exposure during service on active duty to: (1) herbicides containing dioxin in Vietnam during the Vietnam era; (2) ionizing radiation from the detonation of a nuclear device, either in connection with testing or the American occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, Japan prior to July 1, 1946; or (3) any other hazardous substance. Sets forth procedures for the development of such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Veterans Emergency Retraining Act of 1983 - Establishes a program of emergency training assistance for veterans who have been unemployed for long periods or whose job skills have been rendered obsolete by industrial changes. Extends eligibility for such assistance to any veteran entitled to educational assistance benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, the Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1952, or the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 and has been unemployed for at 15 of the previous 20 weeks or is eligible for or has exhausted unemployment benefits. Entitles such veterans up to 12 months in a training program in a sustained-demand skill area. Terminates all retraining assistance after 42 months. Requires the Secretary of Labor to determine areas of the labor market in the various regions of the United States that constitute sustained-demand skill areas. Directs the Secretary to submit such list to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Requires veterans wishing to participate in this program to apply to the Administrator, specifying training objectives. Directs the Administrator to make quarterly payments to an employer of veterans participating in an approved training program. Sets the total payment level at 50 percent of the wages or $6,000, whichever is less. Increases such payment to $9,000 in the case of certain disabled veterans. Requires as a condition of payment a certification from both the veteran/employee and the employer concerning the training and its satisfactory progress. Requires employers, as a condition of participation in this program, to certify to the Administrator the training objectives to be pursued, the terms and conditions of employment, and the expectation that the veteran will be employed in the position for which such veteran has been trained. Permits employers to enter into agreements with approved educational institutions to provide the training or a portion thereof. Prohibits assistance for training in: (1) seasonal, intermittent, or temporary jobs; (2) employment where commissions are the main source of income; (3) employment involving religious or political activities; or (4) a program not to be carried out in the United States. Prohibits participating veterans from participating in any other Federal training or employment assistance program, except as specified. Permits the Administrator to suspend payments for failure to meet requirements of the program. Entitles the United States to recover any overpayments from either the veteran or the employer, depending upon culpability. Requires the Administrator to carry out this program in coordination with the Secretary of Labor. Directs both to jointly conduct an outreach and public information program to both eligible veterans and industry and business. Directs the Secretary to use the services of State and Assistant State Directors for Veterans Employment in such outreach efforts, as well as the resources available under the Job Training Partnership Act. Directs the Administrator to obtain a listing from the Administrator of the Small Business Administration of small business concerns with a high potential for sustained demand or growth. Directs the Administrator to advise educational institutions of opportunities for veterans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Directs the President to designate June 12 through 18, 1983, as National Scleroderma Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, after consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, or the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to expedite grant applications for research on diseases or disorders that constitute a public health emergency. Requires reports to the appropriate congressional committees (within 90 days from the end of a fiscal year) regarding any such expedited research.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1983
Appropriates FY 1983 funds for Centers for Disease Control research on acquired immune disorders and related infections.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should implement, within the United States, the objectives of the United Nations Decade for Disabled Persons (1983-1992).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
National Archives and Records Administration Act of 1983 - Establishes the National Archives and Records Administration as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires the Administration to be directed by the Archivist of the United States who shall be appointed by the President for a ten-year term. Directs the Archivist to appoint a Deputy Archivist. Sets forth the administrative duties and authority of the Archivist. Requires the Archivist to submit to Congress an annual report concerning the administration of functions of the Archivist and the Administration. Transfers to the Administration and the Archivist the functions, duties, and authority of the General Services Administration (GSA) and its Administrator, respectively, concerning: (1) congressional printing and binding; (2) the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations; (3) the distribution and sale of public documents; (4) archival administration; (5) presidential records; (6) the National Archives Trust Fund Board; (7) the National Historical Publications Commission; (8) records management; (9) the disposal of records; (10) official territorial papers; (11) Indian records placed with the Oklahoma Historical Society; (12) public laws, Constitutional amendments, and the United States Statutes at Large; and (13) electoral credentials and certificates. Transfers to the Administration the National Archives and Records Service and the office of Office Information Services of the Office of Information Resources Automated Data and Management (presently within GSA).