United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to direct the court to permit oral examination of prospective jurors by the parties (currently, a district court has discretion to grant or deny such permission). Authorizes the court to exercise its discretion when imposing limitations upon such examination. Directs that upon request parties be granted at least 30 minutes for such examinations. Grants additional time under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982 to increase the amount established in a Federal supplemental unemployment compensation account with respect to an individual's benefit year. Increases the number of weeks, during specified types of unemployment periods in a State, for which benefits are payable to an individual under the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program. Extends such program payments through weeks beginning on or before September 30, 1983. Makes conforming changes in the period of eligibility for such program payments and in provisions for agreements with States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 10 to 16, 1983, as A Week of Remembrance for the Fortieth Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1983
Court Improvements Act of 1983 - Title I: Supreme Court Review - Makes discretionary (by writ of certiorari) instead of mandatory (by appeal, as now) Supreme Court review of any decision of the highest court of a State on the constitutionality of a Federal or State law. Makes the same provision for review of decisions by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico regarding possible conflicts between Puerto Rican laws and the constitution, treaties, or laws of the United States. Amends various provisions of Federal law (including the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973) to provide that certain cases will now be heard by the Supreme Court under its discretionary certiorari authority instead of hearing such appeals directly. Title II: Civil Priorities - Requires each court of the United States to determine the order in which civil actions are heard and determined. Authorizes the Judicial Conference of the United States to modify the rules adopted by the courts in order to establish consistency. Amends over 80 priority or expediting provisions relating to civil actions. Title III: Judicial Survivors' Annuities - Judicial Survivors' Annuities Reform Act of 1982 - Amends the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Reform Act to revise the annuity program for survivors of Federal Justices, judges, and judicial officers. Makes the benefits conferred by this Act immediately available to any eligible individual. Permits a judicial officer who has participated in such annuity program to withdraw, in writing, according to specified procedures. Title IV: State Justice Institute - State Justice Institute Act of 1982 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grants and contracts. Places restrictions on Institute activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 to carry out this subtitle. Title V: Federal Courts Study Commission - Federal Courts Study Act - Establishes a Federal Courts Study Commission on the future of the judiciary. Directs the Commission to: (1) make a complete study of the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States; (2) recommend revisions to the Constitution and laws of the United States; (3) review studies on the effectiveness of the courts; (4) develop a long-range plan for the judicial system; (5) report annually to Congress and the President; and (6) make any recommendations it deems advisable annually. Provides that the Commission shall have 14 members. Terminates the Commission 90 days after it submits its final report which is due ten years after enactment and is to contain a detailed statement of the Commission's findings and conclusions. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1993 to carry out this subtitle. Title VI: Intercircuit Tribunal - Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals Act - Establishes an Intercircuit Tribunal of the United States Courts of Appeals composed of a Chancellor and 26 circuits judges. Establishes the office and duties of the Chancellor of the United States. Provides for the appointment of such Chancellor by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and makes the Chancellor responsible for the administration of the Tribunal. Directs that the principal office of such Tribunal shall be in the District of Columbia. Grants to the Tribunal jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Declares that decisions of the Tribunal shall be binding on all U.S. courts unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Tribunal, in consultation with the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to report to Congress on its activities by October 1, 1987. Terminates the Tribunal on September 30, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy Employment Act - Title I: Jobs Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures, and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technology. Amends the Job Training Partnership Act to require the Secretary of Labor to administer employment and training programs for Native Americans to meet the specific energy conservation and renewable energy training needs peculiar to their situation. Requires that employment and training programs for veterans under such Act include renewable energy and energy conservation job training for veterans. Title II: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Title III: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy systems windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
