United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Title I: Fish Restoration Program - Amends the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act to: (1) define the term "coastal State" for the purposes of such Act; and (2) authorize appropriations in the amount equal to the revenue accruing from taxes relating to sport fishing equipment and certain recreational boats and boating equipment for fiscal year 1980 and each fiscal year thereafter. Title II: Fish Restoration Program - Increases the percentage of the annual appropriation deducted for administrative expenses. Sets forth the apportionment ratio for the Secretary of the Interior to use in distributing funds among the States under the fish restoration program. Authorizes the Secretary to expend unobligated funds to carry out the purposes of this Act. Eliminates the notification by a State of intent to accept such apportionment funds requirement. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to finance up to 75 percent of the costs of the acquisition of lands or interests therein and the construction of structures or facilities. Permits each State to utilize up to ten percent of its apportionment for an aquatic resource education program. Title III: Tax on Sale of Sport Fishing Equipment and certain Recreational Boats and Boating Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any article of sport fishing equipment, recreational boats, and boating equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should inform Iran that the United States will initiate military operations against Iran unless the hostages held in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran are released by a certain day. Declares that the President should order U.S. Armed Forces into areas adjacent to Iran for appropriate action.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe-Rhodesia upon the appointment and arrival of a British Governor in Salisbury.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1979
Limits the applicability of specified penalty provisions relating to failure to answer questions presented in the decennial and mid-decade census to questions approved for the particular census by a concurrent resolution passed by Congress. Prohibits compelling an answer to census questions which apply to persons or families or the farms they occupy, unless such questions have been so approved. Directs the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to study the effect of such removal of penalties upon the accuracy and completeness of responses to census questions; and (2) to report the results of such study to the appropriate committees of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate all military training of Iranian personnel pursuant to sales under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the categories of deportable aliens foreign students who knowingly participated in a political demonstration resulting in, or intending to result in, injury or damage to another's person or property. Permits the Attorney General to suspend deportation of such foreign students.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Amends the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 to require Congressional authorization of all sales and purchases of gold on behalf of the United States except for those effectuated to maintain or establish a permanent relationship between the dollar and a specified quantity of gold.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) no action should be taken to withdraw the one-dollar bill from circulation without congressional approval; (2) no action shall be taken to artificially stimulate the demand for the one-dollar coin; and (3) public demand shall dictate the quantity of United States coins produced.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Rural Cooperative Business Income Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received by a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company for services to customers or rural telephone or electric companies, and income received from the rental or sale of communications or power facilities, shall not be subject to the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the definition of tax-exempt mutual financial organization (e.g. credit unions) to include corporations and associations organized before January 1, 1963 (previously September 1, 1957).
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to redefine "farm labor contractor" to exclude: (1) any farmer, processor, canner, ginner, packing shed operator, or nurseryman who solicits migrant workers for his or her own operation (currently, excluded only if personally solicits); and (2) any employee of such individuals or nonprofit organization who solicits migrant workers solely for his or her employer (currently, excluded only if on no more than an incidental basis).
