United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1983
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standards currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. States that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the maximum size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board to: (1) provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; and (2) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreement with respect to a material issue in a veteran's appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimant's right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusiveness of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of the claimant's procedural rights. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternative claims resolution methods: one a new intermediate-level adjudication process; the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on such studies. Title II: Veterans Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States with regard to jurisdiction: (1) the definition of final decision; (2) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (3) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; (4) that the court may render a decision on the pleadings; and (5) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) shall decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before a court, as provided for under this Act. States that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. States that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Creates a presumption of service-connected disability for compensation purposes for any veteran who was exposed to radiation or toxic chemicals while actively serving in the armed forces and who is now suffering from a disability or disorder symptomatic of such exposure. Maintains such presumption even in the absence of records. Entitles to disability or death compensation and to dependency and indemnity compensation any children of such a veteran with a disability or defect which may reasonably be determined to have been caused by genetic damage in the veteran. Directs the Administrator of Veterans Affairs to carry out a comprehensive program to screen veterans who may have been exposed to radiation or toxic chemicals during their active service to determine whether they incurred a disease or disability from such exposure. Requires the Administrator to provide outreach and counseling services. Directs the Administrator to establish a research and training program in the diagnosis and treatment of disabilities caused by exposure to radiation. Requires the establishment of a centralized registry of claims before the Veterans Administration or other agencies arising out of actual or possible exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Requires the Administrator to include in the annual report to Congress a comprehensive report on the administration and implementation of such screening and research activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1983
Designates May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day. Authorizes and requests the President to: (1) call upon all nations to designate May 21, 1983, as National Sakharov Day; (2) urge the Soviet Union to permit the Sakharovs to freely choose their place of residence; and (3) direct the American delegation to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly calling upon that body to designate May 21, 1983, as International Sakharov Day.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1983
Condemns the trial and conviction of Dr. Viktor Brailovsky by the Soviet Union. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should express to the Soviet Union U.S. concern and opposition to the internal exile of Dr. Brailovsky and to the Soviet Union's refusal to permit Dr. Brailovsky and his family to emigrate; (2) the Soviet Union should comply with various international agreements by reversing Dr. Brailovsky's conviction and by permitting him and his family to emigrate; and (3) the Soviet Union should cease persecuting individuals seeking to emigrate and should cease denying basic rights to Soviet Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1983
Title I: Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Assistance - Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program (as title VI of such Act) for emergency mathematics and science education at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to provide elementary and secondary education assistance (Part A) under such title VI program for FY 1984 and 1985. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provision of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of Part A program funds. Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve part A program appropriations for any fiscal year: (1) one percent for allocation among Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and (2) one-half of one percent for payment to to the Secretary of the Interior for use in Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. Requires that the remainder be allocated among the States (and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) according to a specified formula. Permits the State educational agency (SEA) to reserve up to 25 percent of such a State allocation for the conduct of State programs, planning, and administration. Requires the remainder of the State allocation to be allocated by the SEA among the local education agencies (LEAs) in proportion to their most recent allocations under chapter I of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Requires LEAs to use Part A program funds for: (1) needs assessment; and (2) in-service teacher training. Permits remaining funds to be used for discretionary activities to improve mathematics and science education. Sets forth requirements for LEA applications to the SEA for such funds. Requires SEAs to use Part A program funds for: (1) in-service teacher training; (2) expenses related to teacher attendance at specified summer institutes; and (3) matching grants to LEAS to operate joint programs with other public or private groups (at least 20 percent of the SEA program allocation must be used for such grants). Permits remaining funds to be used for discretionary activities to improve mathematics and science education. Limits to 12 percent that portion of the SEA allocation which may be used for Part A program administrative costs. Requires that Part A program funds be used only to supplement, not supplant, funds from non-Federal sources. Requires SEAs and LEAs to ensure equal educational opportunity and the full participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial, and ethnic minorities, in Part A programs. Requires SEAs and LEAs to provide for the participation of private school children and teachers in Part A programs. Requires that Part A program funds and property derived from such funds, must be controlled and administered by a public agency. Requires that Part A program State plans and LEA applications for FY 1985 and thereafter contain an evaluation of programs conducted. Directs the Secretary to use the national diffusion network to disseminate information on particularly successful programs under Part A. Sets forth provisions for postsecondary assistance (Part B) under the title VI emergency mathematics and science education program. Requires that specified funds be used to award national teaching scholarships to up to 5,000 individuals for FY 1984 and 10,000 individuals for FY 1985. Limits such scholarships to an amount equal to the tuition and fee expenses of any recipient for two academic years of undergraudate or graduate education. Authorizes the Secretary to reserve up to 30 percent of the funds for such scholarships to make awards to individuals who are currently teachers for one year of study at an institution of higher education. Sets forth provisions for eligibility and nomination of national teaching