United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
Prohibits U.S. armed forces from participating in joint military exercises with Honduran armed forces during the period beginning 30 days after enactment of this Act or on April 1, 1984, (whichever is later) and ending September 30, 1985. Limits the number of members of the U.S. armed forces in Honduras during such time to 200. Prohibits obligating or spending appropriations contrary to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1984
Effective Schools Development in Education Act of 1984 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grants program to promote more effective schools and excellence in education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1989 for such grants program. Allows program grants to be used to: (1) promote State educational agency (SEA) and local educational agency (LEA) awareness of effective schools information through conferences at schools and district and multidistrict offices and through onsite visits to model effective schools; (2) develop and implement systems of data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication; (3) plan, review, and revise program activities; (4) support related effective schools efforts; (5) obtain technical assistance and consultant services from regional educational laboratories, research and development centers, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofit educational organizations; (6) design, develop, and publish educational materials on effective schools programs; (7) conduct program evaluations; and (8) otherwise identify, document, and disseminate information concerning exemplary effective schools programs. Requires that program grant applications by SEAs or LEAs demonstrate that: (1) the applicant has an effective schools improvement program in effect; (2) grant funds would be used to pay not more than one-half of the cost of any program or activity; (3) grant funds would be supplementary; and (4) independent annual evaluations will be conducted and reported. Directs the Secretary of Education, in selecting grant recipients, to: (1) consider the extent to which grant funds would be used to improve schools in districts with the greatest numbers or percentages of educationally deprived children and the extent to which the applicant's ongoing effective schools program has demonstrated the capacity to improve student achievement or behavior; (2) ensure reasonable geographic distribution of grants; and (3) designate grants as being available for a period of at least one but not more than three years. Sets forth provisions for technical assistance and program evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1984
National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1984 - Title I: Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research - Establishes: (1) a ten-year National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Program; and (2) a Directorate, with the Secretaries of Defense, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services as joint chairpersons, to implement such program. Sets forth the Directorate's functions, including: (1) establishing National Science Foundation-administered matching grants for specified nutrition and dietary purposes; and (2) submitting an annual report to the President and the Congress. Requires the Directorate to prepare a National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Plan which shall: (1) assess and report on U.S. nutritional and dietary trends; (2) sponsor or conduct research; (3) develop and maintain dietary and nutritional data resources; (4) coordinate Federal activities and assist similar State and local activities, including scientific and technical assistance; (5) maintain and coordinate present and future nutrition and dietary surveys, including the development of uniform survey standards; and (6) encourage private sector and academic program participation. Requires a 60-day public comment period before such plan is submitted in final form to the President and the Congress. Provides for scientific research and development in support of such program and plan. Authorizes specified appropriations. Title II: National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council - Establishes a 15-member Advisory Council to: (1) evaluate such program and plan; (2) provide scientific and technical advice; and (3) submit an annual report to the Directorate.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Prohibits any change in the standard Federal regional or subregional office structure or policy as established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circular A-105 of April 4, 1974, except by Act of Congress. Allows combinations of standard Federal regions approved pursuant to such circular before January 1, 1984, to be continued without specific approval by Act of Congress. Requires the Director of OMB to wait at least 90 days after notifying Congress of an agency's request for approval of certain regional or subregional organization plans before approving such a plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to require that the eligibility criteria for legal assistance not exclude persons who were eligible for the Corporation's services under the criteria in effect on January 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Recognizes the important contribution of the arts to a complete education. Urges all citizens to support efforts which strengthen artistic training and appreciation within schools.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1984
Expresses the appreciation of Congress to the descendants of blacks who contributed to American Independence. Encourages State and local governments and private organizations to conduct activities during Black History Month 1985 in honor of black involvement in the American Revolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1984
