United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1984
White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business, not earlier than January 1, 1985, and not later than September 1, 1986, to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the nation's job creator; (5) develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the Conference. Authorizes and directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such conference. Requires a final report of the Conference, within six months from the date such conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress for the next three years following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1984
Fair Trade in Steel Act of 1984 - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that access to the U.S. market for foreign-produced carbon, alloy, and specialty steel mill products should be on an equitable basis to safeguard national security, insure orderly trade in steel mill products, reduce unfair trade in steel mill products, and alleviate U.S. balance-of-payments problems. Expresses the intent of Congress to: (1) expand the economic viability of the U.S. steel industry and the jobs of its workers; (2) prevent the further decline of the domestic steel industry; and (3) temper the economic hardships resulting from unemployment in steel industry communities by encouraging reinvestment in existing steelmaking facilities. Limits annual imports of specified steel mill product categories to specified percentages of the apparent domestic supply which are based on adjusted average import penetration levels for each such product category for the years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to allocate global product limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries, or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocations. Requires the Secretary to make an annual determination of the expected apparent domestic supply in each steel mill product category. Requires the Secretary to revise such determination periodically during the year. Directs the Secretary to determine, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, whether the steel industry companies have plans to use substantially all of the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and the modernization of the steel sector. Suspends the import restrictions until the Secretary determines that the steel companies have such plans. Directs the Secretary to monitor steel sector investments made and announced by the steel industry and to consult with steel industry representatives and employees in the course of such monitoring. Directs the Secretary to determine annually whether steel companies are using substantially all the cash flow from the steel sector for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Directs the Secretary to modify or suspend the relevant import restrictions if the Secretary determines that substantially less than all the cash flow from the steel sector is being used for such reinvestment and modernization and that the level of investment is not demonstrably justified by adverse financial conditions within the industry. Directs the Secretary to publish: (1) each annual determination and its rationale; and (2) the total amount of cash flow from the steel sector and the total amount used for reinvestment in and modernization of the steel sector. Requires the Secretary's annual determination to include an evaluation of the steel industry's progress toward fulfillment of the reinvestment and modernization plans. Directs the Secretary to examine the supply and demand situation in the United States for a specified steel product category if reguested by affected steel consumers. Sets forth criteria to be used in determining short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor imports of fabricated steel mill products. Sets forth the method of investigating whether imports of fabricated steel products are rendering ineffective or materially interfering with the objectives of this Act. Limits the quantity of iron ore that may be entered from all sources during any calendar year after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to allocate global iron ore limitations among foreign countries, groups of countries or areas. Sets forth guidelines for making such allocation. Directs the Secretary, in making such allocations, to attempt first to accommodate the requirements of individual steel mills which have been traditionally dependent on ocean sourced foreign iron ore and the requirements of contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 1984. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the import restrictions on iron are if necessary to meet the needs of such individual steel mills. Provides for the enforcement and implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 February 1984
Human Services Reauthorization Act - Title I: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to extend the authorization of appropriations for low-income home energy assistance to FY 1985 through 1989. Includes in the term "energy crisis intervention" household energy related emergencies. Requires that at least five percent of a State's allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance be reserved until March 15 of each year for energy crisis intervention, which shall be administered by public or nonprofit entities having experience in and the capacity to administer such programs. Requires as part of the annual application for an allotment of funds for low-income home energy assistance that a State agree to: (1) describe the eligibility requirements for households desiring to participate in the low-income home energy assistance program and the manner in which the State determines benefit levels; and (2) indicate the amount which the State will reserve for energy crisis intervention and the administration procedures for designating an emergency and determining the assistance to be provided and for determining the use of funds reserved for energy crisis intervention but not expended for emergencies. Provides that home energy assistance payments provided to a household by a private nonprofit organization or by an entity whose revenues are derived primarily on a rate-of-return basis regulated by the State or Federal Government shall not be considered income for such household for purposes of Federal or State law if the appropriate State agency certifies that