United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for expenses incurred for qualified elderly care expenses for a qualifying family member. Allows an income tax credit of 30 percent of the expenses incurred for taxpayers with incomes of $10,000 or less. Reduces the rate of such credit, but not below 20 percent, by one percent for each $2,000 of taxpayer income in excess of $10,000. Limits such credit to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $50,000. Imposes a maximum $7,000 limit on the amount of elderly care expenses taken into account. Defines "qualified family member" as any individual who: (1) is related to the taxpayer by blood or marriage; (2) is at least 75 years of age (or diagnosed with senile dementia); and (3) has a family income of $15,000 or less. Defines "qualified elderly care expenses" as payments for: (1) home health agency services; (2) homemaker services; (3) adult day care; (4) respite care; or (5) certain health care equipment and supplies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such title in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
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 · 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 · 10 May 1983
Northeast-Midwest States Federal Hydropower Financing Authority Act - Establishes the Northeast-Midwest States Hydropower Financing Authority (the Corporation). Makes the incorporation of such Authority effective upon notification of the Secretary of Energy by the Governors of at least four eligible Northeast-Midwest States of their desire to be members of the Corporation. Provides that the Corporation's Board of Directors shall consist of each Governor of a member State and a Chairman appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes the Corporation to make loans and loan guarantees for hydropower development to member States, political subdivisions thereof engaged in retail electric service, power authorities of such States, and rural electric cooperatives, interstate compact river commissions, and consumer- and stockholder- owned electric utilities which are located within member States. Sets forth limitations and conditions with respect to the making of such loans and loan guarantees. Provides that the Corporation's principal office shall be maintained in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Requires that the Corporation maintain complete and accurate accounts and file with the President and Congress annually a financial statement and a complete report on the Corporation's business. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the Corporation's transactions at least annually. Requires that the U.S. Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Power Marketing Administration of the Department of Energy, complete for each member State a study of hydroelectric power potential in the State. Prohibits the approval of a loan application under this Act unless the Governor of the State in which the project to be developed with the loan is located is notified and does not disapprove of the project within 60 days of such notification. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Taiwan should remain a full member of the Asian Development Bank, irrespective of the issue of the People's Republic of China's application to such bank. Declares that the President and the Secretary of State should express U.S. support for Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Prohibits the following conduct with respect to horseracing: (1) the entering of a horse in a race by its owner or trainer who knows or should know that the horse is drugged or numbed; (2) the drugging of a horse with reason to believe that it will compete in a race; and (3) the willful failure by the operator of a horseracing facility to disqualify or prohibit a horse from racing if such individual has been notified in accordance with this Act that such horse is drugged or numbed, was not available for testing, or has been suspended from racing. Sets forth the penalties for such acts, and provides increased penalties for second offenses, use of a dangerous weapon in committing such offenses, and the interference with duties or the falsification of records required by this Act. Sets forth civil penalties. Provides for the disqualification of offenders from horseracing activities and the suspension of a drugged or numbed horse from racing, in accordance with specified procedures. Grants the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration certain investigatory and other powers with respect to such offenses. Requires operators of horseracing facilities to comply with recordkeeping requirements established by the Administrator and to furnish testing space and facilities. Directs the Administrator to: (1) exempt from this Act any State which has enacted a comparable program; and (2) submit biennial reports to Congress on matters covered by this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator thereafter to assess fees upon operators of horseracing facilities to meet the costs of this Act. Amends the Federal criminal code to include the offenses of this Act in the existing prohibition against interstate and foreign commerce in aid of racketeering enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Authorizes the erection of a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia, or its environs, in honor and commemoration of members of the armed forces who served in the Korean war. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial. Authorizes appropriations for site acquisition and preparation in the event nonpublic land is selected for the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should seek a consensus at the Williamsburg Summit, aimed at: (1) reducing disparities in certain financial rates and economic policies among summit countries; and (2) arranging a meeting of summit country finance ministers with the Secretary of the Treasury, to achieve an alignment between the interest rates and major currencies. Urges the President to arrange, in conjunction with the Williamsburg Summit, bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Japan to bring about further realignment of the yen and dollar exchange rates.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the age for drinking and purchasing alcoholic beverages should be raised to 21 in all States where the drinking age is lower.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1983 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap", "aggrieved person" and "familial status." Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse or which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Defines "familial status" as one or more minors being domiciled with their parent or guardian. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. States that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Prohibits discrimination against families with children. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin or familial status of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin, or familial status. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. States that nothing in this Act is to be construed to defeat any reasonable local, State or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. Provides that familial status does not apply to any State or Federal programs aimed at assisting elderly persons. Establishes the Fair Housing Review Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practice on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a position for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to declare the period June 15, 1948, through December 15, 1950, a war service period for purposes of computing certain annuities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Designates August 1, 1983, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation reasserting the American commitment to the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki accords. Requests the President to continue to raise the issue of noncompliance with the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Title I: National Inland Waterways Urgent Improvement Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to replace the Gallipolis locks, Ohio River, Ohio and West Virginia, according to specified recommendations. Directs the Secretary to mitigate fish and wildlife habitat losses resulting from such construction by purchasing, at Federal expense, specified land. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer such land to the State of West Virginia for operation and maintenance. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a specified multipurpose lock and dam project to replace the William Bacon Oliver lock and dam, Black Warrior River, Alabama. Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary to construct a new lock at the Bonneville lock and dam project, Oregon and Washington, according to a certain Chief of Engineers' report. Directs the Secretary to construct: (1) a lock and dam (to be called Grays Landing) to replace lock and dam numbered 7, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania; and (2) a lock and abutment (to be called Point Marion lock) to replace the lock and abutment at lock and dam numbered 8, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania. Requires construction of such projects to be carried out according to specified recommendations. Authorizes the Secretary to replace the Winfield locks on the Kanawha River, West Virginia. Establishes procedures for the submission of final environmental impact statements to Congress for the navigation projects authorized by this title. Sets forth related judicial review procedures. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Upper Mississippi River System Management Act - Grants congressional approval of the Comprehensive Master Plan for the Management of the Upper Mississippi River System as a guide for future water policy on such system. Defines the Upper Mississippi River System as those river reaches having commercial navigation channels on certain rivers in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Grants congressional consent to Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin (or any two or more of such States) to: (1) enter into agreements for cooperative effort and mutual assistance in the planning for the use, protection, growth, and development of the System; and (2) form agencies for effecting such agreements. Authorizes officers or employees of the United States, who are responsible for management of any part of the System, to assist such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to provide for the engineering, design, and construction of a second lock at locks and dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois and Missouri. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to monitor traffic movements on the System to verify the need for future capacity expansion of the System and the future need for river rehabilitation and environmental enhancement. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in concert with any appropriate State agency, to undertake with respect to the System: (1) a habitat rehabilitation and enhancement program; (2) the implementation of a long-term resource monitoring program; and (3) the implementation of a computerized inventory and analysis system. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to implement a program of recreational projects for the System and to assess the economic benefits generated by recreational activities in the System. Authorizes appropriations. Declares that the Master Plan for the System has reasonably complied with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the amount of the charitable deduction allowable for motor vehicle expenses will be determined in the same manner Federal employees determine reimbursement for business use of their vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations a nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions for children's programming on public radio and television stations. Sets the amount of such credit at 50 percent of the aggregate amount of contributions. Limits such credit to $200,000 for any taxable year. Terminates such credit as of December 31, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) continue to express U.S. opposition to the forced exile of Ida Nudel; and (2) urge the Soviet Union to provide her with adequate medical care, grant her residence status in Moscow, and allow her to emigrate to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise: (1) the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in effect under part 404 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations which are used to make individualized determinations of disability for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act; and (2) the methods and procedures for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from carrying out continuing eligibility reviews with respect to individuals previously determined to be under a disability due to mental impairment until such revisions have been established by final regulation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in any case involving fraud or where an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth requirements for the redetermination of disability determinations made after the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Secretary's revisions are established by final regulation. Amends titles II and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist complete the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment in cases where an individual alleges to be under a disability due to a severe mental impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to extend coverage to American art work while on exhibition outside the United States whether or not such exhibition is part of a cultural exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to value excess inventory at its net realizable value. Defines "excess inventory" as that part of inventory which the taxpayer reasonably expects will be disposed of at less than full realization of cost. Allows taxpayers to spread over ten years any increases in inventory value due to a change from the first in, first out (FIFO) to the last in, first out (LIFO) method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Declares that the Senate deplores the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon. Urges specified Federal officials to hold memorial or other commemorative ceremonies to honor the victims of the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to exempt from its applicability any rule involving public property, contracts, or general policy statements of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Repeals the current exemption provided for matters relating to loans, grants, and benefits. Requires a notice of proposed rulemaking to include: (1) a statement of need and objectives; (2) a statement that the agency seeks proposals of alternative methods from the public and from State and local