Calls upon the news media to voluntarily refrain from: (1) projecting presidential election results; or (2) predicting the outcome of such elections until all polling places have closed.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Federal Employee's Pay Equity Act of 1984 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to study and report to the President and Congress on: (1) any Government practices of setting lower wage rates within the position classification system for jobs held predominantly by women than for jobs with comparable requirements held predominantly by men; (2) the discriminatory wage differentials resulting from such practices; and (3) appropriate measures for eliminating such practices and differentials, including the use of equitable job-evaluation techniques, along with a timetable for implementing such measures within two years. Requires such measures to be instituted according to such timetable. Requires OPM, beginning in 1986, to submit to the President and Congress an annual report on actions taken during the previous year and actions planned for the current year to carry out this Act. Directs each Federal agency responsible for submitting an equal employment opportunity plan under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include in each plan or update a review and identification of any discriminatory wage-setting practices and wage differentials with respect to its labor force and a plan to eliminate any such practices and differentials. Requires any agency which does not submit a plan or update within one year to amend its existing plan to include such information.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
States that the President should: (1) announce to the Soviet Union and other nuclear nations that the United States will suspend testing of nuclear weapons and challenge the Soviet Union to do the same; (2) express to the diplomatic community that U.S. policy is to cease testing such weapons and that such testing will be resumed if the Soviet Union proceeds with further underground testing of such weapons; (3) ensure that upon suspension of U.S. testing the United States will make use of existing technology and equipment to verify that nuclear explosions have ceased; and (4) initiate negotiations for a permanent U.S.-Soviet test ban treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
States that the House of Representatives demands that one Jewish prisoner of conscience in the Soviet Union be released for every person who perished aboard Korean Air Lines flight 7.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1984
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Congressional Child Care Center for the use of children of Members, officers, and employees of the House. States that the Committee on House Administration shall operate the Center. Directs the Chairman of such Committee to appoint a nonpartisan advisory board to make recommendations on management and operation of the Center, and to conduct semiannual reviews of such Center. Requires that operating expenses be recovered through child care fees. Establishes a revolving fund within the House contingent fund for the purpose of operating the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast licensee to provide any person whose personal qualities are attacked during the presentation of views in a broadcast on a controversial issue of public importance with: (1) notification of the time, date, and identification of the broadcast; (2) a script or tape of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Excludes any attack: (1) on a foreign group or foreign public figure; (2) made by a legally qualified candidate for public office during the use of a broadcast station; (3) made by such a candidate on another such candidate; or (4) made on a bona fide news show. Requires any licensee which endorses or opposes any candidate in an editorial to transmit to the opposing candidates (in the case of an endorsing editorial) or to the candidate (in the case of an opposing editorial): (1) notification of the date and time of the editorial; (2) a script or tape of the editorial; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Requires any licensee that permits any person, political committee, or agent thereof to purchase broadcasting time to discuss an issue of public importance outside of an election period to offer supporters of a significant contrasting view an opportunity to present a response during the same period of the day and for the same amount of time at no charge. Prohibits the licensee from censoring such response.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a talented teachers scholarship program and a national talented teachers fellowship program under title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training Programs) of HEA. Establishes the talented teachers scholarship program to make grants to States for postsecondary education scholarships to outstanding high school graduates to enable them to pursue teaching careers in public elementary or secondary education. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such purpose. Provides for allocation of such funds among the States on the basis of population. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make such grants to States which submit applications which include specified procedures and agreements. Includes among required agreements assurances that efforts will be made to attract students who: (1) are from low-income backgrounds; or (2) express a willingness or desire to teach in schools having less than average results or serving large numbers of economically disadvantaged students. Provides that each talented teacher scholar shall receive a $5,000 scholarship for each academic year of postsecondary education for study in preparation to become an elementary or secondary education teacher. Limits such individual scholarship assistance to four years of postsecondary education, as determined by the State agency. Requires that such scholarship funds be taken into consideration in determining eligibility for other student assistance under HEA. Limits the amount of an individual scholarship to an amount which when added to other student assistance under HEA does not exceed the cost of attendance. Requires that talented teacher scholars be selected by: (1) a seven-member statewide panel