such assistance is based on need. Decreases the maximum amount of grant money allotted for a fiscal year to States for low-income home energy assistance which a State may request to be held available for the next fiscal year. Specifies additional home energy and home energy assistance data which the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to collect on a State-by-State basis. Specifies the dates by which the Secretary's annual reports on such data must be submitted to Congress. Prohibits the Secretary from using more than $350,000 in any fiscal year for demonstration and analysis of effective ways to meet the energy needs of low-income households. Title II: Community Services Block Grant - Amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to increase the authorization of appropriations for community services grants for FY 1985 and 1986 and to authorize appropriations for such grants for FY 1987 through 1989. Permits a State to revise the poverty line for purposes of community services grants to 125 percent of the official poverty line established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget if the State determines that such revision will serve the objectives of such grants. Revises the amount of funds which a State applying for a community services block grant must agree to make available to community action agencies and organizations serving seasonal or migrant farmworkers. Requires that the remainder of such funds be used to permit existing community action agencies to serve geographic areas not being served or to establish new community action agencies. Sets forth waiver provisions with respect to such funding requirements. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Service to provide training and ongoing activities of national and regional significance related to the purposes of the community services grant program. (Under current law, the Secretary has discretionary authority to provide such training and activities.) Permits the Secretary to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to nonprofit private organizations applying jointly with business concerns for funding. Title III: Head Start Program - Amends the Head Start Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to administer the Head Start program through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorizes the appropriations for the Head Start program for FY 1985 through 1989. Requires the Secretary to reserve for training and technical assistance for each fiscal year funds which are not less than the amount spent for such activities under such Act in FY 1982. Requires the Secretary to designate as Head Start agencies any local public or private nonprofit agency which was receiving funds under any Head Start program on August 31, 1981, if such agency meets program and fiscal requirements established by the Secretary. (Under current law, the Secretary is required to give priority in the designation of Head Start agencies to such local agencies.) Authorizes the Secretary to designate a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in a community if there is no Head Start agency or program serving such community. Permits each Head Start program operated in a community to provide more than one year of Head Start services to children from age three to the age of compulsory school attendance in the State where the program is located. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training in connection with Head Start programs. (Under current law, the Secretary is authorized to provide such activities.) Specifies the types of programs which must be included in such training activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1984
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide that nursing care and home health aid services may be provided on a daily basis as home health services for up to 60 days with monthly physician certification of the need for such services, and after the 60 day period, on a physician certification of exceptional circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984
Computer Crime Prevention Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for using or attempting to use certain computers with intent to defraud or obtain property by false pretenses. Limits the kinds of computers covered by this Act to those operating in interstate commerce or operating on behalf of the Federal Government or a financial institution, where the prohibited conduct directly affects the computer operation. Makes it a separate offense to damage or destroy such a computer or to alter or delete any computer program or data stored in such a computer without authorization. Establishes criminal penalties for any person who buys, procures, or sells the password or access code for a computer with the purpose to defraud or obtain money by false pretenses. Sets forth a fine of not more than three times the amount of the gain derived from the offense or $50,000, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. Makes it a federal offense to use such computer without authorization. Sets forth a fine for unauthorized use of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1984
Domestic Petroleum Company Acquisition Act of 1984 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit: (1) any major energy concern or affiliate from acquiring voting securities that would provide ownership or control of a domestic petroleum company; and (2) any domestic petroleum company or affiliate from acquiring, owning, or controlling any major energy concern or affiliate. Defines a "major energy concern" as any person engaged in commerce in the United States: (1) whose average net production of crude oil in the previous calendar year exceeded 500,000 barrels per day; or (2) who is under the control of one or more foreign persons. Authorizes the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, or any aggrieved person to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. district court to enjoin such prohibited acts. Provides that temporary or permanent injunctive relief shall be granted upon proper showing. Provides that this Act shall not apply to an acquisition if the parties show that the transaction: (1) is likely to result in a material increase in new energy exploration, extraction, production, or conversion that cannot be achieved otherwise; or (2) is necessary to prevent one or both of the parties from becoming bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Honors Commander Alphonse Desjardins, founder of La Caisse Populaine de St-Marie, Manchester, New Hampshire, the first incorporated credit union in the United States
