United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Soviet Union should: (1) permit emigration from the Soviet Union; (2) remove restrictions on religious and cultural practices; and (3) stop harassing individuals who wish to leave or practice their religion.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax income of married individuals filing tax returns separate from their spouses at the same rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends existing Federal law to change the date for celebrating "National Safe Boating Week" to the week beginning June 1 (presently the week which includes July 4).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should approve supplemental appropriations in specified amounts to provide sufficient funds for programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Declares the sense of Congress that the President shall take steps to: (1) call upon the Soviet Union to permit the resurrection of the Ukrainian churches of various denominations; (2) contact the officials of the Soviet Union to secure freedom of worship in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe; and (3) raise the question of Stalin's liquidation of such churches in the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
National Vitiligo Control Act of 1979 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program for the diagnosis, treatment, and control of vitiligo, including information services and health education with respect to such disease. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the administration of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Social Services and Child Welfare Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Social Services - Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the total amount allocable to the States for social services to $3,100,000,000. Provides 100 percent Federal matching funds for child day care services under title XX, to the extent that a State's expenditures do not exceed a certain level, during fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Stipulates that to the maximum extent feasible such funds should be used to increase the employment of welfare recipients and other low-income persons in jobs related to the provision of child day care services. States that funds granted by a State to a qualified provider of child day care services for the payment of wages in jobs related to the provision of child day care services shall, for the purposes of title XX, constitute expenditures for the provision of child day care services. Authorizes expenditures for personnel training or retraining under title XX to exceed, according to a certain formula, the limits set for such expenditures if a State submits a training plan, approved by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, specifying in detail how funds for such training and retraining will be used. Requires State officials to consult with local officials in developing a comprehensive services program plan. Makes permanent the provisions of title XX permitting expenditures for the initial detoxification of alcoholics and drug addicts living in hospitals, extended or intermediate care facilities, prisons, or foster homes. Permits expenditures for the provision of emergency shelter, not in excess of 30 days in any six month period, provided as a protective service to an adult in danger of physical or mental injury, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation. Directs the Secretary to allocate $100,000 annually to the Northern Mariana Islands for the administration of its plan under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Title II: Child Welfare Services, Foster Care, and Adoption Assistance - Sets forth revised State plan requirements under part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act, including a States requirement to provide that the standards and requirements with respect to child day care under title XX shall apply with respect to day care services under part B of title IV. Directs the Secretary to pay from a State's part B allotment an amount equal to 75 percent of the State's expenses for child welfare services. Requires States, in order to be eligible for certain additional allotments under part B, to: (1) complete case reviews of children in foster care under the responsibility of the State; (2) issue a report based on such reviews; and (3) take such actions as necessary to establish and place in effect laws and regulations which provide specified safeguards and protective measures to assure proper foster care placement, including a fair hearing procedure for any parent, foster parent, guardian or child who believes that he or she has been aggrieved by the foster care program. Sets forth the definition of terms used in this Act, including the term "child welfare services." Defines such term to mean, among other things: (1) protecting and promoting the welfare of all children; (2) preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families; and (3) placing children in suitable adoptive homes where restoration to the biological family is not possible or appropriate. Requires each State having a plan approved under part A of title IV to make adoption assistance payments to parents who adopt a child who is eligible for assistance under such part and who is determined by the State to be a child with special needs. Stipulates that such payments shall take into account the economic circumstances of the adopting parents and the needs of the child. Defines a child with special needs as a child who: (1) cannot or should not be returned to his or her biological family; (2) is difficult to place because of ethnic background, age, or physical or mental handicaps; and (3) has not been able to be placed with appropriate adoptive parents without adoption assistance payments. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum amount of payments payable to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam for services and items under titles I (Old-Age and Medical Assistance), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), and IV (part A) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Declares it to be the sense of the Congress that crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, and all other components of energy costs to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers be explicitly covered by the price and profit margin guidelines established in the President's anti-inflation program, and that the President take all possible measures to slow the rising costs of energy, a major contributor to the inflationary pressures on our economy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who applies for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability shall be considered presumptively disabled if he has received disability insurance benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits as a disabled individual within five years of his most recent application for supplementary security income benefits. Provides that benefits paid to an individual who is considered presumptively disabled under this Act will be considered overpayments if such individual is ultimately determined not to be disabled in fact.