United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Freedom of Information Protection Act of 1983 - Amends the classified information exemption under the Freedom of Information Act to require that matters withheld from disclosure: (1) be reasonably expected to cause "identifiable damage" to national security; and (2) satisfy a balancing test so that "the need to protect the information outweighs the public interest in disclosure." Limits Federal court review of an agency's decision to withhold classified information based on the balancing test.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Nuclear Explosives Control Act of 1983 - Amends the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 to prohibit the export of any major critical component of any facility for and any sensitive nuclear technology or other assistance important to isotopic separation of special nuclear material, nuclear fuel reprocessing, or heavy water production. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to grant approval under an international agreement for the reprocessing or the use or retransfer of separated plutonium which is produced from U.S. exports, only if: (1) the separated plutonium is intended for research and development in operational facilities located in a nuclear-weapon state or a state which meets other specified criteria; (2) there are already existing stocks of separated plutonium reasonably available for the end use requested; (3) in the case of requests for reprocessing, the reprocessing will take place in a nuclear-weapon state or in a state which meets specified criteria and only in a facility in operation or under construction as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (4) adequate security measures will be maintained. Requires these conditions to remain in effect unless and until Congress finds that: (1) effective international safeguards will be applied with respect to the reprocessing of special nuclear material and to separated plutonium; and (2) effective international sanctions against violations of non-proliferation commitments have been established to deter nonnuclear weapon states from diverting special nuclear material or separated plutonium to build nuclear explosive devices. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue export licenses for highly enrighed uranium for nuclear reactors, only if: (1) there is no alternative nuclear reactor fuel available; (2) the proposed recipient of the uranium has indicated that it will use an alternative nuclear reactor fuel when one becomes available; and (3) the executive branch is developing an alternative nuclear reactor fuel. Requires the NRC to determine a kilogram limit on the amount of highly enriched uranium of U.S. origin that will be allowed at any one time in each foreign country and at each reactor site in each such country. Directs the President to submit to Congress, within three months of enactment of this Act, a plan for the development and use of alternative nuclear reactor fuels. Declares that the objective of the plan shall be to convert to alternative nuclear reactor fuels all reactors which are operated with highly enriched uranium exported from the United States. Lists information that shall be included in the plan. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into arrangements for the retransfer of any exported nuclear material to a third country for reprocessing, for the reprocessing of any such material, or for the subsequent retransfer of plutonium in quantities greater than 500 grams resulting from reprocessing such material unless the nation requesting such arrangements agrees to specified conditions. Amends the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Act of 1978 to require the Secretary of State to enter into agreements with other nations under which, if such nations agree not to obtain or use any facility for nuclear fuel reprocessing or uranium enrichment and not to seek or use separated plutonium or plutonium-based fuels, the United States will: (1) provide, at a discounted price, the fuel for all power reactors in such nations; (2) provide an additional discount for the enrichment of uranium which such nations agree to use in improved power reactor fuel; (3) authorize the export of a lifetime supply of low-enriched fuel under a single export license subject to specified conditions; and (4) enter into a technical assistance program aimed at increasing uranium fuel efficiency, resolving spent fuel storage problems, and developing nonnuclear energy resources. Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit, within three months of enactment of this Act, a plan for implementing the fuel assurance and energy assistance program. Lists information to be included in the plan. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for technical assistance to nonnuclear weapons states for spent fuel storage and disposal under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Amends the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for energy assistance to developing countries. Requires the NRC and the executive security branch to support efforts to improve security arrangements for nuclear exports. Authorizes appropriations to carry out U.S. initiatives to strengthen the international safeguards system. Requires the President to include in the annual report to Congress on efforts to prevent proliferation a description of the progress made in negotiating fuel assurance and technical assistance agreements. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the production of special nuclear material outside the United States unless, in addition to other requirements, there is in effect an agreement for cooperation made pursuant to such Act with the country in which the production will take place and the production is authorized by the Secretary of Energy. Requires such authorizations by the Secretary of Energy to be published in the Federal Register. Lists information to be included in the President's annual report to Congress on efforts to prevent proliferation. Sets forth the method for making the authorization of the Secretary of Energy effective with respect to nonnuclear weapon States. Requires that the Secretary of Defense find that a proposed international cooperation agreement or a subsequent arrangement will not be inimical to the common defense and security of the United States before the proposed agreement or arrangement is submitted to the President. Authorizes the Secretary of State to notify the NRC of the judgment of the executive branch on a proposed export license for nuclear material only if the Secretary has received from the Secretary of Defense a written statement that the Secretary of Defense agrees with that judgment. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into an arrangement for reprocessing or retransferring exported nuclear material only if the Secretary has received from the Secretary of Defense a statement to the effect that the proposed reprocessing or retransfer will not result in a significant increase of the risk of proliferation. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing a validated export license for the export to a nonnuclear-weapon state of goods or technology which are to be used in a production or utilization facility or which are likely to be used in connection with such a facility unless the Secretary of Energy determines that the United States has an agreement for cooperation with such state and the state agrees to specified criteria. Prohibits the export of components of certain nuclear production or utilization facilities unless the NRC issues a general or specific export license based on a reasonable judgment that the nation to which the components will be exported has an agreement for cooperation with the United States and adheres to specified criteria and the NRC has determined that the issuance of the license will not be inimical to the common defense and security. Authorizes the transfer or retransfer outside the United States of any nuclear material, production or utilization facility, sensitive nuclear technology, or component only if authorized under an agreement for cooperation and licensed by the NRC. Requires such transfers or retransfers to be considered to be exports for the purposes of specified sections of the Atomic Energy Act. Prohibits the issuance of validated export licenses for exports of goods or technology to be used in nuclear production or utilization facilities in countries whose conduct prevents the export of nuclear materials and equipment or sensitive nuclear technology. Requires that Congress adopt a concurrent resolution favoring the determination to halt such exports or the issuance of such validated licenses before such decision becomes effective.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit States and local governments to provide statements of tax refunds, credits, and offsets to individuals at any time during the calendar year for which such governments make a return, but not later than January 31 of the year following the year of the return. (Current law requires such statements to be furnished in January of the year following the year of the return.) Eliminates the requirement to furnish such statements with respect to any refunds, credits, or offsets made before January 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Requires the Attorney General and all other appropriate Federal agencies and officials to enforce the antitrust laws, including the prohibition against vertical price restraints. Directs such officials and agencies to cease propounding arguments in court designed to weaken such prohibition, and to submit to Congress proposed legislation to make any desired changes in such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund Self-Sufficiency Act of 1983 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) to eliminate the requirement for a State certificate of convenience and necessity before the Administrator may make loans to provide rural telephone service. Revises the liabilities and uses of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund established under the REA to provide that notes of the Administrator to the Secretary of the Treasury to obtain funds for loans shall be equity capital of the Fund. States that assets of the Fund shall be available only for: (1) payment of interest and principal on loans to the Administrator from the Secretary; and (2) for certificates of beneficial ownership issued to the Secretary or in the private market. Requires the Administrator to maintain two separate accounts within the Fund: (1) the Electrification Account; and (2) the Telephone Account. Lists the items that shall be accounted for in each Account respectively, and restricts the purposes for which the assets of each Account shall be available. Authorizes the Administrator to repurchase specified certificates of beneficial ownership under certain conditions affecting their interest rates. Establishes guidelines for interest-bearing insured loans made by the Administrator to electric and telephone borrowers. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to request in each annual supplemental budgets estimate the amount needed to replenish the Fund for anticipated and actual costs resulting from loans made at less than a specified rate during the preceding fiscal year. Directs the Administrator to guarantee loans to specified borrowers or to accommodate or subordinate liens or mortgages held in the Fund, according to prescribed rules and regulations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate such rules and regulations within ninety days after the effective date of this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which certain lenders are authorized to adjust interest rates on loans guaranteed by the Administrator. Requires rural electrification borrowers to obtain concurrent supplemental financing according to prescribed guidelines in any fiscal year in which the minimum loan level for insured rural electrification loans is less than $1,000,000,000. Repeals certain provisos governing the loan-making authority of the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank which require approval by the Secretary of Agriculture of facilities or lines to be acquired with such loans. Eliminates loan restrictions placed upon potential borrowers whose net worth exceeds their assets by twenty percent.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Renewable Energy Tax Incentive 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. Increases from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990. Extends such credits for hydroelectric generating property and biomass property for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reestablishes the credit for congeneration 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. Allows the regular investment tax credit percentage with respect to certain energy property even if such property is a structural component of a building. 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.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Strategic and Critical Minerals Inventory Act of 1983 - Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to report to Congress within 180 days on the National Defense Stockpile. Requires such report to include: (1) a current inventory of the strategic and critical minerals in the Stockpile; (2) a list of minerals, broken down by the degree to which the United States is either self-sufficient or dependent on foreign sources, the degree to which each such mineral is essential for military, industrial, or civilian needs, and amounts in reserve; and (3) an analysis on the impact of interruption of access to foreign sources. Directs the President to establish a program under the Director to assess on a continuing basis the requirements for and availability of strategic and critical materials. Sets forth the elements of such program, including identification, monitoring, and review of Federal policy on material needs and sources. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Expresses the support of the Senate for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