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Amends the Federal criminal code to eliminate the provision allowing for one-party consent to certain interceptions of wire and oral communications by requiring consent by all the parties.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Wine Equity Act of 1983 - Requires the President to direct the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate the harmonization of tariff and nontariff barriers on wine with each designated major trading country. Requires negotiations with designated major trading countries which do not export wine to the United States in order to eliminate all tariff and nontariff trade barriers of such countries to the importation of U.S. wine. Requires the President to impose tariff and nontariff trade barriers equal or substantially equivalent to the barriers applied by a designated major trading country if such country does not provide harmonization to U.S. produced-wine within 180 days of the country's designation as a designated major trading country. Provides for removing such U.S. tariff and nontariff barriers. Requires the USTR to report to specified congressional committees at the beginning and end of each negotiation. Requires the USTR to consult with such committees to identify further tariff and nontariff barriers to and potential markets for U.S. wine. Provides for assistance for the USTR from other Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Directs the Senate legal counsel to bring civil action to enforce a specified subpoena of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to Anthony J. Accardo.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1983
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to add the Wildcat River, New Hampshire, (from its headwaters to its confluence with the Ellis River) to the list of rivers designated for potential addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1983
Authorizes any person employed in the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Labor who conducts investigations of felony criminal violations to: (1) make a warrantless arrest; (2) execute an arrest warrant; (3) execute a search warrant and seize evidence; and (4) carry a firearm.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1983
Criminal Fine Collection Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code with respect to the imposition, payment, and collection of fines. Lists factors that the court must consider in determining whether to impose a fine, including: (1) the ability of the defendant to pay; (2) the burden that payment will impose on the defendant; and (3) any restitution or reparation made by the defendant. States that payment of a fine is due immediately unless the court requires payment by installment or by any date certain. Permits a sentence to pay a fine to be stayed while an appeal is taken. Makes a fine delinquent if any portion of such fine is not paid within 30 days of when it is due. Provides that a fine is in default if it is more than 90 days delinquent. Allows for the modification or remission of a sentence to pay a fine. Requires the clerk to forward each fine payment to the U.S. Treasury and notify the Attorney General of its receipt. Requires the court to certify to the Attorney General when a fine exceeding $100 is imposed, modified, or remitted. Makes the Attorney General responsible for the collection of any unpaid fine for which certification has been issued. Allows the court to impose interest and monetary penalties for any willful nonpayment. Establishes civil remedies for the satisfication of an unpaid fine. Provides that a judgment imposing a fine may be enforced by execution against the property of the person fined as are judgments in civil cases. Allows the court to resentence a person upon willful failure to pay a fine to any sentence which might originally have been imposed. Provides for a statute of limitations on the liability to pay a fine of 20 years or upon death of the person fined. Provides penalties for criminal default of a fine. Makes payment of a fine a condition of probation or parole in certain circumstances. Requires the Attorney General to include in the annual crime report steps taken to implement this Act and any progress achieved in criminal fine collection.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1983
Permits the transfer of the obsolete submarine U.S.S. Albacore to the Portsmouth Submarine Memorial Association before the expiration of a 60-day congressional review period.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Cigarette Safety Study Act - Establishes an interagency Cigarette Safety Task Force to conduct studies and make recommendations concerning the technical and economic feasibility of developing cigarettes and little cigars which have a reduced propensity to ignite upholstered furniture and mattresses. Requires the Task Force to appoint a Technical Advisory Group who have knowledge and expertise concerning the health consequences of smoking, the problem of fires in upholstered furniture and mattresses, and the development and manufacture of cigarettes and little cigars which have a reduced propensity to ignite such furniture. Requires the Task Force to transmit to the President and Congress such interim reports as necessary and a final report not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Declares that commercial, technical, or financial information which is submitted to the Task Force or the Technical Advisory Group and which the Task Force considers to be confidential shall be considered trade secrets. Permits the use of any such information in the required reports to Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the Task Force three months after the final report is transmitted.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1983
Declares that it should be U.S. policy to: (1) support the people of Afghanistan in their struggle to be free from foreign domination; (2) provide the Afghans, upon request, with material assistance; and (3) pursue a negotiated settlement of the war in Afghanistan based on the total withdrawal of Soviet troops and the recognition of the right of the Afghans to choose their own destiny.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1983