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the physically handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1979 - Establishes a program of financial and technical assistance to States for the development, revision, and implementation of fish an wildlife conservation plans and for implementation of nongame fish and wildlife conservation actions. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Interior may not disapprove any such plans or actions for specified reasons unless implementation would threaten the natural stability or continued viability of animals concerned. Makes States eligible for matching funds under the existing fish and wildlife restoration programs if their plans are approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to reimburse eligible States for costs incurred in connection with conservation plans and actions. States that nothing in this Act shall effect State regulation of fish and wildlife or the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to control predatory or wild animals. Prohibits the use of funds made available to States to acquire land except from willing sellers.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards; and (6) require certain persons involved in mining, refining, or importing asbestos used in construction material to reimburse the Federal Government for a share of the costs of the asbestos program conducted under this Act. Establishes the Asbestos Hazards School Safety Task Force. States that such Task Force's duties shall include: (1) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (2) reviewing and approving State applications for grants and loans; and (3) assisting in formulating standards and safety procedures. Requires State educational agencies which seek administrative funds to submit to the Secretary a plan which: (1) describes the manner such State shall disseminate information on the health hazards of asbestos fibers; (2) describes the content of such information; and (3) describes the procedures to be used by the State in maintaining records on asbestos. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local educational agencies for the Federal share of the costs of carrying out an asbestos detection program meeting the standards of this Act. Prohibits the making of such grants unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary after consultation with the task force. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools, for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment, and for determining which contractors are qualified to carry out testing and evaluation procedures. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discharge or discriminate against any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim of disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Energy should: (1) submit to Congress a standby conservation plan which accounts for the economic impacts of restricted energy use; and (2) provide the States with resources and support for the implementation of energy conservation programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Urban Grant University Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to urban universities (as defined by this Act) to assist them in carrying out urban-oriented projects. Sets forth grant application guidelines, including a requirement that no project grant may exceed 90 percent of such project's total cost. Stipulates that any institution receiving assistance under this Act shall be designated as an "urban grant university." Requires the Commissioner to publish annually a list of such urban grant universities. Limits the annual amount of such assistance to institutions in any one State to 15 percent of the total amount paid.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides that Vietnam veterans eligible for specified veterans' educational benefits may use up to 12 months of such benefits for employment assistance payments to non-Federal Government employers hiring such veterans. Establishes eligibility requirements and guidelines for participating veterans and employers. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - Authorizes the Veterans' Administration to provide outpatient mental health services to Vietnam veterans with emotional or psychological civilian readjustment problems. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a program of treatment for Vietnam-era veterans or members of their immediate families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Provides that any individual eligible for treatment in either the readjustment or alcohol drug program may elect to have such treatment at any community health center providing such services under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Directs the Administrator to reimburse such centers for such treatment. Authorizes an employee of the General Accounting Office assigned to duty in a Veterans' Administration health facility to act as ombudsman for the patients of such facility. Title III: GI Bill Education Assistance - Extends the ten year delimiting period for veterans' educational assistance eligibility to January 1, 1985, for veterans discharged before December 31, 1969. Removes the requirement of State matching funds for veterans' accelerated payment of educational assistance allowances. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States for administrative expenses for the start- up costs veterans' home loan programs. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to make a comprehensive study of United States laws providing benefits to veterans and their dependents, with particular attention to the needs of Vietnam veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Declares the need to develop a national emergency energy plan. Authorizes and directs the President to submit to Congress an emergency plan to designate a specific person or entity within the executive branch charged with the responsibility and given the authority: (1) to expedite administrative decisions with regard to all aspects of energy production, transmission, distribution, transportation, and use; (2) to cut through regulations when necessary; (3) to increase domestic energy production; (4) to promote the earliest possible use of new energy technologies and sources; (5) to enhance available energy supply; and (6) to make the Nation self-sufficient in energy.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to add a new "Title II: Port Safety Planning and Improvement", to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to make grants to municipalities and public agencies for the development and implementation of port safety plans to protect deep-draft ports from fires, explosions, or other damage. Prescribes the minimum requirements for each such plan. Limits the total funds obligated for such grants and the amount of obligated funds available in any one fiscal year. Provides that no grant may exceed two-thirds of the cost of development of each such plan and 50 percent of the cost of implementing each such plan. Stipulates that no more than ten percent or less than one percent of such funds be allocated for a single port, with certain exceptions. States that no municipality is eligible to receive more than three grants. Declares that no grants may be made for development of a plan after September 30, 1982, and no grant may be made for implementation of a plan after September 30, 1985. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress or whether the cost of providing port safety services could be paid for through the collection of user fees. Requires each municipality or public agency to keep records on the amount and disposition of such grants. Permits the Secretary and Comptroller General of the United States to have access to such records for the purposes of audit and examination. Authorizes appropriations through 1985 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the administration of such program within six months after the end of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate a Coordinator of programs to be responsible for: (1) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (2) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (3) making recommendations to Congress with respect to modification of Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to assist the victims and their dependents. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of such programs no later than three years after enactment. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subjected to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of assistance to victims and their dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Entitles former spouses of members of the uniformed services who were married to such member for at least ten years to an annuity based upon a portion of such member's retired or retainer pay. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan to make former spouses eligible to receive annuities under such Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Elephant Protection Act of 1979 - Directs the President to propose to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species that all trade in elephant products be suspended until large and healthy elephant populations have been reestablished and are biologically stable. Prohibits the importation into or exportation from the United States of elephant products. Prohibits the possession, transportation, or sale of such products. Provides for administration of this Act by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for scientific purposes or to enhance elephant propagation. Prescribes the conditions for granting of such permits. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Preempts any incompatible State laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act - Title I: Regulation of Exploration and Commercial Recovery by United States Citizens - Disclaims extraterritorial sovereignty by the United States over deep seabeds. Prohibits any United States citizen from engaging in exploration or commercial recovery unless authorized: (1) under a license issued pursuant to this Act; (2) under a license issued by a reciprocating state; or (3) pursuant to an international agreement. Permits the continuation of existing exploration upon timely application for such license. Prohibits interference with the activities of a licensee under this Act. Stipulates activities which are exempted from this Act. Sets forth procedures for the issuance of, and limitations upon, licenses for exploration and commercial recovery under this Act. Declares any United States citizen eligible for a license for exploration. Establishes a formula for the determination of priority of right for issuance. Sets forth findings which must be made prior to issuance of a license of exploration or commercial recovery. Permits modifications or suspension of operations upon order of the Secretary of Commerce. Provides for an antitrust review by the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission of any such license application. Stipulates procedures and effects of denial, suspension, or revocation of a license. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the implementation of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare an environmental impact statement with respect to the areas likely to be developed by United States citizens. Specifies criteria for the size of areas of exploration or commercial recovery. Requires the Secretary to impose performance requirements upon licensees. Permits relinquishment or surrender of such licenses. Requires certain record keeping, environmental impact statements, navigational safety procedures and disclosure by licensees. Prohibits licensees from interfering with reasonable uses of the seas. Permits the Secretary to monitor exploration or commercial recovery operations. Permits the President to designate "reciprocating states" as defined by this Act. Title II: Transition to International Agreement - Declares the intent of Congress regarding any international seabed agreements to which the United States may become a party to be: (1) to provide reasonable access to the deep seabed mineral resources for United States citizens; and (2) to recognize certain continuing seabed mining rights of United States citizens who have begun such mining operations prior to any such international agreement. Sets forth the effect upon specified provisions of this Act resulting from subsequent international agreements. Title III: Civil Penalties, Criminal Offenses, and Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes unlawful violations of this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for such violations. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Makes vessels in violation of this Act liable in rem for such violation. Title IV: Tax - Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Removal Tax Act of 1978 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on the removal of hard mineral resources from the deep seabed. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Deep Seabed Revenue Sharing Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1979 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; to (2) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate but prohibits limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President to increase or decrease meat imports in certain circumstances. Allows the President to suspend any proclamation concerning meat import limitations if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their representative shares of the United States market for meat articles during the respective period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by June 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Authorizes the enlistment of citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands into the Armed Forces of the United States if such an individual indicates in writing an intent to become a citizen, and not a national of the United States upon the full implementation of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Alcohol Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal or biomass for primary use as a substitute for fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct that any regulations which require a gasoline station to offer unleaded gasoline be amended to require the sale of a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol. Provides that such requirement shall apply only if it is determined that supplies of such a blend are reasonably available to filling stations. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take cooperative action to facilitate expanded production and distribution of alcohol for use as a motor vehicle fuel and fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Authorizes the enlistment of citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands into the Armed Forces of the United States if such an individual indicates in writing an intent to become a citizen, and not a national of the United States upon the full implementation of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Individual Tax Return Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons, heads of households, and married couples filing jointly or separately. Establishes the zero bracket amount at $3,400 for all individual taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Exempts the Board, its property, and its income from present and future Federal, State, and local taxation, with specified exceptions. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to be awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Makes it unlawful for any person, knowingly or intentionally, to possess, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or unlawfully import, on board a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a controlled substance as defined in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Makes it unlawful for a citizen of the United States to engage in such activities on any vessel. Prohibits any person on any vessel, within or without the United States, to attempt or conspire to import or transport a controlled substance into the United States or to attempt or conspire to facilitate the import or transport of such a substance (except as provided by certain Federal law). Makes it unlawful to transfer a controlled substance from any vessel to a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, either within the territorial seas of the United States or on the high seas. Stipulates that any person who violates this Act shall be sentenced in the same manner as a person would be sentenced for possession of a controlled substance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) to exempt only the renting of space within a single family dwelling unit by the occupant of such unit to any other person from the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Prohibits insurers against hazards from discriminating in housing insurance contracts. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Prohibits discrimination in housing finance because of the national origins of people residing in the vicinity of the dwelling involved. Prohibits discrimination in the buying of debts secured by real property. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the administrative authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Revises the procedures for enforcing the fair housing antidiscrimination provisions of the Act. Permits the Secretary to enforce the provisions upon receiving a charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or upon the Secretary's initiative. Permits the Secretary to refer charges to certified State or local agencies to take action. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of their efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to order preliminary relief in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures to be followed when the Secretary has an administrative hearing on a complaint. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action and (2) to commence a civil action (a) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (b) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney fees. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals to determine the validity of the Secretary's final orders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out the provisions of such Act with respect to: (1) the regulation of and research pertaining to ocean dumping; and (2) the acquisition, development, and operation of marine sanctuaries. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct research to determine means of ending the dumping into ocean waters of material unreasonably degrading the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Requires that whoever uses or carriers a firearm during the commission of any felony which may be prosecuted in a United States court shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such offense, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of five years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of eight years imprisonment. Stipulates that the imposition of any term of imprisonment under this section: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include parole.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Amends the program of medical and dental care for members and certain former members of the uniformed services and for their dependents to include former spouses of members of the uniformed services. Establishes length of marriage and other requirements of eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1979 - Requires any Government procurement contract to which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily to remain open for bidding for at least 30 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 20 percent participation by small business concerns within each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Social Security Refinancing Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to finance the payment of hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Establishes new employment and self-employment tax rates for the purpose of financing the old age, survivors and disability insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act).
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Youth Camp Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate Federal youth camp safety standards. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and enforcement of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Secretary for approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans. Limits such grants to 80 percent of the cost of carrying out such plan. Directs the Secretary to provide consultative services to youth camps requesting such services in States which do not have in effect a State plan as provided for under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Home Finance Leveraging Act of 1979 - Exempts programs of the Federal National Mortgage Association authorized under the National Housing Act or the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970 from State and local usury laws.
![Official portrait of Del. Evans, Melvin H. [R-VI-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000254_200.jpg)