United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the Commodity Credit Corporation to export or aid in the development of foreign markets for fish and fish products without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations. Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to include fish within the definition of agricultural commodities, for purposes of that Act, without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations. Deletes the provision which requires that priority be given to financing the sale of food and fiber commodities under title I of such Act. Amends the Food for Peace Act of 1966 to include fish within the definition of agricultural commodities, for purposes of the export sales credit program of that Act, without regard to whether the fish are harvested in aquacultural operations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1983
Pesticide Import and Export Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to specify the types of information a pesticide producer must submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on pesticides manufactured in and exported from the United States. Requires the Administrator of EPA to cooperate and collaborate with the Secretary of State, Secretary of Agriculture, and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in identifying overseas pesticide use patterns on food crops exported to the United States. Requires the Administrator to prepare an annual report summarizing such information. Requires that information on pesticide exports be kept confidential except as it must be disclosed to comply with reporting requirements. Requires an official of an importing nation to be informed of: (1) the nature and severity of any unreasonable adverse effects on the environment identified by the Administrator in the course of considering the regulatory status of the pesticide; (2) the fact that a pesticide is not registered for use in the United States and may not be sold in the United States; and (3) the availability of regulatory and scientific documents on the pesticide. Requires notice to, and an acknowledgement by, a foreign purchaser of an acutely toxic pesticide and appropriate officials in an importing nation of any acute hazards associated wtih exposure to the pesticide. Requires such acknowledgement statement to include steps to assure accessible instructions for the safe use of the pesticide. Directs the Administrator to foster the safe use of pesticides in other countries through the international exchange of information. Directs the Department of State to pursue diplomatic efforts to obtain the agreement of other exporting countries to regulate foreign pesticide sales. Prohibits the use of a temporary tolerance established as part of an experimental use permit from covering pesticide residues on imported foodstuffs, unless such tolerance was obtained in conjunction with an experimental use permit including use of a pesticide overseas. Requires the Administrator to revoke tolerances for residues associated with suspended or canceled uses of a pesticide. Authorizes the Administrator, in the case of a pesticide that is voluntarily withdrawn, to revoke a tolerance and establish a residue action level if the Administrator determines that the pesticide residue will unavoidably persist in the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from making available for public inspection any information obtained from another country or international organization if: (1) the information was obtained on conditions that it not be disclosed; (2) the information is not otherwise available; and (3) the foreign government or international organization continues to demand that the documents or information not be made available for public inspection. Authorizes the Administrator to disclose to foreign governments or international organizations certain information as long as an agreement is reached that such information will be disclosed only under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to eliminate provisions which: (1) permit petitions to the Secretary of Energy for prescription of rules which supersede State energy efficiency standards; and (2) provide for supersedure of State energy efficiency standards prescribed after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
National Summit Conference on Education Act of 1983 - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education for conducting a National Summit Conference on Education. Sets forth provisions for appointment of participants to the Conference. Directs the Conference to develop recommendations in response to the findings of the National Commission on Excellence in Education and relating to specified areas of educational policy. Directs the Conference to transmit its recommendations to the President, the Congress, and State Governors by January 15, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that hospice care is a necessary and humane alternative to traditional health care for the terminally ill.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate recommended maximum contaminant levels and revised national primary drinking water regulations within specified time periods for: (1) each of 14 contaminants listed in 47 Federal Register 9352; (2) toxic water pollutants which are found in drinking water; and (3) other substances which may have an adverse effect on the health of persons. Sets forth requirements with respect to such contaminant levels and drinking water regulations. Requires the Administrator to list a contaminant and promulgate a revised drinking water regulation for such contaminant which requires the use of treatment techniques if such contaminant cannot be accurately enough measured in water to establish a maximum contaminant level. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into arrangements with independent scientific organizations to assist in the establishment of recommended maximum contaminant levels. Requires the Administrator to establish a program which shall require a representative sample of various public water systems to monitor for unregulated contaminants. Directs the Administrator to require the owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to persons served by it of contaminant levels of any unregulated contaminants required to be monitored. Requires the Administrator to enforce compliance with national primary drinking water regulations through civil actions or administrative orders with respect to public water systems, unless there is in effect a variance or an exemption. Revises the compliance schedules in the case of public water systems which have been granted an exemption from compliance with interim or revised national primary drinking water regulations. Permits extensions of such exemptions in certain cases. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to administrative orders issued to enforce compliance with regulations, schedules, or other requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty; or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of a primary national drinking water standard. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of a public water system which fails to comply with a national primary drinking water regulation beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility over such public water system. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small public water systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with national drinking water regulations. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for FY 1984 through 1987. Authorizes the Administrator to require, as a condition of a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility with respect to national drinking water regulations, that the State carry out technical assistance programs for small public water systems which are substantially similar to the Federal program. Provides that, in requiring a public water system to keep records with respect to the compliance with national primary drinking water regulations, the Administrator shall take into account the system size and the contaminants which are likely to be found in the system's drinking water. Sets forth criminal penalties for tampering with a public water system. Provides that notice by the owner or operator of a public water system which fails to comply with national primary drinking water regulations to the persons served by such system shall provide an explanation of such failure, the steps being taken to correct such failure, and the groups which should seek alternative water supplies until such failure is corrected. Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to also give annual notice to the persons served by it of the availability to the public of records and reports kept by such system with respect to compliance with the national primary drinking water regulations. Permits civil actions by public water systems and any other persons against any persons who are causing or contributing to the presence of a contaminant in the drinking water used by such systems or other persons if such contamination results in the water supply not meeting national primary drinking water regulations. Title II: Protection of Underground Sources of Drinking Water - Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by underground injection above, into, or under a formation which contains a drinking water source, unless it is established that such injection will not cause the hazardous waste to migrate into or otherwise endanger drinking water sources. Requires State underground injection programs to prohibit the disposal of brine brought to the surface in connection with oil by any means other than underground injection in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Defines the term "drinking water source" as underground water which supplies a public water system, is capable of supplying a public water system, or could supply a public water system if the system used technologically advanced treatment. Requires the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register if an area has an aquifer which furnishes or may furnish in the future a substantial part of the drinking water supply for any public water system and which would create a significant hazard to the public health if contaminated. Permits Federal financial assistance for projects which are designed not to contaminate such an aquifer. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for State programs to prevent surface impoundments which are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act from endangering drinking water sources. Permits States to apply to exercise primary enforcement responsibility. Requires the Administrator to prescribe a program for a State if no State program is approved. Permits States to submit to the Administrator plans to protect underground drinking water sources. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to the States to assist them in the development of such plans. Requires that Federal actions with respect to underground drinking water sources in a State be coordinated with the State protection program. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance with underground injection control program requirements. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such administrative orders. Directs the Administrator to seek an injunction or to recover a civil penalty, or both, with respect to any person who fails to comply with such an administrative order. Prohibits any action by the Administrator, by a State, or by a court which would delay or make less stringent any requirement of an underground injection control program. Permits the Administrator to commence a civil action or to issue an administrative order to enforce compliance in the case of any person who fails to comply with underground injection control program requirements beyond the thirtieth day after the date of a notice of noncompliance by the Administrator to the State having primary enforcement responsibility for underground water sources. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for: (1) the provision of research, technical assistance, information, and training of personnel to the States and municipalities to implement the Safe Drinking Water Act; and (2) grants to States for public water system supervision programs and underground water source protection programs. Extends indefinitely the authority of the Administrator to issue certifications of need and orders for the provision of chemicals necessary for the treatment of water.