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United States · Official source
7,990 records where Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1983
Authorizes the President to proclaim March 1984 National Social Work Month.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Joint Research Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Attorney General to issue certificates of review to two or more persons to promote joint research and development programs. Directs the Attorney General to issue such a certificate for an applicant whose application: (1) specifies conduct which is limited to a research and development program and which does not violate Federal antitrust laws; and (2) contains any other information the Attorney General requires. Requires that such a certificate specify: (1) the conduct to which it applies; (2) the participating business entities; and (3) any conditions applicable to such conduct. Directs certificate recipients to notify the Attorney General of any change in conduct or business entities. Permits such recipient to apply to amend such certificate. Directs the Attorney General to modify or revoke a certificate, after providing 30 days notice, upon determining that conduct allowed under the certificate violates antitrust laws. Authorizes the certificate holders to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. district court to set aside such determination. Precludes any other judicial review of any determination by the Attorney General concerning the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a certificate. Declares that any such determination is inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding in support of any claim under the antitrust laws. Exempts any certificate holder from criminal or civil action or liability for threatened loss or damage for a violation of Federal antitrust laws or similar State laws if: (1) the violation arises from conduct specified in the certificate; and (2) the certificate is in effect at the time the conduct occurs. Awards a certificate holder the cost of defending against a claim for damages resulting from a violation of antitrust laws if the court finds that: (1) the conduct alleged to violate such laws does not; (2) the conduct is specified in the certificate; and (3) the certificate was effective at the time. Declares that a certificate shall have no legal effect on the authority of a court to grant equitable relief in an action for an antitrust violation against a certificate holder. Exempts information submitted by a person in connection with the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a certificate from the Freedom of Information Act. Specifies conditions for the disclosure of such information. Allows the Attorney General to issue guidelines describing the types of conduct that would and would not qualify for a certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Child Care Information and Referral Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, to establish a grant program to assist public or private nonprofit organizations in the establishment or operation of community-based child care information and referral centers. Sets forth grant application requirements. Limits the duration and amount of grants to a center. Sets reporting requirements for centers receiving such grants. Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1983
Designates the week beginning June 19, 1983, as National Children's Liver Disease Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a specially struck gold medal to the widow of Roy Wilkins. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to coin and sell bronze duplicates of such medal. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1983
Designates October 15, 1983, National Poetry Day.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1983
Designates the year of 1983 as the Wagner-Peyser Fiftieth Anniversary Year.
United States · United States Congress · 19 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 · 19 May 1983
Amends the Revenue Act of 1978 to make permanent the exclusion from gross income of national research service awards received from the Public Health Service.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Designates August 3, 1983, as National Paralyzed Veterans Recognition Day.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Urges the authorities in Taiwan to continue democratic progress and end martial law in order to establish a more democratic society.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Requires the Attorney General and all other appropriate Federal agencies and officials to enforce the antitrust laws, including the prohibition against vertical price restraints. Directs such officials and agencies to cease propounding arguments in court designed to weaken such prohibition, and to submit to Congress proposed legislation to make any desired changes in such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for renewable energy sources for five years from 1985 to 1990. Increases from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990. Extends such credits for hydroelectric generating property and biomass property for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reestablishes the credit for congeneration property until 1990. Qualifies until 1995 affirmative commitments for solar, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, and cogeneration projects begun by December 31, 1990. Eliminates the 20 percent limitation for oil and natural gas used in cogeneration facilities. Allows the regular investment tax credit percentage with respect to certain energy property even if such property is a structural component of a building. Qualifies as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Revises the definition of geothermal deposit to lower the required temperature to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. (Present regulations require a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Designates the week of October 16 through October 22, 1983, as Lupus Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that regulations relating to title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (concerning sex discrimination in education) should not be amended in any manner which will lessen the comprehensive coverage of such title in eliminating gender discrimination throughout the American educational system.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Expresses the support of the Senate for Lebanon's and Israel's agreement on arrangements for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Calls upon other nations to work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon. Emphasizes the need of all nations to recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon. Urges Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the arrangements for the withdrawal of their forces from Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1983
