legislation
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83 rows where bill_type = "s", congress = 98 and policy_area = "Commerce" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| bill_id | congress | bill_type | bill_number | title | policy_area | introduced_date ▲ | latest_action_date | latest_action_text | origin_chamber | sponsor_name | sponsor_state | sponsor_party | sponsor_bioguide_id | cosponsor_count | summary_text | update_date | url |
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| 98-s-3085 | 98 | s | 3085 | Act to Authorize the United States to Participate in Chapter II of the Patent Cooperation Treaty | Commerce | 1984-10-10 | 1984-10-10 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 0 | Act to Authorize the United States to Participate in Chapter II of the Patent Cooperation Treaty - Authorizes the United States to participate in and be bound by the provisions of Chapter II of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (concerning application procedures for obtaining international patents). Authorizes the Patent and Trademark Office to act as an international preliminary examining authority whose duties shall include the collection and transmittal of handling and preliminary examination fees with respect to international patent applications. | 2025-08-29T17:40:28Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/3085 |
| 98-s-3074 | 98 | s | 3074 | Computer Software Protection Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1984-10-05 | 1984-10-05 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 1 | Computer Software Protection Act of 1984 - Amends the copyright law to prohibit the unauthorized rental, lease or lending, of a computer program for commercial advantage. | 2025-08-29T17:39:02Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/3074 |
| 98-s-3060 | 98 | s | 3060 | A bill to provide for contribution of damages attributable to an agreement by two or more persons to fix, maintain, or stabilize prices under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act. | Commerce | 1984-10-04 | 1984-10-04 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 0 | Amends the Clayton Act to permit any person liable for damages for price-fixing to claim contribution from co-conspirators for the share of such damages attributable to their sales or purchases of goods and services. Declares that a release or covenant not to sue or enforce a judgment received in settlement by one conspirator shall not discharge any co-conspirators from liability, unless expressly provided. Directs the court to reduce the claim against the co-conspirators subject to liability by the greatest of: (1) the amount stipulated by such release or covenant; (2) the amount paid in settlement; or (3) treble the actual damages attributable to the settling person's sales or purchases of goods or services. Declares that a settlement shall release the recipient from liability from contribution, unless it is not consummated. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/3060 |
| 98-s-2950 | 98 | s | 2950 | Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1984-08-10 | 1984-09-28 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Commerce Department. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 7 | Agricultural Patent Reform Act of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to extend the terms of patents which emcompass specified products or methods for using a product, including methods of manufacturing which primarily use recombinant DNA technology, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a five year limitation on the extension and a 25 year maximum patent term for the earliest filing. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to notify the appropriate Federal agency upon receipt from the product sponsor of a notice of extension to determine the applicable regulatory review period and whether, within that period, the sponsor acted with due diligence. Provides for notice and informal hearings for persons interested in such determinations. Permits the setting of fees to cover the costs of review. Directs the Commissioner, upon a final determination of the applicable regulatory review period, to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for: (1) any new animal drug or antibiotic subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; (2) any veterinary biological product subject to regulation under the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act; (3) any pesticide subject to regulation under the Federal Insectide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (4) any chemical substance or mixture subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act. | 2025-08-29T17:37:44Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2950 |
| 98-s-2935 | 98 | s | 2935 | A bill to provide that on the request of a State or local government authority, the National Bureau of Standards may investigate serious accidents at fixed site amusement parks. | Commerce | 1984-08-09 | 1984-08-09 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce. | Senate | Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO] | MO | R | D000030 | 1 | Permits the National Bureau of Standards to investigate any accident which occurs at a fixed site amusement park if: (1) such accident caused, or could have caused, death or serious personal injury; (2) such accident is related to a fixed site amusement park; (3) an appropriate State or local government requests in writing that the Secretary of Commerce conduct an investigation; and (4) the Secretary makes a determination to conduct such an investigation. Requires the Bureau to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations with respect to the causes of any such accident and to send a copy of such report to the State or local government requesting such investigation. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2935 |
| 98-s-2835 | 98 | s | 2835 | Agricultural Producers Protection Act | Commerce | 1984-06-29 | 1984-09-24 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1250. | Senate | Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] | MT | D | B000243 | 0 | Agricultural Producers Protection Act - Amends the Clayton Act to provide that no person shall be barred from commencing an antitrust action to recover damage resulting from any underpayment received on the sale of cattle, hogs, sheep, grains, or soybeans because such person did not sell such products directly to the defendant, provided that such person possessed the livestock or grain for at least 21 days prior to sale. Prohibits such person from recovering any amount of such an underpayment that has been passed on to other persons who have a cause of action to recover damages themselves. | 2025-08-29T17:39:35Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2835 |
| 98-s-2848 | 98 | s | 2848 | Women's Small Business Ownership Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1984-06-29 | 1984-06-29 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Boschwitz, Rudy [R-MN] | MN | R | B000647 | 2 | Women's Small Business Ownership Act of 1984 - Establishes the National Commission on Women's Small Business Ownership to review: (1) the status of women owned small businesses nationwide; (2) the role of the Federal Government in aid to and the promotion of women owned small businesses; (3) data collection procedures and the availability of data relating to women owned businesses, women owned small businesses, and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women; (4) other Federal initiatives relating to women owned small businesses, including those relating to Federal procurements; and (5) special impediments suffered by small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Directs the Commission to recommend: (1) new private sector initiatives which would provide management and technical assistance to women owned small businesses; (2) ways to promote greater access to financing and procurement opportunities for such businesses; and (3) other measures relating to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged women. Terminates the Commission on the date that it transmits its final report to the President and to each House of the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T17:38:39Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2848 |
| 98-s-2797 | 98 | s | 2797 | A bill to require that directors of certain corporations hold securities of those corporations. | Commerce | 1984-06-27 | 1984-10-02 | Committee on Banking. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1013. | Senate | Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI] | RI | R | C000269 | 0 | Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to direct the Securities and Exchange Commission to require that each director of an issuer of registered equity securities own at least 1,000 shares of such securities or agree to make periodic purchases using the total amount of his or her fees for service as a director until he or she owns 1,000 shares. | 2025-01-14T18:20:21Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2797 |
| 98-s-2686 | 98 | s | 2686 | Corporation for Small Business Investment Charter Act | Commerce | 1984-05-17 | 1984-05-17 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 1 | Corporation for Small Business Investment Charter Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide that references to small business investment companies operating under the Act shall be deemed to refer to small business investment companies operating under the provisions of this Act. Includes in the term "small business investment company" any organization which is qualified to conduct business with the Corporation for Small Business Investment. Requires small business investment companies to provide a source of equity capital for incorporated and unincorporated small businesses under such terms as the small business investment company may fix in accordance with the rules of the Corporation. (Currently, such capital is provided by small business investment companies in accordance with the regulations of the Small Business Administration.) Provides that small business investment companies may provide to small businesses: (1) equity investments and loans on a participation or guaranteed basis; and (2) consulting and advisory services on a fee basis. Establishes the Corporation for Small Business Investment. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) make loans to small business investment companies; (2) purchase preferred securities, debentures, and guarantee debentures issued by such companies; and (3) act as issuer of such securities. Requires the Corporation to establish criteria for the qualification of: (1) small business investment companies to conduct business with such corporation; and (2) small business investment companies whose investments will be made solely in small businesses which will help facilitate the ownership in such businesses by persons who have been hampered by social or economic disadvantages. Permits the purchase of stock in small business investment companies by national banks. Authorizes small business investment companies to: (1) purchase stock issued by the Corporation; (2) borrow money; and (3) issue its debenture bonds, promissory notes, or other obligations under cond… | 2025-08-29T17:41:37Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2686 |
| 98-s-2650 | 98 | s | 2650 | Toy Safety Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1984-05-09 | 1984-09-12 | Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Voice Vote. | Senate | Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI] | WI | R | K000019 | 12 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Toy Safety Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to permit the Consumer Product Safety Commission, after it determines that any toy or other article intended for use by children that is not a banned hazardous substance creates a substantial risk of injury to children, to order the manufacturer or any distributor or dealer of the toy or article to take any one or more of the following actions: (1) to give public notice that the toy or article creates a risk of injury to children; (2) to mail such notice to each manufacturer, distributor, or dealer; or (3) to mail such notice to every person to whom the person giving notice knows such toy or article was delivered or sold. Permits the Commission, after offering interested persons an opportunity for a hearing, to order the manufacturer, distributor, or dealer either to repair such toy so that it will not create a risk of injury, to replace it with a safe equivalent toy or article, or to refund the purchase price. Declares that such an order may prohibit the person to whom it applies from manufacturing for sale, offering for sale, distributing in commerce, or importing into the customs territory of the United States (or any combination of such actions) the toy or article with respect to which the order was issued. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2650 |
| 98-s-2589 | 98 | s | 2589 | A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to impose certain requirements with respect to the acquisition of substantial energy reserves holders, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1984-04-25 | 1984-04-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Kassebaum, Nancy Landon [R-KS] | KS | R | K000017 | 0 | Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act with respect to a consent agreement proposed by the Federal Trade Commission, a consent decree proposed for submission to a court of competent jurisdiction, or an order issued by the Commission or a court with respect to an acquisition of a substantial energy reserve holder which provides for the divestiture of any part of the assets of such holder or of the person acquiring such holder, to prohibit such agreement, decree, or order from becoming final before the required divestiture has been approved by the Commission or the court. Declares that if a substantial energy reserve holder is acquired in such an acquisition, or if such a holder is acquired and an action or proceeding has been commenced by a public party on or after January 1, 1984, to declare the acquisition a violation of this Act or of an Antitrust Act, the substantial energy reserve holder shall be maintained as a separate viable business entity. Prohibits such an entity 's assets from being commingled with those of the person making the acquisition, and prohibits the person making the acquisition from electing more than 20 percent of the board of directors of such holder, until: (1) 60 days after the date the consent agreement, consent decree, or order becomes final; or (2) if the final agreement, decree, or order does not require divestiture, the date it becomes final. Makes January 1, 1984, the effective date for the restrictions set forth by this Act. Permits the Federal Trade Commission or the Assistant Attorney General to extend the waiting period for evaluation of a proposed acquisition for an additional period of not more than 60 days if the net sales or total assets of the person proposed to be acquired exceed $2,000,000,000. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2589 |