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 · 10 May 1983
Senior Citizens Independent Community Care Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize any State to establish a statewide prepaid capitation program for providing acute and long-term care services for individuals aged 65 or older who require long-term care by reason of impairments which restrict daily living activities. Limits to four the number of States which may establish such a program during the four years following enactment. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services in subsequent years to limit the number of additional States which may establish such a program in order to insure that additional programs will not require payments from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund in excess of the amounts available in the Trust Fund. Provides that each eligible individual shall be entitled to the following benefits: (1) all services to which such individual would be entitled under title XVIII; (2) homemaker-home health aide services; (3) adult day services; (4) respite care services for up to 14 days or 336 hours annually; (5) service coordination; (6) preadmission screening and assessment; (7) intermediate care facility services for up to 20 days annually; and (8) such other services as the Secretary may determine. States that services provided under the program shall be in lieu of any payments or services to which an individual would otherwise be entitled under title XVIII or under any other Federally funded program. Makes any individual eligible who: (1) is entitled to benefits under part A(Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII and enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII; (2) has attained age 65; (3) resides in a State with a program; (4) agrees to participate in the program; (5) is not in an institution; (6) is certified by a preadmission assessment and screening team (PAT) to have an unmet need for certain services; and (7) has certain physical or mental impairments which interfere with the activities of daily living. Requires a PAT to evaluate each eligible individual's health status, functional capabilities, and home and environment in order to assess and develop a plan of care for the individual before the individual can receive any benefits under the program. Requires an individual's status to be assessed on an ongoing basis, and the plan of care to be appropriately updated. Directs the Governor of each State having a program to designate the State agency or agencies which shall administer the program. Directs such agency or agencies to coordinate the designation of entities which shall provide services under the program. Directs such entities to be responsible for establishing PATs and providing services under the program. Requires each PAT to consist of at least one physician and one social worker. Directs the Secretary to pay a fixed per capita fee to each designated entity for which payment may be made under the program. Prohibits such fee from exceeding an amount equal to 60 percent of the average monthly rate in such State for services provided in free-standing skilled nursing facilities. Requires an individual receiving services under the program which are otherwise covered services under parts A or B of title XVIII to pay the entity providing the services a copayment equal to the amount which such individual would be required to pay under parts A or B for the same services. Requires an individual receiving homemaker-home health aide services, adult day services, respite care services, or a preadmission screening and assessment to pay a copayment equal to 20 percent of the reasonable charge for such services. Prohibits an eligible individual from being required to make yearly copayments which exceed a specified percent of the individual's income for the preceding year. Provides any individual the right to reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to determinations made by the Secretary under the program in the same manner as under part A of title XVIII. Sets forth the effective date. Directs the Secretary to monitor the effect of the program and submit reports to Congress. Requires the reports to include a recommended strategy for implementing the program on a national basis. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to prepare an analysis of the budgetary impact of the implementation of the program on a national basis and to report to Congress with respect to such report. Requires payments under this program to be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Requires payments related to services provided under this program which are not covered services under part A or B to be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of establishing a program under which State Medicaid programs would provide prepaid capitation plans for providing Medicare and Medicaid (title XIX of the Act) services to those individuals eligible for both and to report the results of the study to Congress.
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 · 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 · 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 · 4 May 1983
Utility Lifeline Rate Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require the establishment of special lifeline rates for the electricity and natural gas needed to meet the essential needs of elderly or low-income consumers. Requires that such rates be at least as low as the lower of: (1) the lowest rates charged by a utility to any class of consumers; or (2) 75 percent of the average cost of service to all consumers.
