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United States · Official source
2,704 records where Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1984 as the National Year of Voluntarism.
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 · 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
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 · 15 April 1983
Designates September 21, 1983, as National Historically Black Colleges Day.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Increases from 26 to 28 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations by adding one elected officer of a township and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1983
Requests the President to designate the week beginning May 8, 1982, as Senior Center Week.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Requests the President to grant posthumous citizenship to William Penn, founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and his wife, Hannah Callowhill Penn.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1983
Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to authorize appropriations for the Office for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1983
Controlled Substances Amendments Act of 1983 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to increase penalties for illegal distribution (including subsequent offenses) of schedules I and II nonnarcotic drugs (to make them the same as penalties that apply to narcotic drugs).
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Merit Pay Reform Act of 1983 - Revises the merit pay system. Renames the system the performance management and recognition system Provides that the managerial and supervisory positions included under such system shall be determined according to Office of Personnel Management classification standards. Allows the President to exclude any class of employees within any agency unit from such system under specified conditions. Excludes employees of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol or the Botanic Garden from such system. Declares that the system shall provide for comparability pay increases, periodic step increases, and performance awards based on an employees' performance. Requires that an employee whose performance is rated: (1) below fully successful receive no comparability or step increase; or (2) fully successful or above receive the full comparability and step increases to which the employee would be entitled if his or her position were not under such system. Authorizes the payment of a performance award of up to 20 percent of basic pay to an employee who receives a performance rating above fully successful. Limits the funds available to an agency for performance awards to an amount equal to one and one-half percent of the aggregate amount of basic pay payable to agency employees under such system. Allows an employee under such system to be paid less than the minimum rate of basic pay for the grade of the employee's position as a result of a less than fully successful performance rating. Limits any cash award for the invention, suggestion, superior accomplishment, or special act or service of an employee under such system to 20 percent of the employee's basic pay. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to report to the President and Congress annually on the effectiveness of such system. Directs executive agencies to develop performance appraisal systems for employees under the performance management and recognition system that: (1) require supervisors to consult with employees before establishing performance standards; (2) use the results of performance appraisals to set the base pay and performance awards for an employee; (3) provide for two levels of performance ratings below fully successful, one fully successful level, and two levels above fully successful; (4) establish performance standards which permit accurate evaluation; and (5) provide for reassigning, reducing in grade, or removing an employee who continually performs below the fully successful level after providing the employee an opportunity to perform at such level. Lists factors to be considered in performance appraisals. Prohibits OPM from prescribing or requiring agencies to prescribe any preestablished distribution of levels of performance ratings or any specific performance standard. Allows Congress, after five years, to terminate this Act by introducing and adopting, within a specified period, a concurrent resolution disapproving its continuation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1983
Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize a State to establish a program for providing health care coverage for unemployed workers. Authorizes a State to choose who will be covered, the duration of the coverage, and the duration of the program, except that: (1) to be eligible, an individual must have received, be receiving, or have been eligible for unemployment compensation within specified time periods; (2) coverage is prohibited for the first six weeks of eligibility for unemployment compensation; (3) an individual must have been enrolled in a group health plan at his or her last place of employment; and (4) no coverage may be provided to an individual eligible for Medicaid (title XIX of the Act). Provides coverage only for inpatient and outpatient emergency hospital services and physician services. Authorizes premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts to be charged. Authorizes appropriations for two 12-month periods beginning June 1, 1983, and June 1, 1984. Sets forth reporting requirements. Provides for Federal matching payments of at least 80 percent, but no more than 95 percent. Provides that a State's unemployment offices shall determine program eligibility and that such State's Medicaid agency shall administer health benefits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny 50 percent of the deduction allowed for employer-sponsored health benefit plans if the employer does not provide an open enrollment period if the spouse or parent of an employee becomes unemployed.
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
Increases the civil and criminal penalties imposed upon domestic financial institutions for violation of regulations concerning records and reports on domestic and foreign monetary instrument transactions. Increases the threshold reporting level for foreign currency transactions from $5,000 to $10,000. Makes it an offense to attempt to transport currency or monetary instruments outside the United States without filing required reports. Applies the reporting requirement penalty only if the person required to file the report knowingly fails to file it. Permits a customs officer to stop and search, without a search warrant, a vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other conveyance, envelope or other container, or person entering or departing from the United States, on which or whom the officer has reasonable cause to believe there is being transported a monetary instrument for which a report is required. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a reward to an individual who provides original information which leads to recovery of a criminal fine, civil penalty, or forfeiture exceeding $50,000 for a violation of such reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Adds criminal violations of Federal reporting requirements concerning monetary instrument transactions as one of the statutes under the Federal wiretap law.
