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United States · Official source
3,686 records where Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the deduction for charitable contributions by taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Competition in Contracting Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to revise the procedures for soliciting and awarding bids for Government contracts. Requires executive agencies (excluding military departments, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to use competitive procedures in making contracts for property and services. Directs agencies to: (1) use advance planning and market research, prepare specifications, and solicit bids in a manner designed to achieve effective competition for a contract; and (2) use the competitive procedure or combination of procedures best suited for a procurement action. Authorizes an agency to award a procurement contract in order to establish or maintain any alternative source of supply if doing so would: (1) increase competition and reduce procurement costs; or (2) be in the interest of industrial mobilization in a national emergency. Requires procurement regulations to include simplified procedures and forms for making small purchases. Defines a "small purchase" as any purchase or contract which does not exceed $25,000. Prohibits dividing a procurement for the purpose of using small purchase procedures. Requires an agency, when using competitive procedures for other than small purchases, to solicit sealed bids when: (1) time permits the solicitation, submission, and evaluation of sealed bids; (2) the award will be made on the basis of price or other factors; (3) discussions with responding sources are not necessary; and (4) there is a reasonable expectation of receiving more than one bid. Directs an agency to request competitive proposals when sealed bids are not required. Permits agencies to use noncompetitive procurement procedures only when: (1) there is only one source and no substitute for the property or services needed; (2) the delay involved in using competitive procedures would seriously injure the Government; (3) it is necessary to award the contract to a particular source to achieve an essential industrial capacity in the United States or to maintain national industrial mobilization; (4) an agreement with a foreign government requires such procedures; (5) a statute requires that the procurement be made through another agency or a specific source; or (6) disclosure of an agency's needs to more than one source would compromise the national security. Prohibits an agency from awarding a contract, for other than a small purchase, using noncompetitive procedures unless a notice of such procurement has been published by the Secretary of Commerce. Requires agency solicitations for bids or proposals to include specifications which: (1) permit effective competition; and (2) contain only such restrictive provisions as are necessary to meet agency needs or as are required by law. Requires all solicitations for bids or proposals for other than small purchases to state: (1) the relative importance of all significant factors which the agency will consider in evaluating such bids or proposals; (2) in the case of sealed bids, that their will be no discussions with bidders; and (3) in the case of competitive proposals, that proposals are intended to be evaluated with discussions with the offerors, but might be evaluated without discussions. Requires each agency to: (1) evaluate bids and proposals on the basis of factors specified in the solicitation; and (2) award contracts to the bidder or offeror whose bid or proposal is most advantageous to the Government considering the price and other factors. Permits an agency to reject all bids or proposals if such action is in the public interest. Requires an agency, when evaluating competitive proposals, to award a contract: (1) after conducting written or oral discussions with all offerors submitting proposals within a specified range; or (2) on the basis of the proposals as received or as clarified after discussions conducted for the purpose of minor clarification. Directs an agency head to refer to the Attorney General any sealed bid evidencing an antitrust violation. Requires each agency to furnish for publication by the Secretary of Commerce a notice announcing: (1) its intention to enter a contract at a price greater than the maximum amount established for small purchases or a lesser amount as specified by the Administrator; and (2) the awarding of such a contract. Requires such notice of an agency's intention to enter a contract to be published at least 30 days before the date set for the receipt of bids or proposals. Requires that such notice include: (1) a description of the property or service to be procured; (2) the identity of the agency representative to contact to obtain a copy of the solicitation; (3) a statement that any person may submit a bid or proposal; and (4) a justification of any use of noncompetitive procedures. Exempts certain classified and noncompetitive procurements from such notice requirements. Requires agencies to: (1) maintain records, by fiscal year, of noncompetitive procurements and competitive procurements for which only one bid was received, excluding small purchases; and (2) transmit such information to the Federal Procurement Data Center. Requires a prime Government contractor or subcontractor, with specified exceptions, to submit and certify the accuracy of cost of pricing data prior to: (1) the award of contracts using other than sealed bid procedures and certain subcontracts where the price is expected to exceed $500,000; or (2) the pricing of any modification to such a contract or subcontract expected to result in a price adjustment exceeding $500,000. Requires the price to the Government of such a contract, subcontract, or modification to be adjusted to exclude any significant amount by which the price was increased because of inaccurate data. Authorizes an agency representative, for three years after final payment under such a contract or subcontract, to examine the contractor's records and other information to evaluate the accuracy of the cost and pricing data. Title II: Amendments to Title 10, United States Code - Revises procurement procedures for military departments, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to correspond with procurement procedures for executive agencies under title I of this Act. Permits contracts to require the carriage of Government property in cargo containers of specific dimensions