National Science and Technology Improvement Act of 1983 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a presidential program for the advancement of science and technology, to be administered by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (Office). Directs the Office to assess particular problems of science and technology manpower, including teacher shortages, and retraining of workers. Requires the Office to submit these assessments to the House Committee on Science and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation before the presidential budget submission for FY 1985. Establishes a Federal program for university research facilities and science and technical manpower improvement to upgrade academic research for the physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Authorizes specified Federal agencies to make grants. Directs the Office to establish guidelines for agency participation. Requires the Director to submit such guidelines to the aforementioned committees before such budget submission. Requires the Director to report at least annually to such committees. Terminates such program after five years. Establishes within the Executive Office the presidential science, engineering, and technology awards program to encourage young scientists and engineers at the university level to pursue careers in academic research. Requires that the program be administered by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Requires the Director of the Office to select recipients from among untenured faculty members in mathematics, the physical or biological sciences, or engineering at universities with established doctoral research programs. States that such an award shall consist of a base research support grant of $25,000 per year for five years. Permits the Director to make an additional award for five years which requires the matching of the Federal share on a two for one basis, up to a $75,000 annual total. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984-1988. Establishes within the Executive Office a presidential science and mathematics personnel enhancement program to improve the skills of precollege science and math teachers. Requires the coordination of this program with each State. Provides stipends for eligible teachers. Requires State and local school authorities to nominate participants to be selected by the Director. Requires half the stipend money to come from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984-1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the residential energy credit applicable to expenditures for items which serve a purpose in addition to increasing energy efficiency in a dwelling (such as thermal draperies). Includes passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Assistance Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Requires State regulatory authorities to implement standardized contracts for renewable energy systems generating less than 100 kilowatts for: (1) the sale of electric energy from utilities to small power production facilities; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by small power production facilities by such utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review". Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the investment tax credit for renewable energy property from 1985 to 1990. Increases such credit for solar, wind, and geothermal property. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that not less than 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank shall be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales. Requires that a portion of such loan authority be made available for transactions involving renewable energy. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to specify rules for the rates for purchase by electric utilities of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility. Amends a specified reorganization plan to require the Department of Commerce to provide export assistance to businesses involving renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Innovation Act of 1982 to require that renewable energy and energy conservation businesses receive a reasonable portion of the Department of Energy's small business research and development funds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoiled and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoiled and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 in order to authorize the Board to provide for radio broadcasting to Cuba. Authorizes the Board to carry out such broadcasting by means of grants, leases, contracts, or other necessary means. Requires such broadcasting to serve as an authoritative source of accurate, objective, and comprehensive news. Sets forth frequency requirements. Authorizes any U.S. agency or instrumentality to sell, lease, or grant property, and to provide administrative and technical support and services on a reimbursable basis at the request of the Board. Prohibits any grant under this Act to Radio Broadcasting to Cuba, Inc., unless such corporation's board of directors and the board of directors of the Board for International Broadcasting consist of the same persons making all major policy decisions for such corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Federal Meat and Poultry Products Inspection Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to permit distribution in interstate commerce of certain State-inspected meat and poultry products. Requires States to use official marks on meat and poultry products inspected under State law. Authorizes meat and poultry processing establishments to transfer from State to Federal inspection or vice versa on October 1 of each year upon the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires State-inspected products which are distributed in interstate commerce to meet Federal marking, labeling, packaging, and ingredient requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
United States Olympic Checkoff Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of one dollar of their income tax refunds or any cash amount voluntarily forwarded with their returns to support the U.S. Olympic Trust Fund. Establishes in the Treasury a U.S. Olympic Trust Fund (trust fund). Appropriates to such trust fund an amount equal to the amount designated on tax returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Allows specified administrative expenses to be paid from such trust fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States: (1) should not sell advanced weapons to Jordan; (2) should ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge in the Middle East; and (3) should focus its efforts on bringing Jordan into direct peace negotiations with Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should fulfill obligations undertaken in certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet fulfillment of internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Former Presidents Facilities and Services Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Presidential Libraries - Directs the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Archivist of the United States and the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service, to promulgate architectural and design standards for Presidential archival depositories. Authorizes the Administrator to accept, as private gifts or pursuant to agreements with State or local governments, institutes, or foundations, only such land, buildings, and equipment as are necessary to establish one depository in one building of a specified size for each President or former President. Requires the Administrator to