White Mountain National Forest Wilderness Act of 1983 - Designates the following lands in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area; (2) the Sandwich Range Wilderness; and (3) the Presidential Dry River Wilderness Additions. Provides that the RARE II (second roadless area review and evaluation) final environmental statement (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system lands in New Hampshire and Maine shall not be subject to judicial review. Releases national forest system lands in New Hampshire and Maine which were reviewed in the RARE II program from further review by the Department of Agriculture, pending revision of initial national forest management plans. Releases lands in New Hampshire and Maine reviewed in the RARE II program and not designated as wilderness from management as wilderness areas. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from conducting any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in New Hampshire and Maine without express congressional authorization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1983
States that the United States: (1) condemns the Soviet destruction of Korean Air Lines Flight 7 and calls for an explanation from the Soviets; (2) extends its sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and supports their rights to obtain compensation from the Soviets; (3) calls on the Soviets to assist in the recovery of the remains of the victims; (4) reaffirms the actions against Aeroflot and calls for an international investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization; (5) urges the international community to demand that the Soviets modify its air defense procedures to assure the safety of commercial airliners; (6) urges other nations to join the United States in applying sanctions against Soviet civil aviation; (7) notes that Soviet refusal of responsibility raises doubts among the world community over the Soviet's willingness to behave as a responsible member of the international community; and (8) urges our allies to cooperate with the United States in implementing additional sanctions against the Soviet's until certain conditions are met.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1983 - Title I: Bail - Bail Reform Act of 1983 - Repeals the Bail Reform Act of 1966 and sets forth new bail procedures. Retains execution of a money bond as a condition for pretrial release. Authorizes a judicial officer to consider the safety of any person or the community when making a pretrial release determination. Establishes as a mandatory release condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during release. Expands the discretionary release conditions to include that the defendant: (1) maintain employment or an educational program; (2) avoid contact with an alleged victim or potential witness; (3) report to a law enforcement or pretrial service agency; (4) comply with a curfew; (5) refrain from possessing a firearm or using alcohol or narcotic drugs; (6) undergo medical treatment; (7) agree to forfeit designated property, including money, upon failure to appear; and (8) return to custody at specified hours. Prohibits a judicial officer from imposing financial conditions that result in the pretrial detention of a person. Authorizes a judicial officer to order detention for up to ten days: (1) if a person who is presently on pretrial release for a felony under Federal, State, or local law or on probation or parole or release pending sentencing or appeal for any offense, upon a determination that such person may flee or pose a danger to any person or the community; or (2) if such person is not a U.S. citizen. Requires that a detention hearing be held in any case involving: (1) a crime of violence; (2) any offense punishable by life imprisonment or death; (3) a narcotics offense punishable by at least ten years' imprisonment; (4) a serious risk of flight or obstruction of justice; or (5) any felony committed after the person has been convicted of two or more offenses for which a hearing is mandated. Authorizes a judicial officer after such a hearing to order the pretrial detention of a person upon finding that no condition will reasonably assure such person's appearance and the safety of any other person and the community. Enumerates additional factors to be considered by the judicial officer in making a release determination, including the defendant's past conduct, history of drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and the nature and seriousness of the danger to the community or any person. Requires the detention of a person who has appealed his conviction unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) such person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to another person or property; and (2) the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Requires the detention of a person awaiting sentencing unless the officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. Authorizes a U.S. attorney to appeal a release order. Allows a defendant to file a motion for amendment of a condition of release. Makes a person guilty of an offense for failing to appear after having been released. Provides increased penalties for persons charged with more serious offenses. Makes it an affirmative defense to such crime that uncontrollable circumstances prevented the person from appearing. Establishes mandatory additional penalties for commission of an offense while on pretrial release. Subjects a person who has been conditionally released and violates a condition of release to revocation of release and prosecution for contempt of court. Authorizes a surety to arrest a person charged with an offense who is released upon execution of an appearance bond with such surety. Requires such person to be delivered promptly to a judicial officer for a revocation determination. Grants new authority to law enforcement officers to arrest a person who violates pretrial release conditions. Title II: Sentencing Reform - Sentencing Reform Act of 1983 - Sets forth a new sentencing structure applicable to a defendant who is found guilty of an offense under any Federal statute. Permits an individual to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment or probation and a fine, and to receive additional sanctions, including: (1) forfeiture for certain racketeering crimes and drug-related offenses; (2) an order of notice to victims of crimes in cases involving fraud or deceptive practices; or (3) an order of restitution in cases involving bodily injury or property damage. Permits an organization to receive these penalties, with the exception of imprisonment. Creates the United States Sentencing Commission. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including the guidelines and policy statements issued by the United States Sentencing Commission. Requires the court to impose a sentence within the range set forth by the Commission unless aggravating or mitigating circumstances exist that were not adequately considered by the Commission in formulating the guidelines. Requires the court to state in open court at the time of sentencing the reason for imposing a sentence at a point within the prescribed range, or the specific reason for imposing a sentence outside of such range. Authorizes the imposition of a term of probation in certain circumstances. Sets forth a fine schedule for the categories of offenses generally at higher levels than current law. Includes higher maximums for organizational defendants. Directs the court to consider the defendant's financial status in determining the amount of a fine and the method of payment. Sets maximum terms of imprisonment for five classes of felonies (A to E), three classes of misdemeanors (A to C), and an infraction (five day maximum). Allows the court, in imposing a sentence of imprisonment for a felony or misdemeanor, to include a term of supervised release after imprisonment. Eliminates the special sentencing provisions under current law for dangerous special offenders, youth offenders, young adult offenders, and drug addicts, but provides for these categories of offenders under the proposed sentencing guidelines. Excludes capital punishment as an authorized penalty, but leaves unaffected the current death penalty and procedures for aircraft hijacking. Eliminates the parole system. Permits a defendant to petition for a sentence reduction upon a showing of extraordinary and compelling reasons. Limits this motion for defendants who are sentenced to six or more years of imprisonment. Allows the defendant or the government to file a notice of appeal in the district court for review of a final sentence. Provides for congressional review of the operation of the sentencing system after receipt of a study by the General Accounting Office. Title III: Forfeiture - Comprehensive Forfeiture Act of 1983 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute (RICO) to specify that property subject to forfeiture for racketeering activity includes: (1) all proceeds obtained directly or indirectly from racketeering activity; and (2) real and tangible and intangible personal property. Makes property forfeitable to the United States upon the commission of the act giving rise to forfeiture. Permits the forfeiture of property which has been transferred to a third party, but includes a provision protecting innocent bona fide purchasers. Authorizes a court to order the forfeiture of substitute assets of the defendant where the original property cannot be located or traced. Authorizes a court to take appropriate action preserving the availability of property during the pre-indictment period effective for up to 90 days. Specifies the circumstances under which a temporary restraining order may be entered without notice to the affected party. Authorizes the Attorney General to grant petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture. Allows the Attorney General to establish regulations governing the restitution and disposition of forfeited property. Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to establish general criminal forfeiture provisions for felony violations under titles II and III. Includes provisions similar to the RICO amendments of this Act, relating to property subject to forfeiture, third party transfers, asset substitution, pre-indictment orders, and disposition of property. Creates a rebuttable presumption of forfeitability of certain property. Authorizes a court to issue a warrant authorizing the seizure of property subject to forfeiture in the same manner provided for a search warrant, if other injunctive relief would not assure the availability of the property. Provides that a criminal forfeiture proceeding shall stay any civil forfeiture proceeding with respect to the same property. Sets forth procedures for an ancillary hearing to resolve third party claims. Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to allow the Attorney General to transfer drug- related forfeited property to other Federal, State or local agencies. Establishes within the United States Treasury, the "Drug Assets Forfeiture Fund" to pay for maintenance of forfeited property, awards to informants, and valid liens and mortgages against such property. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for the seizure of vessels, vehicles, merchandise or baggage valued at $100,000 or less. Requires written notice of such seizure to all interested parties. Increases the surety bond for any person claiming interest in the seized property to $5,000, or ten percent of the value of the claimed property, whichever is less. Establishes in the Treasury the Customs Forfeiture Fund to pay for maintenance of forfeited property and awards to informants. Requires the deposit in such Fund of all proceeds from the sale and disposition of property forfeited under custom law. Allows for the retention of forfeited property for official use or for transfer to other Federal, State or local governmental agencies assisting in related Federal law enforcement. Increases from $50,000 to $150,000 the award of compensation given to informers for information leading to forfeiture. Grants customs officers arrest authority and the right to carry firearms. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code dealing with customs officers' law enforcement authority to conform to this Act. Provides that seizures of property effected by customs officers shall be governed by this Act. Title IV: Offenders with Mental Disease or Defect - Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it an affirmative defense to a Federal prosecution, that at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the defendant, as a result of mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts. Authorizes a special verdict of "not guilty only by reason of insanity" for any criminal defendant who raises the issue of insanity by notice as currently provided. Establishes a new civil commitment procedure for persons found not guilty only by reason of insanity. Title V: Drug Enforcement Amendments - Controlled Substances Penalties Amendments Act of 1983 - Increases the fine levels for drug trafficking. Increases the penalties for trafficking in large amounts of controlled substances. Amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow the Attorney General to place an uncontrolled substance under temporary controls which provide for registration, recordkeeping and criminal penalties. Provides for administrative changes in the registration of practitioners. Title VI: Justice Assistance - Amends title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Justice System Improvement) to eliminate the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, including the Office of Community Anti-Crime Programs and the Office of Justice Assistance, Research, and Statistics. Retains the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice. Establishes a new Office of Justice Assistance (OJA), to be headed by an Assistant Attorney General. Places the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics within the new Office of Justice Assistance. Establishes a Justice Assistance Board to: (1) advise and make recommendations to the Assistant Attorney General on research, statistics and program priorities; (2) review and evaluate demonstration programs and (3) undertake additional tasks the board deems necessary. Authorizes grants to States for programs that address critical problems of violent and serious crime and for programs which have been certified successful. Enumerates 12 criteria for the awarding of these grants. Limits the Federal share of the grant programs to a period of three years and includes a cash match requirement. Eliminates the current national priority grant programs. Retains the discretionary grant program. Limits the purposes of discretionary grants to: (1) educational and training programs for criminal justice personnel; (2) the provision of technical assistance; and (3) national demonstration programs which are likely to be successful but unlikely to be funded. Establishes within the Office of Justice Assistance a Bureau of Criminal Justice Facilities. Directs the Bureau to make grants to States for the construction and modernization of correctional facilities. Provides for death benefits to the survivors of public safety officers (police and firemen). Authorizes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to train State and local criminal justice personnel. Authorizes a State to apply for emergency Federal law enforcement assistance in the event that a crime problem of serious and epidemic proportions exists. Authorizes appropriations for law enforcement assistance for each of FY1984 through 1987. Title VII: Surplus Federal Property Amendments - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator of the General Services Administration to transfer to any State or local government surplus property determined by the Attorney General to be required for correctional facility use. Requires the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the acquisition cost of all donated personal property and real property disposed of during the preceding fiscal year. Title VIII: Labor Racketeering Amendments - 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 by 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. Title IX: Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act Amendments - Increases penalties for currency violations and authorizes payments of rewards for information leading to the recovery of a criminal fine, civil penalty or forfeiture. Allows U.S. Customs agents to conduct border searches relating to currency offenses. Title X: Miscellaneous Violent Crime Amendments - Provides Federal jurisdiction over murder-for-hire and crimes in aid of racketeering activity. Makes it a Federal offense to solicit an individual to commit a crime of violence. Revises the felony-murder rule. Provides minimum mandatory sentences for the use of firearms during a Federal crime of violence. Allows for an additional mandatory sentence for the use of armorpiercing bullets in the course of Federal crimes. Makes it a Federal offense to kidnap or assault Federal officers or employees, in the performance of their duties or to commit a crime against any family members of Federal officials. Amends the Major Crimes Act to include the crimes of maiming and sodomy. Includes trucks in the definition of "motor vehicle" for purposes of the prohibition against destruction of motor vehicles. Makes it a federal offense to knowingly and willfully damage the property of an energy facility. Provides for criminal penalties for any individual who escapes from civil commitment. Makes changes in the procedure governing interstate rendition and extradition of foreign criminals found in the United States. Amends the Federal criminal code to include within the protected class, for purposes of the prohibition against arson, public safety officers injured within the course of their duty. Pharmacy Protection and Violent Offender Control Act of 1983 - Establishes penalties for taking or attempting to take a controlled substance from a pharmacy, both with or without dangerous weapons. Requires the Department of Justice to include data on such crimes in its annual Uniform Crime Report. Title XI: Serious Nonviolent Offenses - Amends the Federal criminal code dealing with the sexual exploitation of children. Increases the criminal fines for violation of this section by individuals from $10,000 to $75,000 (from $15,000 to $150,000 for a second or subsequent offense). Sets a fine of $250,000 for organizations. Provides for both criminal and civil forfeiture. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the number of cases and convictions, and the dollar amount received in forfeiture, under this section. Makes it a Federal offense for any person to give warning of an impending execution of a search warrant. Establishes a Federal offense regarding fraud or bribery in programs receiving Federal funds. Makes it a Federal crime to counterfeit or forge state or corporate securities. Revises provisions relating to receipt of stolen bank property, bribery and fraud. Provides penalties for any inmate in a Federal penal or correctional institution who possesses any contraband article. Livestock Fraud Protection Act - Provides penalties for theft of livestock. Title XII: Procedural Amendments - Makes certain procedural amendments allowing certain juveniles to be prosecuted as adults. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to provide for emergency interception of wire or oral communications before an order authorizing such interception can be obtained. Modifies the venue statute for threat offenses, and certain tax offenses. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate a civil proceeding in a district court to enjoin a violation of the mail fraud statutes. Authorizes a government appeal after any decision, judgment or order in a district court granting a new trial. Amends the provisions dealing with witness relocation and protection.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1983