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
Enterprise Zone Act of 1983 - Title I: Designation of Enterprise Zones - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the designation of enterprise zones by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for purposes of extending the tax incentives and regulatory flexibility measures provided by this Act. Specifies that State and local governments shall nominate areas for such designation. Limits the designation of enterprise zones to 75 nominated areas per year (one-third of which must be in rural areas). Limits the period during which such designations shall remain in effect. Specifies that the Secretary may designate such zones only if: (1) the area is within the jurisdiction of the local government; (2) the boundary of the area is continuous; (3) the area has a population of at least 4,000 if any portion thereof is located within a standard metropolitan statistical area (within a population of at least 50,000) or 1,000 otherwise, or is within an Indian reservation; and (4) the area meets specified unemployment and poverty requirements. Requires nominating local governments, as a condition of the Secretary's designation, to agree in writing to follow a course of action which may include reducing tax rates, improving local services, simplifying or streamling regulation of business, or receiving commitments of private entities to assist employees and residents of the area. Terminates the authority of the Secretary to designate enterprise zones on June 30, 1986 or three years after the publication of regulations pertaining to such zones, whichever is later. Describes areas to which preference shall be given in deciding to designate enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the Congress every four years a report on the effects of such enterprise zones' designation. Requires that any property tax reduction effected by a local government under the terms of this Act be disregarded for purposes of determining the eligibility of a State or local government for Federal assistance or benefits. States that designation of an enterprise zone shall not give displaced persons from such an area any rights or benefits under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Exempts enterprise zones from certain requirements relating to Federal environmental policy. Title II: Federal Income Tax Incentives - Subtitle A: Credits for Employers and Employees - Allows employers located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit for increased employment expenditures and employment of the disadvantaged. Allows a three year carryback and 15 year carryover of such credit. Sets the amount of such credit at ten percent of the increase in payroll (taking into account a maximum of $15,000 in wages per year per employee) plus 50 percent of the wages paid to certain disadvantaged workers for the first three years of the enterprise zone designation. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Disallows a deduction for the portion of wages taken into account for such credit. Allows employees located in enterprise zones a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to five percent of qualified wages earned per year (taking into account a maximum of $9,000 in wages per year). Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle B: Credits for Investment in Tangible Property in Enterprise Zones - Allows businesses an additional investment tax credit for investment in certain tangible property located in enterprise zones. Limits such credit to five percent for zone personal property and ten percent for new zone construction property, including rental property. Requires that the property subject to such credit be predominantly used in the zone, be purchased after zone designation, and not be acquired from relatives or related corporations. Requires the recapture of such credit upon early disposition of the property. Phases out such credit in the last three years of the enterprise zone designation. Subtitle C: Reduction in Capital Gain Tax Rates - Eliminates the capital gains tax on property of corporations acquired after the enterprise zone designation and used in a zone business. Qualifies certain low-income rental housing located in an enterprise zone for such treatment. Permits property to remain qualified for purposes of the revised capital gains treatment after a designation of an enterprise zone has terminated. Exempts gain from the sale or exchange of property used in a business in an enterprise zone from the computation of the minimum tax. Allows noncorporate taxpayers to deduct from gross income 100 percent of any net capital gain from qualified enterprise zone property. Subtitle D: Rules Relating to Industrial Development Bonds - Provides that limitations on the cost recovery deductions for property financed with tax-exempt industrial development bonds shall not apply to enterprise zone property. Provides that the termination of the small issue exemption shall not apply to industrial development bonds the proceeds of which are used to finance facilities in such enterprise zones. Subtitle E: Sense of the Congress with Respect to Tax Simplification - Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Internal Revenue Service should simplify the administration and enforcement of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code affected by this Act. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility - Revises the definition of "small entity" for purposes of the analysis of regulatory functions, to include qualified businesses (as defined in Title II of this Act), to include governments, and nonprofit enterprises operating within enterprise zones. Authorizes Federal agencies, upon request by a designating government, to waive or modify rules and regulations which pertain to the carrying out of projects or activities within an enterprise zone. Requires agencies to approve such request if the resulting benefits of job creation, community development, or economic revitalization outweigh the public interest in continuation of the rule unchanged. Disallows waiver or modification of a rule that would directly violate a statutory requirement (including the Davis-Bacon Act and Fair Labor Standards Act) or which would present a danger to the public health and safety. Provides that such waivers or modifications of a rule shall remain in effect as long as the zone designations. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to promote the coordination of all enterprise zone programs and consolidate all periodic reports required under such programs into one summary report. Title IV: Establishment of Foreign-Trade Zones in Enterprise Zones - Requires the Foreign-Trade Board to consider on a priority basis and expedite the processing of applications for the establishment of foreign-trade zones within enterprise zones. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to give priority to, and expedite applications for, the establishment of ports of entry necessary to establish such zones. States that to the maximum extent practicable foreign-trade zones should be established within enterprise zones.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1983
Religious Speech Protection Act of 1983 - Prohibits federally funded public secondary schools which allow students to meet during noninstructional periods from discriminating against any meeting of students on the basis of religious content. Grants Federal jurisdiction to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1983
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to reduce the 1983 through 1985 sugarcane and sugar beet price support loan rates by three cents per pound.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 25, 1983, as Missing Children Day.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Recognizes the pause for the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the celebration of National Flag Day.