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that it supports the reduction of child mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Urges the President to promote and undertake activities to further the objectives of the child health revolution. Directs appropriate Government agencies to support UNICEF and other specified international agencies and public and private organizations in fostering the child health revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Credit Card Counterfeiting and Fraud Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it an offense to knowingly and unlawfully produce, buy, sell, or transfer a credit card or account which is counterfeit, forged, lost, or stolen. Makes it a federal offense to possess with the intent to defraud five or more credit cards or fraudulent payment devices. Makes it unlawful to produce, buy, sell, transfer, or possess equipment used in the production of such fraudulent payment devices. Includes within the prohibition of the Act any individual who attempts or conspires to commit any of these offenses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1983
Urges the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries possessing the technology to produce separated plutonium to begin negotiations leading to a verifiable halt in the production of separated plutonium and in the export of technology for such production. Calls for the United States and other nuclear supplier and consumer nations to begin negotiations leading to an agreement to: (1) reject the commercial use of separated plutonium as a nuclear power reactor fuel; (2) base civilian nuclear power technology only on nonweapons usable fuel; and (3) make available reliable supplies of natural and low-enriched uranium.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
First Things First Credit Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow an income tax deduction for interest paid or incurred on any loan which is used to acquire control of a corporation which has more than $250,000,000 in gross receipts for the year preceding the year of the acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Hazardous Waste Reduction Act of 1983 - Title I - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (the Superfund Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to States to assist States in: (1) carrying out hazardous waste enforcement programs under the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) carrying out remedial actions and other response measures necessary with respect to the release, or substantial threat of release, of any pollutant or contaminant from a facility not on the 400 top priority known response targets list but which the State determines may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare; and (3) providing technical assistance to companies engaged in the recycling of hazardous substances. Requires that at least $200,000,000 of the amounts appropriated to the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund shall be reserved to make such grants to States. Revises provisions for audits by each Inspector General of each department or agency delegated responsibility to obligate money in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Directs each such Inspector General to report annually to the President and the Congress on such auditing of the Fund and to specifically identify any improper uses of the Fund. Provides for reimbursement to the Fund for any improper expenditures. Extends through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations for the Fund. Increases the yearly amount of such authorization of appropriations for FY 1986 through 1995 (above the yearly amount currently authorized through FY 1985). Amends the hazardous waste management provision of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976) to establish a hazardous waste quantity assessment program. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the States, to develop and implement methods to estimate the quantities of hazardous waste which are generated in each calendar year, on the basis of specified data. Directs the Administrator to report at least annually to the Congress, comparing the quantities of hazardous waste estimated to have been generated during the preceding calendar year and the quantities of waste on which the recycling incentive tax on disposal of hazardous wastes was paid. Title II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace (effective October 1, 1985) the environmental taxes on petroleum and chemical feedstocks with a recycling incentive tax on disposal of hazardous wastes (effective for FY 1985 through 1995). Sets forth tables for determining the amount of such tax. Distinguishes between: (1) toxic and nontoxic hazardous waste; (2) waste disposal before and after the end of FY 1990; and (3) disposal of waste and storage of waste for more than one year. Imposes such tax on the person disposing of such waste. Sets forth requirements for records, statements, and returns relating to such tax. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe any such requirements, as necessary, for persons involved in the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous wastes. Extends through FY 1995 the authority to collect taxes conferred by the Superfund Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Elephant Protection Act of 1983 - Prohibits importing or exporting African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Permits individuals to: (1) import and export a total of 10,000 pounds of unworked ivory for six months after enactment of this Act; and (2) import worked ivory for 90 days after enactment if there is no intention to sell such ivory in the United States. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if the Secretary finds that: (1) the nation involved has developed and implemented an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; (3) the products are acquired and transported in compliance with laws of the originating nation; (4) the importation or exportation will not be detrimental to the survival of the species; and (5) the permit is applied for in good faith. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants or elephant products to enhance propagation or survival of the species. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning granting of such permits. Sets forth civil or criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for the remittance or mitigation by the Secretary of any civil penalty assessed under this Act. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the importation, exportation, acquisition, or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Requires all imports and exports of elephant products to go through either the Port of New York or the Port of Seattle, Washington. Exempts from this Act: (1) elephants imported or exported for zoological, educational, scientific, or exhibitional purposes; (2) elephant products included in a keyboard for a musical instrument; (3) elephant products taken and imported or exported by a sports hunter; and (4) elephant products taken and transported in compliance with the laws of the originating nation. Supersedes, with respect to elephants and elephant products, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and State laws determined to be in conflict with this Act. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a program to assist nations to: (1) protect elephant habitats; (2) conserve living elephants; and (3) develop and implement elephant conservation management programs. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should insist on Soviet compliance with the Helsinki accords and the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights as they relate to the emigration of Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Renewable Energy Incentive Act of 1983 - Title I: Certain Renewable Energy Source Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years from 1985 to 1990 the investment tax credit for: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) hydroelectric generating property; and (4) biomass property. Allows an investment tax credit for cogeneration energy property until 1990. Increases the energy percentage for solar, wind, or geothermal energy and ocean thermal property from 15 percent to 25 percent. Increases the energy percentage for hydroelectric generating property from 11 percent to 15 percent. Allows an energy percentage of ten percent for cogeneration property. Extends the residential energy income tax credit from 1985 to 1990. Allows the regular investment tax credit for energy property which is considered to be a structural component of a building and is used as air or water heating equipment for such building. Allows an investment tax credit until 1995 for affirmative commitments made for projects concerning: (1) solar, wind, or geothermal property; (2) ocean thermal property; (3) biomass property; and (4) cogeneration property. Extends for seven years from 1988 to 1995 the investment tax credit for affirmative commitments made for certain hydroelectric generating property. Increases from two to five the number of possible sites for ocean thermal property. Allows an investment tax credit for ocean thermal property which produces energy used in a possession of the United States. (Present law requires that such energy be used in the continental United States.) Title II: Biomass Incentive - Treates as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Title III: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Supplemental Security Income Mental Disability Determinations Reform Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in the Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent such criteria are applicable to individuals seeking or receiving benefits based on disability under the Supplemental Security Income program (title XVI of the Social Security Act). Directs the Secretary to also revise the methods of procedures used under such program for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the revised listings and residual functional capacity assessments to be designed to realistically evaluate the ability of a mentally impaired individual to engage in substantial gainful activity in a competitive workplace environment. Directs the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits continuing eligibility reviews with respect to mental impairment until the revisions are completed. Requires, under title XVI, that in any case in which an individual claims to be under a disability by reason of a mental impairment, the determination shall be made only after the Secretary has demonstrated that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist has completed the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment. Prohibits the authorization of appropriations for SSI periodic eligibility reviews for individuals whose claims to disability benefits are based on mental impairment, except to the extent that such funds are specifically authorized for such reviews. Makes permanent provisions of title XVI which provide SSI benefits for individuals who perform substantial gainful activity despite a severe medical impairment. Makes permanent provisions which provide for the continued payment of SSI or disability benefits (title II of such Act) during appeal of a disability determination. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance to disabled individuals in complying with requirements and procedures under titles II and XVI; and (2) assure that disabled individuals eligible for or receiving benefits under title II are informed of available SSI benefits. Requires hearings and proceedings related to a disabled individual under the SSI program to be held at an accessible location.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