Education for Economic Security Act - Title I: National Science Foundation Mathematics and Science Programs - Part A: Teacher Institutes - Authorizes the National Science Foundation (the Foundation) to make grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education, applying jointly, for teacher institutes to enhance the subject matter skills of public and private elementary and secondary school teachers of mathematics and physical and life sciences. Sets forth application requirements for such grants. Directs the Director of the Foundation: (1) to assure an equitable distribution of such institutes among and within States; and (2) award at least one institute in each State. Limits any such grant to a single applicant to $200,000 in any fiscal year. Permits such institutes to involve the cooperation of advance technology and other businesses able to assist in mathematics and science teaching. Directs the Foundation to ensure that consideration is given to applications designed to meet the needs of underrepresented and underserved populations. Part B: Mathematics and Science Education Development Programs - Authorizes the Foundation to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education or LEAs for programs and materials for: (1) training, retraining, and inservice training of elementary and secondary school teachers in the fields of mathematics and science, including physical and life sciences; and (2) elementary and secondary school courses of study in such fields. Sets forth application requirements for grants and cooperative agreements under this part. Directs the Foundation to ensure that consideration is given to applications designed to meet the needs of underrepresented and underserved populations. Part C: Science and Mathematics Excellence in Teaching Awards - Authorizes the Foundation to make excellence in teaching mathematics and science awards of $5,000 each to elementary and secondary school teachers. Directs the Foundation to adopt selection procedures designed to assure that such awards will be equitably distributed among the States. Sets forth application requirements for such awards. Part D: Congressional Merit Scholarships - Congressional Merit Scholarships in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education - Authorizes the Foundation to award scholarships to individuals enrolled at institutions of higher education 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: (1) four academic years at any institution of higher education offering educational activities designed to prepare individuals for such careers; and (2) periods of study commencing not sooner than the third undergraduate year. Requires such individuals to concentrate, at the undergraduate level, in: (1) mathematics or science, and indicate a serious intent to teach such subject at the elementary or secondary school level; or (2) engineering, and indicate a serious intent to teach such subject at the postsecondary level, in an engineering discipline which the Foundation has determined a shortage of qualified teachers. Authorizes the Foundation to establish criteria for the selection of merit scholars. Limits the number of scholars selected to two times the number of Members of Congress from 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 two years for each academic year in which the scholarship is received. Sets each merit scholarship award at $5,000 for each academic year of study. Conditions scholarship payment upon the student's maintaining satisfactory progress and full-time study. Authorizes the Foundation to require reports on student progress. Part E: Discretionary Funds of the Director - Authorizes the Director of the Foundation, from funds available for this part, to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, any public agency or any private organization to carry out any activity authorized by this title. Authorizes the Director to conduct directly or by grant or contract: (1) a faculty exchange program between institutions of higher education (particularly institutions having established and nationally recognized research facilities) and eligible institutions; and (2) programs of national significance promoting the improvement of instruction in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering. (Defines "eligible institutions," for such purposes, as institutions of higher education which demonstrate a commitment to meet the special educational needs of students who are members of a minority group or who are economically or educationally disadvantaged and which: (1) have an enrollment which includes a substantial percentage of such students; or (2) are located in a community that is not within commuting distance of a major institution of higher education.) Part F: General Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions granting the Foundation specified powers to carry out this title. Directs the Foundation to report annually to the President and the Congress on its operations under this title. Makes specified provisions under title II of this Act relating to participation of children and teachers from private schools applicable to payments under this title. Applies to programs under this part specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act prohibiting Federal control of education. Authorizes appropriations to carry out: (1) part A for FY 1984 and 1985; (2) part B for FY 1985; (3) part D for FY 1984 and 1985; (4) parts C and E for FY 1985; and (5) the graduate fellowship program under the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 for FY 1984 and 1985. Title II: Education for Economic Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States and discretionary grants to strengthen teacher skills and instruction in mathematics, science, computer learning, and foreign languages. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to reserve ten percent of such appropriations for discretionary grants of national significance. Directs the Secretary to allot to each State from 90 percent of such appropriations for each fiscal year an amount based on the relative number of children aged five through 17 in such State. Provides that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for any fiscal year. Provides for reallotments, based on the Secretary's estimates, of sums exceeding a State's needs. Authorizes additional appropriations for allotment to: (1) Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior for programs in schools operated for Indian children. Apportions 70 percent of each State's allotment to elementary and secondary education programs and 30 percent to higher education programs. Sets forth requirements for the State education agency (SEA) distribution of such funds for elementary and secondary education programs to local education agencies (LEAs) based on public and private school enrollment and on public school enrollment of children from families below the poverty level. Sets forth the uses for which specified portions of such elementary funds are to be put, including: (1) inservice training of teachers, including vocational educational teachers, and other appropriate school personnel in the fields of mathematics and science; (2) computer learning and instruction, foreign language instruction, and instructional materials and equipment related to mathematics and science instruction; (3) purchase of computer and computer-related instructional equipment; (4) strengthening instruction in foreign languages; (5) SEA demonstration and exemplary programs, including special projects for historically underrepresented and underserved populations (females, minorities, handicapped individuals, individuals with limited English proficiency, and migrant students) and for gifted and talented students (including magnet schools for such students); (6) SEA technical assistance to LEAs, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations, including museums, libraries, and educational television stations in conducting programs for mathematics, science, languages, and computer learning; and (7) State assessment and administrative costs. Sets forth requirements for distribution of funds for higher education programs by State agencies for higher education. Requires that at least 75 percent of such funds be used for grants to private and public institutions of higher education for: (1) traineeship programs for new teachers who will specialize in teaching secondary school mathematics and science; (2) retraining secondary school teachers with other specialties to specialize in teaching mathematics, science, or computer learning (including providing stipends for participation in institutes under title I); and (3) inservice training for elementary, secondary, and vocational school teachers, and other appropriate school personnel to improve teaching skills in mathematics, science, and computer learning (including providing stipends for participation in institutes under title I). Requires each grant recipient to: (1) consider the needs of historically underrepresented and underserved groups and the gifted and talented; and (2) enter into an agreement with an LEA or LEA consortium to provide inservice training and retraining for elementary and secondary school teachers in the public and private schools of the LEA school district. Requires that the State agency for higher education use at least 20 percent of such funds for cooperative programs among institutions of higher education, LEAs, SEAs, private industry, and private nonprofit organizations, including museums, libraries, educational television stations, and professional mathematics, science, and engineering societies, for projects to improve student understanding and performance in science, mathematics, and critical foreign languages. Permits the State agency for higher education to use up to five percent of such funds for State assessment and administrative costs. Requires each State desiring to receive grants under this title to submit to the Secretary, within the first year for which such funds are available, an assessment of the status of mathematics, science, foreign language, and computer learning within the State. Sets forth requirements relating to such assessments. Sets forth requirements for State applications for funds under this title. Sets forth requirements for assessments by LEAs. Sets forth provisions for participation of children and teachers from private schools in programs under this title. Sets forth requirements for the use of the ten percent of appropriations for this title reserved in the Secretary's discretionary fund for programs of national significance. Directs the Secretary, from 75 percent of such funds, to make to SEAs and LEAs, institutions of higher education, and private nonprofit organizations for programs of national significance in mathematics and science instruction, computer learning, and foreign language instruction in critical languages. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to assistance for: (1) magnet schools for gifted and talented students; and (2) special services to historically underserved and underrepresented populations in the fields of mathematics and science. Directs the Secretary to reserve a specified amount from such grant funds for the Director of the National Institute of Education to conduct evaluation and research. Directs the Secretary, from 25 percent of such funds, to make grants to institutions of higher education for instruction in critical foreign languages. Directs the Secretary to: (1) consult with the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Health and Human Services, and the Director of the National Science Foundation in determining which languages are critical to national security, economic, and scientific needs; and (2) publish a list of such languages in the Federal Register. Sets forth provisions for payments for programs under this title. Title III: National Science Foundation Program for Partnerships in Education for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering - Partnerships in Education for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Act - Authorizes the National Science Foundation to make grants to States to pay the Federal share of the costs of specified higher education programs and activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 and 1985 to carry out this title. Sets forth authorized activities for which States may use partnership in education program grants. Includes among authorized higher education partnership programs: (1) improvement of postsecondary instruction in mathematics, science, computer science, and engineering; (2) scholarships for students in such fields; (3) faculty exchange programs by institutions of higher education and businesses within the State; (4) research in such fields; (5) instructional equipment for such fields; and (6) promotion of public understanding of science, mathematics, and computer science. Includes among authorized elementary and secondary school partnership programs (to be carried out by LEAs): (1) exchange programs between teachers of mathematics, science, or computer science and personnel of local businesses; (2) training and retraining of teachers in such fields under cooperative arrangements between State or LEAs and appropriate businesses; and (3) secondary school student observation, participation, and work in local businesses. Permits both higher education and elementary and secondary school partnerships to include institutions of higher education, businesses, nonprofit private organizations, local educational agencies, professional mathematics and scientific