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 · 2 March 1983
Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Extends authorizations of appropriations through FY 1986 for the sea grant international cooperative program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the humane standards for animals transported in commerce. Requires each research facility to establish an institutional animal studies committee with sufficient expertise to assess the appropriateness of animal care and treatment in experimental research. Requires the committee at each facility to: (1) meet regularly, with a quorum needed for all formal actions; (2) make inspections at least semiannually of animal study areas and facilities; (3) review and evaluate the research methods involving direct use of conscious animals and the condition of research animals in order to ensure compliance with humane standards and to minimize pain and distress; and (4) file with the Secretary of Agriculture and the appropriate Federal agency a certification that such inspections have occurred (includes in such certification a report of any violations of standards). Requires the committee to notify, in writing, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture and any appropriate Federal agency of unacceptable conditions of animal care, treatment, or methodology not included in the certification. Directs the committee to provide for annual sessions for scientists, animal technicians, and other qualified personnel to provide instruction or training in humane standards for laboratory animals. Prohibits discrimination against research facility employees for reporting violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain standards under exceptional circumstances. Directs the Secretary to establish an information service at the National Agricultural Library to provide information on improved methods of animal experimentation, including: (1) reducing or replacing animal use; (2) minimizing pain and distress; and (3) preventing unnecessary duplication of animal experimentation. Requires a research facility to provide a statement of assurance of compliance with humane standards to the Secretary and the appropriate Federal agency before requesting a Federal award for animal research, experimentation, or testing. Sets forth terms and conditions under which the agency may approve or suspend such award.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit U.S. businesses with operations in foreign countries to treat all of their domestic research and experimental expenses as deductions against U.S. source income. (Current IRS regulations require the allocation of a portion of such expenses against foreign source income.)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
United States Olympic Checkoff Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns a contribution of one dollar of their income tax refunds or any cash amount voluntarily forwarded with their returns to support the U.S. Olympic Trust Fund. Establishes in the Treasury a U.S. Olympic Trust Fund (trust fund). Appropriates to such trust fund an amount equal to the amount designated on tax returns. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay amounts so transferred to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Allows specified administrative expenses to be paid from such trust fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1983
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week April 10 through April 16, 1983, as National Education for Business Week.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace. Authorizes the Academy to establish: (1) a Center for International Peace; and (2) a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Former Presidents Facilities and Services Reform Act of 1983 - Title I: Presidential Libraries - Directs the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Archivist of the United States and the Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service, to promulgate architectural and design standards for Presidential archival depositories. Authorizes the Administrator to accept, as private gifts or pursuant to agreements with State or local governments, institutes, or foundations, only such land, buildings, and equipment as are necessary to establish one depository in one building of a specified size for each President or former President. Requires the Administrator to submit a prospectus for each proposed depository to specified congressional committees. Prohibits the Administrator from accepting a gift or entering into an agreement to establish a depository if: (1) such committees adopt a resolution disapproving such prospectus within a specified period; or (2) the land, buildings, and equipment do not meet the architectural and design standards, unless Congress adopts a concurrent resolution approving the establishment of such depository regardless of noncompliance with such standards. Establishes similar restrictions governing changes to a depository. Requires the President, while holding office, to dispose of his or her Presidential records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value after obtaining the views of the Archivist of the United States concerning such disposal, unless the Archivist notifies the President that the Archivist intends to request advice from certain congressional committees. Title II: Former Presidents - Changes the amount of the annual allowance to which the spouse of a deceased former President is entitled from $20,000 to two-thirds of the allowance to which a former President is entitled. Repeals the requirement that the spouse must waive the right to any other Government annuity or pension to qualify for such allowance. Terminates the allowance when the spouse remarries, at any age. Authorizes the Administrator to provide to each former President, upon request: (1) one office; (2) compensation, without an aggregate ceiling, for members of an office staff who shall be subject to certain provisions of civil service laws; (3) payment for the travel and subsistence allowances for specified office employees; (4) communications services; and (5) printing and binding expenses. Allows any Federal employee to be detailed to the office staff of a former President with the consent of the employee's agency head. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a former Vice President with necessary services and facilities for concluding his or her office affairs which are similar to the services and facilities provided to a former President under this title. Prohibits the use of funds provided for necessary services and facilities of a former President or Vice President for partisan political activities or income generating activities. Permits a former President to use such funds to prepare his or her memoirs if the former President signs an agreement providing that the Public Printer will print and distribute such memoirs. Prohibits the expenditure of such funds for a former President any time beyond 90 days after the former President dies. Requires each former President to submit to Congress an annual report concerning activities carried out with the assistance of such funds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title concerning the services and facilities to be provided for former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Repeals specified provisions of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Title III: Protection of Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, and Their Families - Prohibits the United States Secret Service from protecting a former President, former Vice President, or the spouse, widow, widower, or minor child of a former President, except as authorized under this title. Authorizes the Secret Service to protect: (1) a former President for eight years after the individual becomes a former President; (2) the spouse or minor child of a former President to the extent that such protection is incidental to the protection of the former President; and (3) the widow or widower of a former President for six months after the former President dies. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to reinstate the Secret Service protection of a former President for one year and of a spouse or minor child for six months after the original protection has been terminated upon finding that a serious threat warranting such protection exists. Authorizes additional extensions of such periods of protection upon the individual's written request and with the approval of an existing advisory committee established to determine whether protection should be furnished to certain presidential or vice presidential candidates. Establishes the Advisory Panel on Secret Service Protection to review requests for extended protection and to make recommendations on such requests to such advisory committee. Permits the Secretary to authorize Secret Service protection for a former Vice President for a period beginning on the last day of the individual's term and ending on the last day of the fiscal year in which the term expires, upon the former Vice President's written request, and upon finding that a threat exists which warrants such protection.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Emergency Services Improvement Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Defense to allocate surplus personal property of the Department of Defense, which is usable and necessary for civil defense or educational purposes, to the Administrator of General Services for transfer to appropriate State agencies. Requires the Secretary to confer with the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency when determining which property is usable for civil defense or educational purposes. Requires the Director to review the available property continuously and to notify the Secretary upon identifying property appropriate for civil defense. Directs the Director to notify Congress whenever the Secretary has refused to accept the Director's recommendation concerning the allocation of such property. Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to require the Administrator to: (1) notify the Director whenever an agency other than the Department of Defense informs the Administrator that it has excess property; (2) consult with the Director concerning the suitability of such property for civil defense purposes; and (3) transfer suitable property to the appropriate State agency for distribution to the civil defense organizations identified by the Director. Requires the Director to notify Congress whenever the Administrator has refused to accept the Director's recommendations to transfer any such property.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Act of 1983 - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute (Institute) of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Redesignates the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. States that the Institute shall conduct research and related activities concerning arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases, including sports-related disorders and skin diseases. Requires the Director of the Institute, with the advice of the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council, to establish within 180 days a national plan to coordinate such activities. Requires an annual evaluation of the skin diseases programs. Establishes within the Institute: (1) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Data System; and (2) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Establishes within the Institute: (1) an Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee; and (2) a Skin Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee. Requires annual reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Director of NIH. Establishes within the Institute a National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986 for arthritis and musculoskeletal demonstration projects and multipurpose disease centers. Requires the Institute to submit a biennial report. Transfers arthritis-related functions (including data system, advisory functions, coordinating functions, demonstration project, and multipurpose center), funds, personnel, and assets to the Institute from the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees and to the Comptroller General within 60 days regarding such transfers. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees within 80 days regarding such transfers. Terminates the National Arthritis Advisory Board. Makes conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary, through NIH, to conduct a study of the existing combinations of disease research programs within the institutes and of the standards to be followed in establishing new or realigning existing institutes. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees within 18 months. Prohibits the establishment of any new institutes within six months of such report's submission. Directs the Secretary to conduct and complete within 60 days a review of the disease research programs of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (as redesignated by this Act) to determine if any of these programs could be more effectively managed by other national research institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1976 to extend from 1983 to 1987 the exclusion from gross income of income resulting from the cancellation of student loan indebtedness.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Educational Opportunity and Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for 50 percent of the tuition paid to an elementary or secondary educational institution for any dependents who have not attained the age of 20. Limits such credit to: (1) $100 in 1983; (2) $200 in 1984; and (3) $300 in 1985 and thereafter. Phases out such credit for families with adjusted gross income between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. Makes ineligible for such credit families with an adjusted gross income in excess of $60,000 per year. Disallows such credit for tuition paid to schools found to maintain racially discriminatory policies. Requires all educational institutions which receive tuition payments for which such credit is taken to file with the Secretary of the Treasury a statement, subject to the penalties for perjury, declaring that the institution does not follow a racially discriminatory policy. Requires a taxpayer claiming such credit to attach a copy of such statement to the income tax return. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon the filing of a petition alleging racial discrimination, to bring an action for declaratory judgment against an educational institution to determine whether the institution has followed a racially discriminatory policy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Payment In Kind Tax Clarification Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for taxpayers who receive agricultural commodities under a Federal payment-in-kind program: (1) no income shall be treated as realized by receipt of such commodities; but; (2) any gain realized from the sale or exchange of such commodities shall be included in gross income and shall be treated as ordinary income. Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of commodities received under such a program involving repayment of Commodity Credit Corporation loans. Specifies that farmers participating in a payment- in-kind program do not forfeit eligibility for the special use valuation provisions for farm property. Specifies that tax-exempt farmers' cooperatives shall not forfeit tax-exempt status if such a cooperative markets any commodity received by, or on behalf of, a member participating in a payment-in-kind program.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Title I: Armed Forces, Soldiers' Home, Coast Guard, Lighthouse Service, and Merchant Marine - Amends Federal laws dealing with the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title II: Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program, Railroad Retirement and the Work Incentive Program - Eliminates gender-based distinctions in the social security and railroad retirement programs. Title III: Amendments to United States Code - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Walsh-Healey Act, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, the Federal Criminal Code and other Acts dealing with Indian affairs, transportation, public lands and provisions relating to Saint Elizabeth Hospital and contract law to eliminate gender-based distinctions. Title IV: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Amends the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958 to prohibit the Small Business Administration (SBA) from declining to guarantee State and local development company debentures issued to finance small business expansion projects on the grounds that such projects are also being financed by industrial development bonds. Permits loans made with the proceeds of any such debentures to be subordinated to other obligations. Prohibits the SBA and other Federal agencies from restricting the use of guaranteed debentures for projects financed by industrial development bonds if such projects otherwise comply with SBA regulations and procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1983
Designates the week beginning March 20, 1983, as National Mental Health Counselors Week.
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 · 3 February 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to relocate the disposal site for dredge spoil from the Christina River, Wilmington, Delaware (currently located at Cherry Island) to a Delaware River site between the Wilmington Marine Terminal and Pigeon Point.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should propose to the Soviet Union immediate adherence by both countries to the principle of a guaranteed strategic build-down of nuclear forces, subject to agreed upon procedures of verification and compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Competition in Contracting Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to revise the procedures for soliciting and awarding bids for Government contracts. Requires executive agencies (excluding military departments, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to use competitive procedures in making contracts for property and services. Directs agencies to: (1) use advance planning and market research, prepare specifications, and solicit bids in a manner designed to achieve effective competition for a contract; and (2) use the competitive procedure or combination of procedures best suited for a procurement action. Authorizes an agency to award a procurement contract in order to establish or maintain any alternative source of supply if doing so would: (1) increase competition and reduce procurement costs; or (2) be in the interest of industrial mobilization in a national emergency. Requires procurement regulations to include simplified procedures and forms for making small purchases. Defines a "small purchase" as any purchase or contract which does not exceed $25,000. Prohibits dividing a procurement for the purpose of using small purchase procedures. Requires an agency, when using competitive procedures for other than small purchases, to solicit sealed bids when: (1) time permits the solicitation, submission, and evaluation of sealed bids; (2) the award will be made on the basis of price or other factors; (3) discussions with responding sources are not necessary; and (4) there is a reasonable expectation of receiving more than one bid. Directs an agency to request competitive proposals when sealed bids are not required. Permits agencies to use noncompetitive procurement procedures only when: (1) there is only one source and no substitute for the property or services needed; (2) the delay involved in using competitive procedures would seriously injure the Government; (3) it is necessary to award the contract to a particular source to achieve an essential industrial capacity in the United States or to maintain national industrial mobilization; (4) an agreement with a foreign government requires such procedures; (5) a statute requires that the procurement be made through another agency or a specific source; or (6) disclosure of an agency's needs to more than one source would compromise the national security. Prohibits an agency from awarding a contract, for other than a small purchase, using noncompetitive procedures unless a notice of such procurement has been published by the Secretary of Commerce. Requires agency solicitations for bids or proposals to include specifications which: (1) permit effective competition; and (2) contain only such restrictive provisions as are necessary to meet agency needs or as are required by law. Requires all solicitations for bids or proposals for other than small purchases to state: (1) the relative importance of all significant factors which the agency will consider in evaluating such bids or proposals; (2) in the case of sealed bids, that their will be no discussions with bidders; and (3) in the case of competitive proposals, that proposals are intended to be evaluated with discussions with the offerors, but might be evaluated without discussions. Requires each agency to: (1) evaluate bids and proposals on the basis of factors specified in the solicitation; and (2) award contracts to the bidder or offeror whose bid or proposal is most advantageous to the Government considering the price and other factors. Permits an agency to reject all bids or proposals if such action is in the public interest. Requires an agency, when evaluating competitive proposals, to award a contract: (1) after conducting written or oral discussions with all offerors submitting proposals within a specified range; or (2) on the