| 98-s-2489 | 98 | s | 2489 | Small Business Competition Enhancement Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1984-03-29 | 1984-08-07 | Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 32 | (Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H. R. 4209 passed in lieu) Small Business and Federal Procurement Competition Enhancement Act of 1984 - Amends the Small Business Act to set forth specified evaluation factors to be included by Federal agencies with respect to solicitations for competitive and noncompetitive awards of development or production contracts for a major system. Provides a waiver for certain evaluation factors if the contracting officer determines in writing that such provisions would not be applicable to the production contract or would not be in the best interests of the Government. Requires an agency before it can establish or enforce any existing prequalification requirement with respect to the awarding of a contract to: (1) prepare a written justification stating the necessity for establishing such requirement and the reasons why free and open competition is not feasible; (2) specify in writing and make available upon request all standards which a contractor, or its product, must satisfy in order to become qualified; (3) specify an estimate of the testing and evaluation costs to be incurred by such contractor to become qualified; (4) ensure that such contractor is provided, upon request, an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to meet such standards; and (5) promptly inform such contractor as to whether qualification has been attained. Provides that a person who is denied an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to meet such standards may not be denied the opportunity to submit and have considered an offer for a contract solely because such person: (1) is not on a qualified bidder's list; or (2) in the case of a contract for the purchase of a product, does not have its product on a qualified product's list. Sets forth the procedures an agency must follow in the event that the number of available qualified sources or products is less than two actual manufacturers or the products of two actual manufacturers, respectively. Requires the examination and revalidation of a prequalificati… | 2025-08-29T17:40:49Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2489 |
| 98-s-2487 | 98 | s | 2487 | White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act | Commerce | 1984-03-28 | 1984-04-11 | Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Voice Vote. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 60 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, S. Rept. 98-380) White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act - Calls upon the President to conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business, not earlier than January 1, 1985, and not later than September 1, 1986, to: (1) increase public awareness of the contributions of small business; (2) identify small business problems; (3) examine the status of minority and women small business owners; (4) assist small business in carrying out its role as the nation's job creator; (5) assemble small businesses to develop specific recommendations for executive and legislative action; and (6) review the status of recommendations adopted at the Conference. Authorizes and directs Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to provide support and assistance to the planning of such conference. Requires a final report of the Conference, within six months from the date such conference is convened, to be submitted to the President and the Congress. Requires the Small Business Administration to report annually to the Congress for the next three years following the submission of the final report of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2487 |
| 98-s-2434 | 98 | s | 2434 | A bill to amend section 15 of the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1984-03-15 | 1984-04-12 | Committee on Small Business. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1166. | Senate | Sen. Boschwitz, Rudy [R-MN] | MN | R | B000647 | 3 | Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration to assign to each major procurement center a breakout procurement center representative who shall: (1) review procurement method codes with the goal of encouraging increased competition among small business; (2) review procurement requirements which limit the opportunity for small businesses to compete as prime contractors; (3) review and conduct a value analysis of engineering change proposals to determine if such proposal will result in lower costs to the Government; and (4) review the systems that account for the access to and ownership of manufacturing data. Directs the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each agency to assign technical advisors to assist each breakout procurement center representative. Sets forth the method for determining either an increase in the rate of basic pay or a payment of a cash award to a breakout procurement representative whenever it is determined that such representative has achieved a significant savings for the Government. Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Committees on Small Business of the House of Representatives and of the Senate regarding breakout procurement procedures. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2434 |
| 98-s-2375 | 98 | s | 2375 | Small Business Secondary Market Improvements Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1984-02-29 | 1984-07-10 | Became Public Law No: 98-352. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 13 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Small Business Secondary Market Improvements Act of 1984 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop procedures for the promotion of a secondary market for the portions of loans guaranteed by the SBA. Authorizes the SBA to: (1) issue trust certificates (based on and backed by a trust or pool) representing ownership of all or a fractional part of the guaranteed portion of loans guaranteed by the SBA (except loans to State and local development companies); and (2) guarantee the payment on such certificates. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to guarantee such trust certificates. Prohibits the SBA from collecting any fee for such guarantees. Prohibits any State, local, or Federal law from precluding or limiting the SBA from exercising its ownership rights in the portions of loans constituting the trust or pool against which such certificates are issued. Requires the SBA to provide for a central registration of all loans and trust certificates sold pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the SBA to regulate brokers and dealers of such guaranteed loans and trust certificates. Requires the SBA, within nine months after the enactment of this Act, to consult with Federal and State agencies and officials, securities industry, financial institutions, and small businesses to develop regulations to implement this Act. Requires the SBA, not later than March 31 of each year, to transmit to the Committees on Small Business of both Houses of Congress a report on the secondary market operations during the preceding year. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2375 |
| 98-s-2138 | 98 | s | 2138 | A bill to amend the copyright law regarding work for hire. | Commerce | 1983-11-18 | 1983-11-29 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | Senate | Sen. Cochran, Thad [R-MS] | MS | R | C000567 | 0 | Amends the copyright laws to require that a work-for-hire contract must be entered into prior to the commencement of the work which is the subject of the contract. Provides that the determination of an employer-employee relationship in a work-for-hire situation shall be based on the determination of withholding requirements of the Federal tax laws. Provides that each separate contribution to a collective work or compilation, any supplementary work, any instructional text, and any part of an audiovisual work, other than a motion picture, shall be treated as distinct from the larger or revised work as a whole and will be subject to the copyright law's provisions for limited rights transfer. Requires any transfer of rights with respect to these types of works to be in writing and contain the rights being acquired, the consideration paid for that right, and the signatures of both parties. Provides that the rights acquired under such an agreement which are not exercised within two years of the first publication shall become nonexclusive. Permits the author of a copyrighted work who transfers rights to the work to bring a court suit to terminate or reform the transfer agreement where the profits received by the transferree are disproportionate to the consideration paid to the author. Requires the author to prove that the terms of the transfer have proven to be unfair or grossly disadvantageous. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2138 |
| 98-s-2171 | 98 | s | 2171 | Uniform Patent Procedures Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-11-18 | 1984-10-05 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1329. | Senate | Sen. Dole, Robert J. [R-KS] | KS | R | D000401 | 2 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 98-662) Amends the patent laws concerning the allocation of patent rights in inventions made with Federal assistance. Makes patentable for federally-assisted invention purposes any novel variety of plant which is or may be protectable under the Plant Variety Protection Act. Permits the Federal agency providing the assistance to limit patent ownership by small business or nonprofit organizations that are not located in or do not have a place of business in the United States. Permits a nonprofit organization or small business firm to retain title to any subject invention they research with Federal assistance whether or not the work was performed in Government-owned laboratory facilities. Requires any agency which determines that the patent rights to certain subject inventions should not accrue to the research organization or firm but to the United States to notify the Secretary of Commerce within 30 days of awarding the applicable funding agreement. Requires the submission of an analysis for determinations made on the basis of the exceptional circumstances rule. Requires determinations involving small business to also be sent to the Small Business Administration. Requires a contractor to elect whether or not to retain title to a subject invention within two years after disclosing such invention's existence to the Federal agency. Permits the election period to be shortened if the one year statutory period in which U.S. patent protection can still be obtained is triggered by public use, sale, or publication. Requires the Federal agency to protect information submitted by a contractor on invention utilization or efforts at obtaining utilization under march-in rights. Permits a nonprofit organization to assign rights to a subject invention to an organization that not only manages inventions but may be involved, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture or sale of articles or processes which might utilize or compete with the invention. … | 2025-08-29T17:39:21Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2171 |
| 98-s-2084 | 98 | s | 2084 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to restrict the authority of the Small Business Administration to deny financial assistance to small business concerns solely because the primary business operations of such concerns relate to the communication of ideas. | Commerce | 1983-11-11 | 1984-05-17 | Committee on Small Business. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-823. | Senate | Sen. Sasser, Jim [D-TN] | TN | D | S000068 | 6 | Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to a small business solely because its primary operation is: (1) book, newspaper, magazine, greeting card, or calendar publication or distribution; (2) radio or television broadcasting; (3) film, record, or video tape production or distribution; (4) theatre or motion picture entertainment; (5) instruction or tutoring in academic subjects; or (6) a similar operation. Permits such denial if the SBA determines after a hearing that assistance will be used primarily to: (1) advance or inhibit religion; (2) threaten the overthrow of organized government; or (3) engage in illegal activity or the dissemination of obscene materials. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2084 |
| 98-s-2069 | 98 | s | 2069 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1983-11-08 | 1984-05-31 | Referred to Subcommittee on SBA & SBIC Authority, Minority Enterprise, and General Small Business Problems. | Senate | Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD] | SD | R | P000513 | 3 | Amends the Small Business Act to provide that financings provided to State and local development companies under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 shall not be considered when computing the total amount outstanding and committed to a borrower from the business loan and investment fund established by this Act. | 2025-04-07T14:20:34Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2069 |
| 98-s-2043 | 98 | s | 2043 | Small Business Long Term Financing Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-11-02 | 1983-11-10 | Committee on Finance requested executive comment from OMB, Treasury Department. | Senate | Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] | MT | D | B000243 | 0 | Small Business Long-Term Financing Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the corporate income tax. Permits a taxpayer to defer tax on gain from the sale or exchange of property which is reinvested in small business investment property within a one-year rollover period. Specifies that such investment must be made in a business whose average annual gross receipts for the taxable year and the two preceding taxable years does not exceed $2,000,000. Provides for an extended statute of limitations for assessing any tax deficiency arising from a taxpayer's failure to reinvest within the one-year rollover period. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to permit small businesses to make loans and leases from pension funds without incurring a tax penalty for prohibited transactions. Requires that such loans: (1) be made for a period of ten years or less; (2) bear interest at competitive rates; and (3) be adequately secured. Limits such loans and leases to not more than 50 percent of the total assets of the pension trust. | 2025-08-29T17:38:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2043 |