if the Secretary of Defense determines that military requirements necessitate the specification of container sizes. Title III: Advocate for Competition; Annual Report on Competition - Directs the head of each executive agency to designate an officer or employee as an advocate for competition who shall promote competition in the procurement of property and services. Requires the advocate to report to the head of the agency on: (1) opportunities to achieve competition; (2) solicitations which contain unnecessarily detailed or restrictive specifications and other conditions that may reduce competition; and (3) his or her activities, annually. Requires the head of each agency, through 1986, to transmit to specified congressional committees an annual report which: (1) describes all actions the agency head intends to take during the next fiscal year to increase competition for agency contracts, and to reduce the number and value of agency contracts awarded after soliciting or evaluating bids or proposals from only one source; and (2) summarizes the activities of the agency's advocate for competition. Title IV: Notice Requirements Under the Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to repeal certain provisions requiring the Secretary of Commerce to obtain and publish notice of all defense and civilian procurement actions exceeding specified dollar amounts. Title V: Applicability - Declares that this Act shall apply with respect to solicitations for bids or proposals issued on or after the date 180 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should call for a domestic economic and trade summit to shape trade policy for U.S. farmers, industries, and trading partners in the 1980's. Declares that such summit should be comprised of a bipartisan group from the government, business, labor, farm, and academic communities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 to increase for FY 1983 and 1984 the funding authorization for low-income home energy assistance grants to States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Authorizes the printing of volume 1 of "Developments in Aging: 1982" for the use of the Special Committee on Aging.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Authorizes the Senate Special Committee on Aging, from March 1, 1983, through February 28, 1984, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; (3) utilize department or agency personnel on a reimbursable basis; (4) procure consultant services; and (5) provide training for its professional staff.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Authorizes the granting of a visa and admission to the United States for permanent residence to a named individual.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to revise the definition of "cordage" to include cordage made from any size strip of plastic or other man-made material, thereby eliminating different duty rates for varying sizes of plastic or man-made cordage.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Comprehensive Mining Reclamation Reserve Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow surface mine operators to establish a reserve for mining land reclamation costs and to deduct additions to such reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
National Mathematics and Science Excellence in Education Act of 1983 - Title I: Science and Mathematics Education Merit Scholarships and Teaching Awards - Congressional Science and Mathematics Education Merit Scholarships and Teaching Awards Act - Authorizes the National Science Foundation to award scholarships to individuals who demonstrate outstanding potential for, and who plan to pursue, careers in teaching mathematics or science in elementary or secondary schools. Limits the period of such a scholarship to two academic years at any institution of higher education offering educational activities designed to prepare individuals for such careers. Authorizes the Foundation, after consultation with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology, to establish criteria for the selection of merit scholars. Limits the number of scholars selected to ten individuals from each State and five individuals from each congressional district in each State (and ten individuals in the case of the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). Requires each merit scholarship recipient to agree to pursue such a teaching career for at least three years upon completion of the training for which the scholarship was awarded. Requires the Director of the Foundation to submit the names of the individuals selected to the appropriate State Commission on Excellence in Mathematics and Science established under title II of this Act for review and approval. Limits merit scholarship stipends to $2,500 for each academic year of study. Conditions scholarship payment upon the student's maintaining satisfactory proficiency and full-time study. Authorizes the Foundation to require reports on student progress. Authorizes the Foundation to make experienced mathematics and science teacher awards for elementary and secondary school teachers. Sets such awards at $5,000 for those who have taught for at least five years and $10,000 for those who have taught at least ten years. Limits such awards to two $5,000 and two $10,000 awards for each State (and for the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico), and one $5,000 and one $10,000 award for each congressional district in each State. Provides for an awards ceremony for merit scholarships and experienced teacher awards at a place in each State convenient to the individuals selected. Requires, to the extent possible, that the award be made by the appropriate Members of Congress. Sets a yearly deadline for selection and awards. Sets forth administrative provisions. Requires the Foundation to report annually to the President and the Congress on its operations under this title. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987. Title II: State Commissions on Excellence in Mathematics and Science - Requires any State which desires to receive a block grant for the improvement of education in mathematics and science under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to establish a State Commission on Excellence in Mathematics and Science. Requires that the State Commission be appointed by the State Board of Education (or the Governor, if there is no Board) and approved by the Foundation. Sets forth the composition of the State Commission's membership. Permits the State Board to designate an existing State agency which is in substantial compliance with such membership requirements to be the State Commission for a specified interim period. Sets forth the functions of each State Commission. Directs the Secretary of Education and the Director of the Foundation to: (1) convene an annual conference to coordinate the activities of each State Commission; and (2) report to the Congress on the activities of each National Conference, with appropriate recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987. Requires the Director of the Foundation to allot a specified amount of such funds to each State. Title III: Block Grant for the Improvement of Education in Mathematics and Science - Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to establish a new block grant program for the improvement of education in mathematics and science. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1987. Sets forth formulas for allotment of such funds to: (1) U.S. territories and possessions; (2) Indian schools; (3) the Secretary's discretionary funds; and (4) States, including the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, based on relative school-age population. Provides for in-State allocations of State allotments, with no more than 25 percent to the State educational agency (SEA) for State level programs and at least 75 percent to local educational agencies (LEAs) according to relative enrollments in public and nonpublic schools within the LEA school districts, adjusted to provide higher per pupil allocations to LEAs with the greatest numbers or percentages of children whose education imposes a higher than average cost per child (such as children from low-income families, in economically depressed areas, and in sparsely populated areas). Directs the Secretary to approve criteria suggested by the SEA for adjusting such allocations if an equitable distribution would be produced. Directs each SEA, to the extent practicable, to use specified criteria. Directs the SEA to distribute such allocations to LEAs which have submitted applications. Sets forth authorized activities, to be consistent with goals and priorities established by State Commissions, for which SEAs and LEAs may use such block grant funds. Sets forth requirements for State and local applications for such funds. Provides for participation of children enrolled in private schools in such block grant program. Sets forth authorized uses of the Secretary's discretionary funds under such block grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full satisfaction of claims against the United States arising out of personal injuries sustained in the course of treatment at a Veterans Administration hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Declares two named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Declares four named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Declares two named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Authorizes the granting of visas and admission to the United States for permanent residence to four named individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Declares a named individual to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Declares five named individuals to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Declares a named individual to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Railroad Retirement Board and representatives of railroad employees and carriers should jointly or independently study methods of financing the railroad retirement program. Requires a report to Congress by October 1, 1983, on the alternatives studied. Urges railroad labor and management to agree on how to best solve the financial difficulties of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations to the U.S. Travel Service for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the continued issuance of mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Appalachian Transition Assistance Act of 1983 - Title I: - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to add as a purpose of such Act the orderly transition from special Federal assistance to increased State, local, and private investment in Appalachian regional development. Authorizes appropriations to the President and the Appalachian Regional Commission through FY 1987. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases the Federal share of specified construction costs of such system. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and other entities to assist in: (1) the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs; (2) aiding severely distressed and underdeveloped counties; and (3) providing reasonable access to primary health care for residents of the region. Specifies restrictions on funds authorized by this Act, including limiting the Federal share of any project approved under this Act (except highway systems) to 50 percent of its costs. Extends certain programs under such Act to October 1, 1987. Title II: - Recognition of the Appalachian Foundation - Provides for the congressional recognition of the Appalachian Foundation, provided that such Foundation shall not: (1) claim congressional approval or Federal authorization of its activities; or (2) lose its tax-exempt status. States the purposes of such Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Trade Reorganization Act of 1983 - Establishes the Department of Trade, to be administered by a Secretary of Trade appointed by the President. Directs the Secretary, among other things, to: (1) coordinate U.S. policies for promoting beneficial international trade relationships; (2) negotiate U.S. international trade agreements; (3) protect American industry, agriculture, and labor from unfair or injurious foreign competition; (4) develop trade monitoring systems; (5) develop and implement U.S. policies concerning foreign investments; and (6) administer the U.S. Customs Service and maintain the U.S. tariff schedules. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and of the Secretary of Commerce which relate to international trade and investment and to specified agencies and offices of the Department of Commerce. Transfers to the Department of Trade the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Amends the Trade Expansion Act to establish a Trade Policy Committee, chaired by the President, to assist the President in carrying out the functions vested in the President relating to trade agreements and import relief (replaces an interagency trade organization). Designates the Secretary of Trade as the Vice Chairman and specifies other committee members. Establishes a Trade Negotiating Subcommittee to advise the Secretary on management of international trade and investment. Designates the Secretary of Trade as the President's chief spokesman on trade and requires the Secretary to report directly to the President on all trade policy matters. Sets forth administrative provisions applicable to the Department of Trade. Directs the Secretary to submit a report annually to the President for submission to the Congress on the Department's activities. Provides for the transfer of personnel, assets, records, and funding to correspond with the transfers of functions, offices, and agencies made by this Act. Terminates: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Administration; (3) the Bureau of Industrial Economics; (4) the Bureau of Economic Analysis; (5) the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration; and (6) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts so that the provisions of such Acts reflect the executive reorganization made by this Act. Designates the Secretary as the chief representative of the United States for trade negotiation. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report directly to the President and the Congress and to be responsible to both for the administration of trade agreements under this Act and other specified Acts; (2) advise the President and Congress on matters related to trade agreement programs; and (3) be responsible for specified reports to Congress and for such other functions as the President may direct.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Soil and Water Conservation Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers an investment tax credit for soil and water conservation expenditures not treated as deductible expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Reciprocal Trade and Investment Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to set forth provisions dealing with foreign trade barriers. Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the interagency trade organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, to identify, analyze, and estimate the impact of practices that constitute significant barriers to or distortions of: (1) U.S. export of goods or services; and (2) foreign direct investment by U.S. persons, especially if it has implications for trade in goods or services. Sets forth factors to be considered by the USTR in such analysis. Directs the USTR to update the analysis annually. Directs the USTR to submit the analysis to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the report to include any action taken to eliminate such trade barriers. Directs the USTR to consult with Congress on trade policy priorities. Directs Federal agencies to furnish information and other assistance to prepare such analysis. Authorizes the President to respond to a foreign entity's unfair trade practices by taking action with respect to any goods or sector of such entity without regard to whether the goods or sector were involved in the unfair trade practice. (Current law provides that the President may take action against the products or services of the foreign entity.) Authorizes the President to propose legislation to protect U.S. trade rights or to eliminate unfair trade practices. Requires such legislative proposals to be given priority treatment. Requires a summary of a petition for a trade investigation by the USTR to be published in the Federal Register (currently, the entire petition must be published) if the USTR decides to begin an investigation with respect to the issues raised by the petition. Authorizes the USTR to initiate an investigation in order to advise the President concerning the exercise of the President's authority to take action against unfair trade practices. Directs the USTR to consult with the appropriate congressional committees before beginning such an investigation. Authorizes the USTR to delay for up to 90 days any request for consultation by a foreign entity concerning a petition for investigation into unfair trade practices. Directs the USTR to publish notice of the delay in the Federal Register and to report to Congress the reasons for the delay. Changes the definition of "commerce" for purposes of foreign trade investigations to include: (1) services associated with international trade, whether or not related to specific goods (currently products); and (2) foreign direct investment by U.S. persons with implications for trade in goods or services. Defines "unreasonable", "unjustifiable", and "discriminatory" for purposes of such investigations. Prohibits making information which the USTR has received in a trade investigation available to the public, if: (1) the person who provided the information makes a specified certification; (2) the USTR determines that such certification is well-founded; and (3) the person providing the information provides an adequate nonconfidential summary. Authorizes the USTR to use the information in trade investigations or to make it available to the public in a form which cannot identify the person providing the information. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to trade in services, foreign direct investment, and high technology products. Directs the USTR to develop and coordinate the implementation of U.S. policies concerning trade in services. Requires Federal agencies responsible for regulating any service sector industry to advise and work with the USTR concerning: (1) the treatment afforded U.S. services sector interest in foreign markets; or (2) allegations of unfair practices by foreign governments or companies in a service sector. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a service industries development program. Sets forth the goals of the program. Expresses the policy of the Congress that the President shall: (1) consult with State governments on trade policy issues affecting the regulatory authority on non-Federal governments or their procurement of goods and services; and (2) establish one or more intergovernmental policy advisory committees on trade. Authorizes the President to establish policy advisory committees representing non-Federal governmental interests to provide policy advice on trade negotiating objectives, bargaining positions, and the implementation of trade agreements. Authorizes the President to negotiate to reduce trade barriers in foreign direct investment by U.S. persons, especially if such investment has implications for trade in goods and services. Authorizes the President to enter into agreements concerning high technology industries. Authorizes the President to proclaim the modification, elimination or continuance of any existing duty, duty-free, excise treatment, or other additional duties with respect to specified high technology products listed in the U.S. Tariff Schedules. Provides for the termination of this authority five years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Retirement Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to lower the age limitation for participation in a qualified retirement plan from 25 to 21. Allows a limited amount of maternity or paternity leave to be taken by an individual without being treated as a break in service for purposes of computing creditable service towards retirement benefits. Requires spousal consent in order for a retirement plan participant to elect not to take a joint and survivor annuity. Requires that such consent must be in writing and must be witnessed by either a plan representative or a notary public. Allows the assignment of the benefits of a qualified retirement plan in the case of a judgment, decree or order relating to child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights pursuant to a State's domestic relations law. Requires the continuation of benefits to a surviving former spouse in cases where payments of joint and survivor benefits began prior to a divorce. Sets forth requirements relating to the method of distribution of divorce distributions. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of divorce distributions. Increases the allowable mandatory distributions from a retirement plan from $1,750 to $3,500. Requires that a plan participant must be notified that benefits may be forfeitable if the participant dies before a certain date.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to authorize a new plea of "guilty but insane" for any criminal defendant whose actions constitute all necessary elements of the offense charged but who lacks the requisite state of mind as a result of mental disease or defect. Adopts the current notice provisions for a defense of insanity for the new plea of guilty but insane. Provides for determination of a defendant's mental competency to stand trial. Permits the jury or the court in a non-jury trial to find a defendant guilty but insane. Requires the court in any such case to hold a hearing to determine the present mental condition of the convicted person. Directs the court to commit such person to the custody of the Attorney General upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the person is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect as a result of which release would create a substantial danger to himself or to the person or property of another. Directs the Attorney General to release such person to a State which will assume responsibility for his custody and treatment or otherwise to hospitalize such person in a suitable facility. Requires the court to hold a hearing upon the certification by the director of the facility that such person's release will no longer create a substantial danger to himself or the person or property of another. Directs the court to order the discharge of a person who is found to have recovered. Provides for the hospitalization of persons found guilty, imprisoned persons, and persons due for release, who are found to suffer from mental disease or defect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Social Security Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Changes in Coverage - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to provide mandatory coverage under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program as of January 1, 1984, for new Federal employees, members of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and employees of nonprofit organizations. Prohibits the termination of State coverage agreements (under which State and local government employees may be covered under title II) on or after the enactment of this Act. Makes such prohibition applicable to any agreements in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, notwithstanding pending termination notices. (Currently, coverage under such an agreement may be terminated if the State gives two years' written notice of such intent, following at least five years of coverage of the State or local group involved.) Title II: Changes in Benefits - Provides that the automatic cost of living adjustment in OASDI benefits shall be provided on a calendar year basis beginning in 1984. Provides that OASDI beneficiaries who become eligible for a pension based on non-covered employment after 1983 shall have their old-age or disability (but not survivors) benefits reduced. Prohibits the reduction of an individual's primary insurance amount below the minimum primary insurance amount under current law. Permits the continued payment of OASDI benefits to: (1) surviving divorced spouses who remarry after age 60; (2) disabled widows and disabled widowers who remarry after age 50; and (3) diabled surviving divorced wives who remarry after age 50. Provides that in the case of deferred survivor benefits, the primary insurance amount of the deceased individual shall be determined, for benefit computation purposes, as if the deceased individual died in the year in which the beneficiary first became eligible for such benefits or in the year in which the deceased individual would have reached age 60, whichever is earlier. Makes wife's insurance benefits payable to divorced wives at age 62 in the case of wives who have been divorced for at least two years if the former husband is eligible for retirement benefits (regardless of whether such benefits have been applied for). Provides that the amount of the benefit for such a divorced wife shall be determined without regard to reductions which may be made because of the former husband's excess earnings. Increases the benefit amount for disabled widows and widowers to 71.5 percent of the primary insurance amount. Provides for a decrease in the cost of living adjustments to OASDI benefits, beginning in 1988, whenever the reserves in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund fall below a certain amount, calculated as of January 1 of each year. Requires the payment of additional benefits to beneficiaries when the reserves in the trust funds have increased above a certain amount. Provides for a gradual increase in the delayed retirement credit received by workers who delay retirement beyond age 65. Makes the increase in such credit effective for workers who reach age 65 in 1990 and thereafter. Title III: Revenue Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include one-half of an individual's OASDI benefits in adjusted gross income if the individual's other adjusted gross income exceeds: (1) $20,000 in the case of a single taxpayer or married taxpayer filing separately; (2) $25,000 in the case of a joint return; and (3) zero in the case of a married taxpayer who does not file a joint return and who does not live apart from his or her spouse at all times during the taxable year. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to file information returns indicating: (1) the aggregate amount of beneifts paid to any individual during a calendar year; and (2) such individual's name and address. Requires that such information be furnished to the individuals named in the returns. Appropriates to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund the revenues generated under this title for each fiscal year, beginning in FY 1984. Revises the OASDI tax rates on employees and employers so as to: (1) increase the tax rate for 1984; (2) keep the current tax rate for 1985 through 1987; and (3) increase the tax rate for 1988-1989. Allows a refundable tax credit for employees for OASDI tax increases attributable to this title for calendar year 1984. Requires employers to make advance payments of such tax credit to their employees. Increases the OASDI tax rate on self-employment income for taxable years 1984 through 1990. Allows self-employed individuals an income tax deduction of 50 percent of the OASDI taxes paid on self-employment income, beginning in 1984. Includes in taxable wages for purposes of OASDI and hospital insurance taxes those salary reductions made under qualified cash or deferred arrangement plans of employers. Title IV: Miscellaneous Financing Provisions - Amends title II of the Social Security Act to revise the allocations of wages and self-employment income from the Treasury to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund beginning in 1984. Extends until January 1988 the authority for borrowing among the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund whenever the Managing Trustee of the trust funds determines that additional funds are needed to pay benefits from one of the funds. (Currently, interfund borrowing is authorized through December 31, 1982.) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to credit the appropriate title II trust fund with the amount of all social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months after issuance. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks as of the enactment of this Act. Provides for a transfer, within 30 days after enactment of this Act, to each of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of amounts equal to: (1) the estimated cost of providing future benefits based on pre-1957 military wage credits; and (2) the taxes plus interest that would have been collected if credits for military service after 1956 had been taxed as they were earned (less any reimbursements already received). Amends title II and title 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; and (3) the Hospital Insurance Depositary Account. Requires the Managing Trustee of the social security trust funds to deposit the portions of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund that are not required to meet current withdrawals from such funds into the corresponding depositary accounts so established. Revises investment requirements with respect to trust fund assets deposited in such accounts. Requires the addition of two members of the public from different political parties to the Board of Trustees 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.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Bankruptcy Court Reform Act of 1983 - Establishes a court of record known as United States Bankruptcy Court in each judicial circuit. Mandates that each bankruptcy court shall consist of two senior bankruptcy judges for the circuit, and at least one district bankruptcy judge for each judicial district in the circuit. Establishes formulae for appointment of bankruptcy judges and senior bankruptcy judges by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that senior bankruptcy judges shall hold office during good behavior. Limits tenure of district bankruptcy judgeships to 14 years. Specifies conditions for removal of district court judges during term of office, and delineates removal procedures. Grants courts of appeals jurisdiction to hear appeals from all final judgments or decisions of bankruptcy courts. Grants bankruptcy courts original and exclusive jurisdiction of all cases arising under title 11 of the United States Code. Confers original, but not exclusive, jurisdiction upon bankruptcy courts in all civil proceedings arising under title 11, or related to cases under title 11. Grants bankruptcy courts exclusive jurisdiction over the debtor's property once the case has begun. Prescribes assignment of ancillary proceedings arising under title 11.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Domestic Commodity Distribution and Food Assistance Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute surplus Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) stocks to eligible agencies (as defined in this Act). Requires the CCC to pay for commodity processing with funds or with in-kind payments to the processor. Requires the Secretary to publish an annual announcement of such anticipated surplus stocks for the coming three-year period. Provides that up to 2,000,000 metric tons of wheat available under the Food Security and Wheat Reserve Act of 1980 may be used for domestic purposes. Requires the CCC to use any additional reserves to replenish such stocks. Provides for State distribution of commodities under this Act. States that if a State agency cannot meet the requests for a given commodity such agency shall give special consideration to organizations that serve low income and unemployed persons. Provides administrative money to the States to run such program. Prohibits States from charging recipient agencies for related program costs. Requires States to pay the distribution costs of organizations serving low income and unemployed persons. Requires the Secretary and the States to work with private companies and recipient agencies to make it easier for recipients to process such commodities into end use products. Directs the Secretary to use moneys saved on storage and spoilage to process commodities into food products for agencies serving low income and unemployed persons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to provide supplemental unemployment benefits to certain railroad employees with less than ten years of service. Authorizes appropriations to the railroad unemployment insurance account and the railroad unemployment insurance administration fund in the Unemployment Trust Fund for the payment of such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to define "retirement age" to mean: (1) 65 years of age in the case of an individual who reaches the "early retirement age" (age 62 in the case of old-age, wife's, or husband's benefits and age 60 in the case of widow's or widower's benefits) before January 1, 2000; and (2) 65 years of age plus the number of months in the "age increase factor" for the year in which an individual reaches the "early retirement age" in the case of an individual who reaches the "early retirement age" after December 31, 1999. Provides for the determination of the number of months in the "age increase factor" for individuals who reach the "early retirement age" in the year 2000 and thereafter. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to periodically revise the reduction factors for early retirement benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends title VI (also known as the Federal Supplemental Compensation Act of 1982) of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 to extend the Federal supplemental unemployment compensation program through weeks beginning on or before September 30, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Department of Trade and Commerce Act of 1983 - Redesignates the Department of Commerce as the Department of Trade and Commerce. Redesignates the Secretary of Commerce as the Secretary of Trade and Commerce. Grants the Secretary the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with respect to international trade and investment. Establishes in the Department an Under Secretary of International Trade and an Under Secretary of Domestic Commerce who shall head, respectively, the Department's international trade division and the Department's domestic commerce division. Requires separate offices in the Department for: (1) strategic trade; (2) financing and credit for international trade; and (3) the collection and analysis of information concerning the distribution of economic resources throughout the domestic economy. Sets forth the functions of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to work with the heads of other departments, and agencies as appropriate. Directs the Secretary to join with the heads of other departments and agencies in studying how Federal policies and programs can ensure that international trade and commerce systems will most effectively serve both national and international economic needs. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the: (1) United States Trade Representative and the Office of the United States Trade Representative in the Executive Office of the President; (2) Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency with respect to or being administered through the Trade and Development Program; (3) Secretary of the Treasury with respect to or being administered through the U.S. Customs Service; (4) Secretary of Defense with respect to export of strategic materials; (5) Secretary of Energy with respect to the importation and exportation of energy and energy-producing materials; (6) Secretary of Labor or the Department of Labor with respect to, or being administered through, the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance of the Department of Labor; (7) Secretary of State, the Department of State, and officers and components of such Department relating to international trade and investment; (8) Secretary of Transportation with respect to the importation and exportation of transportation systems and equipment which functions are being administered by the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Policy and International Affairs; (9) Secretary of the Treasury, the Department of the Treasury, and officers and components of such Department relating to international trade and investment; (10) Secretary of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, and officers and components of such Department relating to the export of agricultural products; and (11) Small Business Administration with respect to extensions of credit and revolving lines of credit to enable small businesses to engage in export and import business. Transfers to the Department the: (1) Export-Import Bank of the United States; (2) Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (3) Trade and Development Program of the International Development Cooperation Agency; (4) U.S. Customs Service; and (5) U.S. International Trade Commission. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Defense in carrying out functions with respect to the export of strategic materials. Requires such functions to be administered by the head of the office of strategic trade. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture in carrying out functions relating to the export of agricultural products. Sets forth administrative provisions governing the functions of the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to prepare an annual report for the President on the activities of the Department, including studies on the manner by which Federal policies and programs can ensure that international trade and commerce systems most effectively serve both national and international economic needs. Provides for the transfer to the Secretary or Department of personnel and materials from agencies whose functions are transferred to the Secretary or Department by this Act. Sets forth savings provisions governing actions of agencies whose functions are transferred to the Secretary or Department by this Act. Terminates the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Provides for the separability of provisions of this Act and for the initial and interim appointment of certain officers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the period August 26 through August 30, 1983, as National Psychology Days.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Designates September 22, 1983, as American Business Women's Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of June 26 through July 2, 1983, as National Safety in the Workplace Week.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Designates April 1983 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate March 27, 1983, as National Recovery Room Nurses Day.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Designates February 16, 1983, as Lithuanian Independence Day.