submit a prospectus for each proposed depository to specified congressional committees. Prohibits the Administrator from accepting a gift or entering into an agreement to establish a depository if: (1) such committees adopt a resolution disapproving such prospectus within a specified period; or (2) the land, buildings, and equipment do not meet the architectural and design standards, unless Congress adopts a concurrent resolution approving the establishment of such depository regardless of noncompliance with such standards. Establishes similar restrictions governing changes to a depository. Requires the President, while holding office, to dispose of his or her Presidential records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value after obtaining the views of the Archivist of the United States concerning such disposal, unless the Archivist notifies the President that the Archivist intends to request advice from certain congressional committees. Title II: Former Presidents - Changes the amount of the annual allowance to which the spouse of a deceased former President is entitled from $20,000 to two-thirds of the allowance to which a former President is entitled. Repeals the requirement that the spouse must waive the right to any other Government annuity or pension to qualify for such allowance. Terminates the allowance when the spouse remarries, at any age. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to each former President, upon request: (1) one office; (2) compensation, without an aggregate ceiling, for members of an office staff who shall be subject to certain provisions of civil service laws; (3) payment for the travel and subsistence allowances for specified office employees; (4) communications services; and (5) printing and binding expenses. Allows any Federal employee to be detailed to the office staff of a former President with the consent of the employee's agency head. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a former Vice President with necessary services and facilities for concluding his or her office affairs which are similar to the services and facilities provided to a former President under this title. Prohibits the use of funds provided for necessary services and facilities of a former President or Vice President for partisan political activities or income generating activities. Permits a former President to use such funds to prepare his or her memoirs if the former President signs an agreement providing that the Public Printer will print and distribute such memoirs. Prohibits the expenditure of such funds for a former President any time beyond 90 days after the former President dies. Requires each former President to submit to Congress an annual report concerning activities carried out with the assistance of such funds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title concerning the services and facilities to be provided for former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Repeals specified provisions of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Title III: Protection of Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, and Their Families - Prohibits the United States Secret Service from protecting a former President, former Vice President, or the spouse, widow, widower, or minor child of a former President, except as authorized under this title. Authorizes the Secret Service to protect: (1) a former President for eight years after the individual becomes a former President; (2) the spouse or minor child of a former President to the extent that such protection is incidental to the protection of the former President; and (3) the widow or widower of a former President for six months after the former President dies. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to reinstate the Secret Service protection of a former President for one year and of a spouse or minor child for six months after the original protection has been terminated upon finding that a serious threat warranting such protection exists. Authorizes additional extensions of such periods of protection upon the individual's written request and with the approval of an existing advisory committee established to determine whether protection should be furnished to certain presidential or vice presidential candidates. Establishes the Advisory Panel on Secret Service Protection to review requests for extended protection and to make recommendations on such requests to such advisory committee. Permits the Secretary to authorize Secret Service protection for a former Vice President for a period beginning on the last day of the individual's term and ending on the last day of the fiscal year in which the term expires, upon the former Vice President's written request, and upon finding that a threat exists which warrants such protection.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Emergency Services Improvement Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Defense to allocate surplus personal property of the Department of Defense, which is usable and necessary for civil defense or educational purposes, to the Administrator of General Services for transfer to appropriate State agencies. Requires the Secretary to confer with the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency when determining which property is usable for civil defense or educational purposes. Requires the Director to review the available property continuously and to notify the Secretary upon identifying property appropriate for civil defense. Directs the Director to notify Congress whenever the Secretary has refused to accept the Director's recommendation concerning the allocation of such property. Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to require the Administrator to: (1) notify the Director whenever an agency other than the Department of Defense informs the Administrator that it has excess property; (2) consult with the Director concerning the suitability of such property for civil defense purposes; and (3) transfer suitable property to the appropriate State agency for distribution to the civil defense organizations identified by the Director. Requires the Director to notify Congress whenever the Administrator has refused to accept the Director's recommendations to transfer any such property.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Private Satellite Launching Authorization Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a license for launching a space object. Sets forth the conditions for issuing a license. Makes such license nontransferable. Prohibits the launching of private space objects without such a license. Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for the design and construction of space launch vehicles in the interest of public safety. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to give technical assistance. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to establish requirements for liability insurance to be carried by any licensee. Permits the Administrator to suspend or revoke a license for failure to comply with applicable regulations. Excludes from this Act space objects launched by or on behalf of the United States Government.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Shopping Center Tenant Bankruptcy Protections Improvements Act of 1983 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to require a trustee in bankruptcy to perform all of the obligations of a tenant arising from an order for bankruptcy relief under an unexpired shopping center lease (including payment of the rent and other charges specified in the lease) until such lease is assumed or rejected. Permits the court to extend the time for performance of any obligation of rent or other charges due upon an unexpired lease. Declares that acceptance of such performance shall not constitute a waiver or relinquishment of the lessor's rights under the lease or under this Act. Imposes a 60 day limit (with additional time, if the court so orders) on a trustee's acceptance or rejection of an unexpired lease in all bankruptcy cases, after which time the lease will be deemed rejected. Requires the trustee to assure that an assignee of such a lease has a financial standing similar to the original tenant's at the time of execution of the lease. Revises the condition that assignment or assumption of the lease not cause a substantial disruption of any tenant mix in the center by deleting the qualifier "substantial". Permits the lessor, if an unexpired lease is assigned pursuant to this Act, to require a deposit or other security for the performance of the obligations under the lease. Declares that the property of the estate does not include any property subject to a lease which has expired by virtue of its own terms without regard to the bankruptcy proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
American Defense Education Act - Authorizes a national program to provide incentives to local educational agencies to improve: (1) instruction in mathematics, science, and communication skills, foreign languages, and technology; and (2) guidance and counseling. Title I: Elementary and Secondary Education Programs - Requires local education agencies which desire to participate in such national program to develop and carry out a program of improvement of instruction and student achievement. Sets forth requirements for such programs. Entitles participating local educational agencies to receive basic payments for each fiscal year equal to two percent of an established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Entitles agencies which show substantial evidence of meeting program goals to an incentive payment equal to an additional two percent of the established payment rate multiplied by the average daily attendance. Sets forth formulae for establishing such payment rate. Sets forth requirements for applications for payments. Directs the Secretary of Education ("the Secretary") to approve applications which meet such requirements. Title II: Teacher Training and Postsecondary Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program of grants to institutions of higher education for coordination between such institutions and local educational agencies in improving science and mathematics education, through precollege teacher training, development, and recruitment programs. Sets forth requirements for grant proposals and priorities in grant selection. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1987 for such grants. Title III: Research to Improve Instruction - Directs the Secretary to administer, through the National Institute of Education (NIE) in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, a program to support research and development into effective education in mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and technology. Authorizes appropriations in the Department of Education to be made available to NIE to carry out such educational research program for FY 1985 through 1987. Title IV: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary to administer the program and to pay each local educational agency with an approved application the amount to which it is entitled for each fiscal year under title I provisions. Provides for a joint survey and report to Congress by the Secretaries of Defense and Education, for each year from 1984 through 1987, on the academic achievement levels of U.S. 18-year-olds and the personnel training and educational needs of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Education for Economic Security Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make matching grants to States to pay the Federal share of the costs of strengthening instruction in mathematics, science, computer education, foreign languages, and vocational education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Directs the Secretary to allot to each State from such appropriations for each fiscal year an amount based on the relative number of children aged five through 17 in such State. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for any fiscal year. Provides for reallotments, based on the Secretary's estimates, of sums exceeding a State's needs. Authorizes additional appropriations for allotment to: (1) Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; (2) the Secretary of the Interior for programs in schools operated for Indian children; and (3) the Secretary of Defense for programs in overseas dependent schools. Apportions 65 percent of each State's allotment to elementary, secondary, and vocational education programs and 35 percent to higher education programs. Directs State educational agencies to distribute a specified percentage of the elementary, secondary, and vocational education apportionment to local educational agencies for mathematics and science instruction, foreign language instruction, and computer education programs, together with related instructional materials. Bases such distribution upon the relative numbers of children aged five through 17 in the schools and upon the size of the proposed programs. Bases renewals of such payments upon such criteria and upon a determination that the local program serves substantial numbers of students and involves several grade levels. Requires each State education agency to: (1) distribute a specified percentage of its apportionment for foreign language instruction; and (2) use a specified