appointed by the chief State elected official, acting in consultation with the State education agency (SEA), or (2) by an existing panel designated by the chief State elected official and approved by the Secretary. Requires that such selections be made from students who have graduated or are graduating from high school and rank in the top ten percent of their graduating class. Requires the SEA to make applications available to high schools and in other convenient locations. Requires the statewide panel to develop criteria and procedures for selection. Permits such criteria to include grade point average, extracurricular activities, financial need, interest in teaching as expressed in an essay, and letters of recommendation. Sets forth scholarship conditions, including full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress in a course of study leading to teacher certification. Sets forth scholarship repayment provisions for recipients found by the SEA to be in noncompliance with agreements. Sets forth exceptions to such repayment provisions. Sets forth provisions relating to: (1) Federal administration of State programs under specified circumstances; and (2) judicial review of the Secretary's actions toward State programs. Establishes the national talented teachers fellowship program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 and subsequent fiscal years for such fellowships for outstanding teachers. Limits to two and one-half percent that portion of such funds which may be used for administration. Requires that such funds be used to award: (1) two national teacher fellowships to public school teachers teaching in each congressional district of each State, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and (2) one such fellowship in Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Limits fellowship awards to the average national salary of public school teachers. Prohibits receipt of an award by any individual for two consecutive years. Requires talented teacher fellows to return to a teaching position in their current school district for at least two years following the award. Permits such fellows to use such awards for such projects improving public education as the Secretary may approve, including: (1) sabbaticals for study, research, travel, or academic improvement; (2) curriculum development; (3) consultation with or assistance to other school districts; (4) development of special innovative programs; (5) community relations; or (6) model teacher programs and staff development. Establishes a National Selection Board for Talented Teaching Fellows. Sets forth provisions for membership and procedures. Requires fellowship applicants to submit proposals for projects, and indicate the extent to which they wish to continue current teaching duties, to the local education agency (LEA) for comment prior to submission to the Committee. Directs the Committee, in evaluating proposals, to: (1) consult with the LEA; (2) request recommendations from two teaching peers, the principal, and the superintendent; and (3) consider other appropriate criteria. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for such selections. Requires that announcement of such awards be: (1) made in a public ceremony; and (2) done in consultation with the Member of Congress and Senators representing the school district in which the fellows teach. Requires repayment of the fellowship award to the Federal Government in the case of fraud or gross noncompliance. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint, for up to three-year terms, up to five technical employees to administer title V (Teacher Corps and Teacher Training) of HEA who may be appointed and paid without regard to specified provisions of Federal law governing appointments to the competitive service and relating to classification and pay rates.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Securities Law Technical Amendments Act of 1983 - Title I: Amendments of Securities Act of 1933 - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments. Title II: Amendments of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments. Title III: Amendments of Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 - Amends the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments. Title IV: Amendments of Trust Indenture Act of 1939 - Amends the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 to make technical amendments. Title V: Amendments of Investment Company Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940 to make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments. Title VI: Amendments to Investment Advisers Act of 1940 - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Authorizes the President, notwithstanding any time limitations, to award a medal of honor to a named individual for acts of valor performed as a naval officer during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Amends Federal bankruptcy law to provide for the appointment of trustees in reorganization cases if the debtor is an airline and there are a substantial number of individuals holding an otherwise valid ticket for transportation which the airline did not provide. Charges the trustee to provide for an immediate refund on the tickets as an expense of the debor in the ordinary course of business.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that, upon confirmation, the new Secretary of the Interior should act to insure that the policies and programs of the Department of the Interior conform with the expressed will of the Congress and regain public support and confidence.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the support of Congress with respect to the right of Soviet peace groups to freely express their views and to organize within the Soviet Union. Calls upon the Soviet Union to: (1) honor its obligations under the World Disarmament Campaign Resolution by allowing the flow of information on peace and disarmament; (2) cease its harassment of peace groups in its country; and (3) honor its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should: (1) enter into negotiations with Nicaragua to consider that country's October 1983 treaty proposals; (2) encourage Honduras to enter into negotiations with Nicaragua to consider Nicaragua's treaty proposal to Honduras; and (3) encourage other Central American countries to enter into negotiations with Nicaragua to consider Nicaragua's treaty proposal to them.