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United States · Official source
2,287 records where Sen. McClure, James A. [R-ID] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
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 · 19 May 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) to declare that contributions, gifts, or payments by union members to a separate fund which is used by the union for political purposes must be voluntary and unrelated to moneys required as a condition of employment. Declares it to be unlawful to use moneys paid to an organization as a condition of employment for any type of election or campaign activities by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit States and local governments to provide statements of tax refunds, credits, and offsets to individuals at any time during the calendar year for which such governments make a return, but not later than January 31 of the year following the year of the return. (Current law requires such statements to be furnished in January of the year following the year of the return.) Eliminates the requirement to furnish such statements with respect to any refunds, credits, or offsets made before January 1, 1983.
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 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 · 12 May 1983
Food Stamp Optional Block Grant Act of 1983 - Authorizes a State to elect to operate a low-income nutritional assistance block grant program to finance expenditures for food assistance for needy persons. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide such States with a block grant in an amount based on a percentage of the fiscal year funds appropriated for the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary, at the request of an Indian tribe or tribal organization within a block grant State, to reserve a determined amount of such grant for the direct use of such tribe. Sets forth procedures for application and requirements for eligibility for block grants. Prohibits the use of such grants for construction. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary and the Comptroller General to assure compliance with this section.
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 · 12 May 1983
School Lunch Pilot Project Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture in carrying out the school lunch pilot project study to: (1) provide to participating school districts, in lieu of commodities, all cash assistance or all commodity letters of credit; (2) continue the study through June 30, 1986; (3) increase the number of participating districts from 60 to 100; (4) meet project expenses from specified sources; (5) consult with and get approval of the Comptroller General before altering such project; and (6) report to the appropriate congressional committees by December 15, 1986. Requires the Comptroller to report to the appropriate congressional committees every six months through June 30, 1986. Requires the Department of Agriculture, upon request, to compensate a participating district for losses sustained as a result of the Department's previous change in project methodology. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax, the gift tax, and the tax on generation-skipping transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Section 6166 Technical Revision Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the extension of time for payment of estate tax for interests in certain closely held corporations. Includes as a qualifying interest a partnership in which the decedent owns 20 percent or more of the profits interest. Increases from 15 to 35 the number of partners allowed in a qualifying closely-held business. Eliminates the distinction between voting and nonvoting stock for purposes of determining a decedent's interest in a qualifying closely-held business. Includes as a qualifying interest: (1) certain nonoperating interests in minerals; (2) certain interests in notes or other debt instruments issued by a corporation and held by a decedent who had some equity interest in the corporation; and (3) certain interests in assets leased to or used by a corporation or partnership. Revises attribution rules for purposes of determining numerical shareholder limitations and percentage ownership limitations on qualifying closely-held businesses. Includes in the decedent's gross estate certain items for which the marital deduction was previously allowed. Excludes certain contributions made by a decedent to a closely-held business or a partnership from the valuation of an interest in a closely- held business if the contribution is not used in carrying on the trade or business. Permits the aggregation of interests in two or more closely-held businesses if each interest equals or exceeds five percent of the adjusted gross estate. Eliminates the acceleration of estate tax payments in the case of disposals or withdrawals of the estate's interest in the business if the proceeds are used to pay certain Federal or State death taxes and funeral and administration expenses. Sets forth special rules for the treatment of reorganizations as dispositions, withdrawals, or exchanges of a decedent's interest in a closely-held business. Provides that subsequent transfers of property by reason of the death of a person who acquired the property through the decedent's estate will not accelerate payment of the tax (thereby repealing the family member limitation). Sets forth special rules in the case of buy-outs and redemptions of a decedent's interest in a closely-held corporation or partnership. Permits an estate to sell its stock or partnership interest to the company or to an existing owner or employee in exchange for a note without the acceleration of estate taxes. Disallows such tax deferral in the case of a limited exchange or payment of principal on such a note. Provides that a disposition of an interest in a closely-held business will not result in acceleration in the case of like-kind exchanges or involuntary conversions to the extent that no gain is recognized. Prescribes penalties for the failure to make installment payments of deferred taxes within six months of the due date. Applies the four percent rate of interest on estate tax payments extended under the alternate extension of time provisions to the entire amount of the tax to be paid. Revises requirements for the deduction as an administration expense of interest on installment payments of estate taxes. Suspends the period of limitations on the making of certain assessments due to adjustments in the taxable estate in the case of extensions of time for payment of the estate tax. Authorizes the Tax Court to issue declaratory judgments with respect to controversies involving the extension of time for payment of the estate tax. Prescribes penalties for frivolous or groundless proceedings or proceedings merely for delay. Sets forth penalties for negligence or intentional disregard of rules and regulations resulting in an underpayment of estate tax. Revises requirements for assessment or collection of deficiencies in estate tax in the case of appeals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the tax on generation-skipping transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Taiwan should remain a full member of the Asian Development Bank, irrespective of the issue of the People's Republic of China's application to such bank. Declares that the President and the Secretary of State should express U.S. support for Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "geothermal energy" as the natural heat of the Earth at any temperature (present regulations require that such heat must exceed a specific temperature). Qualifies for the residential energy tax credit and the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source not eligible for such credits if geothermal energy provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system. Qualifies for the investment tax credit for energy property energy systems which use both geothermal energy and another energy source eligible for such credit (such as biomass, solar, wind, ocean thermal, or hydroelectric) if the combination of such energy sources provides more than 80 percent of the energy for such system.