scholars. Provides that a committee chaired by the Librarian of Congress shall select national teaching scholars. Obligates each national teaching scholar to: (1) teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, foreign languages, or other appropriate subject for two years for each year of the scholarship; or (2) repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest at a rate prescribed by the Secretary. Provides that such scholarships shall not be considered in determining eligibility for student assistance under the Higher Education Act of 1965, but that the sum of such assistance and such scholarship shall not exceed the cost of attendance. Directs the Secretary to make specified funds for FY 1984 or 1985 available for competitive grants to institutions of higher education for undergraduate mathematics, science, and foreign language curriculum improvement and faculty development programs to improve instruction for students who have or are pursuing teaching certificates. Reserves 25 percent of funds for such programs for institutions which serve a high proportion of low income students and which are thus eligible for assistance under title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary, from specified funds for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education to support summer institutes and workshops for supervisors and certified teachers in elementary and secondary schools to improve their instructional skills and knowledge in mathematics, science, and foreign language, or other areas determined by Secretary. Permits such institutes to involve the cooperation of advanced technology firms and other private industries. Authorizes the Secretary, upon SEA request, to make grants to other public teacher training agencies established by the SEA before January 1, 1983. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective instructional methods and programs in mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Authorizations appropriations for such purpose to the Department for FY 1984 and 1985, to be made available to the National Institute of Education and the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to provisions for Part B postsecondary assistance for FY 1984. Requires that, of such total amount, at least: (1) 40 percent be available for national teaching scholarships; (2) 15 percent be available for postsecondary mathematics, science, and foreign language improvement; and (3) 35 percent be available for summer institutes. Authorizes appropriations to the Department for FY 1985 to carry out a program of teacher initiative grants (Part C). Allocates Part C program appropriations among the States in the same manner as required by Part A program provisions. Requires that States use Part C programs funds to make grants to teachers, who have completed inservice or other training under Parts A or B programs, for teacher-initiated projects to improve mathematics, science, and technology education. Prohibits any State from reserving more than one percent of Part C program funds for state administration and assistance to teachers in formulating Part C programs. Revises specified definitions under the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to conform to those under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Higher Education Act of 1965. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program. Title II: National Engineering and Science Personnel - National Engineering and Science Personnel Act of 1983 - Declares that it shall be the continuing policy of the United States to maintain an adequate supply of technical, engineering, and scientific personnel to insure U.S. technological strength and security. Directs the President to take all necessary actions coordinate Federal departments and agencies in carrying out this policy. Declares that primary responsibility for developing policies of Federal support of research and development and of science, engineering, and technical personnel lies with the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) a special Engineering and Science Personnel Fund to promote and develop the quality of U.S. technical, engineering, and scientific personnel resources. Directs NSF to administer the Fund and, in directing policy for the Fund, to consider current and predicted supply and demand for trained personnel. Requires that grants from the Fund be matched by other private or public sector funds. Establishes the Fund for only five years after enactment of this title, requiring specific congressional authorization for Fund continuance beyond such period. Directs NSF to report to the Congress at least biennially concerning expenditures under the Fund. Sets forth the following priorities for use of the Fund, with minimum required expenditures for some priorities: (1) recruitment and retention of new engineering faculty, (2) two-year and community college faculty and instructor development in high technology fields (20 percent minimum expenditures); (3) development of programs of instructional instrumentation and systems for postsecondary technical, engineering, and scientific education, with special emphasis on computer accessibility (15 percent minimum expenditures); (4) pre-college science and mathematics education and training, including programs promoting cooperation and exchange of resources and personnel with industry and other elements of the private sector (15 percent minimum expenditures); (5) public understanding of science and mathematics; (6) developing and disseminating instructional materials and resources for improved education in engineering, mathematics, and science, and (7) four-year college faculty and instructor development in high technology fields, including instructional development and instrumentation. Makes the Office of Science and Technology Policy responsible for coordination of the activities of the Department of Education and the NSF under this Act, except for activities under provisions for the "Part A" program of elementary and secondary assistance for emergency mathematics and science education. Requires the Department and the NSF to report jointly to the Congress on their activities under this Act, within one year from the date of enactment and biennially thereafter. Authorizes appropriations to the Engineering and Science Personnel Fund for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1983
Corrupt Horseracing Practices Act of 1983 - Prohibits the following conduct with respect to horseracing: (1) the entering of a horse in a race by its owner or trainer who knows or should know that the horse is drugged or numbed; (2) the drugging of a horse with reason to believe that it will compete in a race; and (3) the willful failure by the operator of a horseracing facility to disqualify or prohibit a horse from racing if such individual has been notified in accordance with this Act that such horse is drugged or numbed, was not available for testing, or has been suspended from racing. Sets forth the penalties for such acts, and provides increased penalties for second offenses, use of a dangerous weapon in committing such offenses, and the interference with duties or the falsification of records required by this Act. Sets forth civil penalties. Provides for the disqualification of offenders from horseracing activities and the suspension of a drugged or numbed horse from racing, in accordance with specified procedures. Grants the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration certain investigatory and other powers with respect to such offenses. Requires operators of horseracing facilities to comply with recordkeeping requirements established by the Administrator and to furnish testing space and facilities. Directs the Administrator to: (1) exempt from this Act any State which has enacted a comparable program; and (2) submit biennial reports to Congress on matters covered by this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator thereafter to assess fees upon operators of horseracing facilities to meet the costs of this Act. Amends the Federal criminal code to include the offenses of this Act in the existing prohibition against interstate and foreign commerce in aid of racketeering enterprises.