| 98-s-2044 | 98 | s | 2044 | Small Business Tax Simplification Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-11-02 | 1983-11-08 | Committee on Finance requested executive comment from OMB, Treasury Department. | Senate | Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] | MT | D | B000243 | 0 | Small Business Tax Simplification Act of 1983 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers who withhold an aggregate amount of FICA and income taxes of less than $5,000 per month to make deposits of such taxes once per month. (Present regulations require deposits eight times per month for employers who withhold an amount of such taxes in excess of $3,000 per month.) Allows a taxpayer to elect to use the cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting without regard to any requirement to use inventories if such taxpayer is a qualified small business for the taxable year and the two preceding taxable years. Defines "qualified small businesses" as any person engaged in a trade or business if: (1) the average annual gross receipts do not exceed $2,000,000; and (2) the active participants in such trade or business own 50 percent of its capital and profits interests or, in the case of a corporation, at least 50 percent of its stock. Limits such election to taxpayers whose inventories do not exceed the reasonable needs of the business. Allows such qualified small businesses to deduct in the current tax year up to $100,000 of its depreciable business assets. | 2025-08-29T17:38:05Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/2044 |
| 98-s-1990 | 98 | s | 1990 | Trademark Clarification Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-10-21 | 1984-09-20 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1213. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 15 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 98-627) Trademark Clarification Act of 1983 - Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to state that a registered trademark has not become a generic (common descriptive name) and therefore cancellable solely because such mark is also used as a name of or to identify a unique product or service. Makes the primary significance of the mark to the relevant public rather than purchaser motivation the test for whether or not the mark has become a generic. Includes under trademark and service mark protection those marks which indicate the source of the goods, even if that source is unknown. Prohibits the use of purchaser motivation as a test for determining whether or not a mark has been abandoned. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1990 |
| 98-s-1956 | 98 | s | 1956 | A bill to amend section 8 (a) of the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1983-10-18 | 1983-10-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 3 | Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration and the head of a procuring agency, with respect to procurement subcontracts to be performed in a State or area outside of the continental United States by socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, to take into account the availability of such eligible concerns in such areas and any increase in transportation costs which would result if no such eligible concerns are available in such State or area. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1956 |
| 98-s-1948 | 98 | s | 1948 | A bill to establish a national minimum drinking age of 21. | Commerce | 1983-10-07 | 1984-06-14 | Subcommittee on Surface Transportation. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN] | IN | R | L000504 | 5 | Prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 if the beverage has traveled in interstate commerce or if the sale or offer of sale is made in an establishment which is in or affects interstate commerce. Subjects violators to a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to assess such penalty by an order made on the record after opportunity for a hearing in accordance with specified law. Prescribes due process procedures for assessing such penalties. Authorizes the Secretary to compromise or modify such penalties. Authorizes judicial review for persons aggrieved by civil penalty assessments. Restricts petitions for such judicial review to a specified time period. Directs the Attorney General to recover penalties in arrears in a civil action in Federal district court. Authorizes citizens' civil actions to enjoin alleged violators of the alcoholic beverage proscription under this statute. Prescribes procedure and appropriate venue for such civil actions. Confers jurisdiction upon Federal district courts over such suits, without regard to amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties. Authorizes the court to award the plaintiff attorney's fees, court costs, and expert witness fees. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1948 |
| 98-s-1933 | 98 | s | 1933 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1983-10-06 | 1983-10-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to permit a Federal agency to exempt from the applicability of any goal or set-aside program for small businesses established under such Act those contracts to be performed in Alaska, Hawaii, or any place where the number of eligible small businesses is so small that it precludes competition for the contract by small businesses doing business at or near the place of performance. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1933 |
| 98-s-1920 | 98 | s | 1920 | Small Business Computer Crime Prevention Act | Commerce | 1983-10-04 | 1984-03-07 | Committee on Small Business. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-739. | Senate | Sen. Tsongas, Paul E. [D-MA] | MA | D | T000393 | 2 | Small Business Computer Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish the Small Business Computer Crime and Security Task Force which shall: (1) define the nature and scope of computer crimes against small businesses; (2) ascertain the effectiveness of State legislation and security equipment in preventing computer crimes against small businesses; (3) develop guidelines to assist small businesses in evaluating the security of computer systems; and (4) make recommendations to the Administrator with respect to the activities of the SBA's resource center. Directs the Task Force, within 18 months after the enactment of this Act, to submit a detailed report of its findings on computer crimes against small business to the President and the Congress. Terminates the Task Force not later than thirty days after the submission of such report. Directs the Administrator to establish a resource center which will provide computer security information and periodic information exchange forums for small businesses. | 2025-08-29T17:39:12Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1920 |
| 98-s-1841 | 98 | s | 1841 | National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1983-09-14 | 1984-10-11 | Became Public Law No: 98-462. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 68 | (Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-1044) National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 - Provides that a person's conduct in making or performing a contract to carry out a joint research and development venture shall not be deemed illegal per se under Federal antitrust laws or similar State laws but shall be judged on its reasonableness considering factors including its effect on competition in the relevant markets. Excludes from the definition of the term "joint research and development venture" any activity in which two or more participating parties: (1) exchange information regarding the costs, sales, profitability, prices, marketing, or distribution of any product, process, or service that is not required to conduct the research and development under such venture; (2) restrict or require the production or marketing by any party of any product, process, or service other than proprietary information developed through such venture; or (3) restrict or require other research and development activities, or the sale, licensing, or sharing of any invention or development not developed through such venture, if such a restriction or requirement is not required to prevent misappropriation of proprietary information contributed by any participant or of the results of such venture. Limits to actual damages, specified interest thereon, and the cost of suit the amount that any person or State may recover on a claim in an antitrust action under State or Federal law if the claim is: (1) based on conduct under a joint research and development venture that is described in a venture notification filed with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); and (2) filed after such notification becomes effective. Provides that such recovery limitation shall not apply to any conduct in violation of a court order or decree issued after enactment of this Act in any State or Federal antitrust action challenging such conduct as part of such a venture. Directs the court to award the cost of litigating such a claim,… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1841 |
| 98-s-1816 | 98 | s | 1816 | Textile Fiber and Wool Product Identification Improvement Act | Commerce | 1983-08-04 | 1984-06-25 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1011. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 23 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with amendment, S.Rept. 98-529) Textile Fiber and Wool Product Identification Improvement Act - Amends the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to require a textile fiber or wool product to be so labeled if it has been processed or manufactured in the United States. Requires the product, as well as the package in which it is contained, to be labeled as to country of origin. Makes special exceptions for hosiery products. Requires catalog sales descriptions and other advertisements for textile and wool products to contain country of origin information. Requires that the identification label on imported textile fiber or wool products be affixed to the most conspicuous place on the inner side of the product. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1816 |
| 98-s-1730 | 98 | s | 1730 | Small Business Competition in Contracting Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-08-03 | 1983-08-03 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Dixon, Alan J. [D-IL] | IL | D | D000366 | 33 | Small Business Competition in Contracting Act of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit Government procurement officers from using qualified bidders or similar lists to preclude small businesses from being awarded contracts without referring the matter for final disposition to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Requires the SBA to certify small businesses as eligible to perform specific Government subcontracts if the contract involved exceeds $100,000 or the approved limits of a contractor's procurement system, whichever is greater. Provides that a Government procurement officer may not refuse to include a product of a small business concern or group of small business concerns on a qualified products list without referring the matter for final disposition to the SBA. Prohibits the SBA from: (1) establishing an exemption from the requirements that Government procurement officers refer questions as to a small business' eligibility as a Government contractor to the SBA for disposition; or (2) refusing to accept such a referral. Requires prime contractors on Government procurement contracts (in excess of $500,000 or $1,000,000 for construction) to develop and submit a plan to Government agencies for placing subcontracts in designated areas of high unemployment. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the award of Government prime contracts and subcontracts for appropriate portions of component systems, spare parts, and services for major weapon systems. Provides that during the planning for contracts for the procurement and performance of services or for the production or assembly of goods for major weapon systems, the head of each Federal agency shall maximize competition for such components or services so as to insure to the maximum extent practicable that small and small disadvantaged busines… | 2025-08-29T17:40:18Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1730 |
| 98-s-1734 | 98 | s | 1734 | Coin-Operated Phonorecord Player Copyright Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-08-03 | 1984-06-20 | Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1042. | Senate | Sen. Zorinsky, Edward [D-NE] | NE | D | Z000013 | 13 | Coin-Operated Phonorecord Player Copyright Act of 1983 - Revises the scope of the limitations on the performance of a nondramatic musical work on a coin-operated phonorecord player (jukebox) to require: (1) the manufacturer or importer of the player, rather than the operator, to register and pay a one-time only compulsory licensing fee of $50, rather than an adjusted annual fee, to the Copyright Royalty Tribunal for distribution to the copyright holders; and (2) the operator of a currently-owned player to pay a compulsory licensing fee of up to $25 based upon the number of years of useful life remaining in the player. Directs the Register of Copyright to keep a list of all registered players. Restates the royalty distribution procedures. | 2025-08-29T17:38:57Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1734 |
| 98-s-1704 | 98 | s | 1704 | A bill to encourage the expansion of the international trade in services, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1983-07-28 | 1983-08-04 | Committee on Finance requested executive comment from OMB, International Trade Commission, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Treasury Department, State Department, Commerce Department, Agriculture Department. | Senate | Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE] | DE | R | R000460 | 2 | Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to declare that, in addition to other objectives, the principal U.S. negotiating objectives under the section dealing with nontariff barriers to and other distortions of trade shall be to: (1) reduce barriers to U.S. service sector trade in foreign markets; (2) modify practices which distort international trade in services; and (3) develop internationally agreed rules which are consistent with U.S. commercial policies and which will help ensure open international trade in services. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in order to achieve those objectives, to: (1) consult regularly with representatives of State governments concerning negotiating developments; (2) not enter into any negotiation involving a service sector over which the States have regulatory responsibility without consulting with representatives of the State governments; and (3) work with service sector advisory committees established under such Act. Directs the USTR to consult with specified congressional committees concerning: (1) efforts to promote international negotiations on trade in services; and (2) the U.S. negotiating strategies and objectives, negotiation developments, and implementation agreements. Requires the USTR to report to Congress: (1) on the proposed negotiations scheduled for the upcoming year and on the U.S. negotiating interests in specific service sectors; (2) on the coordination and consultation with the States concerning the negotiations. Requires the USTR to consult with the appropriate State or Federal official before the President takes action to impose fees or restrictions on services. Directs the USTR, through the Trade Policy Committee, to develop and coordinate the implementation of U.S. policies concerning trade in services. Requires every Federal agency responsible for regulating a service sector industry to advise the USTR of information received by such agency concerning: (1) the treatment of U.S. service sector interests in foreign markets; or (2) allegations of unfair… | 2021-06-29T22:12:04Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1704 |