associations, museums, libraries, educational television stations, and States. Sets forth requirements for State applications for grants under this title. Permits two or more States or a regional consortium of States to file a joint application. Sets forth requirements for applications by institutions of higher education and local educational agencies. Directs the Foundations to adopt approval procedures designed to assure equitable distribution of grants among the States. Makes specified provisions of title II of this Act relating to participation of children and teachers in private schools applicable to payments under this title. Sets the Federal share of the cost of programs under this title at 50 percent. Permits the non-Federal share of such costs to be in cash or inkind. Limits to 15 percent that portion of funds appropriated under this title in any fiscal year which may be paid to any single State. Title IV: Presidential Awards for Teaching Excellence in Mathematics and Science - Authorizes the President to make Presidential Awards for Teaching Excellence in Mathematics and Science to secondary school teachers. Authorizes the making of 100 such awards annually. Directs the President to: (1) select for such awards at least one secondary school teacher from each of the several States, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (2) carry out this title, including the establishment of selection procedures, after consultation with the Secretary of Education, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and other appropriate officials of Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
Magnetohydrodynamics Research, Development and Demonstration Policy Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct research and development which will clarify the scientific and technical issues that directly affect the development and commercial acceptance of magnetohydrodynamic technology (technology for the production of electricity from coal). Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for the magnetohydrodynamic research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act and to transmit such program to Congress. Directs the Secretary to enter into international cooperative agreements to conduct magnetohydrodynamic research and development. Requires the Secretary to offer to enter into an agreement with the owner of an existing, coal-fired, electric powerplant and other appropriate parties for a proof of concept demonstration of magnetohydrodynamic technology with respect to such powerplant. Provides that the parties to such agreement shall be selected on the basis of competitive bids. Requires the establishment of a Technical Review Panel for Magnetohydrodynamics which shall make recommendations to the Energy Research Advisory Board with respect to the magnetohydrodynamics research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act. Requires that the Panel's report be transmitted to the Secretary and Congress. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress annually on activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1983
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act - Establishes the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as a charitable and nonprofit corporation which is not an agency or establishment of the United States. States that the purposes of the Foundation are: (1) to encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of property for the benefit of, or in connection with, the activities of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and (2) to conduct such other activities as will further the conservation and management of the fish and wildlife resources of the United States. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) the Board of Directors of the Foundation; (2) the rights and obligations of the Foundation; (3) tax-exempt status; (4) volunteers; (5) audits and reports; and (6) petition of the Attorney General for equitable relief. Releases the United States from liability for any debts, acts, or omissions of the Foundation. States that the right to repeal, alter, or amend this Act at any time is expressly reserved to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Emergency School Aid Extension Act of 1983 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to reestablish the Emergency School Aid Act as title VI of ESEA. Makes the emergency school aid program a categorical grant program to assist public school desegregation. Authorizes appropriations for the emergency school aid program for FY 1984 through 1987. Amends the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 to delete references to the emergency school aid program under the block grant provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Authorizes the erection of a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia, or its environs, in honor and commemoration of members of the armed forces who served in the Korean war. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to select, with the approval of the National Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, a suitable site on public grounds for such memorial. Subjects the design and any plans for the memorial to the approval of the Secretary, the National Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Declares that no moneys belonging to the United States or the District of Columbia shall be expended for the erection of such memorial. Authorizes appropriations for site acquisition and preparation in the event nonpublic land is selected for the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should seek a consensus at the Williamsburg Summit, aimed at: (1) reducing disparities in certain financial rates and economic policies among summit countries; and (2) arranging a meeting of summit country finance ministers with the Secretary of the Treasury, to achieve an alignment between the interest rates and major currencies. Urges the President to arrange, in conjunction with the Williamsburg Summit, bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Japan to bring about further realignment of the yen and dollar exchange rates.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the age for drinking and purchasing alcoholic beverages should be raised to 21 in all States where the drinking age is lower.