ERISA Simplification Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Subtitle A: Amendments to Definitions - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to authorize the Secretary of labor to exempt by regulation any severance pay or supplemental income arrangement from provisions applicable to welfare plans and to provide alternative methods of compliance with any such provision. Conforms the definitions of "party in interest" and "governmental plan" with the Internal Revenue Code. Revises the definitions of "normal retirement age" and "relative." Subtitle B: Amendments to Reporting and Disclosure Provisions - Eliminates requirements regarding the filing of a plan description with the Secretary of Labor. Requires qualified public accountants and actuaries to rely on the correctness of actuarial or accounting matters certified by an enrolled actuary or with respect to which a qualified public accountant has expressed an opinion for purposes of the preparation of annual reports. Eliminates certain automatic filing requirements. Revises requirements regarding simplified annual reports for pension plans with less than 100 active participants and not more than 200 participants. Exempts from reporting and disclosure requirements welfare plans providing exclusively apprenticeship and other training benefits. Eliminates the requirement of a summary annual report. Limits to $10 the fee for obtaining a plan's lastest annual report. Revises requirements regarding the disclosure to a participant or beneficiary of benefit rights and account information. Directs administrators to issue reports to certain plan participants who have separated from service stating the nature, amount, and form of the deferred vested benefit to which they are entitled. Requires employers to maintain records regarding each employee sufficient to determine the benefits due to the employee. Requires, rather than allows, the Secretary to prescribe an alternative method of compliance with reporting requirements under certain circumstances. Specifies circumstances in which the administrator of a multiemployer plan may use an alternative method of information distribution. Revises requirements of notice to interested parties before issuance of determination letters. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, to conduct a study of the means by which the reporting of information pursuant to ERISA may be approved. Specifies matters to be analyzed by such study. Subtitle C: Amendments to Participation and Vesting Provisions - Permits the determination of pension plan eligibility on a plan year basis. Specifies that the notification and election requirement triggered by a change in vesting schedules shall be applicable only to employees who would be adversely affected by the change. Makes 125 days of service in any maritime industry equivalent to 1,000 hours of service for purposes of satisfying benefit accrual requirements. Requires a plan offering an optional benefit form, in order not to be treated as having altered a participant's accrued benefit by reason of a change in actuarial assumptions, to set forth such assumptions in a separate document. Requires plans in which a majority of employees are seasonal employees to use 500 hours, rather than 1000 hours, for purposes of defining a year of service. Revises joint and survivor annuity requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe methods of measuring services based upon the elasped time of an employee's service. Subtitle D: Amendments for Funding Provisions - Makes certain revisions with respect to funding, including a requirement that changes in funding method or plan year need be approved only when made more than once in a three-year period, and a requirement that a funding method take into account future benefit changes. Subtitle E: Amendments to Fiduciary Responsibility Provisions - Permits the return to an employer of an overpayment of withdrawal liability: (1) in the case of a multiemployer plan; and (2) in the case of a multiemployer plan maintained pursuant to collective bargaining agreements where it is determined that a contribution was made by a mistake of fact or law. Requires the definition of "qualifying employer real property" for purposes of the limitation on the acquisition and holding of real property by a plan. Provides for allocation of prohibited transaction enforcement responsibilities. Conforms certain provisions regarding transactions by parties in interest with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Extends the prohibited transaction exemption procedure to owner-employees. Subtitle F: Amendments to Administration and Enforcement Provisions - Creates a civil cause of action for collection by a fiduciary of a multiemployer plan of delinquent employer contributions, subject to a six-year statute of limitations (three years after the date of actual knowledge of the cause of action). Makes available to the Department of Labor for purposes of administering ERISA any amounts which become available through the public request of information. Revises the composition of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to require that one of the employer members be a representative of employers maintaining small plans. Directs the Secretary of Labor to publish at least annually reports showing the number of plans and participants; amounts of assets, income, and expenses; and certain other information categorized by plan size and type. Deems as preempted by ERISA certain provisions of State law: (1) regarding benefits provided by an insurance policy issued to an employee benefit plan; and (2) which treat a participant's interest in a plan as a security or similar right. Deems as not preempted by ERISA certain provisions of State law: (1) which require an insurance policy issued to a plan to permit a participant to convert or continue protection after the termination of the insurance coverage under the plan; and (2) which prohibit such an insurance policy from classifying health care services as ineligible for coverage solely because the provider is licensed as a provider of services other than those rendered by a medical doctor. Allows the assignment of pension plan benefits pursuant to a specific State or foreign decree of divorce, annulment, legal separation, or family support or a court order relating marital property rights. Prescribes notification and administrative requirements with respect to any such assignment. Subtitle G: Clarifying and Technical Amendments - Makes certain technical changes and corrections. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Subtitle A: Amendments Related to Title Amendments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make conforming changes in accordance with the provisions of title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the interstate compact entered into by Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont relating to the restoration of Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River Basin and creating the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to participate as members of such Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 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. Denies application of this amendment to the powers of the Congress and the President relating to the Armed Forces, including the selection of persons and assignment to combat duty.