| 98-s-1680 | 98 | s | 1680 | Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act | Commerce | 1983-07-26 | 1984-05-22 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1123. | Senate | Sen. Goldwater, Barry [R-AZ] | AZ | R | G000267 | 38 | Malt Beverage Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that no antitrust law shall prohibit the importer, brewer, or trademark licensee of a trademarked malt beverage, when such beverage has substantial competition from other malt beverages in an area, from: (1) entering into an agreement granting a wholesale distributor the exclusive right to sell such beverage within any defined geographic area within a State; or (2) limiting such distributor to the sale of such beverage for ultimate resale to consumers in such area. Declares that this Act shall not affect any provision of State law. | 2025-08-29T17:39:59Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1680 |
| 98-s-1632 | 98 | s | 1632 | A bill to require the Small Business Administration to permit the deferral of payments on loans to borrowers in areas of economic distress caused by foreign currency fluctuations. | Commerce | 1983-07-16 | 1983-07-16 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Tower, John G. [R-TX] | TX | R | T000322 | 0 | Provides that if a borrower is located in an area of economic distress resulting from the drastic fluctuation in the value of the currency and in the adjustment of monetary regulations of a foreign country, then the Small Business Administration may utilize its authority under the Small Businss Act to suspend the payments on loans made under the Act which the borrower has used to finance the sale of goods or services to an individual or business located outside the contiguous United States. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1632 |
| 98-s-1578 | 98 | s | 1578 | Local Government Antitrust Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-06-29 | 1984-08-10 | By Senator Thurmond from Committee on Judiciary filed written report. Report No. 98-593. | Senate | Sen. Thurmond, Strom [R-SC] | SC | R | T000254 | 23 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment (without written report)) Local Government Antitrust Act of 1983 - Declares that provisions of the Clayton Act providing for suits by the United States, a State on behalf of natural persons, or by any person for injury caused by an action violating antitrust law shall not apply to any action or law of a local government, excluding the purchase or sale of goods or services on a commercial basis in competition with private persons, if such law or action is valid under State law. Prohibits recovery of damages, suit costs, or attorneys' fees under such provisions from any local government or any local official acting in his or her official capacity. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1578 |
| 98-s-1561 | 98 | s | 1561 | National Joint Research and Development Policy Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-06-28 | 1983-06-28 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Dole, Robert J. [R-KS] | KS | R | D000401 | 0 | National Joint Research and Development Policy Act of 1983 - Declares that agreements to engage in joint research and development ventures and their research and development programs shall not be deemed unlawful, per se, under the antitrust laws. Exempts qualified ventures, participants, and employees thereof from criminal prosecution under the antitrust laws based on conduct that is part of a research and development program and that has been disclosed to the Attorney General. Requires a venture to disclose and annually update specified information concerning its formation to the Attorney General in order to be a qualified venture. Limits the liability of qualified ventures, participants, and employees thereof to actual damages, interest thereon, and the cost of suit for antitrust violations based on conduct that is part of a research and development program and that has been disclosed to the Attorney General. Directs the court to award a qualified venture, participants, or employees thereof the cost of defending against a claim brought under the antitrust laws if the alleged violation is based on conduct which is part of a disclosed research and development program and which does not violate antitrust laws. Sets forth restrictions on the disclosure of information submitted to the Attorney General. | 2025-08-29T17:37:51Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1561 |
| 98-s-1535 | 98 | s | 1535 | Patent Law Amendment of 1984 | Commerce | 1983-06-23 | 1984-10-05 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1330. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 4 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on the Judiciary with amendment, S. Rept. 98-663) Patent Law Amendment of 1984 - Amends the patent laws to make it an infringement of patent to import into or sell in the United States without authority a product made in another country by a process patented in the United States. Makes it an infringement of patent to supply without authority in or from the United States the material components of a patented invention in such a manner as to actively induce their combination outside the United States if their combination in this country would constitute an infringement. Makes it an infringement to supply without authority in or from the United States any component of a patented invention especially adapted for use in that invention and not a staple of commerce suitable for noninfringing uses, knowing that such component will be combined outside the United States in a manner which would constitute infringement were it to occur inside the United States. Excludes from prior art (knowledge held by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the patent applies) unpublished information developed by a person other than the applicant when the subject matter and invention claimed were owned by the same person or entity at the time the invention was made. (Subject matter deemed prior art is non-patentable.) States that when joint inventors jointly apply for a patent they need not have made a contribution to each claim contained in the application. Permits a later application by a joint inventor named in an earlier application to have the same effect as if filed on the date of the earlier application. Permits arbitration of issues arising when a patent application is made which would interfere with any pending or unexpired patent (patent interference). Permits a licensee to assert in a judicial proceeding the invalidity of any patent to which it is licensed. Permits a patent license agreement to contain a termination clause if a licensee asserts such inval… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1535 |
| 98-s-1538 | 98 | s | 1538 | An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise the procedures for new drug applications, to amend title 35, United States Code, to authorize the extension of the patents for certain regulated products, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1983-06-23 | 1984-09-24 | Became Public Law No: 98-417. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 2 | (Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H. R. 3605) Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 - Title I: Abbreviated New Drug Applications - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize abbreviated applications for the approval of a new drug. Sets forth the contents of an abbreviated application, including: (1) information to show that the conditions of use prescribed in the labeling proposed for a new drug have been previously approved for a drug that appears on a list prepared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (listed drug); and (2) a certification relating to patents covering such listed drug. Requires an applicant who makes such a certification to state in the application that a specified notice has been given to: (1) each owner of the patent (or owner-representative); and (2) the holder (or holder-representative) of the approved application for the drug or drug use claimed by the patent. Sets forth information to be included in such notice. Requires the permission of the Secretary before an abbreviated application may be submitted for a new drug which has a different active ingredient or whose route of administration, dosage form, or strength differ from that of a listed drug. Directs the Secretary to approve an application for a drug unless specified findings are made. Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove an application within a specified time. Requires the approval of a drug to be withdrawn or suspended if the application for approval was abbreviated and it refers to a drug the approval of which was withdrawn or suspended for specified reasons. Requires the Secretary, within 60 days of enactment, to publish: (1) a list of each drug which has been approved for safety and effectiveness before enactment of this Act; (2) the date of approval (if after 1981) and the number of the application; and (3) whether in vitro or in vivo bioequivalence studies, or both, are required for applications filed under this Act which will refer to the drug publ… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1538 |
| 98-s-1440 | 98 | s | 1440 | A bill to clarify the circumstances under which a trademark may be canceled. | Commerce | 1983-06-09 | 1983-06-13 | Referred to Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 0 | Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to prohibit the cancellation of any registered trademark because it has become the common descriptive name (generic) of an article unless it is clear that the consuming public does not associate such mark with a particular quality or source. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1440 |
| 98-s-1427 | 98 | s | 1427 | Service Industries Development Act | Commerce | 1983-06-08 | 1983-06-21 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 252. | Senate | Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI] | HI | D | I000025 | 1 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with amendment, S.Rept. 98-157) Service Industries Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Department of Commerce a service industries development program. Lists the purposes of the program, which include: (1) promoting the competitiveness of U.S. service firms and American employees through economic policies; (2) promoting the sale of U.S. services abroad; (3) developing a data base for policymaking pertaining to services; (4) analyzing the effect on service industries of Government regulation and taxes; (5) analyzing the adequacy of current U.S. financing and export promotion programs; (6) conducting sectoral studies of domestic service industries; and (7) conducting a program of research and analysis of service-related issues and problems. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1427 |
| 98-s-1429 | 98 | s | 1429 | Small Business Development Center Improvement Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1983-06-08 | 1984-08-21 | Became Public Law No: 98-395. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 8 | (Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-955) Small Business Development Center Improvement Act of 1984 - Amends the Small Business Act to require that the term for grants under the Small Business Development Center program be based upon a calendar year or coincide with the Federal fiscal year. Provides that such program, pursuant to a negotiated cooperative agreement between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the applicant, shall deliver assistance to the small business community under the management and oversight of the SBA. Requires as a condition to the award of any grant to assist in the establishment of small business development centers, that a matching amount equal to the grant amount be provided by non-Federal sources and be comprised of not less than 50 percent cash and not more than 50 percent of indirect costs and in-kind contributions. Provides for the continuation of financial assistance to establish small business development centers under the Small Business Development Center program. Requires the facilities and staff of each small business development center to be located in such places as to provide maximum accessibility and benefits to small businesses. Requires such centers to have a full-time director who shall have the authority to make expenditures under the center's budget. Authorizes and directs the National Science Foundation to cooperate with the SBA and with small business development centers in developing and establishing programs to support such centers. Requires the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board to meet at least semiannually and at the call of the Chairman of the Board. (Currently, the Board is required to meet quarterly.) Requires each small business development center to establish an advisory board. Requires the SBA, within six months of the date of enactment of this Act, to develop and implement a program for onsite evaluation of each small business development center. Requires such evaluation to be conducted at least once every two… | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1429 |
| 98-s-1355 | 98 | s | 1355 | Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-05-25 | 1983-05-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA] | PA | R | S000709 | 6 | Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide that if bidding on defense procurement actions of $10,000 and above, or civilian procurement actions of $5,000 and above is limited to one person, a particular area of the United States, or both, then the Secretary of Commerce is required to provide a written description of the individual circumstances and the law which is the basis for such limitation along with the notice that is ordinarily required for such procurement actions under such Act. Requires the Secretary to publish timely notice of all procurement contract awards set aside for small businesses. Directs the Secretary to investigate and implement alternative means of notifying such small businesses of defense procurement actions of $10,000 and above and civilian procurement actions of $5,000 and above in addition to the daily publication that is required under such Act. Requires Federal agencies to plan contracts for the procurement of services or spare parts for large systems so as not to preclude performance by small and small disadvantaged businesses as prime contractors, where practicable. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish Government procurement contract arbitration panels to facilitate the resolution of contract disputes between small businesses and Federal agencies. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee to advise the Administrator and Congress on Government contracts awarded to or set aside for small businesses. | 2025-08-29T17:38:28Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1355 |
