United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Foreign Intelligence and Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1979 - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to exempt information in files maintained by the CIA or the National Security Agency from the provisions of any law requiring publication or disclosure if such files have been specifically designated by the Director of Central Intelligence to be concerned with: (1) scientific or technical systems for the collection of foreign intelligence information; (2) special activities and foreign intelligence operations; (3) investigations conducted to determine the suitability of potential foreign intelligence sources; or (4) intelligence and security liaison arrangements with foreign governments, except to the extent that the files contain information on U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens under the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to stipulate that the disclosure provision does not require a law enforcement or intelligence agency to disclose information to any person convicted of a felony under Federal or State law, or to any person acting on such felon's behalf. Revises the FOIA procedures with respect to law enforcement or intelligence agency records, including requirements that the court: (1) examine such records withheld under certain provisions in camera; and (2) rely on agency affidavits unless there appears to be no basis on which such records could have been specifically designated for limited or restricted dissemination or distribution by an agency authorized to make such a designation. Revises the FOIA procedures to increase from ten to 60 days the period from the receipt of a request for records by which an agency must determine whether to comply with such request (allows an additional 60 days for each 200 pages of records encompassed by the request). Requires, instead of authorizes, the court to allow an agency additional time to review its records where the Government shows that exceptional circumstances exist and that the agency is exercising due diligence in attempting to respond to the request. Extends the matters to which the FOIA procedures do not apply to include: (1) records maintained for foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, organized crime, or terrorism purposes; or (2) law enforcement records which would (A) "tend to" disclose (currently, disclose) the identity of a confidential source, including a State or municipal agency or foreign government which furnished information on a confidential basis, or (B) endanger the life or physical safety of any natural person (currently, law enforcement personnel). Stipulates that the disclosure procedures shall not require a law enforcement or intelligence agency to: (1) make available law enforcement records pertaining to an investigation for seven years after termination of the investigation without prosecution or seven years after prosecution; or (2) disclose any information which would interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation or foreign intelligence activity upon proper certification to the Attorney General and a determination that such interference would result.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to stipulate that an automobile manufacturer's failure to comply with any average fuel economy standard shall not be deemed "unlawful conduct" under such Act unless the Secretary of Transportation has determined that: (1) any credits which the manufacturer may have received for exceeding such standards in any model year do not fully offset any penalty for failure to achieve such standards; and (2) the time for which such credits could be earned to offset such a penalty has expired. Allows such a credit to be used to offset any penalty which may have been assessed against the manufacturer in the three consecutive years prior to the model year in which the manufacturer exceeds such a standard.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Synthetic Fuels Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Loan Guarantees for Synthetic Fuel Demonstration Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to guarantee and to make commitments to guarantee interest payments on obligations issued for the purpose of financing the construction of demonstration facilities for the conversion of domestic coal, oil shale, tar sands, biomass, peat, and other domestic resources into synthetic fuels, and for other energy sources such as ocean thermal energy conversion. Stipulates that such guarantees shall be issued under a competitive bidding procedure to the extent possible. Prohibits the issuance of a guarantee for an oil-shale conversion facility until a modular facility of the same technology has been shown to be successfully operated. Limits the total amount of loan guarantees outstanding under this Act to $10,000,000,000, and prohibits issuance of such guarantees beyond five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for handling defaults in payments on any obligation issued and guaranteed under this Act. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund into which shall be deposited authorized administrative funds, interest and principal payments, or repayments and fees, and any other moneys derived from the operation of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in the event moneys available in the fund are insufficient to enable the Secretary to carry out this title. Stipulates that inventions made or conceived under a guarantee authorized by this title shall be subject to the appropriate sections of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development of 1974. Directs the Secretary to provide opportunities for small business to participate in such guarantee program. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report of the activities conducted under this title. Requires that regulations issued under this title be submitted to specified congressional committees. Repeals existing provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 relating to loan guarantees for alternative fuel demonstration facilities, excluding those provisions on the issuance of obligations for synthetic fuel conversion facilities and municipal waste energy generation facilities. Title II: Priority Energy Projects - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Exempts such designations from the impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1979, but requires that designated projects comply with the appropriate provisions of the Clear Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. States that the time allowed for completion of all final agency action and the issuance of all final agency decisions as to licenses, permits, and other authorizations shall be consistent with existing statutory obligations. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for the coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Governor of a State in which a priority energy project is to be located a voluntary decision schedule setting deadlines for State and local authorities to complete their actions relating to such project. Sets forth procedures authorizing the President to waive State or local law provisions causing delay in implementing the State decision schedule. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of any action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give expedited treatment to such matters. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Goals and Objectives - Establishes a national goal for the reduction of energy imports by the year 1990 to the equivalent of 25 percent of the crude oil and synthetic fuels consumed in the United States in that year. Directs the Secretary to conduct specified studies relating to the attainment of such goal. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to test the commercial feasibility of synthetic fuels by using such fuels in selected portions of the vehicle fleets of specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