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
National Historic Preservation Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Act known as the "National Historic Preservation Act of 1966" to officially entitle such Act the "National Historic Preservation Act." Declares under such Act, that it is the duty of the Federal Government, in cooperation with other nations, the States, local communities, and private organizations and individuals, to promote the preservation and conservation of the historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources of the United States and of the international community of Nations. Declares that the Federal Government shall give priority to preservation activities for the revitalization of urban areas, the conservation of agricultural areas, the creation of local employment opportunities, and the conservation of energy. Directs the Administrator for Historic Preservation appointed pursuant to this Act to establish and maintain a National Register of Historic Places at the national, State, or local level in accordance with procedures set forth in this Act. Requires that such properties shall: (1) be of national or world heritage significance; (2) involve a direct or indirect public investment; and (3) be legally dedicated to preservation. Directs the Administrator, not later than one year after his initial appointment, to establish an Inventory of Historic Resources on a State-by-State basis. Declares that those properties which are determined to meet the criteria of significance, but which lack the other requirements for inclusion in the National Register, shall be designated as eligible for inclusion on the Register. Makes such Inventory available to all Federal, State, and local government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning nondisclosure to the public of any property location where such disclosure would be likely to endanger the property. States that properties included in such inventory and designated as eligible properties shall be treated as certified historic structures under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the Administrator finds that such treatment would not further the purposes of this Act. Declares that such properties shall be entitled to financial assistance in accordance with provisions of such Act. Directs the Administrator to review, during the one-year period following enactment of this Act, all properties included in the National Register under prior authority of law. Requires the Administrator to include each property designated as "National Historic Landmarks" under prior authority and each property which meets the requirements of this Act in the National Register. Provides that those properties included in the Register under prior authority, but which do not meet all the requirements under this Act shall be designated in the Inventory as "eligible properties." Allows any State or local government carrying out an approved program under this Act or any Federal agency to nominate a property for inclusion in the Register or for inclusion in the Inventory as an eligible property. Requires such information to be included in the Register, as appropriate, unless the Administrator disapproves such nomination within 30 days of its receipt. Allows the Administrator to accept a nomination from any person, if the property nominated is located in a State or political subdivision where there is no approved program. Requires the Administrator to determine the eligibility or inclusion of such property in the Register. Allows the Administrator on his own motion or at the request of any person, to include any property on the Inventory and designate such property as eligible if he determines such property to meet the requirements of this Act. Declares that a property shall be considered of national significance when: (1) the Congress so designates a property; (2) a property is included in the National Park System as a historical unit; or (3) the Administrator determines the property to be of national significance. States that a property shall be considered to be of World Heritage significance when it is included in the World Heritage list maintained in accordance with the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Declares that a property shall be considered a public investment if government agency fund expenditures directly or indirectly contribute substantially to the preservation of such property, or if a Federal income tax deduction or similar State or local measure is taken with respect to the amortization of amounts spent for rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. Provides that a property shall be treated as legally dedicated to preservation when: (1) an easement, or other property interest, requiring preservation of significant features of such property for not less than 30 years is held by any person or government entity or is otherwise legally binding on the owner; (2) such property is under public ownership and managed for preservation; or (3) any State or local law provides for the designation or preservation of such property. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish and administer grant-in-aid programs to States and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and programs of direct grants, loans or loan guarantees for historic preservation. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States, upon application, for programs approved under this Act. Prohibits such grants from paying more than 50 percent of the costs of such programs. Provides that the remaining 50 percent shall be contributed by non-Federal sources, and of such percentage not more than 25 percent may be contributed in the form of property or services, or both. Requires the Administrator, upon approval of such programs, to evaluate such programs every four years to determine whether or not such programs are in compliance with the requirements of this Act. Requires the Administrator to conduct periodic fiscal audits of the recipients of Federal grants. States that State and local governments may assume the responsibility for financial and compliance audits of Federal grants received by them and other persons or organizations and their subgrantees. Declares that the Federal Government shall be responsible for audits which deal with economy, efficiency, and program results and for assuring that such financial and compliance audits are conducted under generally accepted audit standards. Directs State and local governments receiving grants to set forth in writing criteria by which they judge whether they are meeting program requirements, to be available for use by the auditors. Directs the Administrator