| 98-s-1383 | 98 | s | 1383 | Joint Research Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-05-25 | 1984-03-12 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-972. | Senate | Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH] | OH | D | G000236 | 1 | Joint Research Act of 1983 - Authorizes the Attorney General to issue certificates of review to two or more persons to promote joint research and development programs. Directs the Attorney General to issue such a certificate for an applicant whose application: (1) specifies conduct which is limited to a research and development program and which does not violate Federal antitrust laws; and (2) contains any other information the Attorney General requires. Requires that such a certificate specify: (1) the conduct to which it applies; (2) the participating business entities; and (3) any conditions applicable to such conduct. Directs certificate recipients to notify the Attorney General of any change in conduct or business entities. Permits such recipient to apply to amend such certificate. Directs the Attorney General to modify or revoke a certificate, after providing 30 days notice, upon determining that conduct allowed under the certificate violates antitrust laws. Authorizes the certificate holders to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. district court to set aside such determination. Precludes any other judicial review of any determination by the Attorney General concerning the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a certificate. Declares that any such determination is inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding in support of any claim under the antitrust laws. Exempts any certificate holder from criminal or civil action or liability for threatened loss or damage for a violation of Federal antitrust laws or similar State laws if: (1) the violation arises from conduct specified in the certificate; and (2) the certificate is in effect at the time the conduct occurs. Awards a certificate holder the cost of defending against a claim for damages resulting from a violation of antitrust laws if the court finds that: (1) the conduct alleged to violate such laws does not; (2) the conduct is specified in the certificate; and (3) the certificate was effective at the time. Declares that a certificate shall have … | 2025-08-29T17:38:50Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1383 |
| 98-s-1323 | 98 | s | 1323 | An original bill to amend the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1983-05-18 | 1984-05-10 | Senate agreed to request for conference. Appointed conferees. Weicker; Packwood; Hatch; Gorton; Bumpers; Nunn; Huddleston. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 0 | (Measure passed House, amended in lieu of H.R. 3020) Title I: Small Business Administration Authorizations - Amends the Small Business Act and Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the program levels for FY 1984 for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Authorizes funds to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide direct and immediate participation loans to Vietnam veterans. Increases funds for direct and immediate participation loans to small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low incomes or owned by low-income individuals. Decreases program levels for FY 1984 for deferred participation loans and debenture guarantees for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion and for small business development companies. Decreases the funds available for deferred participation loans to small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures. Increases authorizations for FY 1984 for: (1) direct purchases of debentures and preferred securities by the SBA with respect to small business investment companies; and (2) surety bond guarantees by the SBA. Authorizes funds to the SBA for direct loans to small businesses for alterations required by a change in Federal or State regulations. (Under current law, the SBA is prohibited from making such loans.) Increases authorizations for FY 1984 to the SBA for direct and immediate participation loans for small business plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion. Makes funds available out of such authorization for direct and immediate participation loans to: (1) Vietnam veterans; (2) handicapped persons and organizations for the handicapped; (3) small businesses either located in urban or rural areas with high unemployment and low income or owned by low-income individuals; and (4) small businesses which design, manufacture, and distribute energy measures. Makes funds available out… | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1323 |
| 98-s-1306 | 98 | s | 1306 | Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-05-17 | 1983-08-02 | Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-578. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 35 | Patent Term Restoration Act of 1983 - Amends the patent law to extend the terms of patents which encompass specified products or methods for using or producing a product, any of which are subject to certain nonpatent regulatory review periods. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such extension, including a seven year limitation. Directs the Commissioner of Patents to issue to the owner of record of a patent a certificate of extension stating the fact and length of the extension and identifying the product and the use and the claim to which such extension is applicable. Makes such certificate a part of the original patent. Limits the application of such patent term extension to patents for products subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Act of March 4, 1913 (relating to virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products). | 2025-08-29T17:41:11Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1306 |
| 98-s-1286 | 98 | s | 1286 | Manufacturing Sciences and Technology Research and Development Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1983-05-16 | 1984-09-25 | Placed on Union Calendar No: 607. | Senate | Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA] | WA | R | G000333 | 6 | (Reported to House from the Committee on Science and Technology with amendment, H. Rept. 98-1078) Manufacturing Sciences and Robotics Research and Development Act of 1984 - Permits the Secretary of Commerce, through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Productivity, Technology, and Innovation, to award grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements to provide for research on advanced manufacturing processes and methods, including: (1) computer-assisted design; (2) automated materials handling; (3) automated testing; and (4) integrated manufacturing systems. Requires grants to be made on a competitive basis. Permits the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with consortia (a group of organizations) to establish and support Centers for Manufacturing Research and Technology Utilization. Permits such Centers to conduct applied research on a matching funds basis. Authorizes appropriations for both the grants and cooperative agreements for FY 1985-1988. Establishes, at the National Bureau of Standards, the Federal Research Center on Robotics and Manufacturing to provide research and development on measurements and standards required in robotics and automated manufacturing systems. Authorizes the Secretary to support, on a matching funds basis, the training of scientists and technicians needed for the construction and use of robots and automated manufacturing systems. Authorizes appropriations for such support for FY 1985-1988. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to identify the impact on workers of enhanced utilization of technologically advanced manufacturing methods, including the potential for retraining displaced workers. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within two years on such program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1985. Directs the Secretary to: (1) select specific domestic technology-sensitive industrial sectors to analyze their long-term capability for remaining competitive; and (2) consult with and solicit comments from representatives of the industrial … | 2025-04-07T14:20:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1286 |
| 98-s-1270 | 98 | s | 1270 | Free Market Copyright Royalty Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-05-12 | 1984-03-13 | Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1161. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 5 | Free Market Copyright Royalty Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to direct the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to exempt a cable system's carriage of a national cable broadcast network signal beyond the local service area from specified adjustments in copyright royalty rates. Sets forth the criteria for determining when a television broadcast station can be classified as a national cable broadcast network. Reduces from five to three the number of commissioners on the Tribunal. Directs the Tribunal to appoint a general counsel and chief economist to its staff. | 2025-08-29T17:39:34Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1270 |
| 98-s-1201 | 98 | s | 1201 | Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1983-05-04 | 1984-06-11 | House Incorporated H.R.5525 in This Measure as an Amendment. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 26 | (Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H.R. 5525) Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984 - Extends sui generis protection to original mask works fixed in semiconductor chip products. Defines a mask work as the two- and three-dimensional features of shape, pattern, and configuration of the surface of the layers of a semiconductor chip product which portray the appearance of a product or convey information. Requires as a condition of protection that: (1) the owner of the mask work be a resident or citizen of the United States or of a country which is party to a protection treaty to which the United States is also a party on the date the work is first commercially exploited or registered; (2) the work is first commercially exploited in the United States; or (3) the mask work comes within the scope of a presidential proclamation extending reciprocal protection to the works of foreign citizens or residents. Vests exclusive rights in the mask work in the owner who may transfer, convey, or bequeath such interest. Recognizes the first registered transfer in case of a conflict. Sets the protection term for mask works at ten years from date of registration or first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. Sets forth the exclusive rights of the owner of such a protection, including the right to: (1) reproduce the mask; (2) import or distribute a semiconductor chip product in which the mask work is embodied; and (3) cause another to perform such acts. Excludes from an owner's exclusive rights a mask work used for educational purposes or an innocent purchaser of a semiconductor chip product. Protects works registered within two years of first commercial exploitation. Sets forth administrative procedures for the Register of Copyrights. Permits the owner of the mask work to place a notice of protection on such works which includes the words 'mask work' or M in a circle, the year the work was first fixed in a semiconductor chip product, and the name of the owner of the work. Entitles the owner of a mask work… | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1201 |
| 98-s-1202 | 98 | s | 1202 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to totally remove agricultural enterprises from eligibility for assistance under the Small Business Administration's disaster and business loan programs. | Commerce | 1983-05-04 | 1983-06-08 | Committee on Small Business. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to make agricultural enterprises ineligible for disaster and business loan assistance. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1202 |
| 98-s-1203 | 98 | s | 1203 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to permit the Small Business Administration to cooperate with profitmaking as well as nonprofitmaking organizations in providing management assistance to small business. | Commerce | 1983-05-04 | 1983-05-04 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to allow the Small Business Administration to make use of profitmaking organizations in providing management assistance to small businesses. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1203 |
| 98-s-1205 | 98 | s | 1205 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1983-05-04 | 1983-05-04 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business. | Senate | Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI] | MI | D | L000261 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration to guarantee loans, debentures, qualified contract payments, and other types of financial assistance and to guarantee sureties against loss pursuant to programs under such Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, subject only to the availability of qualified applications for such guarantees and limitations contained in appropriations Acts. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1205 |
| 98-s-1043 | 98 | s | 1043 | Small Business Capital Formation Tax Act | Commerce | 1983-04-13 | 1983-04-18 | Committee on Finance requested executive comment from OMB, Treasury Department. | Senate | Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY] | NY | R | D000018 | 15 | Small Business Capital Formation Tax Act -- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower the amount of corporate tax liability on taxable income up to $200,000. Increases from 60 percent to 80 percent the capital gain deduction for equity investments in small business concerns for investments held for five years or more. Establishes a maximum corporate capital gain tax rate of 20 percent attributable to equity investments in small business concerns. Allows a small business to use a cash receipts method of accounting if its average annual gross receipts do not exceed $1,500,000 for the three preceding taxable years. Allows a nonrefundable ten percent income tax credit for investment in small business stock. Permits a taxpayer to defer payment of tax on the sale of any capital gain property if the proceeds from such sale are reinvested within one year in small business stock, and the amount of such gain does not exceed the amount invested in small business stock. | 2025-08-29T17:41:13Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1043 |