United States - Mexico Good Neighbor Employment Act of 1979 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to establish a program for the non-immigrant admission of Mexican nationals as temporary workers in the United States. Provides that: (1) the Attorney General shall establish annual and monthly quotas for temporary worker visas based on the chronological order of application; (2) such temporary services or labor shall not exceed 180 days per year; (3) such visas shall not limit the geographic area or employment within which an alien may work unless specific restrictions are requested by the Secretary of Labor in order to protect domestic workers; (4) an alien who violates the 180-day visa limitation or any imposed geographic restriction shall be ineligible for another temporary visa for five years; and (5) an alien who enters the United States illegally shall be ineligible for obtaining a temporary work visa for ten years. Excludes such temporary Mexican workers from the definition of "immigrant" for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Includes such workers within the category of aliens whose non-immigrant status may not be adjusted to that of an immigrant. Prohibits the Attorney General from consenting to the reapplication for admission of any such workers whose 180-day limitation has been exhausted. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish and expand United States Consulates in Mexico in order to implement such temporary worker program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make the nature of such program known to Mexican nationals residing in the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish with Mexico an advisory commission to advise the Attorney General with regard to such temporary worker program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Illegal Alien Control Act of 1977 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a border patrol force of not less than 3,800 officers. Directs the Attorney General to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of: (1) establishing a system for issuing machine-readable identification cards to aliens entering the United States; and (2) utilizing the most current technology in electronic sensing devices in patrolling land borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from the definition of the term "immigrant" those persons entering the United States for a period of not more than one year to perform temporary services or labor if the Secretary of Labor has determined and certified to the Attorney General that there are not sufficient workers available at the aliens' destination who are willing and able to perform such services. Directs the Secretary to refer to employers who request such certification, workers in the number desired, able and qualified, and who agree to present themselves to commence employment on the date and for the period specified. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue social security cards for aliens who may be employed or receive public assistance in the United States. Specifies the information which an alien must provide when applying for a social security card. Requires the applicant to supply either proof of the individual's citizenship or alien status, or an affidavit that the individual was assigned a social security account number at least five years before the date of application for the card. Prohibits the employment or provision of public assistance to an individual specified in this Act unless such individual presents a social security card to the employer or agency and the employer or agency submits required information to the Secretary. Establishes a civil penalty for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits the employment or provision of public assistance to an alien whose status under the Immigration and Nationality Act does not permit such alien to work or receive public assistance. Establishes penalties for presenting a false social security card or providing fraudulent information in order to obtain employment or public assistance. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to prohibit the use of Federal financial aid to provide job training or employment opportunities to aliens who are not authorized to work or who are illegally in the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit income tax deductions for wages paid to aliens illegally working in the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the Secretary of Labor, when adjudicating the petition of an alien for admission to perform skilled or unskilled labor, from considering the work experience gained by the alien in the United States during any time while in an immigration status in which employment was not authorized for the alien. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits and Medicaid benefits to illegal aliens. Adds border crossing cards, alien registration receipt cards, and other documents prescribed by regulation for entry into the United States to the list of documents the false making of which shall be punished by fine or imprisonment or both.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1979 - Permits employers, without prior certification by the Secretary of Labor, to pay 85 percent of the minimum wage: (1) to a youth under age 19, for a 180 day period; and (2) to full-time students, with proof of enrollment at an institute of higher education, for part-time work up to 20 hours per week or full-time work during vacation periods. Directs the Secretary to insure against specified violations of requirements for such special minimum wages for youth and students. Makes employers liable for unpaid wages and overtime compensation for such violations. Directs the Secretary to consider specified factors relating to employment, or equipment used, in retail or service establishments in reviewing or issuing any order or regulation declaring such employment particularly hazardous for or detrimental to the health of, children between the ages of 16 and 18. Directs the Secretary to provide interested persons hearings on such proposed orders. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to postpone for two years the increases in the minimum wage scheduled to take effect in 1980 and 1981. Changes the formula for determining the amount of wages which an employer is deemed to have paid to a tipped employee from a 45 percent to a 50 percent maximum tip credit. Repeals the requirement that sums collected as penalties for violations of specified child labor laws and regulations be applied towards reimbursement of the costs of determining such violations and assessing and collecting such penalties.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Food Additive Safety Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem any food additive safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days after such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive or its proposed use. Authorize the Secretary to include in any food additive regulation a labelling requirement to identify the additive and its degree of risk. Prohibits the Secretary from denying a petition for a food additive regulation solely on the basis of evidence of tumors developed in test animals where the dosage levels used on such animals exceeds one hundred times the reasonably expected maximum human consumption of such additive. Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 to 36 months the period following enactment during which restrictions may not be imposed on the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing it.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Employees Incentive Ownership Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove restrictions on the use of restricted stock options and to eliminate the exercise of such stock options as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates for 1979 and to make permanent reductions for succeeding years. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to individual income tax brackets and to the amount of the personal exemption. Provides that the amount of the personal exemption and the zero bracket amount applicable to a taxpayer shall determine whether such taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Title II: Capital Cost Recovery - Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Title III: Reduction of Payroll Taxes and Long-Range Financial Strengthening of the Social Security System - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the special increases in the contribution and benefit base, for purposes of determining amount of tax liability, for 1979 through 1981. Limits contribution and benefit bases to a maximum $22,900 in 1979 and 1980. Makes reductions in the social security tax rate and sets forth the tax rate through year 2010. Provides for the partial funding of title XVIII (Medicare), part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of the Social Security Act from general revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the definitional section. Changes the organizational structure of the political committees by eliminating the requirement that every committee have a chairman. Vests in the treasurer of each committee exclusive authority to authorize disbursements. Extends to ten days the time during which any person who receives a contribution for a political committee must forward to the treasurer of such committee certain information regarding the contribution. Revises the recordkeeping procedures to be followed by the treasurer with respect to contributions received by or on behalf of a political committee. Requires each candidate for Federal office (other than the office of Vice President) to authorize his or her principal campaign committee, together with any other political committees, to receive all contributions and make all expenditures on such candidate's behalf. Stipulates that no political committee which supports or has supported more than one candidate may be designated as an authorized committee. Requires that each designation, report, or statement of receipts received or disbursements made by an authorized committee be filed with the candidate's principal campaign committee. Directs each principal campaign committee to compile and file such reports in accordance with procedures set forth in this title. Requires each authorized campaign committee to file a statement of organization no later than ten days after designation. Requires all other committees to file such statement no later than ten days after becoming a political committee. Revises the content of the organization statement. Stipulates that a political committee may terminate only upon the filing of a written statement stating that it will no longer receive or disburse funds, and that such committee has no outstanding debts. Revises the section of the Act relating to the reporting of receipts and expenditures to require that each treasurer of a political committee file reports of receipts and disbursements with the Federal Elections Commission. Eliminates the requirement that each candidate must file such reports with the Commission. Revises the procedures for reporting data on receipts and expenditures by principal campaign committees, other political committees, and individuals. Amends Title III of the Act to strike out the sections dealing with: (1) regulation of campaign advertising; (2) preservation of financial reports; (3) reporting of pledges; (4) reports to the President; (5) use of the frank; and (6) penalties for violation of the Act. Requires any individual who at the time of his or her appointment to the Federal Election Commission is engaged in any other business, vocation, or employment to terminate or liquidate such activity no later than 90 days (previously one year) after such appointment. Prohibits any member of the Commission from delegating to any person his or her vote or any decisionmaking authority or duty vested in the Commission. Revises the procedures for the issuance of advisory opinions by the Commission. Sets forth revised enforcement procedures. Sets forth revised requirements relating to the filing of campaign expenditure and disbursement statements with State officers. Limits the amount of honorariums a person may accept while such person is an elected or appointed officer or employee of any branch of the Federal Government. Requires any communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for Federal office, or soliciting any contributions for such candidate, to clearly state who financed the communication and that it was authorized by the political committee of such candidate. Prohibits any individual who sells space in a newspaper or magazine to a candidate from charging any amount for such space that exceeds the amount charged for comparable use of such space for other purposes. Sets forth amendments and technical changes to specified Federal laws. Increases to $3,000,000 (presently, $2,000,000) the aggregate amount of payments to which a national committee of a major party is entitled with respect to any presidential nominating convention.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Establishes the Orange Coast National Urban Park in the Irvine Coast-Laguna area of California to protect the area's unique ecology and topography and for public outdoor recreation and use. Sets forth the area such park will comprise. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) revise the boundaries of the park; and (2) acquire or exchange specified land. Permits the owner or owners of any improved residential property or agricultural property acquired by the Secretary under this Act to retain a right of use and occupancy of the property under specified conditions. Permits the Secretary to lease land owned by the United States which has been acquired under this Act, subject to specified restrictions. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with the State of California to develop a cooperative agreement for administering and managing the park. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress setting forth actions take in developing such an agreement. Directs the Secretary to convey and transfer such rights-of-way through the park as may be necessary for the establishment of the San Joaquin Hills transportation corridor. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to expeditiously take such actions as are required to construct the portion of such transportation corridor as is within the boundaries of the park. Withdraws such lands within the park from entry or appropriation under the mining or mineral leasing laws of the United States. Establishes the Orange Coast National Urban Park Advisory Commission to advise State authorities engaged in administering the park pursuant to the cooperative agreement. Sets forth the composition and administrative procedures of the Commission. Terminates the Commission five years after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow domestic corporations an income tax deduction for dividends paid by such corporations during the taxable year, in lieu of the deduction for dividends received from other corporations. Disqualifies the following types of corporations: (1) Subchapter S corporations; (2) regulated investment companies; (3) real estate investment trusts; (4) personal holding companies; and (5) domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Limits the amount of the deduction for dividends received from certain foreign corporations to 85 percent of a corporation's taxable income computed without regard to other deductions and the capital loss carryback. Provides that such limitation shall not apply to any corporation which has a net operating loss for the taxable year. Disallows any deduction for dividends on any share of stock which is sold by a taxpayer who has held such stock for less than 15 days (90 days for preferred stock) or stock for which the taxpayer is under an obligation to make corresponding payments with respect to substantially identical stock or securities. Repeals provisions allowing deductions for dividends received on certain preferred stock.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Small Savers Protection Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $250 ($500 for married individuals filing jointly) of the interest earned on a savings account in a bank, savings association, or credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Prohibits either House of Congress from considering any legislation providing new budget authority for the compensation of participants in any regulatory proceeding of a Federal agency, unless enactment of such budget authority is authorized by law. Prohibits the Comptroller General from authorizing the disbursement of funds for such compensation unless such budget authority is provided. Makes the agency disbursing officer responsible for any disbursed funds for which no budget authority has been provided.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1979
Petroleum and Natural Gas Decontrol Act of 1979 - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to repeal, at the close of the first calendar month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, any authority under such Act to promulgate regulations, issue orders, and to enforce such regulations and orders. Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to repeal the ceiling prices on natural gas established by such Act at the close of the first calendar month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Repeals specified other natural gas allocation and price control authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Smaller Enterprise Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and small organizations. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule. Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any rule affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting and recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standards for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this Act in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Appropriates $513,000,000 to the Administrator of General Services for fiscal year 1980 for purchasing silver for stock piling under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Student Freedom of Choice Act of 1979 - Amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to provide that no employer shall justify discrimination against any employee for nonmembership in or failure to support a labor organization if the employee is a student enrolled in a full-time program of secondary, vocational, or higher education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to establish a ninth Regional Fishery Management Council, the California Pacific Council, which shall consist of the State of California and have authority over the fisheries in the Pacific Ocean seaward of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed before the enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Shale Oil Production Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to $3 for each barrel of shale oil produced by the taxpayer during the taxable year, plus the production credit carryovers and carrybacks for that year. Reduces the standard $3 per barrel credit proportionately by: (1) the amount of Federal grant funds, if any, used by the taxpayer in the production of shale oil; and (2) the amount by which the adjusted reference price (average refiner acquisition cost of a barrel of imported crude oil during the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the credit is claimed) exceeds $25. Authorizes the President to adjust the amount of the credit when such action is in the national interest. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for the credit, that the shale oil be produced within the United States or its possessions. Provides for a cost of living adjustment to the basic $3 credit amount. Requires the Secretary of Energy to publish the adjusted reference price, and an explanation of the method and data used in computing it.