United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Act - Establishes the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Jubilee Commission to plan, encourage, coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Directs the Commission to submit recommendations to Congress not later than October 1, 1985. Directs the President to recommend appropriate legislative and administrative actions. Requires the Commission to report annually to Congress on its activities, including an accounting of funds received and expended. Provides for cooperative efforts from Federal agencies and departments. Authorizes appropriations to remain available until November 15, 1992. Requires the Commission to make a final report to Congress no later than November 15, 1992, and terminates the Commission on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Directs that proceedings in the Senate Chamber be broadcast by radio and television: (1) in accordance with provisions of this resolution; (2) continuously when the Senate is in session (except when a closed door meeting is ordered); and (3) subject to certain provisions of the Standing Rules of the Senate pertaining to the Senate gallery. Requires that broadcasts be supervised and operated by the Senate and made available on a live basis and free of charge to specified entities. Requires the television broadcasts to follow the Presiding Officer and Senators who are recognized to speak. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to provide for the construction and acquisition of broadcasting facilities and equipment. Sets forth duties of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate with respect to the operation and maintenance of such equipment and the disposition of audio and video tape recordings. Directs the Librarian of Congress and the Archivist of the United States to receive, store, and make such recordings available to the public at no cost for viewing or listening on the premises. Authorizes the charging of a fee equal to the cost involved through distribution of taped copies. Provides for a test period of Senate broadcasting equipment. Prohibits the use of tape duplications of broadcast coverage for political or commercial purposes. Requires that changes in regulations made by this resolution be made only by Senate resolution. Authorizes expenditures, limited to a specified amount, to carry out this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1983
Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from transferring the ownership or management of any civil land remote sensing space satellite system until a comprehensive plan for such a transfer is approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, from March 1, 1983, through February 29, 1984, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel; and (4) procure consultant services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Elects to the Joint Committee on Printing: Mr. Mathias, of Maryland, Mr. Hatfield, of Oregon, Mr. Baker, of Tennessee, Mr. Ford, of Kentucky, and Mr. Pell, of Rhode Island. Elects to the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library: Mr. Mathias, of Maryland, Mr. Hatfield, of Oregon, Mr. Warner, of Virginia, Mr. Inouye, of Hawaii, and Mr. DeConcini, of Arizona.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
Directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to prepare a revised edition of S. Doc. 97-10, entitled "Standing Rules of the Senate." Authorizes the printing of such rules as a Senate document, including additional copies for the use of the Committee on Rules and Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Prohibits the Administrator of General Services from disposing of certain real property at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
States that the President should, at the earliest possible date: (1) request Senate consent to ratification of the Threshold Test Ban and Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaties; and (2) resume trilateral test ban treaty negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority (D83-43) relating to economic development assistance programs, transmitted by the President to Congress on February 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should invite negotiations with the Soviet Union on limiting antisatellite weapons. Urges that the negotiations restrict the deployment of hazardous objects and materials. Declares that the President should not agree to any provision that would restrict development and operation of the Space Shuttle or impede legitimate activities permitted under the SALT I ABM Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Amends the National Housing Act to exempt comortgagors participating in shared equity condominium mortgages from the prohibition against any person owning more than four condominium units the mortgages of which are insured under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, through the Government National Mortgage Association, to assist low and moderate income families in acquiring a home or membership in a cooperative housing project by making interest reduction payments to mortgagees and lenders on behalf of such families for not more than 12 years. Declares that the amount of all such payments shall constitute a second lien on the housing and shall be repayable when: (1) the housing is sold or otherwise disposed of; (2) the first mortgage or loan is refinanced; or (3) the housing ceases to be the principal residence of the mortgagor or borrower. Sets the amount of such payments as the lesser of: (1) the difference between the monthly payment required under the mortgage or loan and the monthly payment that would be required if the loan or mortgage were to bear seven percent interest; or (2) the difference between the monthly payment required under the mortgage or loan and 25 percent of the borrower's family income. Requires a mortgage or loan to be insured by the Secretary in order to be eligible for interest reduction payments. Lists conditions for insurability including requirements that the loan or mortgage: (1) be executed by a first-time homebuyer who has paid at least five percent of the purchase price and whose income did not exceed $30,000 during the preceding year; and (2) be amortized over 30 years with loan or mortgage payments increased by five percent each year until the interest reduction payment is eliminated except for any year following a year in which the mortgagor's family income has decreased. Declares that any insured loan or mortgage shall be eligible for purchase by the Federal National Mortage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress annually on yearly commitments for interest reduction payments, the number and income of assisted families, and the acceptability of assisted loans and mortgages on the secondary market.