| 98-s-1046 | 98 | s | 1046 | A bill to clarify the applicability of a provision of law regarding risk retention. | Commerce | 1983-04-13 | 1983-12-01 | Became Public Law No: 98-193. | Senate | Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI] | WI | R | K000019 | 0 | Amends the Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981 to permit risk retention groups to insure against product liability. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1046 |
| 98-s-1022 | 98 | s | 1022 | A bill to amend section 8 (a) of the Small Business Act to treat businesses owned by Indian Tribes as socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns. | Commerce | 1983-04-12 | 1983-10-04 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 453. | Senate | Sen. Andrews, Mark [R-ND] | ND | R | A000208 | 17 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, S. Rept. 98-262) Amends the Small Business Act to treat businesses owned by Indian tribes (including any Alaskan Native village or regional or village corporation) as socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses for purposes of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) business development program. Requires the SBA, in determining the economic disadvantage of an Indian tribe, to consider, where available, information with respect to such tribe's economic status. | 2025-06-20T19:33:16Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/1022 |
| 98-s-965 | 98 | s | 965 | National Industrial Development Act | Commerce | 1983-03-24 | 1983-03-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI] | MI | D | L000261 | 0 | National Industrial Development Act - Establishes the National Industrial Development Board which shall: (1) publish reports setting forth its recommendations on national industrial development priorities; and (2) at the request of a congressional committee or Federal agency, provide policy recommendations and reports on issues of national industrial policy pending before such committee or agency. Permits the Board to decline to respond to such a request if the Board determines that it concerns a matter that is not of immediate importance, unless: (1) it relates to a Government loan or loan guarantee; or (2) the President notifies the Board that it relates to an emergency situation. Directs the Board to establish procedures to ensure that no report is released to the public before seven days after it is issued, unless the Board determines that an earlier release is appropriate. Declares that members of the Board shall not be required to file any financial disclosure report under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the Board and personal staff for Board members without regard to specified Federal provisions governing civil service employment and compensation. Exempts the Board from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Board to submit to the President and each House of Congress an annual report on the major industrial development priorities of the United States and the policies needed to meet such priorities, along with any findings and legislative or administrative recommendations. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T17:39:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/965 |
| 98-s-904 | 98 | s | 904 | A bill to provide for contribution of damages attributable to an agreement by two or more persons to fix, maintain, or stabilize prices under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act. | Commerce | 1983-03-23 | 1983-03-23 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT] | MT | D | B000243 | 0 | Amends the Clayton Act to permit any person liable for damages for price-fixing to claim contribution from co-conspirators for the share of such damages attributable to their sales or purchases of goods and services. Declares that a release or covenant not to sue or enforce a judgment received in settlement by one or more conspirators shall not discharge any co-conspirators from liability, unless expressly provided. Directs the court to reduce the claim against the co-conspirators subject to liability by the greatest of: (1) the amount stipulated by such release or covenant; (2) the amount paid in settlement; or (3) treble the actual damages attributable to the settling person's sales or purchases of goods or services. Declares that a settlement shall release the recipient from liability from contribution, unless it is not consummated. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/904 |
| 98-s-915 | 98 | s | 915 | A bill entitled the "Taxpayer Antitrust Enforcement Act of 1983". | Commerce | 1983-03-23 | 1984-05-16 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-1136. | Senate | Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA] | WA | R | G000333 | 7 | Amends the Clayton Act to authorize the Attorney General of the United States or of any State to bring suit on behalf of the United States or such State or a political subdivision or citizen thereof to secure monetary relief for injury sustained by reason of a violation of antitrust law, regardless of whether the United States, State, political subdivision, or citizen has purchased directly from the defendant. Entitles the defendant in an antitrust action to prove as a partial or complete defense, in order to avoid duplicative liability, that some or all of the plaintiff's damages have been passed on to others who have standing to bring such an action. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/915 |
| 98-s-875 | 98 | s | 875 | Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 | Commerce | 1983-03-22 | 1984-10-12 | Provisions Concerning Trademark Counterfeiting Contained in H.J.Res.648. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 16 | (Measure passed Senate, amended) Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine ($1,000,000 fine for a corporation or other legal entity) for trafficking or attempting to traffic in counterfeit goods or services. Provides that a defendant who traffics in goods or services that are alleged to be counterfeit shall be immune from civil or criminal liability established by this Act if adequate labeling and adequate notice to the trademark registrant were provided. Permits any injured owner of a mark registered on the principal register of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to sue for either treble claimant's damages or treble defendant's profits, whichever is greater, and costs in Federal district court. Permits the United States Olympic Committee to bring such an action. Authorizes the court to issue appropriate orders including: (1) temporary restraining orders on notice to the defendant; (2) ex parte temporary restraining orders; and (3) ex parte orders for the seizure of counterfeit goods. Establishes procedures for an ex parte seizure order. Provides that if a court finds goods to be counterfeit in either a criminal or civil case, it may, after reasonable notice to the U.S. attorney, order the goods destroyed. Allows punitive damages to a defendant in a civil action when a cause of action is brought in bad faith. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/875 |
| 98-s-861 | 98 | s | 861 | Consumer Product Safety Commission Authorization Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-03-18 | 1983-06-29 | Passed House (Amended) by Voice Vote. | Senate | Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI] | WI | R | K000019 | 1 | (Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H.R. 2668) Consumer Product Safety Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984-1986. Includes surgical drapes within the coverage of the Flammable Fabrics Act. Provides for congressional veto of Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission) rules by enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval within 90 days after promulgation. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to promulgate any Commission rule or regulation until Congress has passed a joint resolution of approval. | 2025-01-14T18:51:33Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/861 |
| 98-s-842 | 98 | s | 842 | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide tax incentives for the issuance of small business participating debentures. | Commerce | 1983-03-17 | 1983-10-28 | Subcommittee on Taxation and Debt Management. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-718. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 17 | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as long-term capital gain amounts actually paid to a taxpayer with respect to a small business participating debenture which constitute the distribution of a share of earnings of the issuer. Defines "small business participating debenture" (SBPD) as a written debt instrument issued by a qualified small business which: (1) is a general obligation of such business; (2) bears interest at not less than specified by the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) has a fixed maturity; (4) grants no voting or conversion rights in the business to the purchaser; and (5) provides for the payment of a share of the issuer's total earnings. Defines "qualified small business" as one: (1) whose equity capital does not exceed $10,000,000; (2) the face value of whose outstanding SBPD's does not exceed $1,000,000; and (3) which has no outstanding securities subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Allows an interest expense deduction for interest and share of earnings payments made on such debentures. Treats losses on small business participating debentures as ordinary losses. | 2025-01-03T20:55:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/842 |
| 98-s-808 | 98 | s | 808 | Technical Information Clearinghouse Fund Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-03-15 | 1983-04-07 | Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. | Senate | Sen. Packwood, Bob [R-OR] | OR | R | P000009 | 0 | Technical Information Clearinghouse Fund Act of 1983 - Amends provisions relating to the dissemination of technical, scientific, and engineering information to establish in the Treasury the Technical Information Clearinghouse Fund. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to use the Fund as a revolving fund to carry out the activities necessary to make the results of technological research and development more readily available to industry and business. Lists the sources of the Fund's deposits. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-29T17:41:05Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/808 |
| 98-s-737 | 98 | s | 737 | Joint Research and Development Ventures Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-03-09 | 1984-03-12 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-972. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 9 | Joint Research and Development Ventures Act of 1983 - Allows U.S. firms to conduct cooperative research and development programs by establishing qualified joint research and development ventures which shall be exempt from the antitrust laws. Includes as a U.S. firm any entity controlled by foreign firms or citizens if their nation provides U.S. firms and citizens equivalent access to research and development efforts in that nation. States the requirements for qualified ventures, including: (1) the use of identical terms for the same levels of participation by firms; (2) the identification of each research and development program to be conducted, and the contributions required, for a firm's participation in each program; and (3) a finding by the Attorney General that the participation of any firm that accounts for a large specified percentage of worldwide industry sales of a product is critical to the program's success, is in the national interest, and will not directly affect future production of such product; and (4) the notification of the Attorney General of the formation of a venture, the parties to the venture, the programs to be conducted, the participants in the programs, and agreements under the venture. Limits a venture's activities to conducting one or more research and development programs (including programs in which universities participate) which are projected to be completed within ten years after their inception. Declares that a participant in a venture shall not be subject to restrictions on its own research and development activities or its exploitation of inventions resulting from the venture's findings. Vests authority for the management of a venture in a management board composed of one representative of each venture participant and at least three U.S. citizens representing nonparticipants. Directs each board to establish criteria for the selection of research and development programs, the admission or withdrawal of participants, and the licensing of venture technology. Specifies informati… | 2025-08-29T17:37:45Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/737 |
| 98-s-742 | 98 | s | 742 | A bill to increase the program level for the Small Business Administration's certified development company program, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1983-03-09 | 1983-05-13 | Committee on Small Business. Provisions of measure incorporated into measure S. 1323 ordered to be reported. | Senate | Sen. Nunn, Sam [D-GA] | GA | D | N000171 | 12 | Amends the Small Business Act to increase from $350,000,000 to $400,000,000 for FY 1983 and from $350,000,000 to $500,000,000 for FY 1984 the amount of loans which the Small Business Administration is authorized to make to state and local development companies. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/742 |
| 98-s-743 | 98 | s | 743 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to increase the program level for funding small business investment companies, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1983-03-09 | 1983-05-13 | Committee on Small Business. Provisions of measure incorporated into measure S. 1323 ordered to be reported. | Senate | Sen. Nunn, Sam [D-GA] | GA | D | N000171 | 10 | Amends the Small Business Act to increase from $160,000,000 to $250,000,000 the amount in guarantees of small business investment company debentures which the Small Business administration is authorized to make in FY 1983 and 1984. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/743 |
| 98-s-744 | 98 | s | 744 | A bill to amend the Small Business Act to increase the program level for funding 301(d) small business investment companies, and for other purposes. | Commerce | 1983-03-09 | 1983-05-13 | Committee on Small Business. Provisions of measure incorporated into measure S. 1323 ordered to be reported. | Senate | Sen. Nunn, Sam [D-GA] | GA | D | N000171 | 11 | Amends the Small Business Act to increase from $35,000,000 to $45,000,000 the amount in direct purchases of debentures and preferred securities which the Small Business Administration is authorized to make with respect to small business investment companies in FY 1983 and 1984. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/744 |