governments; (3) a description of the information on which the agency plans to rely in the rulemaking; and (4) a statement specifying where copies of the rulemaking file may be obtained. Allows an agency to adopt a rule before publishing notice, providing a period for public comment, or establishing a rulemaking file, when notice or hearing is not required by another statute, if: (1) it publishes its findings that compliance with such procedures before the rule becomes effective would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest; and (2) it completes such procedures as soon as practicable after the rule is promulgated. Requires an agency to publish a notice and allow a period for comment on any final rule which is substantially different from the original rule as proposed. Directs each agency to give interested persons at least 60 days to submit written comments on a proposed rule. Permits an agency to use any appropriate procedure to elicit full and representative public comment on the significant issues of a rulemaking. Requires an agency to provide an opportunity for oral presentations at informal public hearings in a rulemaking for a "major rule," as defined by this Act. Requires agencies to publish with each final rule a notice of its effective date and a statement of its basis and purpose, including: (1) a discussion of significant issues and alternative approaches raised by public comments; and (2) an explanation of how the agency's factual determinations are substantially supported in the rulemaking file. Prohibits an agency promulgating a rule from relying on any material not placed in the rulemaking file in time to afford an adequate period for public comment. Directs each agency to give interested persons the right to petition for an interpretation of, or exemption from, a rule. Requires an agency to respond promptly and in writing to such a petition. Requires that each agency maintain a public file of the paperwork, data, and comments pertaining to each rulemaking which shall constitute the rulemaking record for purposes of judicial review. Allows an agency to exclude from the file material exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, if the agency includes a summary of such material or a notice of the existence of such material. Prohibits an agency rule from substantially changing the requirement of any existing contract, agreement, or grant between a Federal agency and a State or local government for one year after the rule takes effect, unless the agency publishes a finding that delaying the rule's effect would be contrary to the public interest. Provides for the judicial review of agency compliance with rulemaking requirements under this Act. Requires each agency: (1) prior to publishing a rulemaking notice, to determine whether a proposed rule is a "major rule" and (2) to include an explanation of such determination in the notice. Authorizes the President or a selected officer to determine that a rule is a major rule within 30 days after publication of the rulemaking notice and to designate not more than 75 rules as major rules during any fiscal year. Requires an agency to issue, to enter into the rulemaking file, and to publish in summary form a preliminary rulemaking analysis of each proposed major rule, with specified exceptions. Provides 60 days for public comment on such analysis. Lists the contents of such analysis, including: (1) a description of quantifiable and nonquantifiable costs and benefits; (2) a description of reasonable alternatives; (3) a statement identifying the source of Federal funds, if any, to pay costs imposed on State and local governments; (4) a description of agency action to verify data; and (5) an explanation of why the rule chosen is more cost effective than the alternatives. Directs the agency to issue a final regulatory analysis upon publishing a final major rule, to place such analysis in the rulemaking file, and to summarize such analysis in the statement of the basis and purpose of the rule. Establishes guidelines for the evaluation and description of benefits and costs in the preparation of such analysis. Limits judicial review over: (1) the designation of a major rule; or (2) any regulatory analysis. Authorizes the President to establish procedures for agency compliance with the regulatory analysis and sunset review requirements under this Act and to monitor and enforce agency implementation of such procedures, except for rules issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on agency compliance with regulatory analysis requirements. Requires each agency to publish for public comment a proposed schedule for the review of its existing major rules and other rules selected for review by the agency or the President. Directs each agency to publish a final schedule with its responses to public comments within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires each agency to review major rules within ten years after enactment of this Act, or within ten years after such a rule is promulgated, amended, or renewed, whichever is later. Directs each agency to publish a notice of its proposed action regarding a reviewed rule. Requires that the notice: (1) assess the costs and benefits of the rule; and (2) invite public proposals for modifications or alternatives. Requires an agency to follow normal rulemaking procedures when amending or rescinding a rule. Specifies procedures for renewing a rule without amendment. Provides for: (1) extension of the review period to not to exceed 15 years; (2) revision of the review schedule; and (3) expedited agency action if a review deadline is not met. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, an agenda of the rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, renew, or repeal within the next twelve months, including a schedule of the agency actions pertaining to each rule. Directs the President to publish, semiannually, a Calendar of Federal Regulations, listing each of the major rules included in such agenda. Allows an agency to promulgate a major rule not listed in such agenda only if it publishes an explanation of why the rule was omitted. Requires each agency to include in the notice of a proposed rulemaking the date by which it intends to complete action or each major portion of action on the rule. Directs an agency that fails to complete action by such date and that expects a delay of more than 30 days to announce a new deadline for action. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on the regulatory activities of the Government. Requires that the report include estimates of the costs and benefits to each major sector of the economy of all major rules promulgated during the preceding year, included in the regulatory agenda for the preceding year, or scheduled for review. Directs a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) determine the authority or jurisdiction of the agency on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or other evidence of legislative intent; (2) accord no presumption in favor of or against agency action, but to give an agency's interpretation of a statutory provision such weight as it warrants; and (3) determine whether the factual basis of an agency rule has substantial support in the rulemaking file. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within five days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select, by a system of random selection, the court in which the record shall be filed. Authorizes the courts to postpone the effective date of the agency action until after such selection is made. Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act to exclude from the definition of "advisory committee" for purposes of such Act any committee which is composed wholly of elected State or local officials or their representatives. Grants Federal district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action or proceeding to resolve a controversy between two or more regulatory agencies not of the same State concerning jurisdiction to regulate a public utility, unless the courts of appeals have exclusive original jurisdiction to review actions of one of the regulatory agencies involved. States that a declaratory judgment in such a proceeding shall not be withheld: (1) on the ground that a controversy over matters other than jurisdiction to regulate may exist between the parties; (2) because of failure to exhaust administrative remedies; or (3) because of inconsistent provisions of other statutes providing for judicial review of agency action. Declares that any Federal or State agency may join or be joined as a party to such action and the district court may issue its processes without regard to territorial limitations. Establishes venue for such a proceeding. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay the expenses of persons participating or intervening in agency proceedings, except as expressly authorized by statute. Authorizes each Federal agency to adopt as a Federal rule with respect to a State or locality any State or local rule which duplicates or is substantially equivalent to or more stringent than such Federal rule. Declares that any final agency rule, with specified exceptions including an emergency rule, shall be considered to be a recommendation to Congress and shall have no effect unless it is reviewed and not disapproved by Congress. Directs each agency to transmit each final rule to Congress on the day the rule is transmitted for publication to the Federal Register. Prohibits the rule from becoming effective if: (1) within 45 days of continuous session of Congress after the rule is received by Congress, either committee of the House or the Senate having primary legislative jurisdiction over it reports or is discharged from consideration of a resolution disapproving it; (2) within 30 days after such resolution is reported or discharged, either House adopts it; and (3) within 30 days after the adopted resolution is transmitted to the other House, such other House agrees to it. Permits a final rule to become effective at any time after either House rejects a resolution of disapproval. Authorizes an agency to issue and submit to Congress for review a recommended final rule relating to the same acts or practices as a disapproved rule. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for the consideration of resolutions of disapproval. Declares that the provisions of this Act supercede any other provision of law requiring action by both Houses of Congress for congressional review and disapproval of agency rules, but not any other provisions requiring action by only one House. Amends the Government in the Sunshine Act to include the Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Board as an agency subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that rural community fire protection grants provided under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 and rural fire prevention and control activities of the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture should receive a level of funding for FY 1984 which is at least as high as the level of funding provided for such programs for FY 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that armed forces on the border between Thailand and Kampuchea should refrain from actions that may endanger the refugees. Declares that Vietnam should halt armed attacks on civilians.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1983 - Declares it to be the public policy to: (1) promote national population stabilization; (2) encourage other nations to achieve population stabilization; and (3) coordinate research and national planning concerning global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change. Directs all Federal agencies to: (1) use reliable demographic research in planning and decisionmaking which affect national and global population characteristics; and (2) develop procedures to insure the consideration of population characteristics, population stabilization, and environmental, economic, and natural resource aspects in agency planning and decisionmaking. Directs each agency head to: (1) review the agency's statutory authority, policies, and regulations to determine whether there are any impediments to complying with this Act; and (2) recommend the necessary administrative or legislative actions to eliminate such impediments. Establishes an interagency Council on Global Resources, the Environment, and Population to: (1) coordinate research, conduct studies, and report to the President and Congress on trends in population characteristics; (2) assess the impact of such trends on population stabilization, the environment, and the availability of natural resources; (3) recommend legislative and administrative actions to modify or eliminate Federal programs, laws, and regulations which limit the achievement of the policies of this Act; and (4) recommend to Congress and the President a national population policy and policies to encourage global population stabilization at a level which maintains the highest possible standard of living and does not deplete the world's natural resources or degrade the global environment. Requires the President to submit to Congress, annually, a national population change and planning report which includes: (1) an evaluation of the impact that national and global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change will have on the nation's economy and national security; and (2) recommendations for necessary legislative actions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Sports Community Protection and Stability Act of 1983 - Declares that it shall not be unlawful under any antitrust law for a professional sports league and its member clubs to enforce rules or agreements: (1) authorizing the league membership to decide that a member club shall not be relocated from its league-franchised home area; or (2) providing for the division of league or member club revenues to promote comparable economic opportunity for member clubs. Prohibits any State or local government from imposing limitations on such collective conduct of professional sports leagues. Requires that any civil action under the antitrust laws to challenge a league decision granting permission to a member club to relocate be commenced in a U.S. district court other than the court for the district from which or to which the club is relocating Specifies the applicability of this Act to pending actions involving the relocation of a professional sports club.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Requests the President to grant posthumous citizenship to William Penn, founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and his wife, Hannah Callowhill Penn.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that May 8 through May 14, 1983, be designated as National Product Safety Week in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Permits the immediate payment of hospital benefits for disabled veterans (current law requires payment to begin on the first day of the month following hospitalization).
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000456_200.jpg)