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Authorizes the Commission on Arts and Antiquities of the Senate (the Commission) to provide for the design and sculpture of a marble bust of Carl Hayden. Authorizes the Commission to accept such bust and to place it in an appropriate location. Authorizes until December 31, 1983, the solicitation and acceptance of gifts to carry out this resolution. Provides funds for the Commission's expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Provides that owners of fishing vessels exceeding ten net tons that are manned by a crew of ten or less will be exempt from Federal Unemployment Tax Act with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Housing Finance Opportunity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the continued issuance of mortgage revenue bonds after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Record Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular phonorecord of a sound recording from renting, leasing, or lending such recording for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Appalachian Transition Assistance Act of 1983 - Title I: - Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to add as a purpose of such Act the orderly transition from special Federal assistance to increased State, local, and private investment in Appalachian regional development. Authorizes appropriations to the President and the Appalachian Regional Commission through FY 1987. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1990 for the Appalachian development highway system. Increases the Federal share of specified construction costs of such system. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States and other entities to assist in: (1) the creation or retention of permanent private sector jobs; (2) aiding severely distressed and underdeveloped counties; and (3) providing reasonable access to primary health care for residents of the region. Specifies restrictions on funds authorized by this Act, including limiting the Federal share of any project approved under this Act (except highway systems) to 50 percent of its costs. Extends certain programs under such Act to October 1, 1987. Title II: - Recognition of the Appalachian Foundation - Provides for the congressional recognition of the Appalachian Foundation, provided that such Foundation shall not: (1) claim congressional approval or Federal authorization of its activities; or (2) lose its tax-exempt status. States the purposes of such Foundation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Justice Assistance Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Eliminates the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration including the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research, and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance (OJA), to be headed by a Director appointed by the President. Places the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics within the new Office of Justice Assistance. Replaces the formula grant program with "national priority implementation and replication programs," under which grants are authorized for programs which address critical problems of violent and serious crime and for programs which have been certified to be successful. Enumerates 15 criteria for the awarding of these grants. Limits the amount of grants that may be awarded annually within any State. Limits the Federal share of the new priority grant programs to a period of four years and includes a cash match requirement. Eliminates the current national priority grant program. Retains the discretionary grant program. Limits the purposes of discretionary grants to: (1) educational and training programs for criminal justice personnel; (2) the provision of technical assistance; and (3) national demonstration programs which are likely to be successful but unlikely to be funded. Establishes a Justice Assistance Board to: (1) recommend to the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Assistance funding and program priorities; (2) review and evaluate the activities of the OJA and Federal policies and priorities in justice assistance; and (3) coordinate its activities with the other justice advisory bodies. Retains the training and manpower development programs. Title II: Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance - Authorizes a State to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exists. Requires the Attorney General, in approving or disapproving such application, to consider: (1) the nature and extent of the crime problem; (2) the emergency or extraordinary circumstances; (3) the availability of State and local resources; (4) the need to avoid unnecessary Federal involvement in local concerns; and (5) alternative sources of assistance. Authorizes appropriations for law enforcement assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Home Recording Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes a single video recording of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or a single audio recording of a musical work or sound recording, in his or her private home solely for private household use. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of video and audio recording devices and media. Sets forth procedures for: (1) determining royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers; and (2) distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of audiovisual works included in television transmissions and musical works and sound recordings included in radio or television transmissions or distributed in the form of phonorecords. Provides for the determination of royalty fees by: (1) voluntary negotiation between importers and manufacturers and representatives of copyright owners; or (2) compulsory arbitration when a voluntary agreement is not reached. Specifies criteria to be considered by an arbitration board in determining royalty fees. Authorizes the Register of Copyrights to confirm fees determined under arbitration or, under specified circumstances, to deny such fees and initiate new arbitration proceedings. Provides for the judicial review of the Register's decision. Requires royalty fees to be redetermined every three years. Sets forth penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Consumer Video Sales/Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work from renting, leasing, or lending such copy for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Establishes the Presidential Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution. Requires the Commission to: (1) plan and develop appropriate activities to commemorate the bicentennial of the Constitution; (2) encourage private organizations, and State and local governments to organize and participate in bicentennial activities; (3) coordinate activities throughout all the States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of bicentennial information. Directs the Commission to seek assistance from private and governmental agencies and organizations. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its recommendations to the President, Congress and the Judicial Conference within two years of enactment of this Act and annually until its termination. Terminates the Commission on December 31, 1989. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and such sums as necessary through FY 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
American Conservation Corps Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish and administer a public lands conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement program called the American Conservation Corps. Requires the Secretary to provide assistance to program agencies (any Federal or State agency responsible for the management of public lands) to establish and operate residential and nonresidential conservation centers to implement program projects. Describes the types of projects which will receive program preference. Limits program projects to those on public lands or Indian lands, except where projects on nonpublic lands provide documented public benefits. Sets forth requirements for establishing conservation centers and eligibility criteria for enrollees in the program. Makes persons eligible for enrollment and employment in the program if they are: (1) unemployed; (2) between the ages of 16 and 25 years; and (3) citizens, lawful permanent residents, or lawfully admitted alien parolees or refugees. Provides that in the selection of enrollees for the program, preference shall be given to economically, socially, physically, and educationally disadvantaged youth and youth residing in areas having substantial unemployment. Requires program agencies to provide services, facilities, supplies, and equipment for conservation centers as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to, or enter into agreements with, program agencies for the funding and operation of conservation centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1989. Requires that such appropriations come from specified Treasury receipts. States that program enrollees shall not be deemed Federal employees, except for certain purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish pay rates and to coordinate the program with related Federal, State, local, and private activities. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress, within one year of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of allowing enrollees who have completed two years in the program an exemption from training and service under the Military Selective Service Act. Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with educational institutions to award academic credit to enrollees for competencies developed under this Act. Authorizes program agencies to make arrangements with such institutions for academic study by enrollees during nonworking hours. Requires program agencies to provide certification of skills acquired by program participants and to provide job guidance and placement information as necessary. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and Congress detailing the activities carried out under this Act. Entitles to an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any Federal employee displaced rightly or wrongly by activities under this Act. Grants similar appeal rights to the employees of any contract grantee similarly displaced.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Unfair Foreign Competition Act of 1983 - Amends the Clayton Act to include within the definition of "antitrust laws" for purposes of such Act the Unfair Competition Act. Amends the Unfair Competition Act to prohibit the importation or sale of articles from a foreign country in the United States at a price below the actual market value, wholesale price, or constructed value price of such articles if the sale of such articles would or does: (1) injure U.S. labor or industry; (2) prevent the establishment of an industry in the United States; or (3) restrain or monopolize trade of such articles in the United States. (Currently, such importation or sale is prohibited only if the person importing or selling intends to cause such injury, prevention, restraint, or monopoly.) Increases from $5,000 to $50,000 the maximum fine for violating such prohibition. Authorizes a U.S. district court before which a proceeding on such a violation is pending to: (1) subpoena any parties whether or not they reside within the court's district; and (2) enjoin the importation or distribution in interstate commerce by a defendant of the articles alleged to have been sold or imported in violation of the Unfair Competition Act if the defendant fails to comply