| 98-s-745 | 98 | s | 745 | Small Business Administration State Development Company Program Amendments of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-03-09 | 1983-05-13 | Committee on Small Business. Provisions of measure incorporated into measure S. 1323 ordered to be reported. | Senate | Sen. Nunn, Sam [D-GA] | GA | D | N000171 | 12 | Small Business Administration State Development Company Program Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to purchase or guarantee any debenture issued by a qualified State development company unless such debenture is collateralized by industrial development bonds. Requires debentures so purchased or guaranteed to be treated on an equal basis in repayment and liquidation with those funds borrowed by the qualified State development company unless the SBA determines that such debentures may be subordinate to the company's other debts and obligations. | 2025-08-29T17:41:21Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/745 |
| 98-s-628 | 98 | s | 628 | A bill to amend Section 18(a) of the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1983-03-01 | 1983-09-20 | Committee on Small Business. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 0 | Amends the Small Business Act to make an agricultural enterprise ineligible for disaster loan assistance unless it is declined for emergency loan assistance at substantially similar interest rates from the Farmers Home Administration pursuant to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. (Currently, agricultural enterprises are ineligible for such assistance under such conditions any time prior to October 1, 1983.) | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/628 |
| 98-s-568 | 98 | s | 568 | Joint Research and Development Ventures Act | Commerce | 1983-02-23 | 1984-03-12 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings concluded. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-972. | Senate | Sen. Tsongas, Paul E. [D-MA] | MA | D | T000393 | 0 | Joint Research and Development Ventures Act - Requires U.S. citizens and firms to request and obtain the approval of the Attorney General in order to gain an antitrust exemption for a joint research and development venture. Directs the Attorney General to approve such a venture, within 60 days, if: (1) participation is open to all U.S. firms and all domestic subsidiaries of firms of foreign nations that provide equivalent access to U.S. firms operating in such nations; (2) the results of such venture will be made available to all firms within six years after the venture receives title to any invention patent, or methodology; (3) any restraints are imposed for only as long as is necessary for the lawful purpose of the venture and are not part of restrictive agreements having unwarranted anticompetitive effects; (4) no participant is subject to any restriction on its own research and development activities or any obligation to provide the venture results of its previous or future research and development; and (5) such venture will not lessen competition to the extent of foreclosing competitors from participating in a market. Authorizes the Attorney General to withdraw or modify approval of a venture if: (1) he or she notifies the venture of actions needed to retain approval; and (2) such actions are not taken within 30 days. Provides for the judicial review of the withdrawal, modification, or denial of venture approval. Declares that the Attorney General's determinations concerning venture approval shall not be admissible as evidence in any administrative or judicial proceeding in support of any claim under the antitrust laws. Declares that no act or failure to act within the scope of an approved joint venture shall be construed to be a violation of, or a basis of liability under, Federal or State antitrust law. Directs a court to award a venture participant the cost of defending against an antitrust claim if the claim is based on conduct that does not, in fact, violate antitrust law or that is undertaken in t… | 2025-08-29T17:39:15Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/568 |
| 98-s-548 | 98 | s | 548 | Small Business Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-02-22 | 1983-02-22 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs. | Senate | Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX] | TX | D | B000401 | 0 | Small Business Act of 1983 - Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report which shall contain: (1) a description of activities performed in the previous year by the Government which could be more efficiently performed by small business and a schedule for transferring such activities to the private sector; and (2) an estimate of the potential cost savings to the Government and taxpayers of conducting such activities under contract with small business. | 2025-08-29T17:41:39Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/548 |
| 98-s-499 | 98 | s | 499 | Certified Development Company Improvement Act | Commerce | 1983-02-16 | 1983-10-28 | Subcommittee on Taxation and Debt Management. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-718. | Senate | Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY] | NY | R | D000018 | 5 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Small Business with amendment, S. Rept. 98-22) Certified Development Company Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to require the subordination of debentures issued by a State or local development company and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to any industrial development bonds used as collateral by such company for financing small business expansion projects. Permits the subordination of such debentures by the SBA to any other debenture, promissory note, or other debt or obligation of such company in the case of financings for projects which are not collateralized by industrial development bonds. (Currently, the subordination of State or local development company debentures is permitted at any time.) Prohibits the SBA from declining to guarantee State or local development company debentures on the grounds that the small business expansion projects being financed are also being financed by industrial development bonds. Prohibits the SBA and other Federal agencies from restricting the use of guaranteed debentures for projects financed also by industrial development bonds if such projects otherwise comply with SBA regulations and procedures. Provides that with respect to the payment guaranteed program for small business pollution control facilities, it is congressional policy that such payment guarantees would not cause the interest on tax-exempt obligations to finance such facilities to be included in gross income of the bondholders. Prohibits the SBA from declining to issue payment guarantees for small business pollution control facilities or property, subject only to the existence of qualified guarantee applications from eligible small businesses. (Currently, payment guarantees for pollution control facilities or property may be issued when such property is acquired with the proceeds from tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds.) | 2025-01-14T18:22:18Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/499 |
| 98-s-414 | 98 | s | 414 | Business Accounting and Foreign Trade Simplification Act | Commerce | 1983-02-03 | 1983-08-03 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 338. | Senate | Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA] | PA | R | H000456 | 4 | Business Accounting and Foreign Trade Simplification Act - Changes the name of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to maintain an internal accounting system that provides reasonable assurance that specified accountability and accuracy goals are met. Prohibits imposing criminal liability for failing to maintain such an accounting system. Prohibits imposing civil injunctive relief with respect to: (1) an issuer who fails to maintain the required accounting system if the issuer tried in good faith to meet the requirements; or (2) any person other than an issuer in connection with an issuer's failure to comply with such requirements, unless such person knowingly caused the issuer to fail to comply. Prohibits anyone from knowingly circumventing such an accounting system for a purpose inconsistent with the accountability and accuracy goals of such system. Requires only good faith efforts at ensuring compliance by issuers who hold 50 percent or less of the equity of domestic or foreign firms. Transfers from the Securities and Exchange Commission to the Department of Justice jurisdiction to enforce the bribery prohibitions of the FCPA with respect to issuers. Revises the prohibition against domestic concerns using any means of interstate commerce to further payments to obtain business with a foreign official. States that such a payment made "directly or indirectly" to a foreign official is illegal. Prohibits such payments that are made to: (1) influence a foreign official's act or induce such an official to violate a legal duty; or (2) induce a foreign official to affect a foreign government's act. Prohibits domestic concerns from using interstate commerce to direct or authorize an agent to further such a payment to a foreign official. Exempts from such prohibitions: (1) payments to foreign officials to expedite or to secure the performance of routine governmental action; (2) payments to … | 2025-08-29T17:37:45Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/414 |
| 98-s-380 | 98 | s | 380 | A bill to provide for contribution of damages attributable to an agreement by two or more persons to fix, maintain, or stabilize prices under section 4, 4A, or 4C of the Clayton Act. | Commerce | 1983-02-02 | 1983-02-02 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. | Senate | Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT] | UT | R | H000338 | 3 | Amends the Clayton Act to permit any person liable for damages for price-fixing to claim contribution from co-conspirators for the share of such damages attributable to their sales or purchases of goods and services. Declares that a release or covenant not to sue or enforce a judgment received in settlement by one conspirator shall not discharge any co-conspirators from liability, unless expressly provided. Directs the court to reduce the claim against the co-conspirators subject to liability by the greatest of: (1) the amount stipulated by such release or covenant; (2) the amount paid in settlement; or (3) treble the actual damages attributable to the settling person's sales or purchases of goods or services. Declares that a settlement shall release the recipient from liability from contribution, unless it is not consummated. Applies such claim reduction principle to price-fixing actions pending upon enactment of this Act if the court determines that it would be inequitable not to do so. Prohibits the modification of a settlement that has been signed before enactment of this Act because of the application of such principle. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/380 |
| 98-s-331 | 98 | s | 331 | National Investment Corporation Act | Commerce | 1983-02-01 | 1983-02-23 | Committee on Banking requested executive comment from Treasury Department, Commerce Department, Labor Department. | Senate | Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV] | WV | D | B001210 | 2 | National Investment Corporation Act - Creates the National Investment Corporation to encourage productivity growth in the United States economy through targeted use of financial resources to: (1) modernize industries; (2) accelerate the growth of high technology and other evolving industries; and (3) insure balanced economic growth across the country. Permits the Corporation to issue and the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase a specified amount of common stock. Authorizes the Corporation to issue its own notes, debentures, bonds, or other such obligations. Requires the Federal Financing Bank to purchase them. Sets forth the powers of the Corporation, including lending, loan purchase or guarantee, and securities acquisition. Sets forth the the criteria for selecting projects for financial assistance under this Act. | 2025-08-29T17:39:44Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/331 |
| 98-s-286 | 98 | s | 286 | Office Machine and Equipment Dealers Act | Commerce | 1983-01-31 | 1983-09-14 | Subcommittee on Consumer. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-477. | Senate | Sen. Exon, J. James [D-NE] | NE | D | E000284 | 4 | Office Machine and Equipment Dealers Act - Title I - Contracts Between Dealers and Suppliers - Declares that any supplier of office products who enters into a dealer agreement shall act in good faith in performance and termination of such agreement. Specifies seven duties of a supplier to a dealer. Title II - Procedures for Termination - Allows a supplier to terminate a dealer agreement before a specified expiration date (or at any time if such agreement does not contain an expiration date) by offering the dealer, within 60 days of the intended termination, fair and reasonable compensation for the value of the agreement. Permits the parties to resort to arbitration to determine the amount of such compensation if a controversy occurs. Title III - Miscellaneous Provisions - Grants any party the right to file an action for damages or equitable relief in Federal district court for violations of this Act. States that this Act shall not be construed to modify any provision of the antitrust laws or to supersede any State law which provides additional or stronger standards than those in this Act. | 2025-08-29T17:41:50Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/286 |