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 · 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
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Barney Clark.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as mining certain heating of phosphate rock for purposes of percentage depletion.
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 · 21 April 1983
Amends the Federal Power Act to provide that the annual charge for a license issued under such Act for the development and utilization of power created by any Government dam shall include: (1) the actual unreimbursed cost to the United States resulting from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the licensee's project works; and (2) an annual rental charge not to exceed $1.00 per kilowatt of installed capacity and one-half mill per kilowatt-hour of energy produced.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Act of 1983 - Establishes a National Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission to evaluate existing and potential public outdoor recreation policies, programs, and opportunities and to recommend outdoor recreation policies and activities which should be instituted at the Federal, State, and local levels and by the private sector in order to protect existing recreation resources and to meet future recreation needs. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the President and Congress within 18 months after its establishment. Terminates the Commission six months after submission of its report. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Title I: Amendments to Section 3 Relating to Components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to provide that facilities and activities within or outside the boundaries of the Pere Marquette Wild and Scenic River in Michigan for the control of the lamprey eel shall be permitted subject to conditions prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture for the protection of the river. Provides that the North Fork American Wild and Scenic River in California shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. Designates public lands administered by the Secretary of the Interior within the Wild and Scenic River corridor west of range 11 east, Mount Diablo meridian, as part of the Tahoe National Forest, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. Designates as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system portions of the following rivers: (1) the Clarks Fork River in Wyoming; (2) the Elk River in Colorado; (3) the Conejos River in Colorado; (4) the Los Pinos River in Colorado; (4) the Verde River in Arizona; (5) the Au Sable River in Michigan; (6) the Snake River in Wyoming; and (7) the Piedra River in Colorado. Title II: Study Rivers - Requires that studies of the following rivers be completed and reports on them transmitted to Congress by January 1, 1986: (1) the Cache la Poudre River in Colorado; (2) the Colorado River in Colorado and Utah; (3) the Green River in Colorado; (4) the Manistee River in Michigan; (5) the Sipsey Fork River in Alabama; and (6) the Yampa River in Colorado. Authorizes appropriations to conduct the studies of all the rivers which are potential additions to the national wild and scenic rivers system. Title III: Amendments to Public Law 90-542, As Amended - Requires that boundaries for components of the national wild and scenic rivers system designated by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act be established within one year after the date of designation. Provides that the boundaries shall be measured from the ordinary high water mark on both sides of the river concerned. Requires that notice of the availability of such boundaries be published in the Federal Register. Deletes the requirement that notice of development plans be published in the Federal Register. Requires the Federal agency which administers wild and scenic rivers to prepare a comprehensive management plan for the protection of river values for such rivers. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for land acquisition for the rivers designated as wild and scenic rivers by this Act until such management plans for such rivers have been prepared. Authorizes appropriations from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for land acquisition for such rivers, including interim emergency acquisition necessary to protect such rivers. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from approving the designation of a wild and scenic river without the concurrence of the head of another Federal department or agency if five percent or more of the lands within one-quarter mile of such river are under the jurisdiction of such other Federal department or agency. Provides that the study area of any river proposed for potential addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system shall comprise that area measured within one-quarter mile from the ordinary high water mark on both sides of the river. Terminates the study status of a river, or portions thereof, designated for study if the river, or such portions thereof, are not designated as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system before the end of the time period for study. Provides that when a tract of land lies partly within and partly outside the boundaries of a wild and scenic river, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, may acquire the entire tract (with the owner's consent for the portion which lies outside the boundaries). Prohibits the licensing of or assistance to any construction project on or directly affecting any river designated for potential addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system during the interim period from the date a report on such river is due to the time such report is actually submitted to Congress. Requires the head of any agency administering a wild and scenic river to cooperate with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (currently the Secretary of the Interior) to eliminate or diminish water pollution in the river. Permits landowners to convey real property interests to qualified organizations in accordance with the charitable contribution provisions of the Internal Revenue Code for conservation purposes with respect to the national wild and scenic rivers system. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to sell or exchange federally owned lands which are within or adjacent to the boundaries of any wild and scenic river, in addition to leasing them, where necessary to achieve the purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Provides that the acquisition of fee title with the reservation of regular existing uses to the owner with respect to any designated wild and scenic river may be considered a scenic easement. Title IV: Amendments Pertaining to State Components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Provides that the national wild and scenic rivers system shall comprise rivers authorized for inclusion by the legislatures of the States through which they flow. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to remove a river from such system if requested to do so by the legislatures of the States through which the river flows and if the Secretary of Agriculture agrees to such removal for those portions of the river flowing through national forest system lands.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to exempt from its applicability any rule involving public property, contracts, or general policy statements of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Repeals the current exemption provided for matters relating to loans, grants, and benefits. Requires a notice of proposed rulemaking to include: (1) a statement of need and objectives; (2) a statement that the agency seeks proposals of alternative methods from the public and from State and local governments; (3) a description of the information on which the agency plans to rely in the rulemaking; and (4) a statement specifying where copies of the rulemaking file may be obtained. Allows an agency to adopt a rule before publishing notice, providing a period for public comment, or establishing a rulemaking file, when notice or hearing is not required by another statute, if: (1) it publishes its findings that compliance with such procedures before the rule becomes effective would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest; and (2) it completes such procedures as soon as practicable after the rule is promulgated. Requires an agency to publish a notice and allow a period for comment on any final rule which is substantially different from the original rule as proposed. Directs each agency to give interested persons at least 60 days to submit written comments on a proposed rule. Permits an agency to use any appropriate procedure to elicit full and representative public comment on the significant issues of a rulemaking. Requires an agency to provide an opportunity for oral presentations at informal public hearings in a rulemaking for a "major rule," as defined by this Act. Requires agencies to publish with each final rule a notice of its effective date and a statement of its basis and purpose, including: (1) a discussion of significant issues and alternative approaches raised by public comments; and (2) an explanation of how the agency's factual determinations are substantially supported in the rulemaking file. Prohibits an agency promulgating a rule from relying on any material not placed in the rulemaking file in time to afford an adequate period for public comment. Directs each agency to give interested persons the right to petition for an interpretation of, or exemption from, a rule. Requires an agency to respond promptly and in writing to such a petition. Requires that each agency maintain a public file of the paperwork, data, and comments pertaining to each rulemaking which shall constitute the rulemaking record for purposes of judicial review. Allows an agency to exclude from the file material exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, if the agency includes a summary of such material or a notice of the existence of such material. Prohibits an agency rule from substantially changing the requirement of any existing contract, agreement, or grant between a Federal agency and a State or local government for one year after the rule takes effect, unless the agency publishes a finding that delaying the rule's effect would be contrary to the public interest. Provides for the judicial review of agency compliance with rulemaking requirements under this Act. Requires each agency: (1) prior to publishing a rulemaking notice, to determine whether a proposed rule is a "major rule" and (2) to include an explanation of such determination in the notice. Authorizes the President or a selected officer to determine that a rule is a major rule within 30 days after publication of the rulemaking notice and to designate not more than 75 rules as major rules during any fiscal year. Requires an agency to issue, to enter into the rulemaking file, and to publish in summary form a preliminary rulemaking analysis of each proposed major rule, with specified exceptions. Provides 60 days for public comment on such analysis. Lists the contents of such analysis, including: (1) a description of quantifiable and nonquantifiable costs and benefits; (2) a description of reasonable alternatives; (3) a statement identifying the source of Federal funds, if any, to pay costs imposed on State and local governments; (4) a description of agency action to verify data; and (5) an explanation of why the rule chosen is more cost effective than the alternatives. Directs the agency to issue a final regulatory analysis upon publishing a final major rule, to place such analysis in the rulemaking file, and to summarize such analysis in the statement of the basis and purpose of the rule. Establishes guidelines for the evaluation and description of benefits and costs in the preparation of such analysis. Limits judicial review over: (1) the designation of a major rule; or (2) any regulatory analysis. Authorizes the President to establish procedures for agency compliance with the regulatory analysis and sunset review requirements under this Act and to monitor and enforce agency implementation of such procedures, except for rules issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on agency compliance with regulatory analysis requirements. Requires each agency to publish for public comment a proposed schedule for the review of its existing major rules and other rules selected for review by the agency or the President. Directs each agency to publish a final