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Directs the President to investigate and report to the Congress within 18 months concerning the living conditions and available assistance for El Salvadorans displaced inside and outside their country. Requires such investigation to report on the fate of El Salvadoran deportees. Requires the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to hold hearings within two years to consider appropriate U.S. steps to assure the personal safety and equitable distribution of assistance to such displaced El Salvadorans. Provides for a three-year moratorium on specified categories of El Salvadoran deportations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Commission on the Ukraine Famine Act - Establishes a Commission to be known as the Commission on the Ukraine Famine which shall study the 1932-1933 Ukraine famine in order to: (1) expand the world's knowledge of the famine; and (2) provide the American public with a better understanding of the Soviet system. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Native American Programs Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Native Americans Programs Act of 1974 to state that decisions to grant financial assistance shall not consider whether such aid accrues to the benefit of Indians who are not members of a federally recognized tribe. Prohibits the rejection of financial assistance solely on the grounds that the request serves Indians or an Indian organization in a nonreservation area. Requires that programs under this Act be administered within the Department of Health and Human Services (currently they may be delegated to other Federal departments and agencies). Prohibits any transfer of such administration outside of the Department. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to continue the administration of grants through the Administration for Native Americans (the Administration). Requires the Commission of such Administration to delegate all functions within the Administration. Restricts the delegation and redelegation of functions by the Secretary to personnel within the Department. Permits interagency funding agreements between the Administration and other Federal agencies. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1987. Specifies the percentage of appropriated funds which shall be used for financial assistance under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1983
Human Needs and World Security Act - Requires that for FY 1985: (1) not less than $102,000,000 shall be provided to the United Nations Children's Fund with the Fund's excess FY 1984 funds to be devoted to the provision of low-cost preventive health measures associated with the "child health revolution" developed by United Nations agencies; (2) not less than $90,000,000 shall be provided for the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and (3) not less than $175,000,000 shall be provided for health care activities with excess FY 1984 funds to be devoted to preventive health care activities directly benefitting the poor majority. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the Peace Corps. Requires that $700,000,000 shall be available to carry out famine relief under the Agriculture Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 for FY 1985. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 for the Inter-American Development Bank for assistance under the Bank's program for financing small projects. Limits for FY 1985 the aggregate amount of foreign military sales credits, foreign military sales guarantees, military assistance, and international military education and training. Limits the amount of assistance provided during FY 1985 through the Economic Support Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Amends the Department of Education Organization Act ("the Act") to establish within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education: (1) an Office of Migrant Education to administer specified migrant education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (2) an Office of Equity Training and Technical Assistance to administer specified equity training and technical assistance programs under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Requires that such offices be under the direct supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. Establishes within the Office of Educational Research and Improvement an Office of Women's Educational Equity to administer specified women's educational equity programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Requires that such office be under the direct supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement. Provides that the offices established under this Act shall be considered organizational entities established by the Act and shall not be subject to the reorganizational authority of the Secretary of Education under specified provisions of the Act or any other provision of law.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit for contributions to candidates for the office of U.S. Representative. Limits the amount of such credit to $100 for any one qualified candidate, and $200 for all qualified candidates. Requires that such contributions be verified in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury. Prohibits a candidate from misrepresenting his eligibility for office or the eligibility of a potential contributor for the tax credit. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the use of such political tax credits not later than June 30 following each Federal election. Adds a new title to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971: "Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives." Sets forth requirements for the qualification of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives to receive contributions eligible for the tax credit provided by this Act. Requires a candidate to certify to the Federal Election Commission that neither he nor his authorized committee will accept any contribution or make any campaign expenditure in excess of prescribed limits. Requires further that the candidate maintain a separate accounting of contributions which qualify for the income tax credit for political contributions provided by this Act and that the candidate provide any appropriate information to the Commission for purposes of auditing or examining campaign contributions. Requires the candidate to certify the receipt of a certain amount of threshold contributions. Limits to $20,000 the amount of personal funds (from the candidate or his immediate family) that a candidate may spend in an election. Waives spending limits for eligible candidates whose opponents have exceeded applicable expenditure limits or who have otherwise failed to meet the requirements of this Act. Requires independent expenditures in excess of $5,000 to be reported to the Commission and each candidate within specified time frames. Qualifies a candidate against whom more than $5,000 in independent expenditures have been made for premium postal rates. Requires the Commission to verify upon request the eligibility of a candidate under this Act to the Secretary. Requires the Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the qualified candidates under this Act to determine compliance with the expenditure limitations and other requirements of this Act. Empowers the Commission to bring a civil suit in U.S. district court to enforce any requirement of this Act or recover any amounts resulting from an audit of campaign expenditures. Permits private citizens to file complaints with the Commission and initiate court actions. Authorizes appropriations. Includes within the definition of "contribution" for purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 certain extensions of credit for advertising and broadcasting in excess of $1,000 for a period of more than 60 days. Limits to $90,000 (adjusted for inflation) in any calendar year the amount of contributions which candidates for U.S. Representative may accept from non-party multicandidate political committees. Specifies exceptions for candidates in general and special elections. Limits to $240,000 the expenditure amounts for such candidates. Permits candidates for the office of U.S. Representative to make expenditures independently of the campaign committee of his party in specified circumstances. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide candidates for the office of U.S. Representative with equal time in broadcast media to respond to the remarks of an opposing candidate.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Designates 1984 as the Year of Water. Requests the President to welcome the delegates of the International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage in Fort Collins, Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
States that the Congress: (1) holds Iran responsible for upholding the rights of the Baha'is; (2) condemns Iran's decision to destroy the Baha'i faith; and (3) calls upon the President to work with appropriate foreign governments to form an appeal to Iran concerning the Baha'is, to cooperate with the United Nations in its efforts on behalf of the Baha'is, and to provide humanitarian assistance for Baha'is who flee Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations to introduce before the U.N. General Assembly a resolution calling for the withdrawal of Syrian and Syrian-controlled forces from Lebanon in order to facilitate the return of peace to the country.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the news media should voluntarily refrain from projecting election results before the polls close; and (2) the news media and industry, trade and professional organizations should voluntarily adopt guidelines to assure that exit interview data is not used to project election results before the polls close.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1983
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional approval to the Rocky Mountain Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact which provides for cooperation among the States of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming in the management of low-level radioactive waste on a continuing basis.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1983
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a broadcast licensee to provide any person whose personal qualities are attacked during the presentation of views in a broadcast on a controversial issue of public importance with: (1) notification of the time, date, and identification of the broadcast; (2) a script or tape of the attack; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Excludes from such requirement any attack: (1) on a foreign group or foreign public figure; (2) made by a legally qualified candidate for public office during the use of a broadcast station; (3) made by such a candidate on another such candidate; or (4) made on a bona fide news show. Requires any licensee which endorses or opposes any candidate in an editorial to transmit to the opposing candidates (in the case of an endorsing editorial) or to the candidate (in the case of an opposing editorial): (1) notification of the date and time of the editorial; (2) a script or tape of the editorial; and (3) an offer of a reasonable opportunity to respond over the licensee's facilities. Terminates the application of this Act on December 31, 1984. Suspends the personal attack rule and the political editorial rule of the Federal Communications Commission until after such date. Prohibits the Commission from repealing or modifying such rules after October 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1985. Voids any such action taken by the Commission after October 31, 1983, and before enactment of this Act. Allows the Commission to repeal or modify such rules beginning on January 1, 1985, provided that no repeal or modification shall become effective until 120 days of continuous session of Congress after it is published as final.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983
Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1983 - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to require the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to establish and maintain a national toll-free telephone line for reporting information regarding the location of missing children. Directs the Administrator to establish a national resource center and clearinghouse to: (1) provide technical assistance to State and local governments and agencies in locating missing children; (2) coordinate public and private efforts to recover missing children; and (3) disseminate information on innovative missing childrens' programs, services, and legislation. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual summary of research on missing children and prepare a comprehensive plan for coordinating activities of all agencies and organizations responsible for missing children. Authorizes the Administrator, in consultation with the Advisory Board on Missing Children, to make grants for research or demonstration or service programs designed to: (1) educate parents and community agencies on ways to prevent the abduction of children; (2) assist in the recovery or tracking of missing children; (3) aid communities in collecting material to assist parents in the identification of their children; (4) demonstrate the psychological consequences of a child's abduction; and (5) collect data on investigative practices utilized by law enforcement agencies. Requires the Administrator to appoint an Advisory Board on Missing Children to assist the Administrator in coordinating programs and activities relating to missing children. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1983
Universal Telephone Service Preservation Act of 1983 - Provides that the methods applicable on July 1, 1983, for allocating revenues for interstate toll (long-distance) service among carriers shall apply until the system of charges for exchange access set forth in the decisions and orders of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in C.C. docket numbered 78-72, as modified by this Act, takes effect. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the assessment of an end-user common line charge against any residential subscriber of telephone exchange service or any business or other person that does not have more than one subscriber line. Requires the assessment of a special access charge for any line that has indirect interconnection with the exchange facilities of an exchange carrier, whether or not such line is provided by such carrier. Directs the FCC to provide an exemption from such charge for any line that: (1) could not use exchange access as a commercially valuable alternative; (2) could not be used to avoid exchange access charges; or (3) is used solely for internal communications on a person's real property. Requires the system of exchange access charges to include, by July 1, 1985, a charge on any carrier or person who provides exchange access functions, similar to those available from an exchange carrier, without direct or indirect interconnection with the exchange facilities of such carrier. Requires that such charge: (1) allow for the recovery of an equitable share of the carrier's costs in maintaining exchange service as an available alternative for persons served by such functions; and (2) not exceed ten percent of the special access charge until the FCC prescribes a formula for calculating a charge that more accurately reflects the carrier's costs. Provides that such charge shall not apply to a line that would be exempt from the special access charge or a line used by a person who certifies to the FCC that he or she will not use the exchange access services of an exchange carrier as a substitute or supplement for the line. Establishes a fine to be assessed against any person who attempts to evade such charge by fraud or misrepresentation. Requires that any non-traffic-sensitive costs apportioned to the interstate jurisdiction that are not recovered under such charges, special access charges, or end-user common line charges be recovered through carrier common line charges. Requires that any reduction in common line charges attributable to the imposition of such other charges be reflected in reductions in charges for interstate telephone service. Limits the national aggregate percentage of non-traffic-sensitive costs apportioned to the interstate jurisdiction to 25 percent. Allows the FCC to permit the aggregation of such costs collected through common line charges. Sets forth provisions governing the charges that shall be imposed by exchange carriers for exchange access by interexchange carriers that did not participate in the system of jurisdictional separations of carrier property and expenses on July 1, 1983. Provides for the differentiation of charges based on the quality of exchange access provided to the interexchange carrier. Requires exchange carriers to charge interexchange carriers that directly interconnect with such exchange carrier the full cost of providing exchange access. Requires persons who obtain exchange access for resale to pay the same amount for such access as paid by interexchange carriers, taking into consideration any amount such person may pay indirectly. Requires any person who owns or operates facilities originating or terminating interexchange service, other than through direct interconnection, to notify the appropriate exchange carriers, the FCC, and the appropriate State commissions. Prescribes a penalty for failure to make such notification. Directs the FCC, upon the request of a State commission, to delegate to such commission the authority to administer the system of access charges. Sets forth conditions under which the FCC may review, affirm, remand, or modify a portion of the tariff pursuant to a petition filed by an interexchange customer alleging that an access charge is not justified by cost. Provides that exchange access and associated charges shall not apply to mobile services, except to the extent that such carrier provides interexchange