| 98-s-265 | 98 | s | 265 | Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-01-27 | 1983-02-04 | Committee on Banking requested executive comment from Federal Reserve System, Treasury Department, Council of Economic Advisers. | Senate | Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] | SC | D | H000725 | 2 | Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act of 1983 - Establishes the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC). Sets forth the composition of the Board of Directors and the general powers of the RFC. Authorizes the RFC to provide assistance, in the forms and under the terms and conditions set forth in this Act, to any eligible business concern. Defines "business concern". Makes a business concern eligible for assistance when the Board of Directors has certified that the concern is likely to become insolvent, that its closure would adversely and severely affect the economy, and that credit is not otherwise available to the concern on terms and conditions conducive to its survival. Sets forth the conditions under which the RFC may make loans to any eligible business concern or guarantee non-Federal loans. Authorizes the RFC to extend aid, under the terms and conditions set forth in this Act, to any eligible municipality. Declares that a municipality is eligible if it is making an adequate effort but is still unable to bring all of its expenditures, other than capital items, into balance with its revenues and to obtain sufficient credit in the public credit markets or elsewhere. Sets forth the conditions under which the RFC may, in the discretion of its Board, lend money to any eligible municipality, or guarantee the payment of non-Federal loans. Limits the aggregate amount of assistance to any one business concern or any one municipality. Sets forth the terms and conditions for loans and loan guarantees under this Act. Prohibits any fee or commission from being paid by any applicant in connection with any application or any loan or a guarantee made under this Act. Prohibits any of the loans guaranteed under this Act from being purchased by or issued to the Federal Financing Bank or any other Federal agency or department or concern owned in whole or in part by the United States. Provides for the capitalization of the RFC. Exempts any and all obligations issued by the RFC both as to principal and interest from all taxati… | 2025-08-29T17:40:57Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/265 |
| 98-s-272 | 98 | s | 272 | A bill to improve small business access to Federal procurement information. | Commerce | 1983-01-27 | 1983-08-11 | Became Public Law No: 98-72. | Senate | Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD] | SD | R | P000513 | 20 | (Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-263) Amends the Small Business Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to obtain notice of all competitive and noncompetitive civilian and defense procurement actions of $10,000 and above proposed by the Government and to publish notice of them in the Commerce Business Daily. (Currently, the Secretary is required to publish notice of civilian procurement actions of $5,000 and above proposed by the Government.) Exempts from such publication requirements those procurement actions where: (1) such procurement, for security reasons, is of a classified nature; (2) the need for the procurement is of such urgency that the Government would be seriously injured by time of publication; (3) a foreign government reimburses the Federal department for the cost of the procurement for such government and only one source is available, or the terms of an international agreement between the United States and a foreign government require that such procurement shall be from sources specified within such international agreement; (4) a statute provides that the procurement be made through another Federal department or from a specified source; (5) the procurement is made against an order placed under a requirement or similar contract, including orders for perishable subsistence supplies; (6) the procurement results from acceptance of a proposal pursuant to the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 or an unsolicited proposal from an educational institution that demonstrates an innovative research concept and publication of such unsolicited proposal would improperly disclose the originality or innovativeness of the proposed research; or (7) it is determined in writing by the head of the Federal department, with the concurrence of the Administrator, that advance notice is not appropriate or reasonable. Prohibits procuring activities, when required to publish notice of procurement actions, from: (1) issuing a solicitation for a procurement action until 15 days after publica… | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/272 |
| 98-s-273 | 98 | s | 273 | An act to amend section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. | Commerce | 1983-01-27 | 1983-07-13 | Became Public Law No: 98-47. | Senate | Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT] | CT | R | W000253 | 2 | (Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-262) Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the President to designate, within 60 days of the enactment of this Act, the agency (other than the Department of Defense) with which a Government procurement contract shall be made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the provisions pursuant to which contracts are performed through subcontracts with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Prohibits the SBA from entering into such a contract prior to October 1, 1983, or after September 30, 1985. Provides that the Administrator's authority to waive any bond that may be required for a small business concern to receive a subcontract under this Act may not be exercised prior to October 1, 1983, or after September 30, 1985. | 2025-01-14T17:16:56Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/273 |
| 98-s-175 | 98 | s | 175 | A bill to amend title 17 of the United States Code to exempt the private noncommercial recording of copyrighted works on video recorders from copyright infringement. | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1983-10-25 | Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-597. | Senate | Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ] | AZ | D | D000185 | 12 | Amends the copyright law to exclude from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who records copyrighted works on a video recorder if the recording is made for a private use and is not used in a commercial nature. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/175 |
| 98-s-31 | 98 | s | 31 | Home Recording Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1983-10-25 | Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 98-597. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 8 | Home Recording Act of 1983 - Amends the copyright law to exempt from liability for infringement of copyright any individual who makes a single video recording of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, or a single audio recording of a musical work or sound recording, in his or her private home solely for private household use. Requires the compulsory licensing of manufacturers and importers of video and audio recording devices and media. Sets forth procedures for: (1) determining royalty fees to be paid by such manufacturers and importers; and (2) distributing such fees to the owners of copyright of audiovisual works included in television transmissions and musical works and sound recordings included in radio or television transmissions or distributed in the form of phonorecords. Provides for the determination of royalty fees by: (1) voluntary negotiation between importers and manufacturers and representatives of copyright owners; or (2) compulsory arbitration when a voluntary agreement is not reached. Specifies criteria to be considered by an arbitration board in determining royalty fees. Authorizes the Register of Copyrights to confirm fees determined under arbitration or, under specified circumstances, to deny such fees and initiate new arbitration proceedings. Provides for the judicial review of the Register's decision. Requires royalty fees to be redetermined every three years. Sets forth penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act. | 2025-08-29T17:40:32Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/31 |
| 98-s-32 | 98 | s | 32 | Record Rental Amendment of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1984-10-04 | Became Public Law No: 98-450. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 13 | (Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H. R. 5938) Record Rental Amendment of 1984 - Amends the copyright law to prohibit the unauthorized rental of a phonorecord by its owner for commercial advantage. Deems such unauthorized use an infringement and subject to civil penalties. Includes within the scope of a compulsory license to make and distribute phonorecords the right to rent them. Requires the licensee to pay a royalty for each rental. Terminates such restrictions on rental after five years. | 2025-07-21T19:32:26Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/32 |
| 98-s-33 | 98 | s | 33 | Consumer Video Sales/Rental Amendment of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1983-10-07 | Committee on Judiciary received executive comment from Office of the U.S. Attorney General. | Senate | Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD] | MD | R | M000241 | 10 | Consumer Video Sales/Rental Amendment of 1983 - Prohibits the owner of a particular copy of a motion picture or other audiovisual work from renting, leasing, or lending such copy for commercial advantage unless authorized to do so by the copyright owner. | 2025-08-29T17:38:31Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/33 |
| 98-s-40 | 98 | s | 40 | Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1984-03-14 | Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH] | OH | D | M000678 | 2 | Small Business Motor Fuel Marketer Preservation Act - Makes it unlawful for a refiner, other than an independent or small refiner, to operate a gas station in the United States. Makes it unlawful for any person to interfere with the purchasing, selling, or storing of motor fuel by a dealer. Permits contracts requiring a dealer to purchase motor fuel exclusively from a particular refiner if such contract assures the dealer the right to purchase fuel elsewhere in cases where the refiner does not have such fuel readily available. Makes it unlawful for a dealer at a station displaying a trademark or identifying symbol of a particular refiner to sell motor fuel not refined by such refiner unless the dealer provides notice to purchasers. Requires that, within 90 days after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, refiners provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with information on the number of barrels of crude oil they produced and refined during the preceding year. Requires such information for calendar year 1978. Requires the FTC, and permits private parties directly affected, to bring civil actions against persons who violate this Act. Directs the FTC to prescribe regulations required by this Act. | 2025-08-29T17:39:20Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/40 |
| 98-s-44 | 98 | s | 44 | Product Liability Act | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1984-09-12 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1168. | Senate | Sen. Kasten, Robert W., Jr. [R-WI] | WI | R | K000019 | 26 | (Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with amendment, S. Rept. 98-476) Product Liability Act - Preempts State product liability laws. States that this Act governs any civil action for harm caused by a product which would have been based on: (1) strict or absolute liability in tort; (2) negligence or gross negligence; (3) breach of express or implied warranty; (4) failure to discharge a duty to warn or instruct; or (5) any other theory that is the basis for an award for damages for loss or damage caused by a product. Makes a manufacturer liable if the claimant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that a product was unreasonably dangerous: (1) in construction or design; (2) because the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings of danger; or (3) because the product did not conform to an express warranty. Specifies the requisite findings which must be made for such proof of unreasonable danger to be determined. Subjects a product seller to liability if the claimant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the claimant's harm was proximately caused by such seller's failure to use reasonable care with respect to the product. Enumerates circumstances under which such a seller is also subject to the liability of a manufacturer. Provides that all claims under this Act shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Sets forth rules with respect to conduct affecting comparative responsibility, including misuse, alteration or modification of a product. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned. Requires that damages in any product liability claim be reduced by an amount paid as workers' compensation benefits. Precribes a statute of limitations for recovery. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a Product Liability Review Panel to conduct an ongoing review of the adequacy of legal remedies available to persons injured by products and to report its findings and recommendations to Congress. Requ… | 2025-04-21T12:24:17Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/44 |
| 98-s-50 | 98 | s | 50 | Small Business and Agricultural Trade Remedies Act of 1983 | Commerce | 1983-01-26 | 1984-04-06 | Subcommittee on International Trade. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Cohen, William S. [R-ME] | ME | R | C000598 | 6 | Small Business and Agricultural Trade Remedies Act of 1983 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Department of Commerce the Small Business Trade Assistance Office, which shall assist small businesses in preparing for, and participating in, proceedings relating to the administration of the U.S. trade laws. Authorizes the Office to intervene in any administrative proceeding under title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 at the request of any person. Requires the Office to establish a system for paying small businesses reasonable expenses associated with such proceedings. Sets forth the limitations on such awards. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the standards for determinations by the International Trade Commission of injury for purposes of countervailing duty investigations and antidumping investigations so as to require the Commission to find a "sufficient" rather than a "reasonable" indication of injury. Permits judicial review of certain countervailing duty and antidumping duty proceedings in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rather than the U.S. Court of International Trade. Provides that in the case of a small business seeking import relief, the International Trade Commission shall consider the separate circumstances of such petitioner in making any determination as to material injury. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President, in determining whether to provide import relief and the method and amount of import relief to provide for a small business, to take into account: (1) the general economic situation in the major geographic area in which the small business is located; (2) the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates on any industry in such area; and (3) the ability of the small business to adjust by converting to alternative product lines. Permits a petitioner for import relief in connection with any perishable products (certain fresh or chilled vegetables, fresh mushrooms, certain fresh fruit, and certain fresh cut flowers) t… | 2025-08-29T17:39:58Z | https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/senate-bill/50 |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);