schedule with its responses to public comments within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires each agency to review major rules within ten years after enactment of this Act, or within ten years after such a rule is promulgated, amended, or renewed, whichever is later. Directs each agency to publish a notice of its proposed action regarding a reviewed rule. Requires that the notice: (1) assess the costs and benefits of the rule; and (2) invite public proposals for modifications or alternatives. Requires an agency to follow normal rulemaking procedures when amending or rescinding a rule. Specifies procedures for renewing a rule without amendment. Provides for: (1) extension of the review period to not to exceed 15 years; (2) revision of the review schedule; and (3) expedited agency action if a review deadline is not met. Requires each agency to publish in the Federal Register, semiannually, an agenda of the rules the agency expects to propose, promulgate, renew, or repeal within the next twelve months, including a schedule of the agency actions pertaining to each rule. Directs the President to publish, semiannually, a Calendar of Federal Regulations, listing each of the major rules included in such agenda. Allows an agency to promulgate a major rule not listed in such agenda only if it publishes an explanation of why the rule was omitted. Requires each agency to include in the notice of a proposed rulemaking the date by which it intends to complete action or each major portion of action on the rule. Directs an agency that fails to complete action by such date and that expects a delay of more than 30 days to announce a new deadline for action. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on the regulatory activities of the Government. Requires that the report include estimates of the costs and benefits to each major sector of the economy of all major rules promulgated during the preceding year, included in the regulatory agenda for the preceding year, or scheduled for review. Directs a court reviewing an agency action to: (1) determine the authority or jurisdiction of the agency on the basis of the language of the authorizing statute or other evidence of legislative intent; (2) accord no presumption in favor of or against agency action, but to give an agency's interpretation of a statutory provision such weight as it warrants; and (3) determine whether the factual basis of an agency rule has substantial support in the rulemaking file. Declares that when proceedings for review of the same agency action are instituted in two or more courts of appeals within five days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall select, by a system of random selection, the court in which the record shall be filed. Authorizes the courts to postpone the effective date of the agency action until after such selection is made. Amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act to exclude from the definition of "advisory committee" for purposes of such Act any committee which is composed wholly of elected State or local officials or their representatives. Grants Federal district courts original jurisdiction of any civil action or proceeding to resolve a controversy between two or more regulatory agencies not of the same State concerning jurisdiction to regulate a public utility, unless the courts of appeals have exclusive original jurisdiction to review actions of one of the regulatory agencies involved. States that a declaratory judgment in such a proceeding shall not be withheld: (1) on the ground that a controversy over matters other than jurisdiction to regulate may exist between the parties; (2) because of failure to exhaust administrative remedies; or (3) because of inconsistent provisions of other statutes providing for judicial review of agency action. Declares that any Federal or State agency may join or be joined as a party to such action and the district court may issue its processes without regard to territorial limitations. Establishes venue for such a proceeding. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay the expenses of persons participating or intervening in agency proceedings, except as expressly authorized by statute. Authorizes each Federal agency to adopt as a Federal rule with respect to a State or locality any State or local rule which duplicates or is substantially equivalent to or more stringent than such Federal rule. Declares that any final agency rule, with specified exceptions including an emergency rule, shall be considered to be a recommendation to Congress and shall have no effect unless it is reviewed and not disapproved by Congress. Directs each agency to transmit each final rule to Congress on the day the rule is transmitted for publication to the Federal Register. Prohibits the rule from becoming effective if: (1) within 45 days of continuous session of Congress after the rule is received by Congress, either committee of the House or the Senate having primary legislative jurisdiction over it reports or is discharged from consideration of a resolution disapproving it; (2) within 30 days after such resolution is reported or discharged, either House adopts it; and (3) within 30 days after the adopted resolution is transmitted to the other House, such other House agrees to it. Permits a final rule to become effective at any time after either House rejects a resolution of disapproval. Authorizes an agency to issue and submit to Congress for review a recommended final rule relating to the same acts or practices as a disapproved rule. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for the consideration of resolutions of disapproval. Declares that the provisions of this Act supercede any other provision of law requiring action by both Houses of Congress for congressional review and disapproval of agency rules, but not any other provisions requiring action by only one House. Amends the Government in the Sunshine Act to include the Chrysler Corporation Loan Guarantee Board as an agency subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1983
Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1983 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpiling Revision Act of 1979 to direct the President to appoint an interagency advisory committee to determine: (1) which materials are strategic and critical to the United States; (2) how much of such material should be stockpiled; and (3) what classification such material should be assigned. Sets forth a formula for determining the quantities of each classification of material to be imported. Requires that each stockpile goal be reviewed at least every four years by the interagency committee. Requires the head of an agency, upon the committee's determination, to notify Congress of any proposed new formula for computing the stockpile goal for a particular material. Makes such formula effective 90 days after such notification unless either House of Congress, within such period, agrees to a resolution of disapproval.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Equal Access Act - Prohibits public schools that allow students to participate in extracurricular activities from denying equal access or opportunity for students and faculty to engage in voluntary prayer or religious discussion on school premises during noninstructional periods. Grants Federal court jurisdiction to hear actions for damages or injunctive relief arising out of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1983
Designates the week of June 24, 1984, as Federal Credit Union Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Digital Cartography Fund Act of 1983 - Establishes the Digital Cartography Fund as a revolving fund in the Treasury. Makes the Fund available, without fiscal year limitation, for financing specified digital cartographic data. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to capitalize in the Fund specified real and personal property. Authorizes the Secretary to charge users fees for digital cartographic data. Authorizes the Secretary to sell such data according to specific guidelines. Requires all collected fees, sales proceeds, and other receipts to be covered into the Fund. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Amends the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972 to increase the borrowing authority of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for operating and administrative expenses of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate April 24 through April 30, 1983, as National Organ Donation Awareness Week.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Directs the President to designate June 12 through 18, 1983, as National Scleroderma Week.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Repeals Federal law providing that entitlement lands (those lands eligible for payments in lieu of taxes) located within two local government units shall be treated, for specified purposes, as being within the jurisdiction of the smaller of such units. Redefines "unit of local government" to limit the meaning to the principal provider of local governmental services affecting the use of public lands. Includes within such meaning: (1) a county, townships, parish, or borough existing in the State of Alaska on October 20, 1976; or (2) a city which is not within the boundaries of any other local governmental unit. Invokes the sovereign immunity of the United States to preclude any legal actions regarding specified payment distributions made before January 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Declares that the United States should: (1) pursue a program of strategic nuclear-force modernization; (2) seek to preserve balanced force capabilities through force modernization and arms-reduction negotiations; (3) continue to pursue negotiated mutual and verifiable reductions in the nuclear arsenals of both superpowers; and (4) agree to arms reductions within the framework of the present START and INF negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should expeditiously recommend to Congress the budgetary steps necessary to build defensive weapons for deployment in space capable of destroying ballistic missiles.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Title I: Amendments to Title 18, United States Code (18 U.S.C. 921-928) - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Defines as a manufacturer, dealer, or importer of firearms a person who manufacturers or deals in a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit. Excludes as dealers persons making occasional sales or repairs of firearms. Eliminates certain activities involving ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Makes it unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who does not reside in the same State, if the transferor has reasonable cause to believe that acquisition of the firearm by such person would violate any State or local law or ordinance. Requires such transfer to be face to face. Presumes a licensee to have actual knowledge of the published laws of the State. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition. Includes as additional categories illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged members of the Armed Forces, and U.S. citizens who renounce their citizenship. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Declares that a licensed dealer's personal collection of firearms shall not be subject to recordkeeping requirements, under specific circumstances. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a license only where the holder "willfully" violates a provision of the Act. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Allows the government to voluntarily dismiss criminal charges prior to trial and still proceed with revocation. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, firearms, or ammunition that the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises. Requires a warrant be issued for such search. Restricts the firearms information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Establishes a "willful" scienter (knowledge) requirement with respect to general violations of the Act. Revises the current offense of using or carrying a firearm during commission of a Federal felony to: (1) include use of a destructive device; (2) delete the act of "carrying" a firearm to commit a felony; and (3) limit such offense to felonies over which the Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Retains the current penalty (one to ten years) for first offenses. Increases the penalty for second or subsequent offenses to five to 25 years imprisonment (currently, two to 25 years). Extends to first offenders the requirement, currently applicable only to second offenders, that the court not suspend any sentence or grant probation. Prohibits the granting of parole to first and subsequent offenders. Declares that no person shall be subject to the additional, mandatory penalties if use of the firearm or destructive device was to protect persons or property. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Gun Control Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Directs the court to award attorney fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in a proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Requires the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was without foundation or was initiated in bad faith. Limits seizure to firearms individually identified as involved in the violation. Revises the current procedure allowing persons who have been convicted of a crime to apply to the Secretary for relief from the firearms prohibitions. Permits any person prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition to apply for relief. Requires, instead of permits, the Secretary to grant release, unless the applicant will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. Permits any person who is denied relief to seek de novo judicial review in Federal court. Imposes on the applicant the burden of proof. Makes the authority of the Secretary to permit importation of certain types of firearms and ammunition nondiscretionary. Extends the types of sporting firearms which may be imported. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Declares any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1983
Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture for national forest lands and of the Interior for other public lands to terminate, at the purchaser's request: (1) specified quantities of estimated and cumulative timber volume as specified in such purchaser's contract bid prior to January 1, 1982; and (2) other specified contracts for estimated timber volumes. Requires purchasers to pay for the costs incurred by the appropriate Secretary in terminating such contracts and for re-offering the terminated timber for resale. Specifies the maximum amount to be paid per terminated contract. Authorizes the purchaser to transfer, retain or assign timber sale appraisal allowances according to stated guidelines. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to adjust, without penalty, certain contract termination dates for a specified period, upon the purchaser's written request. Declares that contracts with termination dates adjusted for four years or more shall require: (1) payment by the purchaser according to a specified schedule; or (2) removal of a certain percentage of estimated timber volume by a certain date. Assures specified purchasers continued eligibility to bid on the resale of timber included in a terminated contract. Establishes guidelines for termination, payment schedules, bidding, and timber resales. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the transfer of unused purchaser credit for road construction on specified contracts. Directs the Secretary to treat credit earned on specified contracts as transferable earned purchaser credit. Emergency National Forest Productivity Act of 1983 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a special program to remove dead or diseased timber on national forest system lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts, or conduct the work within the Department of Agriculture, under certain conditions. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to use regular national forest system and construction accounts subject to approval by the congressional appropriations committees.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to redefine the term "known geothermal resource area" to mean an area where the prospects for extraction of geothermal resources for generating electricity in commercial quantities warrant substantial expenditures for that purpose. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue geothermal leases in any lands administered by another Federal agency or department, including public, withdrawn, or acquired lands. Requires lands within a known geothermal resource area which are offered for competitive lease and which receive no bids to be declassified and leased to the first qualified applicant. Requires the Secretary to offer up to five percent of all lands offered for sale in any year on a basis other than cash bonus bidding. Entitles the first qualified applicant for a lease not within a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease if the land involved is not designated a known geothermal resource area within one year of the application being filed and before the lease is issued. Permits such an applicant to match the highest competitive bid for such land if the land involved is designated as a known geothermal resource area within such time period. Entitles the applicant or lessee responsible for the exploration resulting in the designation of a known geothermal resource area to a noncompetitive lease for all lands in the designated area for which the applicant or lessee had filed applications prior to such exploration. Requires that geothermal leases provide for a royalty of: (1) not less than ten percent or more than 15 percent of the value of the energy produced and sold for electrical generation; or (2) not less than five percent or more than ten percent of the value of energy produced and sold for nonelectrical use. Authorizes the Secretary to defer royalty payments for nonelectric geothermal developments when it is in the public interest, for municipal, cooperative, or other political subdivision lessees where legal limitations on front-end financing would prohibit or significantly deter development. Eliminates the limits on the duration of: (1) geothermal leases with respect to which geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities (currently, such leases may not be extended beyond the primary term of ten years for more than 40 additional years); and (2) leases with respect to which actual drilling operations were commenced before the end of their primary terms and geothermal steam is produced or utilized in commercial quantities (currently, such leases may