basis of the proposals as received or as clarified after discussions conducted for the purpose of minor clarification. Directs an agency head to refer to the Attorney General any sealed bid evidencing an antitrust violation. Requires each agency to furnish for publication by the Secretary of Commerce a notice announcing: (1) its intention to enter a contract at a price greater than the maximum amount established for small purchases or a lesser amount as specified by the Administrator; and (2) the awarding of such a contract. Requires such notice of an agency's intention to enter a contract to be published at least 30 days before the date set for the receipt of bids or proposals. Requires that such notice include: (1) a description of the property or service to be procured; (2) the identity of the agency representative to contact to obtain a copy of the solicitation; (3) a statement that any person may submit a bid or proposal; and (4) a justification of any use of noncompetitive procedures. Exempts certain classified and noncompetitive procurements from such notice requirements. Requires agencies to: (1) maintain records, by fiscal year, of noncompetitive procurements and competitive procurements for which only one bid was received, excluding small purchases; and (2) transmit such information to the Federal Procurement Data Center. Requires a prime Government contractor or subcontractor, with specified exceptions, to submit and certify the accuracy of cost of pricing data prior to: (1) the award of contracts using other than sealed bid procedures and certain subcontracts where the price is expected to exceed $500,000; or (2) the pricing of any modification to such a contract or subcontract expected to result in a price adjustment exceeding $500,000. Requires the price to the Government of such a contract, subcontract, or modification to be adjusted to exclude any significant amount by which the price was increased because of inaccurate data. Authorizes an agency representative, for three years after final payment under such a contract or subcontract, to examine the contractor's records and other information to evaluate the accuracy of the cost and pricing data. Title II: Amendments to Title 10, United States Code - Revises procurement procedures for military departments, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to correspond with procurement procedures for executive agencies under title I of this Act. Permits contracts to require the carriage of Government property in cargo containers of specific dimensions if the Secretary of Defense determines that military requirements necessitate the specification of container sizes. Title III: Advocate for Competition; Annual Report on Competition - Directs the head of each executive agency to designate an officer or employee as an advocate for competition who shall promote competition in the procurement of property and services. Requires the advocate to report to the head of the agency on: (1) opportunities to achieve competition; (2) solicitations which contain unnecessarily detailed or restrictive specifications and other conditions that may reduce competition; and (3) his or her activities, annually. Requires the head of each agency, through 1986, to transmit to specified congressional committees an annual report which: (1) describes all actions the agency head intends to take during the next fiscal year to increase competition for agency contracts, and to reduce the number and value of agency contracts awarded after soliciting or evaluating bids or proposals from only one source; and (2) summarizes the activities of the agency's advocate for competition. Title IV: Notice Requirements Under the Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to repeal certain provisions requiring the Secretary of Commerce to obtain and publish notice of all defense and civilian procurement actions exceeding specified dollar amounts. Title V: Applicability - Declares that this Act shall apply with respect to solicitations for bids or proposals issued on or after the date 180 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Labor Management Racketeering Act of 1983 - Amends the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (Taft-Hartley Act) to increase penalties for specified violations of restrictions on financial transactions. Makes violations involving more than $1,000 felonies punishable by up to $15,000 fines and/or five years' imprisonment. Adds intent to benefit a person not permitted to receive payments, loans, or delivery of money or other thing of value to a labor organization in payment of membership dues, to a joint labor-management trust fund, or to a plant, area, or industry-wide labor-management committee as an element of violations involving those transactions. Grants civil jurisdiction to U.S. district courts over suits brought by: (1) the United States alleging a violation involving those transactions; or (2) any person directly affected by violations of restrictions on financial transactions under such Act. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to revise prohibitions against persons guilty of criminal offenses holding specified offices or positions involving employee benefit plans, labor organizations, or labor relations consultation to employer organizations. Increases the types of positions from which an individual is barred upon conviction of enumerated crimes. Requires immediate removal of such individual upon conviction (rather than after appeal) of enumerated crimes and crimes relating to the position. Increases, from five years to ten years, the time during which a convicted individual is prohibited from holding such offices or positions, but permits a lesser period to be set by the sentencing court under specified circumstances. Prohibits any person from knowingly hiring, retaining, employing, or otherwise placing any other person to serve in a capacity in violation of such prohibitions. Raises, from one year to five years, the maximum time of imprisonment for violations of such prohibitions. Provides that any salary payable but for such prohibitions shall be placed in escrow pending final disposition of any appeal. Sets forth the responsibility of the Secretary of Labor to detect and investigate violations of ERISA and other provisions for protecting employee benefit rights, without precluding such detection and investigation by other appropriate Federal agencies. Makes any conviction entered prior to the enactment of this Act effective on the date of such conviction if a right of appeal from such conviction is pending on the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, from March 1, 1983, through February 28, 1984, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; and (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel. Authorizes the Committee to make expenditures for the procurement of consultants and the training of its professional staff. Sets forth additional areas of study or investigation for such committee. Authorizes the continuance of certain legal processes authorized during the the 97th Congress. Permits the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to authorize by resolution the production of documents of the subcommittee to government agencies when necessary to promote justice.