to reimburse State and local governments for actual expenses incurred in conducting such audits. Sets forth the following requirements for approval of State programs: (1) designation by the Governor of a State historic preservation officer; (2) transfer of not less than 50 percent of the grants received to political subdivisions of the State having preservation programs; (3) provision of financial mechanisms for the development of properties on the National Register or in the Inventory of Historic Resources; (4) provision of mechanisms for the acquisition, acceptance of donations, and dedication of fee title in applicable properties; (5) provisions for relocation assistance to persons or businesses affected within the historic district; (6) giving priority to projects that will conserve energy, are labor intensive, or will further urban revitalization or agricultural conservation; (7) provision of a professional acceptable mechanism for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties within the State; and (8) otherwise carrying out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth restrictions for grants made under this Act for the improvement of properties. Prohibits grants made under this Act for the improvement of properties. Prohibits grants made for any single property to exceed $50,000. Prohibits any grant to any State in any fiscal year to exceed ten percent of such funds to carry out a comprehensive statewide survey of historic resources. Requires that no more than 15 percent of such grant be used for improvement of government buildings used for governmental purposes. Sets forth procedures for the allocation by States of grants to political subdivisions. Allows the Administrator to allocate funds to any political subdivision of any State that does not have an approved program within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for approval of State historic preservation programs in effect under prior authority of law. Sets forth conditions for grants and loans that may be made by the Administrator for: (1) the preservation of properties of national or world heritage significance; (2) demonstration projects to preserve any eligible property or property on the National Register; (3) the training and development of skilled labor in trades and crafts and in curation relating to historic preservation; and (4) Indian tribes for the preservation of historic properties. Provides that any such loans made by the Administrator shall be at an interest rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury guided by applicable provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loan guarantees for any project approved by the State historic preservation officer, or the chief elected official of any State that does not have an approved program. Sets forth conditions for loans and loan guarantees made by the Administrator in consultation with the Secretary of Treasury. Authorizes the Administrator to deem any portion of any record, material, or data received in connection with any financial application as privileged or confidential within the meaning of applicable law. Establishes as an independent agency a Historic Preservation Agency to be under the direction of the Administrator for Historic Preservation, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the President to establish an Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to be composed of the following members: (1) the Secretary of the Interior and the Architect of the Capitol; (2) four agency heads (other than the Department of the Interior) whose activities affect historic preservation; (3) representatives of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and four professionals in the fields of history, architecture, archeology, urban planning, or related disciplines; (4) three State governors or mayors; and (5) three at large members of the general public. Sets forth requirements and procedures to be followed in the operation of the Council. Authorizes the Council to conduct hearings and make determinations and recommendations with respect to the protection of historic properties. Requires the Council, when transmitting legislative recommendations, testimony, or comments on legislation to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, to concurrently transmit such copies thereof to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Sets forth the duties of the Administrator including: (1) advising the President and the Congress on matters relating to historic preservation; (2) encouraging public interest and participation in historic preservation; (3) conducting studies relating to historic preservation and the effects of tax policies on such preservation; (4) assisting State and local governments in drafting appropriate legislation; (5) providing training and education in the field of historic preservation; and (6) maintaining the historic register, surveys, and records of the agency. Requires the Administrator to submit an annual comprehensive report of his activities and the results of his studies to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the Administrator to accept donations and bequests of money and real and personal property, and to use such donations in accordance with provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator, consistent with the provisions of this Act, to institute a program of education and training relating to historic preservation for Federal agencies, State and local governments, private organizations and individuals, and other nations and international organizations connected with the World Heritage Convention. Directs the Administrator to increase the awareness of historic resources and preservation among the student population of the United States, to develop mechanisms to give the public a greater knowledge of historic resources in the cultural heritage of the United States, and to establish a program for training and development of skilled labor in trades and crafts relating to historic preservation. Requires the Administrator to review the policies and programs of Federal agencies whose activities are under the purview of this Act. Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines relative to archaeological and historical data for Federal agencies consistent with provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator, within one year after his appointment, to establish, jointly with the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense, and the Administrator of the General Services Administration, standards for the management and preservation of federally owned historic properties. Directs the Administrator to review and approve the plans of transferees of surplus federally owned properties eligible for or on the National Register to ensure historic preservation in the rehabilitation of such properties. Requires all Federal agencies administering any program of Federal assistance to any State or local government or under which any Federal approval is required to coordinate such program with the purposes of this Act. Requires such agencies to submit proposals to the Administrator, within 180 days after his appointment, relative to their preservation activities. Directs the Administrator to designate National Historic Landmarks and World Heritage properties and to submit such designations to the appropriate World Heritage properties and to submit such designations to the appropriate congressional committees 30 days after such designations become effective. Directs the Administrator to encourage and coordinate United States participation in the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and other international historic preservation activities in cooperation with the Secretaries of the Interior and State, and the Smithsonian Institution. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to nominate historic properties to the World Heritage Committee on behalf of the United States. Requires such nominations to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees 60 days prior to the intended action. Authorizes the participation of the United States as a member of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. Authorizes the appropriation of the sums necessary for United States membership in the Centre for fiscal years 1979 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to encourage tourism by people of other nations to historic properties of the United States, reflecting the diverse, ethnic and cultural heritages of the citizens of the United States. Requires each Federal agency to notify the Administrator 45 days prior to any undertaking outside the United States that may affect a property on the World Heritage list or which has been nominated for inclusion on such list. Requires the head of each Federal agency to designate a Preservation Officer responsible for coordinating the agency's activities under this Act. Requires each agency having jurisdiction or control over properties on the National Register to submit property management plans to the Administrator for comment within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and investigate properties included in the National Register which are under the jurisdiction or control of Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to recommend to the President the transfer of administrative jurisdiction or control of such properties to him as a unit of the National Park System. Requires such recommendation to be concurrently submitted to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the concurrence of the Administrator, to accept gifts or donations of less than fee interests in any properties in the National Register, where such acceptance will facilitate the preservation of such property. Authorizes each Federal agency having authority for management of any real property, with the concurrence of the Administrator, to lease or exchange with any person or organization the management of properties on the National Register. Requires the proceeds of such leases to be retained by the agency to defray the expenses with respect to such properties, and the surplus proceeds to be deposited in the United States Treasury. Allows the heads of such agencies to enter into contracts for the management of such properties. Directs all Federal agencies to cooperate with purchasers and transferees of eligible property or property included in the National Register in the development of plans for uses of such property comparable with preservation and conservation objectives without imposing unreasonable economic burdens on public or private interests. Requires each Federal agency having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or federally assisted undertaking in any State to survey the affected area to determine the effect of such undertaking on the protection of historic properties. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations or guidelines, as appropriate, under which Federal programs or undertakings may be exempted from the requirements of this Act. Authorizes all Federal agencies to expend appropriated funds for purposes of this Act. Requires each Federal agency to provide the Administrator a 45-day comment period with respect to any program or policy that may affect historic properties. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes a Historic Preservation Fund in the Treasury of the United States to be funded from revenues payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or the Act of June 4, 1920, or both. States that not less than two-thirds of appropriated funds shall be available for other grants or loans and for the Administrator to carry out his duties under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish regulations to insure maximum public participation in all activities of the Administrator, the Council, other Federal agencies, States, and units of local governments in carrying out requirements under this Act. Declares that grants made under this Act may not be used to satisfy requirements of other provisions of law requiring matching by State or local funds nor shall they be treated as taxable income for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Grants attorney fees to any person who prevails in any civil action brought in any United States district court against any Federal agency to enforce the requirement relating to the protection of historic properties in connection with the action of a Federal agency. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an annual preservation awards program under which he makes awards to Federal, State, or local government officers or employees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the preservation of historic resources. Allows the President to award any citizen of the United States recommended for such award by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for carrying out the awards program. Authorizes the Administrator to delegate to any State having an approved program under this Act the authority to carry out responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to such approved program. Transfers the provisions of various Acts relating to historic preservation responsibilities from the Secretary of the Interior to the Administrator for Historic Preservation. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an order to postpone for 60 days any action undertaken, or being undertaken, by any Federal agency, or agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, or by any other person if such action may adversely affect any property included in the National Register. Directs the Administrator, during the period, to endeavor to develop an acceptable preservation plan for the affected property, or to exercise his emergency acquisition authority provided under this Act. Provides procedures for the assessment of civil penalties for violations of such orders, and for judicial review in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or any other district in which such person resides. Provides procedures for administrative hearings for the assessment of civil penalties. Establishes the Pension Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as a national historic site to be named the "National Center for the Building Arts." Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to transfer such building and lands to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to administer the management of the Center in accordance with provisions of this Act and other Acts generally applicable to units of the National Park System. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with the National Building Arts Foundation relating to management of such Center. Appropriates $15,000,000 to be used for the renovation of the Center. Establishes a National Building Arts Foundation and specifies programs it shall carry out relating to the building arts. Directs the Foundation to coordinate its activities with other public and private organizations and individuals in order to avoid duplication of efforts relating to the functions of the Foundation. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Foundation and provides for the funding of the Foundation. Directs the General Accounting Office to review and audit regularly the accounts of the Foundation to determine the ability of the Foundation to pay for the functions of the Center. Requires the Foundation to submit annually a report to the appropriate congressional committees containing a statement of its activities pursuant to this Act and a proposal for its programs during the succeeding four years. Provides emergency acquisition procedures for the Administrator for any properties eligible for or in the National Register where such properties are threatened with demolition or impairment. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress and the Buildings Arts Foundation, to report within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, to the President and the Congress on preserving and conserving the intangible elements of our cultural heritage. Requires the report to include recommendations for legislative and administrative action by the Federal Government relating to such heritage. Directs the Administrator for the Historic Preservation Agency to submit the following reports: (1) to the President and the Congress within eight years on the operation of the Historic Preservation Fund; (2) to the Congress within 90 days of his appointment on his study of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; (3) to the President and Congress within one year of his appointment on recommendations with respect to Federal tax laws relating to historic preservation; and (4) to the President and the Congress within two years of enactment of this Act on recommmendations for the creation of a National System of Cultural Parks. Amends the Pennsylvania Development Corporation Act to require any historic property demolition, or other rehabilitation, to be in accordance with applicable Federal and District of Columbia laws.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that certain musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Recognizes Goodloe Byron, former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the State Senate of Maryland, for his efforts to provide for the protection of the Appalachian Trail for public use and enjoyment. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Appalachian Trail Conference and the State of Maryland, to design and erect at a location along the Maryland segment of the Trail an appropriate marker in commemoration of the contributions of Goodloe Byron.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Dollar Bill Preservation Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit the cancellation, retirement, destruction, or removal from circulation of any dollar bill note, except where necessary to replace mutilated bills. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain the amount of dollar bills issued at the level outstanding on September 26, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury for the business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the total amount of money expended by the United States in any fiscal year from exceeding the total amount of revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year, except in time of war declared by the Congress. Allows the suspension of this Amendment by a joint resolution approved by a vote of three-fifths of the Members of each House of the Congress and approved and signed by the President, or by a vote of two-thirds of the Members of each House of the Congress. Requires tax rates to be reduced to offset the effects of inflation. Establishes a procedure for the approval of bills or joint resolutions affecting taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Social Security Deposit Act of 1979 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct a State to pay to the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days following the end of each month, OASDI contributions related to the employment of State employees.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should communicate U.S. insistence that the Soviet Union remove its troops from Cuba. Stipulates that ratification of the SALT II Treaty be suspended until such troops are removed.
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 · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should express disapproval to the Soviet Union concerning the nondelivery of mail to persons in the Soviet Union; (2) the State Department should bring such violations to the attention of member countries of the Universal Postal Union; and (3) the U.S. delegation to the Congress of the Universal Postal Union should ask members to take measures that would encourage improved postal performance by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1979
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause a named vessel to be documented as a vessel of the United States so as to be entitled to engage in the coastwise trade.