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1983 - Enacts into law the short titles "Civil Rights Act of 1968" and "Fair Housing Act". Amends the Fair Housing Act to expand the definition of "discriminatory housing practice" to include any violation under such Act (thus codifying case law which holds that the obligation of Federal agencies to administer programs affirmatively to further the purposes of fair housing and the prohibition against interference with rights under the Act are separately actionable). Adds new definitions of "handicap", "aggrieved person" and "familial status." Excludes from the meaning of "handicap" any impairment consisting of alcohol or drug abuse or which would be a direct threat to the property or safety of others. Defines "familial status" as one or more minors being domiciled with their parent or guardian. Retains the two current exemptions from the prohibition against the discriminatory sale or rental of housing which are given to: (1) an owner of three or less single-family houses; and (2) the owner of a dwelling consisting of four or fewer family units who also resides in such dwelling (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption). Makes it unlawful to: (1) refuse to sell or rent to a handicapped person unless such handicap would prevent a prospective occupant from conforming to specified non-discrimination rules and practices; and (2) discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Includes within such discrimination a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modifications to permit access to the premises (but only if a renter agrees to restore the premises to their original condition); and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. States that such discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) make modifications which would unreasonably inconvenience others; and (3) allow architectural modifications which materially decrease the value of a building or alter its intended use. Prohibits discrimination against families with children. Makes it unlawful for an insurer to discriminate in the provision or terms of insurance against hazards to a dwelling because of the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, national origin or familial status of persons owning or residing in or near the dwelling. Adds handicapped persons as a protected class under other existing prohibitions on discriminatory activities. Modifies the housing financing discrimination provision to prescribe all conduct which denies or "otherwise makes unavailable" financial assistance because of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin, or familial status. Includes with such prohibition persons in the business of selling, brokering, or appraising real property. States that nothing in this Act is to be construed to defeat any reasonable local, State or Federal restrictions on the maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a dwelling unit. Provides that familial status does not apply to any State or Federal programs aimed at assisting elderly persons. Establishes the Fair Housing Review Commission, composed of three members appointed by the President for staggered six-year terms. Stipulates that no more than two members may be of the same political party. Directs the Commission to: (1) appoint administrative law judges and other employees as necessary to carry out its functions; (2) promulgate a code of ethics to assure the independence of such judges; (3) promulgate rules of discovery for its proceedings consistent insofar as practicable with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; and (4) consider appeals from the proposed orders of the administrative law judges upon application of a party. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the executive departments and agencies which are currently required to administer their housing programs in an affirmative manner. Authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial as well as technical assistance to public and private organizations seeking to remedy housing discrimination. Establishes a new administrative enforcement procedure within the Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the current enforcement provisions of title VIII (allowing civil actions by private parties and the Attorney General). Directs the Secretary to make an investigation of all alleged discriminatory housing practice on his or her own initiative or upon the filing of a charge by an aggrieved person within one year of the alleged discrimination. Requires the Secretary to attempt to correct the discriminatory practice by informal methods of conciliation. Requires the Secretary, if the aggrieved person and respondent consent to binding arbitration, to refer the charge to an arbitrator made available by the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. Continues the current authority of the Secretary to utilize discovery measures. Retains the current penalty for failing to produce information (up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year's imprisonment). Makes certain changes in the current requirements for referring charges to State or local agencies for investigation and enforcement. Specifies, with respect to the rights and remedies provided by such agencies, the elements of "substantial equivalency which permit certification and referrals of discrimination charges. Eliminates the Secretary's authority to recall referrals in the interest of justice or to protect the rights of the parties. Prohibits further action by the Secretary unless the agency fails to act in a timely fashion (current law gives the agency 30 days to commence proceedings). Requires the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate to avoid duplication of their housing discrimination authority. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to permit other agencies to carry out such responsibilities within their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with specified Federal agencies for such purpose with respect to depository institutions. Permits an action for temporary or preliminary relief to be brought on behalf of the Secretary in accordance with rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure when the Secretary establishes that voluntary compliance is unobtainable and prompt judicial action is necessary. Permits the Secretary to file an administrative complaint or refer the matter to the Attorney General for civil action if the investigation supports a finding of reasonable cause, except with respect to matters involving land use controls, which must be referred. Specifies the hearing procedures to be utilized if an administrative complaint is issued. Permits the administrative law judge to award appropriate relief and a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Permits the filing of a position for judicial review of a final order in an appropriate court of appeals within 60 days after entry of such order. Provides that the findings of fact shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence in the record considered as a whole. Authorizes the administrative law judge to assess civil penalties for noncompliance with a final administrative order. Makes certain revisions in the private right of action for aggrieved persons under the Fair Housing Act. Extends the statute of limitations from 180 days to two years. Disallows simultaneous administrative and judicial proceedings involving the same charge. Permits the Attorney General to intervene upon certification that the civil action is of general public importance. Continues the current provision permitting the appointment of counsel. Removes the existing $1,000 limit on punitive damages for willful violations. Continues the authority of the Attorney General to initiate civil actions where there is reasonable cause to believe that a pattern or practice of resistance to title VIII rights has occurred. Permits the intervention of aggrieved persons in such actions. Permits the award of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to prevailing parties in court and administrative proceedings (current law permits an award of attorney's fees only to prevailing parties who are financially unable to assume them). Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, upon determining that a health emergency exists, to make grants and enter into contracts for research into its cause, treatment, or prevention. Establishes in the Treasury a Public Health Emergency Fund for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984, and for subsequent years such sums as necessary to have $40,000,000 in the Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 8 to June 19, 1983, as Family Reunion Month.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1983
Recognizes the week of May 8 through May 14, 1983, as Small Business Week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1983
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1983 - Extends copyright protection to mask works. Defines a mask work as a series of related images: (1) having the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern of metallic, insulating, or semiconductor material present or removed from the layers of a semiconductor chip product; and (2) in which the relation of the images to one another is that each image has the pattern of the surface of one form of the chip product. Excludes masks and mask works from the pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works categories. Sets forth the exclusive rights the owner of copyright holds, including the right to: (1) embody the mask work in a mask, a two- dimensional partially transparent and opaque sheet; (2) distribute a mask embodying the mask work; (3) reproduce such work on material intended to be part of the semiconductor chip product; and (4) manufacture and distribute semiconductor chip products incorporating such masks. Sets forth limitations on such exclusive rights, including compulsory licensing, as specified. Sets the copyright term for masks at ten years from first authorized distribution, use, or manufacture. Excludes an innocent purchaser in good faith of a semiconductor chip product from infringement liability. Permits the impoundment and seizure of masks made or used in violation of the copyright owner's exclusive rights.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
States that: (1) Congress rejects President Reagan's proposals for Medicare cuts in his 1984 budget because they put an unfair burden on beneficiaries; and (2) the appropriate committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives should study and make recommendations concerning how the solvency of the Medicare program can be assured by constraining medical care costs and making other changes affecting the program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Operational Testing and Evaluation Act of 1983 - Establishes in the Department of Defense a Civilian Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires such Director to perform all duties relating to operational testing and evaluation in the Department. Requires such Director to advise and report directly to the Secretary of Defense. Grants such Director access to all necessary Department records. Permits the Director to require observers to be present during testing. Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to report all testing results to the Director. Requires the Director to respond to congressional requests for information. Prohibits the obligation of funds for operational testing without the advance approval of the Secretary. Directs the President to request separate budget authority for the Director's activities. Grants the Comptroller General access to all records of the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1983
Makes the Select Committee on Indian Affairs a permanent committee of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1983
Health Care for Unemployed Workers Act of 1983 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to States to provide health insurance or health care benefits to eligible unemployed workers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1986. Bases State allotments on specified categories of unemployed persons. Permits reallotment of unused funds among States. Permits States to charge participants (premiums and deductibles) up to five percent of their unemployment compensation. Requires participating States to submit an annual application, with required public hearings on funds use and distribution after the first year of participation. Permits States to design such health programs but specifies certain program requirements. Requires an annual report to the Secretary. Provides grants to hospitals and health care facilities serving medically underserved populations or areas of high unemployment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding participating facilities by December 31, 1984. Requires private and public employer-provided health plans to contain an open enrollment period of at least 30 days for spouses of unemployed workers. Exempts from such requirement plans of employers who employ less than 25 employees. Provides civil penalties for noncompliance and specified PHSA fund-cutoffs for State noncompliance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Grants a Federal charter to the organization known as the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, Incorporated.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise: (1) the criteria under the category "Mental Disorders" in the "Listing of Impairments" in effect under part 404 of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations which are used to make individualized determinations of disability for purposes of determining eligibility for disability benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act; and (2) the methods and procedures for assessing the residual functional capacity of individuals having mental impairments. Requires the Secretary to appoint a panel of outside experts to make recommendations with respect to such revisions. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from carrying out continuing eligibility reviews with respect to individuals previously determined to be under a disability due to mental impairment until such revisions have been established by final regulation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in any case involving fraud or where an individual is engaged in substantial gainful activity. Sets forth requirements for the redetermination of disability determinations made after the enactment of this Act and before the date on which the Secretary's revisions are established by final regulation. Amends titles II and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to require that a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist complete the medical portion of the sequential evaluation and residual functional capacity assessment in cases where an individual alleges to be under a disability due to a severe mental impairment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should reduce the percentage of the American apparel market occupied by imports to 25 percent.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1983 - Requires appointees to the Legal Services Corporation's Board of Directors (the Board) to: (1) support the principle of providing low-income individuals equal access under the law to comprehensive legal services; (2) have participated in organizations concerned with providing legal services to the poor; or (3) have directly provided such services themselves. States that eligible client nominees to the Board must have been eligible to receive legal assistance under this Act before such nomination. Sets quorum requirements for Board meetings. States that six Board members, including at least one eligible client member, shall constitute a quorum at Board meetings. Delineates conditions under which action suits may be brought against government entities. Directs the Corporation to: (1) provide funds each fiscal year to compensate private attorneys who render legal services to eligible clients; and (2) allow recipients to use Corporation funds to pay for communications intended to influence decisions by government entities or elected officials when such communications are made in response to requests by such entities or officials. Repeals authority for a comprehensive, independent study to determine: (1) alternative methods of delivering legal services; and (2) if specified groups have difficulty gaining access to legal services. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through FY 1986. Sets forth formulae to insure that funding for current grantees and contractors is maintained at previous fiscal year levels whenever the Board contains fewer than six members qualified as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make an inventory of existing research and extension materials and recommend further areas of research regarding crop rotation, intercropping, biological pest control, and other related farming and soil conservation systems; and (2) make such information available to the public. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on 12 pilot farms (having specified mixes of livestock and crops) to examine the effects of the transition from practices relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and traditional soil tillage to systems relying on organic and biological pest control, crop rotation, and conservation tillage. Requires such farms to be chosen within 120 days. Directs the Secretary to make a parallel study of 12 farms which have been using such farm systems for at least five years. Sets the term of such projects at five years each. Sets forth on-farm study data, including soil profile changes, crop yields, energy and water use, and farm income. Directs the Secretary to make payments to the owner of a pilot farm if the Secretary determines such payments are justified. Stipulates that these payments may be made only during a project's last four years. Directs the Secretary to coordinate such pilot farms project with specified Federal and State agricultural services, colleges, and farmers. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) within 15 months regarding the information inventory; and (2) by April 1 of each year from 1985 through 1988 regarding the pilot farms, with a final project summary and recommendations by April 1, 1989. Provides for a five-year program of intercropping assistance under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. Authorizes ceilinged appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Amends the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act to extend coverage to American art work while on exhibition outside the United States whether or not such exhibition is part of a cultural exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Designates April 24, 1984, as a day of remembrance for all victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who died between 1915 and 1923.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shall be maintained as a scientifically sound Federal institution to safeguard the American people's interest in the oceans and atmosphere. Expresses the sense of the Senate that NOAA's institutional integrity should be preserved through comprehensive authorization legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Declares that the Senate deplores the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon. Urges specified Federal officials to hold memorial or other commemorative ceremonies to honor the victims of the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should proceed with the sale and delivery of F-16 aircraft to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1983
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to prohibit the awarding of Federal contracts to persons who have violated certain judicial orders or orders issued by the National Labor Relations Board. Limits the period of such ban to not more than three years after the Secretary has certified the identify of such person to the Comptroller General. Permits the awarding of Federal contracts to such person during the period of the ban if the Federal agency or department, after notice and opportunity for hearing to all interested parties, certifies to the Secretary that there is no other source for the material or services furnished by such person.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Designates June 12, 1983 through June 18, 1983, as National Brick Week.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Designates October 16, 1983, as World Food Day.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1983