percentage for exemplary programs instructional materials, technical assistance, and information. Requires the State agency responsible for vocational education to use a specified percentage of the apportionment for vocational education employment-based programs in new and emerging technologies, including computer learning and instruction (with a specified portion to be used for programs in correctional institutions). Requires each local educational agency to to provide for special educational services and arrangements in which children enrolled in private elementary and secondary schools can participate. Requires that expenditures for such services be equal (taking into account the number and needs of children to be served) to expenditures for public school children. Requires that program funds be distributed among vocational education schools and area vocational schools. Directs the State agency for higher education to distribute the higher education programs apportionment among institutions of higher education, with specified percentages to be used for: (1) elementary and secondary school teacher training, retraining, and in service training in mathematics, science, and computer education, as well as cooperative programs with other organizations, such as museums and libraries; (2) employment-based programs equipment in new and emerging technologies, including computer learning and instruction and basic engineering instruction; and (3) foreign language instruction. Sets forth requirements for State applications for grants under this Act. Sets forth provisions for Federal matching payments of 50 percent of the costs of programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Act - Establishes the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission to plan, encourage, coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Directs the Commission to submit recommendations to Congress not later than October 1, 1985. Directs the President to recommend appropriate legislative and administrative actions. Requires the Commission to report annually to Congress on its activities, including an accounting of funds received and expended. Provides for cooperative efforts from Federal agencies and departments. Authorizes appropriations to remain available until November 15, 1992. Requires the Commission to make a final report to Congress no later than November 15, 1992, and terminates the Commission on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Agricultural Commodity Donation Act of 1983 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (P.L. 480) to direct the President to assure that 55 to 60 percent of the total tonnage of famine relief (title II) commodities is in processed and protein fortified forms. States that, in using nonprofit voluntary agencies to distribute food commodities, the President shall consider the nutritional and developmental objectives of such agencies. Provides for an increased role of U.S. voluntary agencies in the Food for Development Program (title III). Directs the President to expand such Program through required fiscal year contract goals. Requires a report to Congress if such goals are not attained. Requires agreements under title III to provide for the use of food commodities to lessen food shortages in famine-prone countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, or intimidation from either a pharmacy or a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Increases the penalties if any person's life is endangered by use of a dangerous weapon or if any person is assaulted or killed during the commission of such offense. Directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Omnibus Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1983 - Title I: Bankruptcy Code Amendments - Subtitle A - Consumer Credit Amendments - Consumer Debtor Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends title 11 (Bankruptcy) of the United States Code to permit any order, process, or judgment issued by a bankruptcy court to allow for the imposition of civil penalties to redress violations of the bankruptcy laws. Establishes an eligibility test for liquidation bankruptcy relief based on the individual petitioner's inability to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Permits the court to dismiss a bankruptcy case upon the motion of any party in interest filed prior to the conclusion of the first meeting of creditors, and after notice and a hearing, if the debtor is ineligible for relief because he is able to pay a reasonable portion of his debts out of future income. Requires the bankruptcy judge to convene, and permits such judge to preside at, any meeting of creditors and to perform such additional judicial duties as may be required. Declares that the value of the creditor's interest in the estate's interest in consumer goods property shall be determined in light of the purpose of the valuation and of the proposed disposition or use of such property, and in conjunction with any hearing on such disposition or use or on a plan affecting such creditor's interest. Declares that the value of consumer goods which the debtor seeks to redeem in liquidation shall be presumed to be the established resale market price, if such market exists. Permits the court to utilize other methods of valuation if no such market exists or if the court determines that resale value is inappropriate in light of the property's proposed use or disposition. Requires the debtor in bankruptcy cases to file a statement of estimated income and expenses for the year following filing of his petition. Requires the debtor, if the debtor's schedule of assets and liabilities include consumer debts secured by property of the estate, to file and serve upon each creditor holding such security and the trustee, a statement expressing the debtor's intention with respect to retention or surrender of the collateral. Requires the debtor, at or before the meeting of creditors provided for by such title, to perform his intention with regard to such secured creditors. Requires that the notice of meeting of the creditors be accompanied by a copy of the statement of estimated income and expenses and that the debtor supply the clerk of the court, upon the filing of the petition, with enough copies of such statement to accommodate the listed creditors. Requires individuals filing for bankruptcy in joint or consolidated cases to elect either the Federal or State exemptions. Places an aggregate limit of $3,000 on the value of the exemption with regard to household goods and personal effects. Prohibits the debtor from utilizing the unused dollar value of the homestead exemption to exempt additional property not explicitly provided