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to repeal provisions requiring the purchase rather than the rental of durable medical equipment if it appears that purchasing such equipment would be less costly and more practical than renting.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Nursing Home Standards Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 13 member National Commission on the Regulation of Nursing Homes. States that such Commission's purpose shall be to examine existing Federal and State quality, health, and safety regulations for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities and to make recommendations, including alternative approaches to regulating such facilities, to Congress and to the Secretary by September 30, 1984. Imposes a moratorium on nursing home rules changes until six months after the filing of such recommendations. Requires such Commission to be made up of members of the Institute of Medicine, nursing home residents and operators, and State officials.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to reimburse eligible veterans for reasonable charges for chiropractic services. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of reasonable charges. Requires the Administrator to make annual reports to the Veterans Affairs Committees for four years concerning the use and reimbursement of chiropractic services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Calls upon the nations of the world, particularly the Soviet Union, to conclude in the multilateral Committee on Disarmament or other bilateral negotiations a comprehensive and verifiable treaty banning chemical weapons. States that the United States will continue its moratorium on chemical weapons production if progress is evident on a comprehensive and verifiable treaty banning chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1983
Amends the Small Business Act to define "small agricultural cooperative," for purposes of eligibility for disaster loans under such Act, as an association: (1) acting pursuant to the Agriculture Marketing Act; (2) whose size does not exceed the size standard established for other agricultural small business concerns; and (3) whose board members or governing members each qualify as a small business concern.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Preempts State or local laws which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines are inconsistent with this Act. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended or altered in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such statute in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Home Ownership Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for contributions of cash, stocks, bond, or other securities tradeable on an established exchange to a tax-exempt trust account established for the exclusive purpose of purchasing the taxpayer's first principal residence. Limits the maximum annual deduction to $1,000 with a maximum lifetime deduction of $10,000. Excludes distributions from such account from gross income if they are used exclusively for the purchase of a first principal residence. Imposes a ten percent surtax on distributions from an individual housing account which are not used for the purchase of a principal residence. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to report on the maintenance of the account. Imposes a penalty for failure to file required reports.
United States · United States Congress · 28 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 · 28 April 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a business expense income tax deduction for additions to a reserve established for the cost incurred by a regulated public utility in decommissioning (retiring) a nuclear powerplant. Limits the deduction to the amount which the regulatory body having ratemaking jurisdiction over the utility permits as addition to a reserve and which is included in its cost of service for ratemaking purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Dairy Production Act of 1983 - Title I: Dairy Compliance Program - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982, to eliminate the 50-cent milk producer assessments. Sets milk support prices for FY 1984 and FY 1985 at $13.10 per hundredweight for those farmers producing at or below their 1981-1982 marketing history levels. Sets forth provisions for farmers with less than full, or no marketing history levels. Establishes a reduced dairy compliance price (of up to $12.00, resulting in a blend price of not less than $12.10 per hundredweight) for over production as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. States that the difference between the price support received and the reduced dairy compliance price shall be remitted to the Commodity Credit Corporation and credited to the Dairy Stabilization Settlement Fund to provided for a FY 1984 and FY 1985 paid diversion program. Requires farmers to present the Secretary with evidence of their 1981-1982 marketing history in order to participate in such diversion program, which may be adjusted to compensate for abnormally low production as a result of a disaster. Sets forth program provisions, including: (1) a $10 per hundredweight reduced production payment; (2) reductions as determined by the producer of between five and 30 percent of the base; (3) monthly partial payments; (4) limited transferability of a producer's marketing history; (5) penalties for failure to make the agreed reductions and remit the resultant funds, and for a knowing violation of a diversion contract; and (6) limited transferability of dairy cattle to other producers. Title II: Dairy Promotion Program - Requires the Secretary to publish (with notice and opportunity for public hearing) a proposed dairy research and promotion order within 30 days of receiving a request for such proposed order. Permits such proposal to be submitted by an individual or an organization certified under this Act. Makes such order effective 90 days after the public comment period. Authorizes the Secretary to amend such orders. Sets forth required terms of such orders, including the establishment of a National Dairy Promotion and Research Board