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 · 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
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 · 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 · 13 April 1983
Natural Gas Market Reform Act - Provides that where there is a contract for the first sale of high-cost natural gas that includes a take-or-pay clause or an indefinite price escalator clause, such contract shall be deemed to include contract provisions that provide: (1) if the purchaser determines that any or all of the natural gas subject to the contract cannot be marketed at the price otherwise specified by the contract, the purchaser may reduce the price to be paid under the contract, reduce the volume of gas to be subject to any take-or-pay clause of the contract, or both, to the extent necessary to prevent the natural gas from being unmarketable; and (2) within 15 days after the purchaser notifies the seller of a new price for gas or of a new volume of natural gas to be subject to any take-or-pay clause, the seller may terminate the contract without penalty or may terminate the contract with respect to the take-or-pay clause. Provides that any new price or any new volume of natural gas with respect to a take-or-pay clause will take effect 15 days after the purchaser notifies the seller of such new price or such new volume. Provides that an interstate or intrastate pipeline that was a party to a contract for natural gas that was terminated under these provisions shall have an obligation to transport the natural gas that was subject to the terminated contract. Authorizes relief from the transportation obligation of the pipeline where a hearing is conducted and the transportation of the gas would require construction of additional facilities or would impair the ability of the pipeline to serve its existing customers adequately. Establishes the rate for any transportation of natural gas at five cents per million British thermal units plus the cost of such transportation for gas obligated to be transported by these provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Federal Capital Investment Act of 1983 - Directs the National Commission on Capital Investment, established by this Act, to conduct an inventory of existing major national public improvements (highways, roads, bridges, mass transit, main water supply and distribution systems, and sewer systems) by region, State, and major metropolitan areas of the United States. Requires the Commission to develop a National Public Improvements Plan listing in priority order needed construction, rehabilitation, or repair of public improvements in each region to sustain regionally balanced national economic development. Requires the Commission, as a part of the plan, to suggest specific revisions in Federal laws, regulations, and policies that may be necessary to reverse the pattern of disinvestment in national public improvements. Sets forth procedures for the submission of such plan to Congress and for review and implementation of the plan. Establishes the National Commission on Capital Investment to assess the condition of national public works infrastructure. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1982, to require the President to include with each budget submitted on or after January 1, 1984, a special analysis which shall identify for each function, agency, and program the amount of appropriations and expenditures which may be classified as national public improvements. Requires the President to also include with the budget after January 1, 1985, a capital investment budget which identifies by State the amount of appropriations and expenditures which may be classified as national public improvements. Authorizes appropriations.
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 · 23 March 1983
Economic Equity Act of 1983 - Title I: Tax and Retirement Matters - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the maximum deduction for contributions to an individual retirement plan: (1) shall be computed separately for each individual who is married; and (2) in the case of a married individual who has no compensation or less compensation than that of the spouse, shall be determined as if such compensation were the same as that of the individual's spouse. Treats alimony as compensation for purposes of determining an individual's income tax deduction for retirement savings. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to require that a retirement plan that provides an annuity to a participant with at least ten years of creditable service shall provide a survivor's annuity for the spouse of a participant who dies before the annuity starting date in an amount not less than the amount that would have been made under the survivor's annuity if the participant has survived and retired on such annuity date. Provides that a participant's election not to take a joint and survivor's annuity shall not be effective unless the spouse of the participant consents in writing to such an election. Requires a retirement plan to treat an individual who was the spouse of the participant on the annuity starting date and who survives the participant as if such individual were the spouse of the participant on the date of death of the participant whether or not divorced after the annuity starting date. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified 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 domestic relations law. Amends ERISA to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from age 25 to age 21. Amends ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accruals of creditable service to continue while an individual is on approved maternity or paternity leave at the rate of 20 hours service for each week of approved leave. Entitles former spouses of civil service employees or Members of Congress, who were married to an employee or Member for at least ten years during creditable service, to an annuity based upon a portion of retired or retainer pay unless otherwise provided by a spousal agreement or a state court decree of divorce or annulment. Entitles former spouses to survivor's benefits under the civil service plan unless the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years of age or the employee or Member and former spouse elect to waive such benefit. Requires that such waiver be jointly made in writing. Includes displaced homemakers as a targeted group for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit. Defines "displaced homemaker" as a person who: (1) has not worked, except in the home, for a substantial number of years; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or on the income of a family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is a member of an economically disadvantaged family and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment. Increases the zero bracket amount for heads of households from $2,300 to $3,400. Title II: Dependent Care Program - Increases the income tax credit for household and dependent care services from a maximum of 30 percent of amounts paid to a maximum of 50 percent of amounts paid. Reduces such percentage to a minimum of 20 percent based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Makes such income tax credit refundable. Treats as tax-exempt organizations certain organizations which provide nonresidential dependent care to the general public. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Commissioner of the Administration of Children, Youth, and Families) to establish a grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community-based child care information. Title III: Nondiscrimination in Insurance - Nondiscrimination in Insurance Act of 1983 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of applications for, or the granting of, insurance policies and the terms of such policies. Permits insurers who regularly provide insurance solely to persons of a single religious affiliation to continue to do so. Grants to State or local governments having insurance discrimination laws the primary opportunity to enforce this Act. Permits an aggrieved person to file a civil action in State or Federal court against an insurer, if a State or local authority: (1) has received notice of a complaint and fails to act within 60 days; or (2) has no insurance discrimination laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in district court when there is reasonable cause to believe that a person or group is engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to the rights granted by this Act and that such denial raises an issue of general public importance. Title IV: Regulatory Reform and Sex Neutrality - Requires the head of each Federal agency to: (1) conduct an ongoing review of the rules, regulations, programs, and policies of the agency to identify any which result in different treatment based on sex; and (2) submit annually a report to the Congress on such review. Sets forth rules of statutory construction relating to gender. Title V: Child Support Enforcement - Amends the Social Security Act to specify that the purpose of the child support enforcement program is to assure compliance with obligations to pay child support to each child in the United States living with one parent. Allows offsets of income tax refunds of an absent parent on behalf of children not receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (present law permits such offsets only in the case of children receiving AFDC payments). Requires States to establish a child support clearinghouse through which child support payments can be paid, recorded and forwarded. Revises State child support enforcement procedures. Allows allotments for child and spousal support to be taken from the pay of Federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Federal Land Retention Act of 1983 - Requires Executive agencies to comply with specified inventory, public comment and review, and governmental notification procedures before offering Federal lands for sale. Requires that Federal lands included within specified public land systems be sold at fair market value only in accordance with this Act and only with congressional approval under the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976. Authorizes conveyances of specified Federal lands for recreational purposes to government units or nonprofit organizations at no cost or for up to 25 per cent fair market value without Congressional approval. Subjects such conveyance to specified conditions under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) report to Congress on his intention to begin negotiations on a new long-term agricultural trade agreement with the Soviet Union; (2) seek, in such a new agreement, higher minimum and maximum supply guarantees and a provision for the export of value-added products; (3) report to Congress, by a specified date, on the potential economic and employment impacts of such a new agreement on U.S. agriculture and related industries; and (4) take appropriate measures to assure free movement of increased quantities of U.S. agricultural products to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Hazardous Substances Response Act of 1983 - Title I: Hazardous Waste Response Revenue - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the miscellaneous excise tax provisions for environmental taxes to add a tax on the generation of hazardous wastes. Imposes such tax on the generation of hazardous wastes that, after the effective date of this Act, are transported, disposed of, or placed in storage for a period of more than one year. Sets forth the amount of such taxes through FY 1990, based on the degree of hazard of the waste and the safety of the method of disposal, storage, or transportation. Doubles such amounts for FY 1991 through 1995. Makes the generator of the hazardous wastes liable to pay such taxes. Requires assessment of such taxes with respect to every taxable transportation, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes, whether or not previously imposed on the same quantity of hazardous wastes. Provides for taxation of fractional parts of tons and distances. Terminates such taxes after September 30, 1995. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, before July 31, 1985, to notify the Secretary of the Treasury, and publish in the Federal Register, a classification of all listed hazardous wastes and their residues wastes as: (1) extremely hazardous waste; (2) highly hazardous waste; or (3) nontoxic hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to notify the Secretary and publish such classification simultaneously with any listing of a substance as hazardous waste after such date. Requires public notice and opportunity for hearing prior to such classification. Sets forth criteria for the three classifications of hazardous wastes. Requires that all hazardous wastes and their known residues be classified. Requires that any hazardous waste or residue not otherwise classified by the Administrator shall be considered to be highly hazardous waste. Sets forth requirements for records, statement, and returns relating to such taxes. Makes such taxes on generation of hazardous wastes effective on October 1, 1985. Title II: Hazardous Substances Response Trust Fund - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("the Superfund Act") to revise provisions for audits by each Inspector General of each department or agency delegated responsibility to obligate money in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Directs each such Inspector General to report annually to the President and the Congress on such auditing of the Fund and to specifically identify any improper uses of the Fund. Provides for reimbursement to the Fund for any improper expenditures. Provides that revenues from the tax on generation of hazardous wastes shall be transferred to the Fund. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Increases the yearly amount of such authorization of appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 (above the yearly amount currently authorized through FY 1985). Authorizes the President to make grants to States to cover all or a portion of the costs of establishing and implementing: (1) authorized State hazardous waste programs, in accordance with specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; and (2) State programs to perform specified types of activities described in provisions for the use of the Fund with regard to releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances in the environment. Limits the amount which may be so granted to States in any fiscal year. Authorizes the President to designate a Federal official to implement the responsibilities given the President by such provisions for grants to State hazardous waste programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