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
Trade Reorganization Act of 1983 - Establishes the Department of Trade, to be administered by a Secretary of Trade appointed by the President. Directs the Secretary, among other things, to: (1) coordinate U.S. policies for promoting beneficial international trade relationships; (2) negotiate U.S. international trade agreements; (3) protect American industry, agriculture, and labor from unfair or injurious foreign competition; (4) develop trade monitoring systems; (5) develop and implement U.S. policies concerning foreign investments; and (6) administer the U.S. Customs Service and maintain the U.S. tariff schedules. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the U.S. Trade Representative and of the Secretary of Commerce which relate to international trade and investment and to specified agencies and offices of the Department of Commerce. Transfers to the Department of Trade the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Amends the Trade Expansion Act to establish a Trade Policy Committee, chaired by the President, to assist the President in carrying out the functions vested in the President relating to trade agreements and import relief (replaces an interagency trade organization). Designates the Secretary of Trade as the Vice Chairman and specifies other committee members. Establishes a Trade Negotiating Subcommittee to advise the Secretary on management of international trade and investment. Designates the Secretary of Trade as the President's chief spokesman on trade and requires the Secretary to report directly to the President on all trade policy matters. Sets forth administrative provisions applicable to the Department of Trade. Directs the Secretary to submit a report annually to the President for submission to the Congress on the Department's activities. Provides for the transfer of personnel, assets, records, and funding to correspond with the transfers of functions, offices, and agencies made by this Act. Terminates: (1) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; (2) the International Trade Administration; (3) the Bureau of Industrial Economics; (4) the Bureau of Economic Analysis; (5) the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration; and (6) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Makes certain technical and conforming amendments to specified Acts so that the provisions of such Acts reflect the executive reorganization made by this Act. Designates the Secretary as the chief representative of the United States for trade negotiation. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report directly to the President and the Congress and to be responsible to both for the administration of trade agreements under this Act and other specified Acts; (2) advise the President and Congress on matters related to trade agreement programs; and (3) be responsible for specified reports to Congress and for such other functions as the President may direct.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Establishes the Commission on More Effective Government to: (1) study the management, operation, and organization of the executive branch and its relationship with the other branches of the Federal Government, the State and local governments, and the private sector; and (2) recommend changes in Federal laws and practices (including redistribution of functions among Federal, State, and local governments) to promote greater effectiveness in the transaction of public business. Directs the Commission to assure meaningful public participation. Requires the Commission to keep the President and Congress informed and to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations within 24 months. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such report is submitted. Directs a portion of the Commission staff to continue to seek implementation of the Commission's recommendations for a specified period after the Commission is abolished. Requires the Comptroller General to monitor and report to the President and Congress on actions to implement such recommendations. Directs executive agencies to carry out, and propose legislation to carry out, the recommendations with which they agree. Directs the Comptroller General, the Chairman of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, and the Directors of the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Office of Technology Assessment to prepare briefing papers on recent reports of their organizations which are relevant to the work of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Reciprocal Trade and Investment Act of 1982 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to set forth provisions dealing with foreign trade barriers. Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the interagency trade organization established pursuant to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, to identify, analyze, and estimate the impact of practices that constitute significant barriers to or distortions of: (1) U.S. export of goods or services; and (2) foreign direct investment by U.S. persons, especially if it has implications for trade in goods or services. Sets forth factors to be considered by the USTR in such analysis. Directs the USTR to update the analysis annually. Directs the USTR to submit the analysis to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the report to include any action taken to eliminate such trade barriers. Directs the USTR to consult with Congress on trade policy priorities. Directs Federal agencies to furnish information and other assistance to prepare such analysis. Authorizes the President to respond to a foreign entity's unfair trade practices by taking action with respect to any goods or sector of such entity without regard to whether the goods or sector were involved in the unfair trade practice. (Current law provides that the President may take action against the products or services of the foreign entity.) Authorizes the President to propose legislation to protect U.S. trade rights or to eliminate unfair trade practices. Requires such legislative proposals to be given priority treatment. Requires a summary of a petition for a trade investigation by the USTR to be published in the Federal Register (currently, the entire petition must be published) if the USTR decides to begin an investigation with respect to the issues