Designates November 1983 as National Alzheimer's Disease Month.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Natural Gas Consumer Relief Act - Title I: Contracting and Marketing Practices - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to declare a take-or-pay clause of a pipeline contract to be against public policy and unenforceable for a three-year period: (1) to the extent that it requires a pipeline to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the pipeline has contracted to take; or (2) if such clause does not entitle a pipeline which makes a payment under such clause to take delivery of the gas during the one-year period beginning on the date of payments. Defines "take-or-pay clause" to mean any contract provision which requires payment for the minimum quantity of natural gas contracted for under the contract in the event the pipeline fails to take delivery. Permits a pipeline, in the case of a contract for the first sale of natural gas, to: (1) request the seller to renegotiate the contract; and (2) indicate that, if there is no renegotiation within 30 days of the request, the pipeline will exercise its market-out-option. Permits a pipeline exercising its market-out-option to refuse delivery without incurring an obligation to pay for any amount of natural gas contracted for if the pipeline in its sole discretion determines that it could not market the gas. Declares any indefinite price escalator clause applicable to the first sale of natural gas to be against public policy and unenforceable. Defines "indefinite price escalator clause" as any provision of any contract which provides for the establishment or adjustment of the price for natural gas delivered by reference to prices for natural gas, crude oil, or any other commodity. Prohibits a pipeline from passing through its costs if the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determines that the amount the pipeline paid was excessive due to imprudence. Declares any minimum commodity bill requirement applicable to any sale of natural gas by any interstate or intrastate pipeline to be against public policy and unenforceable: (1) to the extent that it requires the purchaser to make any payment with respect to natural gas in excess of 50 percent of the maximum annual volume the purchaser has contracted to take; or (2) if such requirement does not entitle a purchaser who makes a payment under such requirement to take delivery of the natural gas involved subsequent to the date of payment provided under the requirement. Directs FERC to order an interstate pipeline, upon application by a producer of natural gas or by a purchaser of natural gas from a producer, to carry natural gas, for a just and reasonable consideration, between the producer and purchaser if FERC finds that: (1) the pipeline has available capacity; (2) no undue burden would be placed upon such pipeline by reason of the order; (3) construction of new facilities would not be required; and (4) the order would not impair the ability of the pipeline to render adequate service to its other customers. Directs FERC to complete a rulemaking proceeding to issue standards for interstate pipeline tariffs. Directs FERC to require, by rule, a first-sale purchaser of natural gas to file a copy of the contract with FERC. Title II: Wellhead Price Provisions - Revises ceiling price provisions for natural gas. Provides that the ceiling price for categories other than high-cost gas shall be the August 1982 ceiling price multiplied by the monthly equivalent of the modified price adjustment factor. Defines the "modified price adjustment factor" for any month as the lower of: (1) 75 percent of the quarterly percent change in the GNP implicit price deflator (as defined in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978); or (2) the percent change in the energy index, computed and published as an annual rate by the Department of Labor, for the most recent month for which such percent change has been so published at least eight days before the beginning of the month for which the modified price adjustment factor is being calculated. Provides that for high-cost gas the maximum lawful price shall be prescribed by FERC at a rate which provides reasonable incentives for production, but may not exceed 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for categories of gas other than high-cost gas. Authorizes a higher price for high-cost gas in the case of wells the surface drilling of which commenced on or after April 7, 1983, if necessary to allow a reasonable return. Provides for an adjusted ceiling price for wells drilled on or after August 1, 1982, and before enactment. Repeals provisions permitting increases in the ceiling price of certain categories of natural gas if just and reasonable. Provides, as a general rule, that the maximum lawful price applies with respect to the recovery of all costs and profits associated with production and first-sale delivery of marketable natural gas. Prohibits the importation of natural gas if the first sale price in the United States of the gas exceeds 150 percent of the maximum lawful price for domestically produced gas. Directs the President to submit to Congress a report on the status of negotiations with Canada regarding modification of the border price for natural gas imported from Canada. Extends price controls and standby authority for two years beyond their present expiration dates.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan Amendments of 1983 - Requires the Federal employees service benefit health plan and the indemnity benefit plan to include, in addition to all types of benefits currently authorized: (1) nervous and mental disorder benefits; and (2) alcoholism and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits. Prohibits the Office of Personnel Management from contracting for or approving either such plan or any employee organization plan that does not provide for: (1) 50 outpatient visits and 60 inpatient days of nervous and mental disorder benefits; and (2) two 28-day alcoholism or substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation benefits for individuals who have not previously received such treatment. Provides that limits on nervous and mental disorder benefits under the service benefit plan and the indemnity benefit plan shall be exceeded on a case-by-case basis to the extent determined necessary and appropriate by an established peer review mechanism. Requires a specified percentage of such catastrophic benefits to be paid out of the Employees Health Benefits Fund. Earmarks for such payments whatever funds remain from one percent of all contributions to the Fund after deducting the expenses of administering the Federal employees health benefits program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Prohibits U.S. agencies from spending money to produce lethal binary chemical munitions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should continue and intensify efforts at the Disarmament Talks in Geneva to achieve with the Soviet Union a mutual and verifiable ban on the production and stockpiling of such munitions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Directs the President to designate June 12 through 18, 1983, as National Scleroderma Week.