for by such Act. Repeals the provisions of such Act which currently authorize the debtor to avoid nonpurchase money security interests in property. Presumes nondischargeable any debt incurred on or within 40 days before the date of the filing of a petition under such title. Allows for rebuttal of such presumption. Allows creditors to enforce liens which have not been avoided in bankruptcy. Permits reaffirmation of consumer debts subject to the debtor's right to rescind any such agreement within 60 days or until a discharge is received, whichever occurs later. Declares that at the meeting of creditors the court shall inform the debtor of the nature and effect of a discharge and of any reaffirmation of debt. Limits the trustee's power to avoid liens or recover payments made within 90 days of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy (within one year in the case of an insider) unless the creditor had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to require a creditor to accept payments in redemption of the value of a claim secured by a nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interest in tangible personal property, over a reasonable period not to exceed five years, if such tangible personal property consists of specified household goods and tools of the debtor's trade. Permits the court, upon notice and hearing, to avoid any lien in whole or in part, if the court finds: (1) that the debtor has no reasonable ability to pay the redemption value of such property out of anticipated future income; and (2) the enforcement of such lien would impose undue hardship on the debtor. Allows a creditor, upon 10 days notice to the debtor and codebtor, to collect any portion of a debt from the codebtor which is not being paid by the debtor through the adjustment of debts of such debtor with a regular income. Requires payments under an adjustment of debts payment plan to commence within thirty days after the filing of the plan. Provides for the return of such funds after deducting the costs of administration if no plan is confirmed. Provides for the separate classification of codebtor claims and non-dischargeable claims and authorizes payment of them under an adjustment of debts payment plan. Allows a debtor to choose such a repayment plan of up to five years. Bases such repayment upon the debtor's ability to repay out of future income after taking into account the basic living necessities for the debtor and dependents. Provides for an early discharge of debts where a reasonable portion of unsecured claims is paid. Permits a hardship discharge of otherwise non-dischargeable debts to the extent the debtor attempted to pay such debts under an adjustment of debts payment plan, but was prevented from so doing by unforeseen circumstances. Subtitle B - Agricultural Produce Bailment Amendments - Agricultural Produce Bailment Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1983 - Requires bankruptcy courts to give priority to allowed unsecured claims of farmers arising from the sale or conversion of farm produce to or by a debtor who operates a farm produce storage facility. Specifies that such sale or conversion must have occurred within 180 days before the filing of the petition or before the cessation of the debtor's business, whichever occurs first. Limits the payment of any such claim to $2,000 per individual. Permits a bankruptcy court to expedite the procedures for determining interests in and the disposition of grain and proceeds held by debtors who own or operate grain storage facilities. Requires the court to expedite such procedures if requested by a trustee or a claimant. Sets forth factors for the court to consider before deciding whether to shorten the time periods for procedures. Lists the procedures which may be expedited. Specifies administrative details. Subtitle C - Leasehold Management Amendments - Leasehold Management Bankruptcy Amendments Act of 1982 - Requires a trustee in bankruptcy to perform all of the obligations of a tenant arising from an order for bankruptcy relief under an unexpired shopping center lease (including payment of the rent and other charges specified in the lease) until such lease is assumed or rejected. Permits the court to extend the time for performance of any obligation of rent or other charges due upon an unexpired lease. Declares that acceptance of such performance shall not constitute a waiver or relinquishment of the lessor's rights under the lease or under this Act. Imposes a 60 day limit (with additional time, if the court so orders) on a trustee's acceptance or rejection of an unexpired lease in all bankruptcy cases, after which time the lease will be deemed rejected. Requires the trustee to assure that an assignee of such a lease has a financial standing similar to the original tenant's at the time of execution of the lease. Revises the condition that assignment or assumption of the lease not cause a substantial disruption of any tenant mix in the center by deleting the qualifier "substantial". Permits the lessor, if an unexpired lease is assigned pursuant to this Act, to require a deposit or other security for the performance of the obligations under the lease. Declares that the property of the estate does not include any property subject to a lease which has expired by virtue of its own terms without regard to the bankruptcy proceedings. Subtitle D - Amendments to Title 11, Section 523 Relating to the Discharge of Debts Incurred by Persons Driving While Intoxicated - States that a debtor shall not be discharged from a judgment debt resulting from a liability based upon driving while legally intoxicated. Subtitle E - Referees Salary and Expense Fund - Referees Salary and Expense Fund Act of 1982 - Amends the Federal bankruptcy laws to apply a $200,000 ceiling to fees from the referees' fund for any reorganization case pending after September 30, 1979. Sets a $100,000 ceiling to fees from the referees' fund for any such case whose plan was confirmed before September 30, 1979, but whose fees were not determined until after that date. Requires, after September 30, 1979, that all fees collected for payment into the referees' salary and expense fund be collected and paid into the general fund of the Treasury and that any balance in the fund on such date be transferred to the Treasury and the fund closed. Subtitle F - Amendments Regarding Repurchase Agreements - Exempts repurchase agreements from the automatic stay in bankruptcy proceedings, except where such an order is authorized under certain provisions of the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 or any law administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Subtitle G - Amendments