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Administrator of General Services to notify each State whenever surplus Federal real property within the State is available for disposition. Requires the Administrator to convey such property at reduced cost to a State or local government if such government, within a specified period, submits to the Administrator a State-approved plan for the use of such property for public park or public recreational purposes. Prohibits the approval or submission of a plan until the public is provided an opportunity to submit comments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Directs the United States Postal Service to issue, during the calendar year 1983, a commemorative postage stamp to honor the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Capital Gains Tax Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to decrease the holding period for capital gains tax treatment from one year to six months.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions requiring cost of living adjustments in the income tax rates which were to take effect in 1985. Sets the zero bracket amount at $3,200 for joint returns and surviving spouses, $2,200 for individuals, and $1,600 for married individuals filing separate returns. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, to eliminate the cost of living adjustment to the $1,000 personal tax exemption. Makes conforming changes in tax return requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that: (1) the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number is at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast; and (2) if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
States that the United States should propose negotiations with the Soviet Union on an advance notification and test reduction treaty that: (1) requires long-term advance notification to the other party of all nuclear and land-based intercontinental missile tests; (2) limits the number of such tests each year; and (3) seeks a reduction in the number of such tests each year to a zero level by the end of an agreed upon time.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1982
Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1982 - 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 series 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 · 18 December 1982
Joint Research and Development Ventures Act of 1982 - Allows U.S. firms to conduct cooperative research and development programs by establishing qualified joint research and development ventures which shall be exempt from the antitrust laws. Includes as a U.S. firm any entity controlled by foreign firms or citizens if their nation provides U.S. firms and citizens equivalent access to research and development efforts in that nation. States the requirements for qualified ventures, including: (1) the use of identical terms for the same levels of participation by firms; (2) the identification of each research and development program to be conducted, and the contributions required, for a firm's participation in each program; and (3) a finding by the Department of Commerce that the participation of any firm that accounts for a large specified percentage of worldwide industry sales of a product is critical to the program's success, is in the national interest, and will not directly affect future production of such product; and (4) the notification of the Attorney General and the Department of Commerce of the formation of a venture, the parties to the venture, the programs to be conducted, the participants in the programs, and agreements under the venture. Limits a venture's activities to conducting one or more research and development programs (including programs in which universities participate) which are projected to be completed within ten years after their inception. Declares that a participant in a venture shall not be subject to restrictions on its own research and development activities or its exploitation of inventions resulting from the venture's findings. Vests authority for the management of a venture in a management board composed of one representative of each venture participant and at least three U.S. citizens representing nonparticipants. Directs each board to establish criteria for the selection of research and development programs, the admission or withdrawal of participants, and the licensing of venture technology. Specifies information to be considered by the board in establishing such criteria. Declares that the venture shall retain title to all inventions, patents, and know-how. Entitles any firm that is a participant in a program when an invention is discovered to irrevocable, nonexclusive, and equivalent licenses to all patents and know-how. Provides for rewarding participants according to the risks each assumed. Requires licenses to be made available to nonparticipant firms after the participants have held their licenses for three years. Directs the venture to collect any royalties on behalf of the participants. Permits the venture to retain part of the royalties as may be agreed to by the participants. Requires a venture to update its notice of formation annually if necessary. Grants qualified ventures, participants, and employees thereof immunity from Federal and State antitrust laws. Directs a court to award a defendant the costs of defending against a claim brought under the antitrust laws against a venture if the venture meets the requirements of this Act or the alleged conduct does not violate antitrust laws. Provides for the investigation of ventures by the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) notify a venture of the actions, if any, it must take to meet the requirements of this Act; and (2) commence a court action to dissolve a venture that fails to take such actions. Permits an aggrieved party to appeal an adverse court determination. Exempts from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act any information generated under such investigation or court action. Declares that a determination by the Attorney General, the district court, or the court of appeals shall not be admissible as evidence in an administrative or judicial proceeding in support of any claim under the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 1982
Authorizes the Select Committee to Study Law Enforcement Undercover Activities of Components of the Department of Justice to make expenditures until January 15, 1983.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)