raised by the petition. Authorizes the USTR to initiate an investigation in order to advise the President concerning the exercise of the President's authority to take action against unfair trade practices. Directs the USTR to consult with the appropriate congressional committees before beginning such an investigation. Authorizes the USTR to delay for up to 90 days any request for consultation by a foreign entity concerning a petition for investigation into unfair trade practices. Directs the USTR to publish notice of the delay in the Federal Register and to report to Congress the reasons for the delay. Changes the definition of "commerce" for purposes of foreign trade investigations to include: (1) services associated with international trade, whether or not related to specific goods (currently products); and (2) foreign direct investment by U.S. persons with implications for trade in goods or services. Defines "unreasonable", "unjustifiable", and "discriminatory" for purposes of such investigations. Prohibits making information which the USTR has received in a trade investigation available to the public, if: (1) the person who provided the information makes a specified certification; (2) the USTR determines that such certification is well-founded; and (3) the person providing the information provides an adequate nonconfidential summary. Authorizes the USTR to use the information in trade investigations or to make it available to the public in a form which cannot identify the person providing the information. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to trade in services, foreign direct investment, and high technology products. Directs the USTR to develop and coordinate the implementation of U.S. policies concerning trade in services. Requires Federal agencies responsible for regulating any service sector industry to advise and work with the USTR concerning: (1) the treatment afforded U.S. services sector interest in foreign markets; or (2) allegations of unfair practices by foreign governments or companies in a service sector. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a service industries development program. Sets forth the goals of the program. Expresses the policy of the Congress that the President shall: (1) consult with State governments on trade policy issues affecting the regulatory authority on non-Federal governments or their procurement of goods and services; and (2) establish one or more intergovernmental policy advisory committees on trade. Authorizes the President to establish policy advisory committees representing non-Federal governmental interests to provide policy advice on trade negotiating objectives, bargaining positions, and the implementation of trade agreements. Authorizes the President to negotiate to reduce trade barriers in foreign direct investment by U.S. persons, especially if such investment has implications for trade in goods and services. Authorizes the President to enter into agreements concerning high technology industries. Authorizes the President to proclaim the modification, elimination or continuance of any existing duty, duty-free, excise treatment, or other additional duties with respect to specified high technology products listed in the U.S. Tariff Schedules. Provides for the termination of this authority five years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Sexual Exploitation of Children Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the penalties for the sexual exploitation of children from $10,000 to $75,000 and, on a subsequent conviction, from $15,000 to $150,000. Establishes as an affirmative defense to prosecution that the medium (upon which such prosecution is based), when taken as a whole, possesses serious literary, artistic, scientific, social or educational value.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Budget Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to establish a two-year budget process. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for a two-year reporting requirement by the Congressional Budget Office. Changes the fiscal year to a fiscal period beginning on January 1 of even-numbered years and extending for the next two years. Provides for one concurrent resolution setting forth the Federal budget to be agreed on in the first session of Congress. Makes it out of order in the House or the Senate to consider any bill or resolution providing new budget authority for a two-year fiscal period other than an omnibus appropriation bill. Sets forth deadlines for the Committees on Appropriations of the House and the Senate to report on an omnibus appropriation bill for a two-year fiscal period. Allows the House or the Senate to consider a supplemental appropriation bill for a two-year fiscal period at any time after the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution on the budget or the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for such two-year fiscal period. Prohibits any amendment providing new budget authority unless it is an amendment to an omnibus appropriation bill or a supplemental appropriation bill. Provides for reconciliation at any time after the consideration of the concurrent resolution is passed. Prohibits the enrollment of any bill or resolution which would cause the budget levels agreed to in the budget resolution to be exceeded. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to revise the requirements for the submission of the President's budget. Provides for the submission of proposed spending, including proposed budget authority, direct loans and commitments to guarantee loans, and estimates of outlays and receipts for all activities. Amends accounting procedures to conform them to the two-year fiscal period. Amends the Permanent Appropriation Repeal Act to convert such Act to a two-year fiscal period. Makes the two-year fiscal period effective on January 1, 1986. Makes transition provisions for FY 1985 with respect to the Impoundment Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Extends through FY 1986 the revenue sharing program for local governments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the maximum tax deduction allowed for amounts contributed to retirement savings plans by a married couple where one spouse has no earned income from $2,250 to $4,000. Increases the maximum deduction allowed for certain divorced individuals from $1,125 to $2,000.