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Department of Commerce and International Trade Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Enumerates the following functions of the Department of Commerce: (1) the promotion of U.S. exports; (2) the analysis of information on commercial trends; (3) the provision of trade opportunities for U.S. businesses; (4) the coordination of Government programs having impact on international trade; (5) the administration of export controls; (6) the dissemination of information on imports; and (7) the assurance of adequate supplies of materials critical to national security or the nations economy. Vests in the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations the functions of directing trade negotiations, coordinating U.S. trade law and policy, implementing trade agreements, and monitoring international energy negotiations. Title II: Reorganization of International Trade Functions - Redesignates the Department of Commerce as the Department of Commerce and International Trade. Provides for the appointment within such Department of an Under Secretary for International Trade and an Under Secretary for Domestic Commerce. Redesignates the Secretary of Commerce as the Secretary of Commerce and International Trade. Directs the Secretary to: (1) oversee the collection and dissemination of information concerning domestic and international trade; (2) conduct a joint study with specified Federal agencies regarding international trade; and (3) consult and cooperate with State and local governments. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of: (1) the Department of State; (2) the Department of the Treasury; (3) the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations; (4) the International Trade Commission; (5) the Secretary of Labor; and (6) the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers to and establishes within the Department: (1) the Export-Import Bank; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and (3) the International Trade Commission. Transfers specified State Department functions to the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions concerning the appointment and transfer of personnel and the reorganization of the Department. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to do that which is necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President for submission to Congress concerning the Department's activities. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry the functions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Amends the Lanham Trademark Act to prohibit any State, territory, or any agency or political subdivision thereof, from adopting, enforcing, or continuing in effect any law or regulation which requires the display of any registered mark in a manner differing from that contemplated in the certificate of registration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt from applicable Federal regulations any State having in effect a law, rule, or regulation applicable to underground injection control related to the production or recovery of oil or natural gas unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that such law, rule, or regulation fails to protect underground sources of drinking water. Provides that any State for which such finding is made may amend its law, rule, or regulation in order to benefit from such exemption where approved by the Administrator. Exempts from the underground injection well permit requirements any State having in effect such law, rule, or regulation approved by the Administrator. Exempts from the administrative procedure and judicial review requirements of the United States Code any action relating to national interim primary drinking water regulations, revised national primary drinking water regulations, and State underground injection control program regulations, except as expressly provided by this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a docket for such actions, and sets forth notice and public and agency commenting requirements for any proposed rulemaking. Sets forth procedures and other requirements for promulgating rules concerning drinking water regulations, and establishes procedures for judicial review of such actions. Amends the definition of "primary drinking water regulation". Revises the standard for the promulgation of primary drinking water regulations. Makes technical and conforming amendments to such Act. Requires any State having primary enforcement responsibility to submit notice to the Administrator that its public water system supervision program conforms to any revision or amendment to any national primary drinking water regulation made by the Administrator. States that failure to submit such notice shall be grounds for withdrawal of State primary enforcement responsibility. Amends such Act to authorize a State having such enforcement responsibility to exempt from maximum contaminant level requirements or treatment technique requirements any public water system not having any reasonable alter native source of drinking water available. Revises the dates for compliance by public water systems with contaminant level and treatment technique requirements. Extends the effective date for State underground injection control regulations approved by the Administrator. Authorizes the waiver of the prohibition against State grants being made for any period beginning more than one year after the date of a State's first grant having been made for a period of 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national primary drinking water regulations if the State has assumed primary enforcement responsibility and is making diligent efforts to comply with such amendment or revision. Prohibits the Administrator from making grants to any State unless the State has assumed primary enforcement responsibility within two years after the Administrator promulgates State underground injection control program regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1979
Requires a ten percent reduction in the number of civilian employees of the executive branch from the number of such employees on September 30, 1977, to be attained through attrition by September 30, 1984. Limits the percentage of low level positions which may be involved in such reduction. States that the reduction of positions among agencies shall be proportionate to the size of each agency's work force. Requires a similar reduction in the work force of the legislative branch. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report annually to Congress on work force reductions in the executive branch. Requires the Director of the Federal Judicial Center to submit to Congress recommendations for similar reductions in the Judicial branch.