States that each person has the right to be free from any classification based on sex, made by the United States or any State, unless such classification is necessary to achieve a compelling interest of the United States or such State. Provides that if any person under color of Federal or State law subjects one to a classification based on sex which is not necessary to achieve a compelling governmental interest, he or she shall be liable to the person injured. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act to bring a civil action in the appropriate district court of the United States. Enables the Attorney General to bring an action for declaratory or injunctive relief.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1983
Freedom from Government Competition Act of 1983 - Requires Government agencies to obtain all goods and services from private sources unless the goods or services are required by law to be provided by such an agency, or the head of such an agency certifies to Congress his or her determination that: (1) Government production or provision of such goods or services is necessary for the national defense or for the agency to maintain the capability necessary to effectively manage goods and services provided by private sources; (2) there is no private source capable of providing the goods and services at a competitive price; or (3) the services involve the administration of public funds. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress identifying all current agency activities not in compliance with this Act. Requires that such report contain a schedule for transferring all such activities to the private sector within five years after the date such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States shall call upon El Salvador to: (1) appoint a special prosecuting attorney to investigate those responsbile for the murders of four American churchwomen; and (2) bring the accused to trial by December 2, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1983
Competition in Television Production Act - Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from repealing, amending, or otherwise modifying specified rules regarding network television syndication, network television financial interests, and prime time access before July 1, 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the amount by which individual income tax rates will be adjusted annually shall be the Consumer Price Index minus three percentage points. Provides for such adjustment during calendar years 1985 through 1988. Provides that for FY 1985 through 1988 the cost of living adjustments for the following Federal programs will be determined by using the Consumer Price Index minus three percentage points: (1) old age, survivors and disability benefits; (2) armed services retirement and retainer pay; (3) retired pay and retainer pay of members and former members of the Coast Guard; (4) retired pay of commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Public Health Service; (5) civil service retirement benefits; (6) foreign service retirement benefits; (7) Central Intelligence Agency retirement benefits; (8) Federal workers' compensation; and (9) veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1983
Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to continue to use diplomatic and legal means to achieve worldwide compliance with the International Whaling Commission moratorium on commercial whaling.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1983
Program Fraud Civil Penalties Act of 1983 - Establishes penalties and assessments to be imposed against any person who knowingly makes a false claim or statement to: (1) an authority of the United States; (2) a recipient of property, services, or money from such authority; (3) a party to a contract with such authority; or (4) any State. Declares that such penalties and assessments are in addition to criminal and civil penalties and assessments provided by other laws. Requires that the total amount of a penalty and assessment imposed under this Act be at least equal to the damages sustained by the Government as a result of the false claim or statement, except under specified circumstances. Directs the Inspector General or other investigating official of a Federal authority to investigate allegations that a person made a false claim or statement and to report findings to the reviewing official designated for that authority. Directs the reviewing official to refer such allegations to the authority head for a hearing upon determining there is probable cause to believe that the person is liable for a penalty or assessment. Requires the authority head to notify the Attorney General of any intention to initiate a hearing. Allows the authority head to initiate a hearing if the Attorney General approves it or does not disapprove it within 90 days. Entitles the defendant in such a hearing to: (1) written notice of the hearing; (2) be present and represented by counsel; (3) present evidence and cross-examine witnesses; (4) prompt, written notice of the authority head's determination; and (5) judicial review of an adverse determination. Specifies the authority of the investigating official and the official conducting the hearing, and the procedure for judicial review of the determination reached in the hearing. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to recover a penalty or assessment determined by such a hearing. Authorizes the authority head to settle a final penalty or assessment determined by hearing. Grants the Attorney General exclusive authority to settle a claim subject to judicial review or collection procedures. Provides for the reimbursement, out of any penalty or assessment collected, of a State or political subdivision for damages sustained as a result of a false claim or statement. Specifies time limitations for commencing a hearing concerning a false statement or claim and for commencing an action to recover any penalty or assessment. Permits the deduction of any penalty or assessment from any amount owed the liable person by the Government, including tax refunds. Requires each investigating official to report annually to the authority head on actions taken under this Act during the most recent 12-month period ending September 30. Requires the transmission of such reports to the appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1983