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Increases from 26 to 30 the number of members of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, by adding: (1) one elected officer of a local government of an area with a population of less than 10,000 and one elected school board member, to be appointed by the President; and (2) one judge of a U.S. court of appeals or district court and one chief justice or judge of a State court of last resort, to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy Employment Act - Title I: Jobs Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technologies. Title II: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Title III: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy system windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Solar Energy National Security and Employment (SENSE) Act of 1983 - Title I: Use of Solar and Other Renewable Forms of Energy Developed By Private Sector - Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the energy percentage for energy property which is used in determining the qualified investment tax credit. Treats biomass recycling equipment as biomass property and includes biomass property as "energy property" for purposes of the energy percentage. Eliminates the requirement that the primary energy sources for a facility producing alcohol for fuel purposes not be oil or natural gas or a product of either one in order for such alcohol to be treated as "qualified fuel" for purposes of the energy percentage. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that a minimum of 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank in any fiscal year be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales and include an amount of loan authority for renewable energy transactions that is appropriate to the demand for such loans. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that the rates for purchases by an electric utility of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility be established at the incremental cost of alternative electric energy of such utility, unless the State regulatory authority or a nonregulated electric utility determines that a different rate would encourage cogeneration and small power production, would not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers, and would be in the consumers' and the public's interest. (Currently, such rates must be just and reasonable to the consumers and in the public interest and must not discriminate against cogenerators and small power producers.) Requires a cogeneration facility or small power production facility to pay reasonable interconnection costs incurred by an electric utility which is required to offer to interconnect with such facility. Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to issue policy guidance to departments and agencies with respect to international trade issues involving renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to require that a reasonable portion of the funds appropriated for nonnuclear programs of the Department of Energy be set aside for renewable energy and energy conservation businesses. Title II: Renewable Energy National Security - Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoilt and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoilt and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations. Title III: Federal Training and Economic Development Programs to Create Jobs in Energy Conservation Industries - Part A: Short Title; Findings - Renewable Energy Employment Act - Sets forth the short title of this title and congressional findings. Part B: Job Training in Renewable Energy - Requires the Secretary of Labor to review all Federal job training or placement programs and to implement policies, procedures, and programs to develop a labor force skilled in energy conservation, weatherization of homes, and the use of renewable energy technologies. Part C: Housing and Community Development Programs - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain information on: (1) the areas to be served under the weatherization assistance program; (2) methods for providing priority assistance to elderly and severely handicapped low-income persons; (3) outreach activities with respect to such program; (4) labor plans; (5) policies to ensure that owners and renters are treated equitably; and (6) plans to ensure participation by Native Americans under such program. Requires the Secretary and the Director of the Community Services Administration to include in the annual report to the President and Congress on the weatherization program an evaluation of the effect of such program on energy conservation and employment. Authorizes appropriations for the weatherization program for FY 1984 and succeeding fiscal years. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the potential for local energy development, including energy conservation and renewable energy use, among the factors which must be taken into account by the standards issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for determining the eligibility of cities and urban counties for urban development action grants. Includes among the activities of Community Development Programs which are eligible for assistance under such Act those amounts spent for energy needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans for energy conservation and renewable energy development or retrofit for housing in rural areas. Requires Federal agencies administering financial assistance programs for economic development or job creation to consider the development of energy conservation and renewable energy as significant criteria for the provision of such assistance. Part D: Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to include as non-fossil energy systems windmills, anaerobic digesters, alcohol distilleries, microhydroelectric generators, gasifiers, and solar heating systems. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in making loans to farmers and ranchers, to promote sustainable agriculture (a set of agricultural production practices which are designed to produce long term, sustainable yields of agricultural products, involve the use of renewable resources, and avoid the use of chemical products). Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that small farm extension programs assist small farm families in carrying out sustainable agriculture. Provides that sustainable agriculture extension programs shall consist of extension programs to provide farmers with assistance and current information with respect to sustainable agriculture. Permits all other persons in a State, in addition to universities and colleges in such State, to participate in agricultural research and extension programs. (Under current law, only universities and colleges in a State may participate in such programs.) Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in carrying out the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, to ensure that adequate national support of extension, teaching, and agricultural research is provided to establish integrated multidisciplinary organic farming research projects. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report annually to Congress on sustainable agriculture in the United States. Title IV: Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives - Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985 through 1990 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as a "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities to adopt and publish standard contracts with respect to: (1) the sale of electric energy by utilities to small power production facilities of not more than 100 kilowatts capacity; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by such facilities by utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review." Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy Consumer Incentives Act of 1983 - Amends the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 to extend the life of the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Bank until September 30, 1990. (Under current law, the Bank will not exist after September 30, 1987.) Requires that a portion of the payments by the Bank to financial institutions to provide financial assistance for the installation of solar energy systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings be allocated for active solar energy. Provides that there shall be no Federal preference with respect to financial assistance between single-family and multifamily residences. Permits all financial institutions to apply directly to the Bank for financial assistance. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1989 for the financial assistance program under the Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 1980 for the purchase and installation of residential and commercial energy conserving improvements and solar energy systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include passive solar energy property which uses convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer and which has significant impact on home energy savings as "renewable energy source property" which is eligible for the residential energy credit. Makes the residential energy credit inapplicable to energy conservation and renewable energy source expenditures made after December 31, 1990. (Under current law, such credit is inapplicable to expenditures made after December 31, 1985.) Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to permit a State to transfer up to ten percent of its allotment under the low-income home energy assistance program for States to block grants for support of energy related information systems. Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop a formalized information exchange on the Federal, State, and local levels with respect to conservation and renewable energy. Authorizes appropriations to provide financial assistance to States and local governments to coordinate such program. Amends the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a renewable energy and energy conservation information program. (This program replaces the solar energy information program required to be established under current law.) Requires the Secretary to establish a National Appropriate Technology Service to provide individualized technical assistance to anyone interested in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Secretary of Transportation to consider the use or integration of renewable fuels and any approaches which maximize conservation and renewable energy applications in determining maximum feasible average fuel economy. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe labeling requirements for consumer goods particularly in cases where there is a direct consumer benefit to save energy or utilize renewable energy. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to provide reduced-rate loans to small businesses for acquisition of system performance ratings from testing laboratories for energy conservation and renewable energy systems and technologies. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities to adopt and publish standard contracts with respect to: (1) the sale of electric energy by utilities to small power production facilities of not more than 100 kilowatts capacity; and (2) the purchase of electric energy produced by such facilities by utilities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to include renewable energy as a discrete energy sector in all publications of "The Monthly Energy Review". Requires Federal agencies with renewable energy programs to submit annual reports on such programs to Congress. Sets forth reporting requirements which apply to specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy National Security Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of a military department, when procuring energy systems, to procure systems that include energy-conserving equipment. Includes biofuels as a renewable form of energy for purposes of energy systems procurement by a military department. Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide for the use of biofuels in meeting Department of Defense energy needs to the extent feasible and consistent with overall defense needs. Requires the Secretary of Defense to encourage the use of energy-conserving devices and equipment in military construction projects, including family housing projects, where practical and economically feasible. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to include spoiled and contaminated grains among the accumulated stocks of agricultural commodities which the Commodity Credit Corporation may process into liquid fuels. Authorizes the Corporation to provide for the storage of liquid fuels so processed for use by the agricultural sector during periods of fuel shortages. Requires the Corporation to provide for the processing of spoiled and contaminated commodities into liquid fuels before the processing of stocks of usable feedstock. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary of Energy to maintain a data base on the location of all stockpiles of renewable energy supplies and biofuels and of all renewable energy production facilities in the United States. Requires that such data be made available to Government departments and agencies upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess and report to the Armed Services Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the feasibility of using mobile energy systems that use renewable energy as emergency backup energy systems at military installations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1983
Renewable Energy Small Business Development Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the investment tax credit for specified energy property from 1985 to 1990. Increases such credit for solar, wind, and geothermal property. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require that not less than 12 percent of the loan authority of the Export-Import Bank shall be made available only to businesses with $25,000,000 or less in previous-year sales. Requires that a portion of such loan authority be made available for transactions involving renewable energy. Amends the Public Utlilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to specify rules for the rates for purchase by electric utilities of electric energy from any qualifying cogeneration facility or qualifying small power production facility. Amends a specified reorganization plan to require the Department of Commerce to provide the same treatment and export assistance to businesses involved in renewable energy as it does to other U.S. industries. Amends the Small Business Innovation Act of 1982 to specify that renewable energy and energy conservation businesses shall receive a reasonable portion of the Department of Energy's small business research and development funds.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Soviet Union should comply with certain international agreements relating to human rights by pursuing a more humane emigration policy and by ceasing harassment of Jews and others seeking to emigrate; (2) Soviet compliance with internationally recognized emigration rights would significantly promote improved relations with the United States; (3) the President should convey these concerns of Congress to the Soviet Union at every appropriate opportunity; and (4) the President should also convey these concerns to U.S. allies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for five years, until 1988, the period during which mortgage revenue bonds may be issued as tax-exempt bonds (interest excluded from gross income).