communication. Directs the FCC to consider revising its exchange access orders and decision as they effect users of centrex-type services including non-governmental tax-exempt entities. Prohibits any exchange carrier from charging any residential customer for terminal equipment not leased from such carrier. Permits a carrier to impose a charge for interstate directory assistance only: (1) in the manner provided for as of October 1, 1983; (2) for recovering the costs of such assistance from interconnecting interstate carriers; and (3) for directory assistance calls in excess of six per month per line. Establishes the Universal Service Fund to assure the continued availability of telephone service at reasonable and affordable charges. Directs the Universal Service Board, established in this Act, to determine uniform surcharges on exchange access charges recovered from carriers or other persons directly or indirectly interconnecting with an exchange carrier such that the Fund is sufficient to make required payments by January 1, 1986. Entitles an exchange common carrier to payments from the Fund: (1) based on the size of the carrier and the amount by which its certified average costs for all non-traffic-sensitive facilities per subscriber line exceed the national average of such costs; and (2) for 50 percent of its revenue loss (as determined according to a specified formula) incurred as a result of providing lifeline telephone service. Entitles an exchange common carrier to additional Fund payments if needed to assure that the total amount such carrier recovers from the system of exchange access charges and Fund payments is not less than the total revenues such carrier received for exchange access in 1982, with specified reductions. Directs the Board to: (1) establish an exchange access board to administer the Fund in an expeditious manner; and (2) audit and adjust Fund payments to ensure that such payments are used to maintain reasonable rates without removing incentives for the efficient provision of exchange access or impeding the entry and operation of competitive suppliers of exchange services. Directs the FCC to establish the Universal Service Board for the purpose of: (1) ensuring equitable and efficient economic treatment of users of common carrier services and exchange services and carriers providing such services; (2) providing for an orderly transition to the system of charges for exchange access established by this Act; and (3) achieving cooperation between the Federal Government and the States. Directs the Board to: (1) establish and maintain formulas for defining and comparing national average costs and charges and uniform practices for determining the payments required by the Fund, and to oversee the distribution of funds from the Fund by the exchange access board; (2) make such changes and modifications in the system of jurisdictional separation of carrier property and expenses in force as may be necessary for the transitional system of charges for exchange access; (3) establish and revise practices for ascertaining and apportioning the cost of services and facilities used jointly to provide exchange services and exchange access; and (4) take actions to minimize any unreasonable disparity for interstate service for rural or remote exchanges arising from the greater costs of connecting lines. Requires any decision of the Federal- State Joint Board pending on October 1, 1983, to be submitted to the Board (in lieu of the FCC) for review and action. Authorizes the Board to permit exchange common carriers which serve not more than 50,000 subscriber lines to use representative statistical cost data in lieu of individual cost statistics to support tariffs for exchange access. Grants State commissions authority: (1) to establish classifications for exchange facilities and the portion of facilities used jointly for interstate and intrastate services assigned to the States by the Board; and (2) to prescribe the methods by which exchange carriers shall recover investments in such facilities. Requires that such methods provide for recovery of no more than the amount prudently invested in such facilities by not later than the end of the useful life of the property involved, and in a manner which promotes the economic viability of the exchange carriers. Authorizes a State commission to require any exchange common carrier to lease and maintain on request a single basic one-line telephone instrument, and associated wiring, to any subscriber within such State on the basis of a tariff that includes all costs of providing and maintaining such instrument and wiring. Requires each State commission to establish rules for the provision of lifeline telephone service by exchange carriers. Prohibits any lifeline telephone service from including any charges based on time of day of any call placed, or the duration, or distance of the call. Defines "lifeline telephone service" as telephone service made available to residential subscribers for a single discounted charge under which a subscriber can make a limited number of calls within the exchange areas. Allows a Commission to restrict eligibility for such service on the basis of low-income criteria developed considering the needs of the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed, and single heads of households. Prohibits a commission from making individuals receiving aid to families with dependent children, supplemental security income benefits, or benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 ineligible for lifeline service. Requires the charge for lifeline service to recover at least 33 percent but not more than 50 percent of the carrier's average cost of providing exchange service to a residential subscriber. Prohibits any carrier or exchange carrier from using revenues from regulated communications services to defray any costs associated with its entry into or engaging in commercial activities the prices for which are not regulated by the FCC or any State commissions. Prohibits the FCC or any State commission from considering a carrier's or exchange carrier's revenues from such unregulated activities in determining such carrier's