not be extended beyond the primary term for more than 35 additional years). Provides that, in certain cases, the term "commercial quantities" shall include a drilled well and either a bona fide sale for delivery to utilization facilities installed or to be constructed or proof of commitment to construct such facilities. Requires the Secretary to grant extensions of up to 15 years on a primary lease if construction of such facilities has not been possible due to administrative delays beyond the lessee's control or due to demonstrated marginal economics of such facilities. Increases the State-wide acreage limitation for Federal geothermal leases from 24,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the maximum holding in any one State, after public hearings, to a maximum of 115,200 acres. Exempts from such limitations those leases which contain wells capable of commercial production and those leases operated under approved operating, drilling, or development contracts. Permits readjustment of geothermal lease terms and conditions at 20 year intervals beginning 20 years after the date production is commenced. (Currently, such readjustment is permitted at ten year intervals beginning ten years after geothermal steam is produced.) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing leases on the acquired lands of other Federal agencies or departments without the consent of the agency or department head. Prohibits the issuance of geothermal leases in the Island Park Known Geothermal Resource Area adjacent to Yellowstone National Park until after the Secretary has completed a study to determine whether there is any thermal geological connection between such area and the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park. Requires that the study include methods for protecting the thermal features of Yellowstone Park in connection with geothermal leasing in the Island Park area. Authorizes the Secretary to issue geothermal leases in such area 60 days after completion of the study if: (1) a valuable geothermal resource exists; (2) development of such resource will not adversely affect the thermal features of Yellowstone Park; and (3) the thermal features of Yellowstone Park will be protected. Authorizes appropriations for such study. Authorizes the issuance of free use permits for: (1) noncommercial application of geothermal resources in lands administered by the Secretary; and (2) surface use and use of geothermal resources for the continued operation of any geothermal energy research and development facility, pilot plant, or demonstration facility the Federal interest in which is transferred. Permits the head of each Federal agency to develop, for the benefit of the agency, the geothermal energy resources within the lands under its jurisdiction provided such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development which might be more beneficial. Directs the Secretary to establish diligence requirements for exploratory and developmental activities on leased lands.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from restricting the hours of operation or reducing the operating power of any AM broadcast station if: (1) such restriction or reduction would prevent the station from operating at full daytime power from two hours before sunrise until two hours after sunset; and (2) operation during such period would not interfere with the protected signal of an existing station. Prohibits the Commission from denying an application for a license to operate a new AM station or an application to expand the hours of operation of an existing station solely on the grounds that: (1) the area has adequate broadcasting service; or (2) an FM channel is available for the area. Prohibits the Commission from placing an applicant for a station license or construction permit at a disadvantage because that applicant is licensed to operate a station with restricted hours in the area if such applicant certifies that it will relinquish the restricted license if its application is approved. Exempts any application to alter the hours of operation of a standard broadcast station from public notice and comment requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1983
Designates the week of September 25 through October 1, 1983, as National Respiratory Therapy Week.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) report to Congress on his intention to begin negotiations on a new long-term agricultural trade agreement with the Soviet Union; (2) seek, in such a new agreement, higher minimum and maximum supply guarantees and a provision for the export of value-added products; (3) report to Congress, by a specified date, on the potential economic and employment impacts of such a new agreement on U.S. agriculture and related industries; and (4) take appropriate measures to assure free movement of increased quantities of U.S. agricultural products to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Establishes May 31, 1967, as the benchmark for the fair market value of specified lands along the Snake River in Idaho which the Secretary of the Interior has been authorized to sell. Sets procedural guidelines for applicants claiming a right of first preference for the purchase of such lands. Precludes reimbursement to anyone for money paid for lands previously acquired under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1983