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1983
Health Research Extension Act of 1983 - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish as an agency of the Public Health Service the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (abolished as a statutory entity by Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1966) consisting of the following 12 categorical institutes: (1) the National Cancer Institute; (2) the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; (3) the National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; (4) the National Institute on Aging; (5) the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; (6) the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; (7) the National Institute of Dental Research; (8) the National Eye Institute; (9) the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke; (10) the National Institute of General Medical Sciences; (11) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and (12) the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Establishes as agencies within NIH: (1) the Division of Research Resources; (2) the National Library of Medicine; (3) the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences; (4) the Office of Medical Applications of Research; and (5) the National Center for Health Services Research. Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish additional research institutes. Provides that: (1) the NIH shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) the Secretary acting through the Director shall be responsible for the overall direction of NIH, including specified administrative and supervisory functions; and (3) the Director shall delegate certain program promotion and coordination functions to an Assistant Director including the formulation of a long-range disease Prevention Plan. Directs the Secretary to appoint a National Institutes of Health Advisory Board to: (1) advise and make recommendations to the Secretary and the Director; and (2) prepare a biennial activities report. Requires a biennial report to be submitted by the Secretary to the President and to Congress consisting of: (1) a description of the NIH's activities; (2) the biennial report of the Advisory Board; and (3) the biennial reports of the directors of each of the national research institutes and their advisory councils. Requires the Director of NIH to establish Centers for Research and Demonstration of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (ten in FY 1984, ten in FY 1985, and five in FY 1986) to undertake research and demonstration projects in health promotion, disease prevention, and improved methods of appraising health hazards and risk factors. Requires such Centers to be located in academic health centers. Provides that the Director of the National Cancer Institute shall be appointed by the President and the Directors of the other national research institutes shall be appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the general duties of the Secretary (acting through the Director of each national research institute) with respect to the aspect of human health for which the institutes were established. Authorizes activities and programs to be supported through grants and contracts approved by each Director. States that each institute shall have an Assistant Director for Prevention. Directs the Secretary to appoint an advisory council for each institute. Sets forth the duties of such advisory councils, including the periodic review of research. Requires the director of each institute to prepare a biennial report. Authorizes specified appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. States the general purpose and defines the scope of the National Cancer Institute. Requires that cancer control programs under the Institute include demonstration methods for disseminating cancer prevention information to the public. Directs the Secretary, through the Director of the Institute, to establish an information and education center to collect and disseminate information on cancer. Authorizes such Director to: (1) support production or distribution of therapeutic substances for cancer research, including biological materials, and set safety standards for their use; (2) with the approval of such Institute's advisory council, support certain cancer research by foreign nationals outside the United States, encourage collaborative research involving American and foreign participants, and train Americans abroad or foreign nationals in the United States; (3) support education and training programs; (4) coordinate certain research by industrial concerns; (5) hire experts and consultants; (6) acquire, repair, or construct facilities, including facilities in the District of Columbia; (7) appoint advisory committees; (8) enter into contracts, leases, or other transactions; and (9) submit an annual budget estimate to the President. Deletes the existing limitation on aggregate payments respecting cooperative agreements to establish cancer research and demonstration centers, and extends the period of support for a center to five years (with additional extensions of not more than five years). Eliminates the existing requirement that at least two members of the President's Cancer Panel be scientists or physicians, and requires the filling of vacancies within 90 days of their occurrence. States the general purpose and defines the scope of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Requires the Secretary, through the Director of the Institute, to establish an information and education center to collect and disseminate information on research, treatment, and prevention of such diseases. Deletes the existing limitation on aggregate payments respecting research and demonstration centers for heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases. States the general purpose of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Establishes information clearinghouses, data systems, and Associate Director positions, advisory boards, interagency coordinating committees, advisory council subcommittees, and research training centers. Requires a biennial Institute report. Establishes the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. Establishes an information clearinghouse and data system, arthritis and skin diseases coordinating committees, demonstration project grant authority, and multipurpose centers. Requires a biennial Institute report. Sets forth the general purpose of the National Institute on Aging. Transfers the responsibility for public information and education programs on aging from the Secretary to the Director of such Institute. Sets forth the general purposes of the National Institutes of: (1) Allergy and Infectious Diseases; (2) Child Health and Human Development; (3) Dental Research; (4) Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke; (5) General Medical Sciences; and (6) Environmental Health Sciences. Sets forth the general purpose of the National Eye Institutes. Establishes in the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke an Interagency Committee on Spinal Cord Injury to develop and implement Federal initiatives in spinal cord regeneration research. Requires an annual report to Congress. Sets forth the general purposes of the Division of Research Resources, the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences, and the Office for Medical Applications of Research. Authorizes appropriations for National Research Service Awards through FY 1986. Limits the scope of the Institutional Review Board's authority to federally-financed research. Exempts research which does not involve human risk from such review authority. Requires the Director of NIH to establish procedures for periodic, technical, and scientific peer review of NIH research. States that such procedures shall require that: (1) the reviewing entity be given a written description of the research to be reviewed; and (2) such entity shall provide the advisory council of the institute involved with the results of such review. Requires grant or contract recipients to review project reports of scientific fraud and to report any substantial allegations to the Secretary. Requires the Director of NIH to establish a process for handling such allegations. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept certain conditional gifts for NIH or a national research institute; and (2) establish suitable memorials for donations of $50,000 or more. Terminates the National Advisory Health Council. Makes technical changes in specified provisions of the Public Health Service Act and other Federal health laws. Amends the Orphan Drug Act to eliminate the provision requiring the establishment of at least ten sickle cell disease centers. States that the National Library of Medicine shall be an agency of NIH (presently established as part of the Public Health Service). Extends authorizations of appropriations through FY 1986. Requires an NIH pertussis vaccines study (including comparisons with vaccines used abroad), to be completed and reported to Congress by April 1, 1984, or six months after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Requires the Institute on Aging to conduct a study of personnel for the health needs of the elderly. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees by March 1, 1985. Provides for a study of the effects of commercialization on biomedical research. Requires completion of this study by September 30, 1985. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities. Requires a report to Congress within 18 months. Terminates the Committee 90 days after such report is submitted. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of: (1) the effectiveness of the national research institutes; and (2) the research programs of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prohibits the establishment of any new national research institute (excluding the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases) for at least six months. Requires: (1) the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to conduct research on diet therapy for kidney failure; and (2) a report to Congress by January 1, 1987. Authorizes pay increases and extended work schedules for Public Health Service nurses at NIH. Directs the Secretary to follow specified Office of Management and Budget guidelines in calculating biomedical and behavioral research costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1983
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Act of 1983 - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Institute (Institute) of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Redesignates the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. States that the Institute shall conduct research and related activities concerning arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases, including sports-related disorders and skin diseases. Requires the Director of the Institute, with the advice of the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Advisory Council, to establish a national plan to coordinate such activities. Establishes within the Institute: (1) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Data System; and (2) the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986. Establishes within the Institute: (1) an Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee; and (2) a Skin Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee. Requires annual reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to the Director of NIH. Establishes within the Institute a National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Advisory Council. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1986 for arthritis and musculoskeletal demonstration projects and multipurpose disease centers. Requires the Institute to submit a biennial report. Transfers arthritis-related functions (including data system, advisory functions, coordinating functions, demonstration project, and multipurpose center), funds, personnel, and assets to the Institute from the existing National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees and to the Comptroller General within 60 days regarding such transfers. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees within 80 days regarding such transfers. Terminates the National Arthritis Advisory Board. Makes conforming amendments. Requires the Secretary, through NIH, to conduct a study of the existing combinations of disease research programs within the institutes and of the standards to be followed in establishing new or realigning existing institutes. Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees within 18 months. Prohibits the establishment of any new institutes within six months of such report's submission. Directs the Secretary to conduct and complete within 60 days a review of the disease research programs of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (as redesignated by this Act) to determine if any of these programs could be more effectively managed by other national research institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Title I: Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Assistance - Emergency Mathematics and Science Education Act - Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to add a new program (as title VI of such Act) for emergency mathematics and science education at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Education to provide elementary and secondary education assistance (Part A) under such title VI program for the first two fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Conditions such authorization upon increased appropriations under specified provisions of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Sets forth provisions for allocation of Part A program funds among the States. Permits States to reserve five percent of such allocation for State administration and planning activities. Requires States to distribute the remainder among local educational agencies, with 75 percent allocated on the basis of school-age population and 25 percent on the basis of number of children from low income families. Sets forth permitted uses of Part A program funds by local educational agencies. Sets forth requirements for State educational agency (SEA) use of Part A program funds. Requires that sums available for postsecondary assistance (Part B) be used to award congressional scholarships to 300 individuals in the first fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act and to 600 individuals in the second such year. Sets forth requirements for eligibility, nomination and selection of congressional scholars. Obligates such congressional scholars to teach elementary or secondary school mathematics, science, or other appropriate subjects for at least five years or to repay the total amount of the scholarship, plus interest, at a rate prescribed by the Secretary of Education. Directs the Secretary to make available, from Part B funds appropriated for FY 1984 or 1985 for grants for mathematics and science improvement and employment-based education programs in new and emerging technologies the following amounts: (1) ten percent to institutions of higher education; and (2) 25 percent to community and junior colleges. Directs the Secretary of Education, from funds available for such purpose for FY 1984 or 1985, to make grants to institutions of higher education for summer institutes and workshops for teachers and supervisors of mathematics and science programs. Permits such institutes to be conducted in other areas of national need, as determined by the Secretary. Directs the Director of the National Institute of Education, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, to investigate effective methods of mathematics and science instruction. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1984 and 1985. Directs the Secretary to make challenge grants available to provide up to one-third of the cost of: (1) purchase of modern scientific equipment for use in teaching and research; (2) training of faculty in the use of new laboratory and research equipment; and (3) sharing scientific and engineering equipment among academic and business laboratories and research centers. Limits the amount which may be made available for such challenge grants for FY 1985. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to assess, before September 30, 1984, the current need for improvements in and purchases of laboratory equipment and facilities. Limits the total amount which may be appropriated pursuant to this Act for FY 1984. Limits the amount of such appropriation which may be available for Part A elementary and secondary assistance and for Part B postsecondary assistance. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend through FY 1985 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the Pre-College Science Teacher Training program; and (2) the Minority Institutions Science Improvement program. Title II: National Engineering and Science Personnel - National Engineering and Science Personnel Act of 1983 - Declares that it shall be the continuing policy of the United States to maintain an adequate supply of technical, engineering, and scientific personnel to insure U.S. technological strength and security. Directs the President to take all necessary actions to coordinate Federal departments and agencies in carrying out this policy. Declares that primary responsibility for developing policies of Federal support of research and development and of science, engineering, and technical personnel lies with the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President. Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) a special Engineering and Science Personnel Fund to promote and develop the quality of U.S. technical, engineering, and scientific personnel resources. Directs NSF to administer the Fund and, in directing policy for the Fund, to consider current and predicted supply and demand for trained personnel. Requires that grants from the Fund be matched by other private or public sector funds. Establishes the Fund for only five years after enactment of this title. Requires specific congressional authorization for Fund continuance beyond such period. Directs NSF to report to the Congress at least biennially concerning expenditures under the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Engineering and Science Personnel Fund for FY 1984 through 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Anatoly Shcharansky should be released from prison and permitted to emigrate. Urges continued expression of U.S. opposition to the imprisonment of Anatoly Shcharansky.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Passenger Car Crashworthiness Rating and Labeling Act - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a Federal motor vehicle safety standard establishing passenger car crashworthiness rating and labeling requirements. Sets forth provisions of such motor vehicle safety standard.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to implement procedures for identifying social security benefit checks issued under title II which have not been negotiated within 12 months and to credit the appropriate social security trust fund, on a monthly basis, for the amount of all unnegotiated benefit checks drawn on such trust fund. Requires the Secretary to pay a benefit check presented for payment after it has been credited to one of the trust funds, and to recharge such trust fund, if such check is otherwise proper. Authorizes appropriations to reimburse the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for the total amount of unnegotiated benefit checks.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1983
National Heritage Resource Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow creators of artistic properties an income tax deduction for the current fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic compositions which they contribute to charitable organizations. Requires: (1) that the artistic property be created by the taxpayer at least one year prior to the time of such contribution; (2) that the fair market value of such property be appraised within one year of the date of contribution; and (3) that the donee of such property show that the use of the property will be related to the charitable purpose or function of his organization. Denies a fair market value deduction for contributions of any letter, memorandum, or similar property produced by a Federal or State employee which arose out of the performance of such employee's official duties. Exempts such fair market value deduction from the application of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Act - Establishes the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolutions as an independent nonprofit corporation. Permits the Academy to use "United States" or "U.S." or any other reference to the United States Government or Nation in its title, corporate seal, emblem, or other mark of recognition in any fiscal year only if there is an authorization of appropriations for the Academy for such fiscal year provided by law. Sets forth the powers and the duties of the Academy, including establishment of an Endowment of the United States Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Authorizes the Academy to: (1) conduct research on the causes of war and the elements of peace; (2) provide peace education and research programs; (3) conduct training in conflict resolution; (4) disseminate information on peace learning; (5) establish a Center for International Peace; and (6) establish a United States Medal of Peace and other medals or honors. Authorizes the Academy to refuse research requests of Federal agencies for reason of cost or of inappropriateness to the Agency's purpose or independence. Prohibits the Academy from undertaking to influence the passage or defeat of any Federal, State, local, or United Nations legislation, but permits Academy personnel to testify or make other appropriate communication when formally requested to do so by a legislative body, committee, or member thereof. Provides for appointment of members of the Academy's Board of Directors. Sets forth grounds for removal of Board members. Permits Board meetings to be closed only in exceptional circumstances. Sets forth provisions for Academy officers, employees, procedures, and records. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the Academy shall not be considered a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government. Prohibits the use of any political test or political qualification with respect to personnel actions of the Academy or financial assistance by the Academy. Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for an Academy principal office capitalization fund. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for FY 1984 and 1985 for Academy programs and administration. Requires that Academy expenses in connection with the United States Medal of Peace or the accompanying cash award be paid out of the private funds of the Endowment. Restricts contract-making authority under this Act to the extent and amounts provided in appropriation Acts. Directs the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy to report to the Congress and the President, beginning two years after the enactment of this Act and at two-year intervals thereafter. Directs the President to transmit to the Congress the recommendations of the appropriate Federal agencies with respect to such report and to any legislation concerning the Academy. Requires the appropriate congressional committees to hold hearings to review such report and recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Equal Access to Voting Rights Act - Directs the Attorney General to promulgate guidelines to assure that registration and polling place facilities used for Federal elections are readily accessible to handicapped and elderly individuals. Sets forth minimum requirements for these guidelines. Requires States to make available registration and voting aids for handicapped and elderly individuals in Federal elections. Authorizes the Attorney General and aggrieved persons to bring actions in Federal court to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Select Commission on Voluntary Service Opportunities Act of 1982 - Establishes the Select Commission on Voluntary Service Opportunities to examine: (1) the effectiveness of existing voluntary service opportunities in the public and private sectors; (2) alternative types of national service programs; (3) the impact of potential changes in incentives for service; and (4) the feasibility of incorporating existing and alternative service programs into a comprehensive national service program. Directs the Commission to transmit a final report, with any recommendations for legislative or administrative actions, to the President and to each House of the Congress not later than 15 months after its first meeting. Directs each affected executive department and agency to submit recommendations to the President for implementing such report. Directs the President to report to each House of Congress on the implementation of the Commission's recommendations. Terminates the Commission 180 days after its final report is transmitted. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1983
Declares that the presidential certification submitted to the Congress with respect to sending military aid to El Salvador is null and void. Directs the President to immediately suspend such assistance. Requires the suspension to remain in effect during 1983. Prohibits the President from making another such certification until Congress enacts a joint resolution declaring that El Salvador has met specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Fair Practices in Automotive Products Act - Sets forth for all motor vehicle manufacturers which produce over 100,000 motor vehicles for ultimate retail sale in the United States "minimum domestic content ratios" (the domestic value, including labor and parts, of the manufacturer's production costs of all automotive products sold in the United States). Requires all vehicle manufacturers producing more than 100,000 motor vehicles for sale in the United States to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation for the purpose of administering this requirement. Establishes penalties for a vehicle manufacturer who fails to meet the minimum domestic content ratio. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and prepare a written report regarding policies and practices of vehicle manufacturers used to persuade U.S. motor vehicle dealers to favor foreign made parts rather than domestically produced parts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Directs the President to resume negotiations with the Soviet Union on a treaty prohibiting: (1) the testing, deployment, production, or use of any weapons system designed to damage or interfere with a spacecraft; and (2) the stationing in outer space of any weapon designed to inflict injury or damage on the Earth, in the atmosphere, or on objects placed in space. Requires such a treaty to provide for verifying compliance with its terms. Directs the President to request the United Nations to bring about multilateral negotiations banning all weapons based in space.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1983
Expresses the sense of the Congress that funding for community service employment programs for senior citizens under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 for FY 1984 and subsequent fiscal years should be provided at levels sufficient to maintain or increase the number of employment positions provided under such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1983
Consumer Bankruptcy Improvements Act of 1933 - Amends the Bankruptcy Code to prohibit any individual who has been a debtor in a bankruptcy case pending at any time in the preceding 180 days from being a debtor if: (1) the case was dismissed for willful failure to abide by court orders; or (2) the debtor requested and obtained the voluntary dismissal of the case following the filing of a request for relief from the automatic stay. Requires the debtor, within 30 days of filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation), to give each secured creditor and the trustee a statement showing whether the debtor intends to retain or surrender the collateral, claim it as exempt, redeem it, or reaffirm debts secured by it. Sets a total exemption limit of $4,000 on personal and household items, of which each is valued at under $200. Requires debtors in a joint bankruptcy to choose either State or Federal exemptions. Makes nondischargeable any debts aggregating more than $500 incurred within 45 days of filing for bankruptcy. Declares that a debtor is able to repay a debt voluntarily. Prohibits private employers from terminating employees or discriminating against potential employees because of bankruptcy. Prohibits a trustee in bankruptcy from nullifying pre-petition payments made by a debtor to a creditor if the amount is: (1) less than $250 in a personal bankruptcy; or (2)less than $750 in a business bankruptcy. Prohibits approval of a repayment plan under Chapter 13 bankruptcies (repayment plan) if the holder of an allowed unsecured claim objects to the confirmation of the plan, unless: (1) the value of the property to be distributed under the plan on account of such claim is not less than the amount of such claim; or (2) the plan provides that all of the debtor's projected disposable income for the three-year period beginning on the date that the first payment is due under the plan will be applied to make such payments. Defines the term 'disposable income' for the purposes of the repayment plan. Requires the debtor to begin making payments to the trustee within 30 days after filing a repayment plan (currently payments do not begin until the plan is confirmed). Requires the trustee to hold such payments until a plan is confirmed or denied. Permits the debtor, unsecured creditors, or the trustee to request a modification of the repayment plan if the debtor's disposable income has changed substantially.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to require the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund to oppose any credit drawing on the Fund by any country which practices apartheid.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1983
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that more money should be made available for jobs and programs in socially productive industries by reducing the amount of tax dollars spent on nuclear weapons, foreign military intervention, and wasteful military programs. Endorses the Jobs with Peace Week of April 10 through April 16, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to sell to any State or State-authorized entity ammunition for military weapons for use for avalanche-control purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Urges the United States Postal Service to issue a postage stamp commemorating members of the uniformed services who have been prisoners of war or missing in action especially those missing as a result of the conflict in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) Federal nutrition programs, including the food stamp, child nutrition, and elderly feeding programs, should be protected from budget cuts; (2) the WIC (supplemental food program for women, infants, and children) should continue to be fully funded; and (3) the Federal Government should maintain primary responsibility for nutrition programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1983
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should implement, within the United States, the objectives of the United Nations Decade for Disabled Persons (1983-1992).
![Official portrait of Sen. Wirth, Timothy [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000647_200.jpg)