or exchange carrier's revenue requirements. Authorizes the unrestricted shared use of telephone facilities and services in any manner that does not interfere with the rights of others in their use of such facilities and services. Authorizes the FCC to pay a person's costs of participating in a proceeding concerning communication carriers if such person represents an interest whose representation is necessary for a fair disposition of the proceeding and if such person could not otherwise afford to participate. Authorizes the creation in each State of a nonprofit association of residential telephone consumers to represent such consumers before telephone carriers and governmental bodies. Grants any such association the right to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in any State or Federal civil action or administrative proceeding which the association determines may affect the interests of residential telephone consumers in its State. Authorizes such an association to furnish telephone carriers with informational material about such association or other matters of interest to such consumers which such carriers shall include with their periodic customer billings. Directs the association to reimburse such carriers for the cost of including such material in customers' bills except for postage costs for material not exceeding a specified weight. Sets forth provisions governing the election and duties of the board of directors of each association. Requires the Governor of each State to appoint nine individuals who are known to represent consumers' interests to serve as incorporators and as an interim board of directors of the State association. Authorizes the establishment of the National Consumer Telephone Resource Center which shall: (1) be incorporated in the District of Columbia by selected representatives of State associations; (2) be directed by a board of directors composed of one representative of each State association; (3) provide technical information to State associations; and (4) represent the collective interests of State associations in Federal policy and rulemaking proceedings. Prohibits any telephone carrier from interfering with a State association or the Center, subject to a $5,000 fine. Provides that the creditable service and associated accrued benefits and assets of certain employees of an entity affected by the modified judgment of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the case of the United States v. Western Electric shall be recognized after December 31, 1983, and governed by the provisions of such judgment as such provisions applied during calendar year 1984 with respect to transfers to or from the divesting corporation and any divested exchange carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1983
Retirement Equity Act of 1983 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code to lower from age 25 to age 21 the age limitation for minimum participation and vesting standards for pension plans. Prohibits certain defined benefit plans from requiring, as a condition for plan participation, that employees complete period of service extending beyond the earlier of age 25 or the vesting expectation date. Lowers from age 22 to age 18 the age limitation for the computation of periods of service. States that years of service may be disregarded when computing periods of service for participation or vesting purposes if breaks in service during such a period amounted to five or more one-year breaks. Treats breaks in service due to pregnancy, birth, or adoption of a child as completed hours of service according to a specified formula. Accords such treatment only in the year of the pregnancy, birth or adoption, and only to participants who would incur a one-year break in service without such treatment. Requires pension plans which provide life annuity benefits to pay such benefits in the form of a qualified joint and survivor annuity. Requires that each pension plan participant have the option of electing, waiving, or revoking the joint and survivor annuity form of benefit. Conditions the efficacy of such election upon: (1) the written consent of a participant's spouse; (2) a written acknowledgement by a participant's spouse of the effect of such election; and (3) an official witnessing of such spousal consent by a plan representative or notary public. Limits such consent to the signatory spouse. Requires pension plans to furnish participants with written explanations of the terms and rights of election regarding joint and survivor annuities. Prohibits joint and survivor annuity payments from being less than the actuarial equivalent of payments made if the annuitant had lived to the earliest date of retirement or had separated from service on the date of death. Requires the surviving spouse's consent for any distribution of nonforfeitable benefits exceeding $3,500. Requires such benefits to be paid according to the surviving spouse's written requests. States that plans subject to funding requirements must provide benefits payable in the form of an annuity. Exempts qualified domestic relations orders from the Act's proscriptions against alienation and assignment of pension plan benefits. Sets procedural guidelines for the payment of such benefits to an alternate payee under such orders. Prohibits alternative payees from receiving any portion of any increase in a participant's accrued benefits if such increases occur after payments to such payees have begun. Declares that alternate payees under domestic relations orders are not considered to be, by virtue of such orders, participants or beneficiaries under the pension plan. Increases from $1,750 to $3,500 the allowable mandatory distribution from a retirement plan. Requires notification to participants that certain benefits may be forfeitable if the participant dies before a certain date. Sets December 31, 1984 as the effective date of this Act for existing plans. Provides transitional dates and certain effective dates for plans maintained under collective bargaining agreements.
![Official portrait of Sen. Wirth, Timothy [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000647_200.jpg)