National Diffusion Network Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program to promote the spread of exemplary educational programs, products, and practices to interested elementary and secondary schools. Requires the Secretary to provide for evaluation, information, materials, training, and technical assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, and contracts with, public and nonprofit private educational institutions and organizations to carry out such program. Declares that such program shall be deemed to be a continuation of the National Diffusion Network for which provision is made under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds available under such Act to such program. Authorizes additional appropriations, if necessary, to carry out such program in FY 1983 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1983
Declares that Congress: (1) condemns the violence in Northern Ireland; (2) urges U.S. citizens to refrain from any action which contributes to the violence there; (3) urges an early political settlement there that secures the rights of both sides and that achieves Irish unity; (4) believes that a reconciliation can be found between the two Irish political traditions and between Britain and Ireland; and (5) requests the President to convey to Britain and to Ireland the desire of Americans for lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison in the Soviet Union and permitted to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President and the Secretary of State to express U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to replace the existing Office of Health Information, Health Promotion, and Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine (within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services) with an Office of Health Promotion, to be headed by a Director. Directs such Office to: (1) coordinate Department and private health information, promotion, and prevention services; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse; and (3) support projects, conduct research, and disseminate information relating to preventive medicine, health promotion, physical fitness and sports medicine. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Repeals specified provisions regarding: (1) program models; (2) physical fitness grants; and (3) sports medicine (transferred under this Act). Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to academic health centers to establish Centers for Research and Demonstration of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Sets forth related operating provisions. Requires three such centers to be established in FY 1984, and five centers in each of the subsequent two fiscal years. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Requires an annual health promotion and preventive medicine report to the appropriate congressional committees, with the first report due by January 1, 1984. Establishes an Assistant Director for Prevention position in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to coordinate and promote NIH health promotion and disease prevention programs. Revises full-time student enrollment requirements for schools of public health seeking capitation grants to require that enrollment equal (presently must exceed) 1976 levels.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act to declare that actions concerning water and related land resources projects upstream from the Imperial Dam shall not be governed by specified provisions of the Water Resources Planning Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to give preference to those salinity control units that reduce the salinity of the Colorado River at the least cost per unit of salinity reduction. Deletes certain provisions of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act concerning agreements with the Secretary of Agriculture for the Grand Valley unit. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct and maintain the following salinity control units according to specified directions: (1) Stage I of the Lower Gunnison Basin, Colorado; (2) McElmo Creek, Colorado; (3) Stage I of the Uinta Basin, Utah; (4) Palo Verde Irrigation District, California; (5) saline water use and disposal opportunities, Colorado River Basin; and (6) Sinbad Valley, Colorado. Requires the Secretary to carry out specified directions in implementing the construction of such units. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a voluntary cooperative program with private landowners to improve on-farm water management and reduce watershed erosion on non-Federal and Department of Agriculture lands. Directs the Secretary to issue reports to certain congressional committees and to certain others. Prohibits the expenditure of funds for measures implementing such program until the lapse of 60 days following submission of such reports. Provides for disapproval of such program by any of the congressional committees or the others. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1989. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from assuming continuing operation and maintenance obligations for permanent salinity control measures constructed on non-Federal lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a program for minimizing salt contributions to the Colorado River from lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Acid Deposition and Sulfur Loadings Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a new program for acid deposition and sulfur loadings reduction. Establishes a long-range transport corridor, the "acid deposition impact region," consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of air pollution problems associated with the long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition impact region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Prohibits any increase in emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from stationary sources in the acid deposition impact region over the total actual emissions of each pollutant in such region as of January 1, 1981. Prohibits any major stationary source in such region from increasing its actual rate of such emissions over that experienced by such source during 1980, unless there has been identified for such source an "offset" (a simultaneous net reduction in emissions of such pollutant at one or more points in such region which is in excess of the proposed increase in emission rate and which is not otherwise required by a State implementation plan or by requirements for sulfur dioxide reductions by States and major stationary sources. Requires that annual emissions of sulfur dioxide in the acid deposition impact region be reduced by 12,000,000 tons from the total 1980 level, through a phased reduction to be completed by January 1, 1998. Requires each State in such region to achieve reductions in annual sulfur dioxide emissions according to a formula based on each State's share of utility emissions in excess of a specified level in the region. Permits State Governors to reallot the required reductions. Requires each State in the region to adopt, within two years, enforcement measures to achieve such reduction. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve such measures within six months if such measures: (1) contain enforceable requirements for continuous emission reduction; (2) contain requirements for monitoring by the source and enforcement agencies to assure that emission limitations are being met; and (3) are adequate to achieve the reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions for such State within the time limit for the region. Requires each major stationary source subject to an emission limitation established under such State sulfur dioxide reduction requirements to notify the Governor by January 1, 1987, of its intended method of compliance. Directs the Governor to submit such notifications to the Administrator. Provides that such emission limitations, compliance schedules, and other approved measures shall be deemed State implementation plan requirements. Sets a January 1, 1989, deadline for compliance with State or major stationary source sulfur dioxide reduction emission limitations by each major stationary source that states it will comply through the use of fuel substitution. Requires that each major stationary source that states it will comply with such emission limitations through the installation of a technological system of continuous emission reduction or the replacement of existing facilities with new facilities with substantially lower emissions, to: (1) enter into binding contractual commitments to acquire, install, or construct such system or facilities, by January 1, 1989; and (2) be in compliance with such emission limitations, by January 1, 1998. Requires each State in the region to achieve by January 1, 1993, an emissions reduction equal to at least five-sixths of its total State sulfur dioxide requirement. Sets forth major stationary source sulfur dioxide reduction requirements in States in the region which have not adopted, and had approved by the Administrator, such enforceable measures. Requires the owner or operator of each fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facility which is not subject to new stationary source performance standards and which emitted at an annual rate equal to or greater than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu during 1980 to comply with an emission limitation for all such facilities owned or operated by the same entity in the region equivalent to a 30-day average of 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu. Requires owners or operators of such facilities to submit to the Administrator a plan and schedule for compliance not later than three years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to approve any such plan and schedule if it contains requirements for continuous emission reduction and monitoring and achievement of compliance by the same deadlines as under provisions for State sulfur dioxide reduction requirements. Sets forth the methods or programs for net emission reduction which may be used, in addition to enforceable continuous emission measures, by a State or the owner or operator of a source, if emission limitations under such methods or programs are enforceable by the Federal Government, States other than those in which the emissions occur, and citizens under specified provisions. Requires that, by January 1, 2000, each major stationary source in any State in the region shall be subject to an emissions limit at least as stringent as that of the most stringent emission limitation contained in the implementation plan of any State for such class or category of source, unless the owner or operator of the proposed source demonstrates that such limitations are not achievable ("lowest achievable emissions rate"). Permits a State or the owner or operator of a source required to achieve emission reductions under this Act to substitute reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen for required reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide, at a rate of two units by weight of oxides of nitrogen for each unit of sulfur dioxide.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Joint Research and Development Ventures Act of 1983 - Allows U.S. firms to conduct cooperative research and development programs by establishing qualified joint research and development ventures which shall be exempt from the antitrust laws. Includes as a U.S. firm any entity controlled by foreign firms or citizens if their nation provides U.S. firms and citizens equivalent access to research and development efforts in that nation. States the requirements for qualified ventures, including: (1) the use of identical terms for the same levels of participation by firms; (2) the identification of each research and development program to be conducted, and the contributions required, for a firm's participation in each program; and (3) a finding by the Attorney General that the participation of any firm that accounts for a large specified percentage of worldwide industry sales of a product is critical to the program's success, is in the national interest, and will not directly affect future production of such product; and (4) the notification of the Attorney General of the formation of a venture, the parties to the venture, the programs to be conducted, the participants in the programs, and agreements under the venture. Limits a venture's activities to conducting one or more research and development programs (including programs in which universities participate) which are projected to be completed within ten years after their inception. Declares that a participant in a venture shall not be subject to restrictions on its own research and development activities or its exploitation of inventions resulting from the venture's findings. Vests authority for the management of a venture in a management board composed of one representative of each venture participant and at least three U.S. citizens representing nonparticipants. Directs each board to establish criteria for the selection of research and development programs, the admission or withdrawal of participants, and the licensing of venture technology. Specifies information to be considered by the board in establishing such criteria. Declares that the venture shall retain title to all inventions, patents, and know-how. Entitles any firm that is a participant in a program when an invention is discovered to irrevocable, nonexclusive, and equivalent licenses to all patents and know-how. Provides for rewarding participants according to the risks each assumed. Requires licenses to be made available to nonparticipant firms after the participants have held their licenses for three years. Directs the venture to collect any royalties on behalf of the participants. Permits the venture to retain part of the royalties as may be agreed to by the participants. Requires a venture to update its notice of formation annually if necessary. Grants qualified ventures, participants, and employees thereof immunity from Federal and State antitrust laws. Directs a court to award a defendant the costs of defending against a claim brought under the antitrust laws against a venture if the venture meets the requirements of this Act or the alleged conduct does not violate antitrust laws. Provides for the investigation of ventures by the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify a venture of the actions, if any, it must take to meet the requirements of this Act; and (2) commence a court action to dissolve a venture that fails to take such actions. Permits an aggrieved party to appeal an adverse court determination. Exempts from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act any information generated under such investigation or court action. Declares that a determination by the Attorney General, the district court, or the court of appeals shall not be admissible as evidence in an administrative or judicial proceeding in support of any claim under the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Military Construction Authorization Act, 1984 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Permits the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units, earmarking certain funds for energy conservation projects only. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design in connection with military family housing construction and improvements. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and acquire manufactured home facilities at specified installations. Authorizes expenditures to improve existing military family housing units, earmarking certain funds for energy conservation projects only. Increases the number of irrigable acres which may be leased for agricultural and grazing purpose at the Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Permits the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and acquire manufactured home facilities at specified installations. Authorizes improvements to existing military family housing units, earmarking certain funds for energy conservation projects only. Permits the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units as specified. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design in connection with military family housing construction. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Permits the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and acquire manufactured home facilities at specified installations. Permits expenditures to improve existing units. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure program. Title VI: Authorization of Appropriations and Recurring Administrative Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after FY 1983 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Departments of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the NATO Infrastructure program. Limits the total cost of all projects to the total amounts authorized to be appropriated for each military department concerned. States that such authorizations shall expire at the end of FY 1985 except as otherwise specified. Establishes maximum amounts on certain expenditures, including unspecified minor military construction projects and per unit improvement and rental costs for military family housing. Title VII: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after FY 1983 for the costs of acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities for the guard and reserve forces. Title VIII: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretaries of the military departments to enter into agreements to occupy privately or State or locally developed rental housing located near military installations that have a shortage of family housing. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such agreements. Increases the number of high cost leases which may be entered into. Title IX: - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for military construction.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Establishes within the U.S. Treasury a Crime Victim's Assistance Fund administered by the Attorney General. Deposits in the fund fines paid by individuals convicted of Federal offenses. Requires 50 percent of the fund to be distributed to qualifying State crime victim's assistance funds and the remaining 50 percent to be distributed at the discretion of the Attorney General to support Federal victims and witness assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,500. Phases out such credit in annual increments after 1988. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1983 and before January 1, 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States and the Soviet Union should expand the negotiations in Geneva to: (1) consider ways to prevent the use of nuclear weapons; (2) agree on steps to prevent the use of nuclear weapons by third parties and terrorists; (3) reduce the vulnerability of both sides' nuclear retaliatory forces to preemptive attack; and (4) achieve reductions in the number of nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1983
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Sets forth conditions for receiving the formula grants, including that the State: (1) distribute funds to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for domestic violence programs and services; (2) distribute at least 70 percent of such funds to private nonprofit organizations and give special emphasis to supporting community-based projects; (3) set forth procedures to assure an equitable distribution of grants within the State; (4) designate a State agency to administer the domestic violence program and coordinate all such programs within the State; (5) set forth procedures to assure active citizen participation within the State; (6) provide assurances that any project funded will coordinate its activities with other State programs and be administered by appropriately trained personnel; and (7) comply with reporting requirements. Declares that the Secretary shall not disapprove any application except after notice of and opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian tribes and intertribal organizations. Provides that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Limits the total amount of grants to any local program to $150,000 for not more than a three-year period. Limits the grant for any fiscal year to $50,000. Requires local public agencies and private organizations to provide the following shares of Federal funding: (1) 25 percent in the first year; (2) 33.33 percent the second year; and (3) 50 percent the third year. Requires that at least 75 percent of grants be distributed to entities providing immediate shelter and related assistance to victims. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to States for: (1) administrative costs; (2) developing and implementing programs; (3) assuring active citizen participation; and (4) developing a media campaign. Provides that each State will be allotted at least $45,000 in formula grants and $7,500 in supplemental grants. Requires each State receiving assistance to submit detailed annual reports to the Secretary on the implementation of programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate a director of programs carried out under this title; (2) establish a national information clearinghouse on domestic violence, in coordination with the child abuse clearinghouse; (3) make recommendations to Congress regarding domestic violence programs; and (4) obtain information on research relating to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the programs no later than two years after funds are obligated. Sets forth confidentiality requirements with respect to records of persons assisted under this title. Establishes the Federal Interagency Council on Domestic Violence to assist the Secretary in coordinating Federal programs. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress within 18 months of enactment on the nature and incidence of abuse of elderly individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Declares that specified costs related to the Dallas Creek, Colorado, participating project of the Upper Colorado River storage project shall not be reimbursable.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hart, Gary W. [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000287_200.jpg)