United States · United States Congress · 21 December 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should exercise his authority to issue an Executive Order disqualifying Japanese-manufactured, numerically-controlled machining centers and punching machines for the investment tax credit until Japan provides persuasive evidence to the President that certain unfair and discriminatory acts and policies restricting U.S. commerce have ceased.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should exercise his authority to issue an Executive Order disqualifying Japanese-manufactured, numerically-controlled machining centers and punching machines for the investment tax credit until Japan provides persuasive evidence to the President that certain unfair and discriminatory acts and policies restricting U.S. commerce have ceased.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1982
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal programs providing educational and rehabilitation services for disabled Americans should be maintained and funded at their current levels. States that changes in permanent regulations implementing Federal laws about the education and civil rights of handicapped individuals should not lessen the rights and protections provided under current regulations. States that reviews of social security eligiblity should be conducted in a manner ensuring fair treatment. States that the level of veterans disablity compensation benefits for service-connected conditions should be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1982
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Senate condemns and abhors the suppression of civil liberties and human rights by the Polish martial law government; (2) Americans respect the commitment to ideals manifested by the Polish people and Lech Walesa in particular; (3) Americans hope that Polish authorities will take steps to return to the Polish people their rights and liberties; and (4) the President is urged to proclaim December 12, 1982, as a national day of solidarity and prayer for Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1982
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1976 to extend until 1987 the exclusion from gross income of the cancellation of certain student loans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1982
Federal Public Transportation Act of 1982 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from making a discretionary capital grant or loan unless the applicant has sufficient capability to maintain the facilities and equipment purchased with such grant or loan. Sets forth the Federal share for grants to assist projects under this Act, including projects for the construction of certain fixed guideway systems. Prohibits alteration of Federal share commitments before enactment of this Act, including projects within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area transit system. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 for: (1) grants or loans to States and local public agencies; (2) long-range planning and technical studies; (3) grants and loans to meet the needs of the elderly and handicapped; and (4) the grant program for areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 for: (1) research, development, and demonstration projects; (2) grants for managerial, technical and professional training programs; (3) grants for research and training in urban transportation problems; and (4) the establishment and operation of transportation centers at nonprofit institutions of higher learning. Limits the amounts available for appropriations under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984. Establishes a formula capital and operating assistance program to finance the planning, acquisition, construction, improvement, and operating costs of facilities, equipment, and maintenance items in mass transportation service. Sets forth the apportionments of such funds for urbanized areas, and the Federal share payable for such projects. Allows States to transfer apportionments between urbanized areas of different sizes. Sets forth requirements for entities to receive such grants. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate congressional committees before issuing letters of intent to obligate funds under this Act. Directs the Secretary to give priority to such commitments approved before enactment of this Act. Makes funds available under the urban mass transit program available for expenditure through 1985. Revises the definition of construction to include any bus rehabilitation project which extends the economic life of a bus by five or more years. Revises the definition of fixed guideway to include any transportation facility which utilizes a right-of-way rail usable by other forms of transportation and a public transit facility which utilizes a fixed catenary system. Repeals the intercity bus service/terminal development program and safety authority provisions of the National Mass Transportation Assistance Act of 1974. Terminates funding for the waterborne transportation demonstration project. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 for the transit capital infrastructure program. Sets forth requirements for receiving grants under such program.