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 · 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 · 11 June 1979
Chesapeake Bay Research Coordination Act of 1979 - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an independent establishment known as the Office for Chesapeake Bay Research, Planning, and Coordination. Requires such Office to: (1) ensure the existence of a Chesapeake Research Exchange; (2) review and evaluate, on a periodic basis, the research effort; (3) identify the need for, and the priority of, additional research projects; (4) establish an effective mechanism for coordinating the research projects with the research of State and local government agencies; (5) remain cognizant of ongoing research projects; (6) conduct periodic meetings with representatives of Federal, State, regional, and local agencies, and representatives of the scientific community having responsibility for the administration of research programs in the Chesapeake Bay area; (7) determine existing Federal and State programs on the Chesapeake Bay; (8) plan and conduct a conference on Chesapeake Bay affairs at least once every two years; (9) submit an annual report to Congress and to the Secretary of Commerce with respect to administration and recommendations for improving research efforts; and (10) perform such other activities that are consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make available such administrative services and staff as may be reasonably necessary. Establishes the Chesapeake Bay Research Board which shall: (1) develop a Chesapeake Bay Research Plan consistent with the missions and interests of appropriate agencies and States; (2) advise the Director of the Office; (3) review, evaluate, and comment upon the annual report submitted by the Office. Terminates the authority conferred by this Act three years after the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Underutilized Species Development Act of 1979 - Allows any citizen of the United States to apply to the Secretary of the Department in which the National Marine Fisheries Service is located for approval of an underutilized specie development plan. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such plan if it is determined that it will facilitate the development of an underutilized specie or species. Subjects any vessels used in the training of fishermen and crew pursuant to an underutilized specie development plan and which operates in the fisheries of the United States within the territorial zone and lands any catch in the United States to specified terms and conditions. Prohibits the Secretary from approving: (1) any plan where its approval would result in the applicant and its affiliates having in effect underutilized specie development plans pursuant to which training vessels would harvest a catch equal to more than 20 percent of the total allowable level of foreign fishing established for any specie at the time of such application; or (2) any plan that would result in there being in effect plans pursuant to which training vessels would harvest a catch equal to more than 50 percent of the total allowable level of foreign fishing established for any specie at the time of such application. Declares that fish harvested by a training vessel shall be deemed fish harvested by United States vessels and the total allowable level of foreign fishing shall be reduced accordingly.
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
Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to include in the definitions of the terms "United States" and "State" the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession over which the United States has jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to implement and administer a national recreational boating safety and facilities improvement program. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to States for accepted State recreational boating safety and facilities improvement programs if sufficient State matching funds are available. Directs the Secretary to accept State programs that include: (1) an approved vessel numbering system; (2) a cooperative boating safety assistance program with the Coast Guard; (3) sufficient patrol to enforce applicable State laws; (4) boating safety education; (5) a State agency to implement or coordinate the program and report to the Secretary; and (6) facilities improvement. Sets forth formulas for the allocation of funds among the States. Establishes in the Treasury a National Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Fund from which the Secretary may allocate funds for accepted State programs. Authorizes appropriations for such State programs of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer certain amounts from the taxes received from special motor fuels and gasoline used in motorboats to the National Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, at the Tokyo Summit, should request those nations dependent on Middle East stability to cooperate with the United States in financing the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty.
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
Provides that, for purposes of work-related immigrant preference status and non-immigrant work-related temporary admissions under the Immigration and Nationality Act, specified entities that contract for the services of alien chick sexors will be treated as employers.
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 · 4 May 1979
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act; (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia teachers' retirement and annuity fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to determine, in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices, the level percentage of payroll required to be paid into the Fund, considering length of participation in the retirement program and the present value of future benefits. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal Payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Provides for a reduction in Federal contributions to the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund should the costs of police officers and fire fighters' disability retirement prove excessive as determined by a specified formula. Sets forth the criteria for determining the percentage of disability for current employees who apply for disability retirement. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, the Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to: (1) eligibility for optional retirement; (2) eligibility for disability retirement; (3) amount of disability annuities; (4) suspension of disability annuities; (5) physical examination of disability annuitants; (6) amount of survivors annuities; (7) deferred annuities; and (8) interest on refunds and on deposits for prior service credit. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgment, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Directs the Board of Police and Fire Surgeons to submit to the Mayor recommendations for regulations to improve the administration of disability retirements. Places restrictions on retired police officers and fire fighters receiving an annuity under this Act while employed by the District of Columbia government. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the name beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant. Provides the termination of teachers' disability annuities based on excessive outside earned income. Places restrictions on retired teachers receiving an annuity under this Act while employed by the District of Columbia government.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to make any Executive order imposing sanctions against Rhodesia unenforceable after the government elected April, 1979, is installed. Repeals: (1) penalty provisions for violations of the sanctions and (2) certification requirements on the import of steel mill products containing chromium.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bauman, Robert E. [R-MD-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000244_200.jpg)