Amends the Volunteers in the Parks Act of 1969 to eliminate the ceiling on the authorization of appropriations for the volunteers in parks program for any one year.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Amends the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to include Federal liability for the constitutional torts of Federal employees acting within the scope of employment. Limits money damages for such torts to specified amounts. Makes the remedy provided by the FTCA exclusive of any other civil action arising out of the same subject matter. Substitutes such remedy for any recovery against the Federal employee's individual capacity. Requires that the United States be substituted as party defendant upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of employment. Makes such certification binding and conclusive. Declares that upon removal of a civil action from a State court to a U.S. district court, the United States is entitled to all defenses to which it would have been entitled had the action been originally commenced under this Act. Directs the Attorney General, where an action results in a judgment against the United States, to forward the matter to the employing agency for further investigation or disciplinary action. Eliminates as exceptions to the FTCA the following torts: assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, malicious prosecution and abuse of process. Exempts specified agencies from tort claims arising under the Constitution. Authorizes specified agencies to provide liability insurance for employees performing medical functions under employment conditions where the United States would not be liable for employee's actions. Exempts U.S. employees acting within the scope of employment from civil liability for: (1) unlawfully intercepting or disclosing wire or oral communications; and (2) conducting electronic surveillance or disclosing information obtained by electronic surveillance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to declare congressional policy with respect to the marketing and sale of passenger air transportation. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to vacate Order 82-12-85, adopted on December 16, 1982, and to adopt as its final decision in docket numbered 36595 the recommended order of an administrative law judge dated June 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to authorize additional appropriations to carry out such Act after October 1, 1983. States that the Secretary of the Interior may obligate construction funds for dam safety earlier than the required 60-day waiting period, after notifying Congress, when the appropriate congressional committees approve such earlier date. Includes within the scope of the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978: (1) Fish Lake, Four Mile, Ochoco, Savage Rapids Diversion and Warm Springs Dams, Oregon; (2) Como Dam, Montana; (3) Little Wood River Dam, Idaho; (4) Twin Buttes Dam, Texas; and (5) Foss Dam, Oklahoma. Makes specified costs of the Twin Buttes Dam and Foss Dam nonreimbursable and nonreturnable under Federal reclamation laws.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1983
Designates the week of April 3 through April 9, 1983, as National Drug Abuse Education Week.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should provide the resources to achieve a specified fill rate for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in FY 1984, consistent with the Energy Emergency Preparedness Act of 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the national security policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength. Sets forth the principles and goals of such a policy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Makes crops grown on highly erodible land (as defined by this Act) that has not been farmed during the past ten years ineligible for specified agricultural assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a navigation project at the Bonneville lock and dam, Oregon and Washington.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Dam Safety Act of 1983 - Amends Federal law to revise the national dam inspection program. Exempts dams located in States with an approved dam safety program from the Secretary of the Army's national inspection program. Authorizes the Secretary to enter and inspect a damsite at reasonable times. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act through FY 1987. Sets forth the formula for distributing such funds among the States. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide assistance to States maintaining approved dam safety programs; and (2) review periodically the implementation and effectiveness of such programs. Specifies the standards such programs must meet. Directs the Secretary to provide guarantees to insurers in order to enable dam owners, in States with approved dam safety programs, to obtain liability insurance at reasonable rates. Authorizes appropriations to provide such guarantees. Requires the Secretary, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to report to Congress with an analysis of the effects of such guarantees, together with any recommendations for a more comprehensive dam safety insurance program. Authorizes appropriations for a revolving fund to be used for loans to dam owners making repairs or other safety improvements on such dams. Establishes a Federal Dam Safety Review Board to be responsible for reviewing dam safety procedures and monitoring State implementation of this Act. Requires the head of any U.S. agency that owns or operates a dam, when requested, to consult with the State in which the dam is located on the design and safety of such dam and to allow such State officials to participate with agency officials in dam safety inspections. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide training for the State dam safety inspectors; and (2) develop, with the National Bureau of Standards, improved dam inspection techniques. Requires that dam construction proposals submitted to specified congressional committees contain information concerning dam failures and preventive measures that may be taken.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who have never owned a principal residence an income tax credit for 25 percent of amounts contributed to an individual housing account. Limits the amount of such credit to $1,500 for any taxable year ($3,000 for joint returns). Requires contributions made to an individual housing account to remain in such account for at least 12 months. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of an individual housing account. Imposes penalties for distributions made from an individual housing account which are not used in connection with the purchase of a principal residence. Exempts interest earned on an individual housing account from income taxation. Requires the trustee of an individual housing account to make such reports regarding the maintenance of an individual housing account as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Prohibits contributions to an individual housing account in excess of prescribed limits and imposes a tax on such excess contributions equal to the tax on excess contributions to an individual retirement account.