to Title 11, Section 365 of the United States Code to Provide Adequate Protection for Timeshare Consumers - Grants the holder of a timeshare interest a lien against the debtor's estate if the contract rights under the timeshare plan are terminated by the trustee. Allows the holder to treat a trustee's rejection of the plan as a termination of the contract. Subtitle H - Bankruptcy Oversight - Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to compile statistics which show: (1) the assets and liabilities of debtors in bankruptcy; (2) a summary of the amount of debt discharged in bankruptcy and the total amount of disbursements to creditors by the bankruptcy courts in such cases; and (3) the average amount of time elapsed between the filing of the case and payments to creditors. Requires such statistics to be compiled for each judicial district on an annual basis. Subtitle I - Technical Amendments to Title 11 - Makes technical amendments to the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. Amends the definition of a "security" under title 11, which includes only securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, to include any security which should be so registered. Specifies the time periods for assessing tax liabilities or filing a petition of bankruptcy after a stay has been imposed. Increases the compensation payable to trustees. States that a bankruptcy petition shall operate as a stay of the filing of a tax lien or of the presentation of a negotiable instrument. Requires notification by the trustee if so required by the Clayton Act. Establishes the burden of proof in having to use, sell, or lease property. Allows a claim for tax liability arising from payment from the estate of a claim for wages, salaries, or commissions. Sets forth limitations on the reconsideration of claims. Permits the court to offset a claim for tax liability with any counterclaim. Limits the amount of claims for wages, contributions to employee benefit plans, deposits, or taxes which is entitled to priority. Requires the debtor to file a schedule of equity interests along with the assets and liabilities. Removes the debtor's exemption of property interests held in joint tenancy. Permits the debtor to avoid a transfer or recover a setoff of property and exempt such property if such transfer is voidable or recoverable by the trustee, whether or not the trustee attempts to do so, subject to specified limitations. Removes the permissible discharge from debt, alimony or support which has been assigned to another entity. Prohibits a creditor from obtaining a setoff which was transferred for such a purpose. Prohibits the avoidance of certain transfers by the debtor. Permits the debtor to redeem property pursuant to an agreement based on a dischargeable debt. Requires the trustee to transfer commodity contracts that are being actively traded, if feasible. Prohibits paying a customer net equity claim based on a proprietary account unless all other such claims have been paid in full. Allows representation of more than one creditor of the same class by a committee. Permits holders of claims secured by property to elect that such claims are secured claims, whether or not the holders of such claims had recourse against the debtor. Gives the governmental unit concerned the burden of proof that the principal purpose of a plan is the avoidance of taxes. States that confirmation of a plan means automatic relief from a stay of claims to the extent such plan will not pay such claim. Requires the trustee to dispose of monies received in cases involving the debts of an individual with regular income. Authorizes the trustee to call a meeting of creditors in such cases. Requires the trustee to file periodic reports on the operations of businesses which the trustee is authorized to operate and to transmit any statement of investigation to any entity designated by the court. Subtitle J - Miscellaneous - Declares that if any provision of this Act or any amendment made by this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the provisions of every other part, and their application shall not be affected. Makes the amendments made by this Act effective three months after the date of enactment, but shall not apply to any case pending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Clayton Act to include a specified antidumping provision among U.S. antitrust laws. Amends the antidumping provision to allow any person who is injured in her or his property or business by the sale or importation of an article made in a foreign country to bring a civil action against the manufacturer, exporter, or importer of such article if: (1) the article is imported or sold in the United States at less than its foreign market or constructed value; and (2) such sale or importation causes or threatens material injury to U.S. industry or labor or prevents the establishment or modernization of U.S. industry. (Currently, the cause of such an action is predicated on the intent of the importer to injur or prevent the establishment of U.S. industry or to monopolize trade.) Restricts the district court jurisdiction of such an action to the District of Columbia. Entitles a prevailing plaintiff in such an action to recover: (1) compensatory damages (currently, treble damages) or appropriate equitable relief; and (2) legal expenses. Declares that the standard of proof in such an action is a preponderance of the evidence. Places the burden of proof for rebutting a prima facie case on the defendant. Includes within the meaning of prima facie case a finding by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that dumping exists. Authorizes the district court to: (1) issue subpoenas outside its judicial district if necessary; (2) enjoin importation of articles allegedly dumped pending the defendant's compliance with any court order; (3) review, in camera, confidential or privileged material; (4) accept material under seal; and (5) disclose such material. Requires expedited treatment of such actions. Sets a four-year statute of limitations for actions under this Act. Requires the foreign market value or constructed value of an article to include the amount of any subsidy provided to the manufacturer, producer, or exporter of the article. Expresses the sense of the Congress that this Act is consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish the following accounts in the Treasury: (1) the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Depositary Account; (2) the Disability Insurance Depositary Account; (3) the Hospital Insurance Depositary Account; and (4) the Supplementary Medical Insurance Depositary Account. Requires the Managing Trustee of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund to deposit those portions of such trust funds not required to meet current withdrawals from such trust funds into the corresponding depositary accounts so established. Revises investment requirements with respect to trust fund assets deposited in such accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Acidic Deposition Mitigation and Research Act of 1983 - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide for a program of acidic deposition analysis and mitigation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report, within the five-fiscal- year period following the submission of the final comprehensive National Acid Precipitation Assessment plan under the Energy Security Act of 1980, to the Congress and the President on acidic deposition. Sets forth required inclusions and procedures for such report. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to any State or interstate agency to develop and implement on-site methods of mitigating the harmful effects on ecosystems resulting from high acidity which may be due to acidic deposition. Limits such grants to 75 percent of project costs. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for the five fiscal years following the enactment date of this Act for the preparation of such report and the making of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-43) relating to economic development assistance programs, transmitted by the President to Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Federal Courts Study Act - Establishes the Federal Courts Study Commission on the Future of the Federal Judiciary. Describes the purposes, membership, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to: (1) conduct a study of the jurisdiction of United States courts; (2) recommend revisions to the Constitution and laws of the United States; (3) collect and review studies on the effectiveness of the courts; and (4) develop a long-range plan for the judicial system. Requires a report to Congress and the President on such study within two years. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report to the Council. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Makes review of a Federal district or appellate court or highest State court decision which holds a Federal or State law unconstitutional reviewable by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, instead of by appeal as currently authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends Rule 24 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to entitle the defendant and the Government attorney in a criminal case to conduct the examination of prospective jurors, subject to reasonable limitations imposed by the court. Permits the court to conduct its own additional examination (currently, examination by the defendant, Government, or other parties is discretionary with the court).
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Establishes the National Court of Appeals to be presided over by a Chancellor of the United States. Sets forth the composition and principal seat of such court. States that the court shall have jurisdiction over cases referred to it by the Supreme Court. Permits the National Court of Appeals to deny review in any case referred to it by the Supreme Court unless directed by such Court to decide the case. Makes decisions by the National Court of Appeals binding on all courts of the United States, unless modified or overruled by the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Amends Federal laws to provide that district courts shall have jurisdiction of any civil action to enforce any order of the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board and to enjoin or suspend any decision or order of the Board. Authorizes the granting of attorneys' fees whenever a claimant for workmen's compensation receives a favorable judgment. Permits review in a district court of the Secretary of Labor's action in allowing or denying workmen's compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Allows a named individual to file a claim with the appropriate Federal agency arising out of injuries allegedly resulting from having been administered an inoculation in a Government-sponsored program for swine flu, notwithstanding certain time limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
State Justice Institute Act of 1982 - Establishes the State Justice Institute as a private nonprofit corporation to further the development of improved judicial administration in State courts in the United States. Permits the Institute to be incorporated in any State or the District of Columbia. Directs the Institute to: (1) direct a national assistance program to assure persons ready access to a fair and effective system of justice; (2) foster coordination and cooperation with the Federal judiciary; (3) make recommendations concerning the proper allocation of responsibility between the State and Federal court systems; (4) promote recognition of the importance of the separation of powers doctrine to an independent judiciary; and (5) encourage education for State court judges and support personnel. Authorizes the Institute to award grants and enter into cooperative agreements or contracts to: (1) conduct research, demonstrations, or special projects relating to the purposes of this Act; (2) serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding State judicial systems; (3) participate in joint projects with other agencies, including the Federal Judicial Center; (4) evaluate the impact of programs carried out under this Act upon the quality of criminal, civil, and juvenile justice; (5) encourage judicial education; (6) serve in a consulting capacity to State and local justice systems; and (7) be responsible for the certification of national programs to improve State judicial systems. Prescribes uses and limitations on uses of grant and contract funds. Specifies restrictions on activities of the Institute. Proscribes the use of any Institute resources for any political activity, except ballot measures dealing with improvement of the State judiciary. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Permits the Chief Justice of the United States to address in person, at times agreed to by the Chief Justice, the majority leader of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, both Chambers of Congress in joint session on the state of the judiciary. Requires a copy of such address to be transmitted to Congress by March 15 of each year, if the Chief Justice does not appear personally.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heflin, Howell [D-AL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000445_200.jpg)