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Coal Pipeline Act of 1979 - Title I: Rights-of-Way for Federal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant or renew rights-of-way over, under, upon, or through Federal lands for coal pipelines and related facilities, under terms and conditions set forth under this Act which are necessary: (1) to protect Federal property and economic interests; (2) to provide efficient management of such lands and protection of other lawful users of such lands; and (3) to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Non-Federal Lands - Authorizes the Secretary to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to any person, upon application, proposing to construct a coal pipeline. Sets forth criteria for issuing such certificates, including requirements that specified findings be made by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Energy, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Prohibits the issuance of such certificates to users or suppliers of coal to be transported by such pipelines. Directs the Attorney General to conduct an antitrust review to determine the effects upon competition of such certificates. Authorizes any person who proposes to construct a coal pipeline to acquire any right-of-way necessary for construction, operation, or maintenance of such pipeline and related facilities by the exercise of the power of eminent domain in the appropriate United States district court, but only if such person is unable to acquire such right-of-way by negotiation and such person holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued under this Act. Exempts specified lands from being taken by eminent domain. Title III: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to seek appropriate equitable remedies to enforce any provision under this Act or any regulation or order issued under this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for any violation or failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes any State issuing a State water permit or authorization to a pipeline for which a certificate of public convenience and necessity was issued or a right-of-way was granted under this Act to condition the water rights of such pipeline to effectuate a legitimate State public interest. Requires that right-of-way permits and certificates of public convenience and necessity issued under this Act contain terms and conditions necessary to protect the environment from adverse effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of such pipeline. Requires that all such pipelines be buried underground.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Veterans' Obligated Period of Service Completion Act - Redefines "veteran" for veterans' benefits purposes to mean an individual who served in, and was not dishonorably discharged from, the active armed services before the period ending 90 days after enactment of this Act, or who entered the active armed services on or after such 90-day period and: (1) served the entire term of duty and was other than dishonorably discharged; (2) was discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability; or (3) before the completion of such term of duty was discharged other-than dishonorably for a satisfactory reason (including joining a reserve unit or enrolling in an educational program). Redefines "eligible veteran" for post-Vietnam era educational assistance to mean an individual who initially entered the armed services on or after January 1, 1977, and: (1) if active service was before such 90-day period under this Act, served more than 180 consecutive days and was discharged other than dishonorably or for a service-connected disability; and (2) if active service was on or after such 90-day period, served more than 180 consecutive days.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Terminates the Department of Energy on January 15, 1982, unless prior to such date a law is enacted continuing such Department. Requires the President, within 60 days after termination, to submit to Congress a plan for transferring the functions of such Department to other Federal agencies. States that such plan shall take effect unless disapproved within 30 days by either House of Congress. Requires submission of successive reorganization plans until one is not disapproved by either House. Prohibits any such reorganization plan from creating a new executive department.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Intelligence Agents Protection Act of 1979 - Establishes maximum criminal penalties of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine for anyone who knowingly and willingly discloses classified information identifying an individual engaged in foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities for the United States Government. Establishes maximum criminal penalties of ten years imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for anyone who falsely asserts, publishes, or otherwise claims that an individual is engaged in such activities. Directs the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief in the United States district court whenever the head of a department or agency engaged in such activities determines a person is about to engage in such prohibited conduct. Prohibits the payment of a Federal service annuity, retired pay, or gratuitous veterans benefits to an individual, or his survivor or beneficiary, convicted of such offenses. Directs the Attorney General to notify the Director of Office of Personnel Management and the Administrator of the Veterans' Administration of the advent and disposition of such criminal proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives certain information related to the current oil situation, including data on: (1) shortages, supplies, demand, and allocation of crude oil; and (2) refinery yield reductions and capacity utilization.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada should meet to discuss energy issues and establish a common economic bond of energy cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that the 1979 light-duty motor vehicle emission standards shall continue to apply to diesel light-duty motor vehicles manufactured after the model year 1979 in lieu of standards which would otherwise apply.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Nuclear Waste Management Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make a preliminary determination concerning: (1) the location of a site to serve as a Federal demonstration repository for nuclear waste; (2) the techniques and methods to be used for the design, construction, and operation of such facility; (3) the procedures for transporting such wastes to the facility; and (4) the appropriate actions necessary to assure protection of the public health and safety and of the environment. Requires that any site recommended by the Secretary comport with recommendations made by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), to the maximum extent possible. Requires the Secretary to select a site for such Federal nuclear waste repository by June 30, 1980, and to arrange for the construction and operation of such facility on such site by September 30, 1988. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a detailed construction schedule for such facility, including the completion dates of required environmental impact statements and issuance dates of work authorization permits. Directs the Secretary to file with the NRC a license application for the facility and requires the NRC to act on such application within two years of the application submittal. Directs the Secretary to file a license application with the NRC for the receipt and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual status reports on the progress of the facility until operation begins. Directs the Secretary to hold public hearings and submit a comprehensive report to Congress, if the Secretary determines that circumstances exist which may impede the construction of such repository. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds by contract for any research, development, and construction activities necessary to carry out the duties under the Act. Stipulates that the Secretary need not comply with specified bid advertising requirements with respect to such contracts. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with other persons relating to the transfer of nuclear wastes from civilian nuclear power plants licensed under the Atomic Energy Act to the Federal facility. Provides that user fees be established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that any materials transferred to the Federal facility be in a form suitable for storage, as determined by regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual reports of all agreements entered into relating to the transfer of nuclear waste. Provides that all such records, reports, or information obtained by the Secretary be made available to the public, except where either a showing is made that some portion is entitled to protection as trade secrets or the Secretary determines that the confidentiality of information is required as a matter of national security. Permits disclosure of information which may constitute either trade secrets or matters of national security to officers, employees, or authorized representatives of the U.S. concerned with carrying out this Act or involved in proceedings under this Act. Prohibits withholding of any such information from any duly-authorized congressional committee. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effects of Federal routing requirements for barge, rail, and highway shipment of nuclear wastes; and (2) the methods needed to insure State participation in the transportation planning process. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate standards and criteria for exposure to radiation from activities involved in the permanent storage and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires that such standards be published in the Federal Register for public comment. Directs the Administrator to submit an assessment of public health and safety aspects of such activities to the NRC. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Management Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on matters concerning: (1) the scope, pace, costs, and benefits of research and development of nuclear waste disposal technology; (2) the existing and prospective Federal policies and programs affecting development of such technology; (3) research, development, and demonstration activities relating to the construction and operation of a Federal demonstration repository; (4) means to insure effective participation by State and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific and technical community, and the public in the research, development, siting, planning, construction, and operation of a Federal demonstration repository; and (5) any other action taken by the Secretary in carrying out the duties under the Act. Directs heads of Federal agencies to cooperate with the Committee and to furnish any information deemed necessary to carry out its duties under the Act. Directs the Secretary to seek advice from State and local governments, public and private organizations, and industry with respect to such technologies. Requires the Secretary to advise the Governor of any State designated as containing a potential site for construction of the Federal facility, to review and consider any materials or recommendations submitted by the Governor of such State and to notify the Governor of the State finally selected for the construction of the Federal facility. Directs the Secretary to not carry out duties under this Act in the event of such a formal recommendation from the Governor unless he resolves the matter with the Governor or finds that the construction of a repository at the designated site is consistent with the public health and welfare and will further the public interest. Affords that State or its representative the opportunity to participate in any NRC licensing proceeding and allows the State legislature to submit materials to be included in NRC's environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Repeals the requirement under part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, home health agencies, health maintenance organizations, and other types of health services facilities and organizations to which payment may be made under the Social Security Act to report: (1) the aggregate cost of operation and the aggregate volume of services; (2) the costs and volume of services for various functional accounts and subaccounts; (3) rates, by category of patient and class of purchaser; (4) capital assets; and (5) discharge and bill data.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to set a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment for anyone violating the provisions of such Act by importing or exporting at least 100 pounds of marijuana. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of such term of imprisonment: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not include probation or parole; and (3) is not subject to the Federal Youth Corrections Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Amends the Occupational; Safety and Health Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Labor to prepare an economic impact analysis in connection with the promulgation of occupational safety and health standards.
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
Federal Aviation Regulatory Review Act of 1979 - Establishes within the Federal Aviation Administration the Federal Aviation Regulatory Review Commission. Stipulates that the Commission shall review and comment in any final rule, regulation, or order relating to aviation issued by the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, or the Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board. Stipulates that any such rule, regulation, or order may only take effect upon the approval of at least four members of the Commission. Directs the Commission, in determining whether to approve such proposed action, to consider whether the procedures followed in formulating the rule, regulation, or order allowed adequate representation of interested persons and whether such interests were considered by the Federal entity involved. Sets forth the membership, terms of office, and pay for the Commission. Grants the Commission subpoena power in carrying out its functions. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
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 · 27 March 1979
Authorizes the United States Navy Memorial Foundation to erect a monument on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor of the men and women who have served in the United States Navy.