made up of at least 36 milk producer members appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth organizational and operating provisions, including penalties for disclosure and other related violations of such orders. Funds such dairy promotion, research, and nutrition education program through a 15 cents per hundredweight assessment on commercially marketed milk. Permits a credit of up to ten cents per hundredweight for contributions to qualified State or regional dairy promotion or nutrition education programs. Requires an organization to be certified by the Secretary in order to represent milk producers. Authorizes the Secretary to develop such criteria, and makes the Secretary's eligibility decision final. Requires the Secretary, within the 60-day period preceding September 30, 1985, to conduct a producer referendum on such program's continuation (approval to be by a simple majority of those voting). States that after September 30, 1985, such referenda may be held when the Secretary deems appropriate, or when requested by ten percent of the affected producers. Reimburses the Secretary from assessments collected by the Board for related expenses. Permits cooperative association representation at such referenda, provided that the association notifies its members in advance and provides them an opportunity to vote as individuals. Provides petition and review in U.S. district court for a person subject to an order. Vests enforcement powers in U.S. district courts. Sets forth penalty provisions. Grants the Secretary investigative and related authority. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Effective Date - Makes this Act effective October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Urges the United States and the Soviet Union to begin talks aimed at creating a jointly administered United States-Soviet student exchange program. Sets forth certain aspects of such exchange program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to provide for mandatory coverage of ministers and members of religious orders under the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program unless: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that such service is not performed in the employ of another person and so certifies to the Secretary of the Treasury; (2) such a minister or member has elected to be subject to the old age, survivors and disability insurance tax and the hospital insurance tax on self-employment income; or (3) such a minister or member has filed an application for tax-exempt status with a statement that he or she is conscientiously or religiously opposed to the acceptance of any public insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1983
Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 to carry out such Act. Directs the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration to study and report to Congress on alternative methods of funding activities in support of national tourism objectives. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a demonstration of the regional tourism promotional and marketing program by February 15, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1983 to make the decrease in the amount of Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance benefits payable to a spouse, surviving spouse, or mother which is required to offset any Federal or State pension received applicable to all individuals receiving such pensions for months after June 1983. (Under current law, the pension offset is applicable with respect to OASDI benefits payable to individuals who initially become eligible for such pensions after June 1983.)
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 12 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year from 1985 through 1988 regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1, 1989. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Meat, Poultry and Egg Products Inspection Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Federal Meat Inspection Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to include as inspection factors to be considered by the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) the nature and frequency of an establishment's processing operations; (2) the adequacy and reliability of its product monitoring system; (3) its compliance history; and (4) other factors as the Secretary deems appropriate. Title II: Poultry Products Inspection Act Amendments - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to set forth similar inspection factors as established in title I of this Act. Title III: Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments - Amends the Egg Products Inspection Act to set forth similar inspection factors as established in title I of this Act. Reduces the required number of annual egg shell surveillance visits from four to one. Title IV: Inspection Requirements - States that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary to require any establishment to participate in a total plant quality-control program as a prerequisite to inspection under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, or the Egg Products Inspection Act. Title V: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall become effective on enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to extend medical benefits to a former spouse who was married at least 20 years to a member with at least 20 years of service when a minimum of ten years rather than 20 years of such marriage and service coincide. Repeals the requirements that the former spouse be unmarried and have no medical coverage under an employee-sponsored health plan. Grants medical benefits to a former spouse who has a disease or disability attributable to the nature or location of a member's or former member's military service. Limits the health care available to such former spouses to that necessary for the treatment of such a disease or disability. Applies this Act to all eligible former spouses, regardless of the date of divorce.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the executive branch should begin to coordinate and improve its projections and analysis of world population, resources, and environmental trends as outlined in the Global 2000 study.
![Official portrait of Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000072_200.jpg)