Requires the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the project for modification of Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River Basin in Maine and New Hampshire.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should convene a national, bipartisan commission to address the problems in Central America. Suggests certain requirements for the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the interstate compact entered into by Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont relating to the restoration of Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River Basin and creating the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to participate as members of such Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should urge the Soviet Union to terminate its jamming of Voice of America and Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty broadcasts.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1983
Requires the Attorney General and all other appropriate Federal agencies and officials to enforce the antitrust laws, including the prohibition against vertical price restraints. Directs such officials and agencies to cease propounding arguments in court designed to weaken such prohibition, and to submit to Congress proposed legislation to make any desired changes in such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the residential energy income tax credit for renewable energy sources for five years from 1985 to 1990. Increases from 15 percent to 25 percent the investment tax credit for solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean thermal property. Extends such credits for five years from 1985 to 1990. Extends such credits for hydroelectric generating property and biomass property for five years from 1985 to 1990. Reestablishes the credit for congeneration property until 1990. Qualifies until 1995 affirmative commitments for solar, wind, geothermal, ocean thermal, biomass, and cogeneration projects begun by December 31, 1990. Eliminates the 20 percent limitation for oil and natural gas used in cogeneration facilities. Allows the regular investment tax credit percentage with respect to certain energy property even if such property is a structural component of a building. Qualifies as biomass property methane-containing gas produced by anaerobic digestion from nonfossil waste materials. Revises the definition of geothermal deposit to lower the required temperature to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. (Present regulations require a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit.)
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1983
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 · 11 May 1983
Disapproves the proposal of the Study Group on Senate Practices and Procedures to abolish the Committee on Veterans' Affairs by merging it with the Committee on Armed Services.
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 · 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 · 2 May 1983
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause a named vessel to be documented as a vessel of the United States entitled to engage in the coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1983
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to increase the dollar limits on contributions to campaigns for Federal office. Establishes formula limits for permissible expenditures made by candidates for the United States Senate or House of Representatives. Establishes fines for specified candidates who exceed permissible expenditures. Requires such fines to be assessed by and payable to the Federal Election Commission. Prohibits any fined person from being a candidate for Federal elective office until such fine has been paid.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1983
Expresses the sense of the Senate that May 8 through May 14, 1983, be designated as National Product Safety Week in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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
Amends the Clayton Act to authorize the Attorney General of the United States or of any State to bring suit on behalf of the United States or such State or a political subdivision or citizen thereof to secure monetary relief for injury sustained by reason of a violation of antitrust law, regardless of whether the United States, State, political subdivision, or citizen has purchased directly from the defendant. Entitles the defendant in an antitrust action to prove as a partial or complete defense, in order to avoid duplicative liability, that some or all of the plaintiff's damages have been passed on to others who have standing to bring such an action.
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 · 23 March 1983
Federal Land Retention Act of 1983 - Requires Executive agencies to comply with specified inventory, public comment and review, and governmental notification procedures before offering Federal lands for sale. Requires that Federal lands included within specified public land systems be sold at fair market value only in accordance with this Act and only with congressional approval under the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976. Authorizes conveyances of specified Federal lands for recreational purposes to government units or nonprofit organizations at no cost or for up to 25 per cent fair market value without Congressional approval. Subjects such conveyance to specified conditions under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1976.
![Official portrait of Sen. Rudman, Warren [R-NH]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000497_200.jpg)