United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Declares the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States and abroad. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of States and foreign countries which have not banned the manufacture, sale, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Parental Kidnapping Act of 1979 - Requires appropriate State authorities to give full faith and credit to a child custody determination by a court of another State which has jurisdiction and meets specified conditions. Authorizes a State court with jurisdiction to modify a custody determination of another State court which no longer has or has declined to exercise jurisdiction. Amends title IV (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to include as a function of the Parent Locator Service the provision of information to authorized persons about any absent parent or child for the enforcement of a child custody determination or with regard to parental kidnapping. Prohibits the intentional restraint of a child in violation of any other persons' right of custody or visitation arising from: (1) a State custody determination; (2) a valid written agreement between the child's parents, foster parents, or guardians; or (3) a parental or guardian relationship. Specifies (1) the jurisdictional basis for such offense, including the willful transportation of a child in interstate commerce, and (2) Federal investigation procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise the price support levels for milk, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton to 90 percent of their respective parity prices. Reduces the price levels at which producers participating in the wheat and feed grains storage program: (1) may redeem and market commodities securing price support loans (from between 140 to 160 percent of their respective parity prices to 100 percent); and (2) must repay such loans (from 175 to 110 percent of their respective parity prices).
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Stipulates that any abandoned historic shipwreck (over 100 years old) which is located on the outer Continental Shelf or on lands beneath navigable waters within the boundaries of a State shall belong to the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the location, salvage, restoration, and preservation of such ships to the extent and in the manner the Secretary deems advisable. Authorizes a State to acquire shipwrecks lying beneath the navigable waters within the boundaries of such State if it has developed a plan for the location, protection, salvage, and restoration of such wrecks which meets the requirements set forth in this Act. Limits the power of a State to so acquire a right, title, or interest in any shipwreck from the United States should the Secretary order or contract for its salvage before such a plan is adopted. Permits the modification of a State plan with the approval of the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from exercising his authority to break up, remove, sell, or otherwise dispose of such vessels without the prior approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Provides civil penalties for individuals found to be in violation of this Act. Terminates all right, title, and interest of a State in and to each shipwreck acquired by that State pursuant to this Act should the Secretary determine that State is not in compliance with its plan. Empowers the Secretary to promulgate such rules as he considers advisable to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Prohibits any increase in the rate of pay or any other financial benefit of Members of Congress or officers of the Congress from taking effect unless such increase is approved by each House of Congress by resolution and adopted by recorded vote, and does not take effect before the first day of the following Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Confers jurisdiction on a specified district court over specified claims of two named individuals against the United States. Directs that suit upon such claims be brought during a specified period.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Grants a Federal charter to the Gold Star Wives of America. Declares that the purpose of such corporation is to aid widows and children of persons who died in the service of their country.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Permits the Secretary of the Interior, in the administration of the National Park Service, to accept money donated for the purposes of acquiring or preserving sites maintained on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by a local government or nonprofit corporation, if no part of the net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Stipulates that beginning with fiscal year 1981 military retired pay shall be paid by the Civil Service Commission and that appropriations for such payments shall be made to the Commission. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to issue jointly such regulations as may be required to effectuate the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Prohibits any department or agency of the Federal Government from entering into any contract, making any grant for the performance of research, until after 30 days from the date upon which a prospectus concerning such research is submitted to the appropriate committee or committees of Congress. Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall not apply where the sum of Federal funds involved is less than $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Crimes in Labor Disputes Act of 1979 - Makes unlawful any act of violence, threat of violence, or conspiracy to accomplish such act in a labor dispute by any person or organization. Establishes a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or five years imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Foreign Crimes Act of 1979 - Renders any national or citizen of the United States who, while serving with, employed by, or accompanying the United States armed forces, commits an act outside the United States and the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction: (1) during the performance of official duties; (2) within military installations or area of operation; or (3) against a member of the armed forces or a U.S. citizen or national employed by or accompanying the armed forces which would constitute a Federal crime if committed within the United States or special maritime and territorial jurisdiction, liable for prosecution of a like offense against the United States. Stipulates that such liability shall in no way deprive military tribunals of concurrent jurisdiction with respect to offenders which may by law be tried by such tribunals. Sets forth standards and procedures for the apprehension of United States nationals and citizens serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces outside the United States. States that any such national or citizen may be removed from a foreign country for purpose of standing trial in the United States if, after such individual has been given opportunity for a hearing, it is found that there is probable cause to believe that a Federal offense has been committed. Specifies procedures for removal hearings. Authorizes the delivery for trial of a United States national or citizen to the authorities of the Foreign country in which such person is present and serving with, employed by, or accompanying the armed forces. Sets forth standards and procedures for search warrants with respect to property stolen or embezzled by, or intended for use or used in the commission of a criminal offense by, military personnel or persons accompanying the armed forces. Specifies time limits for the confinement of persons apprehended under this Act. Subjects the provisions of this Act to any applicable treaty, agreement, or accepted rule of customary international law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Regional Presidential Primaries Act of 1979 - Declares the finding of Congress that it is necessary to regulate the process for selecting candidates to the Office of President. Prohibits any State from conducting a Presidential primary election except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Establishes six regional primaries to be held in each Presidential election year. Sets the dates for such primaries. Sets requirements for voter eligibility in the primaries conducted under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil suit in United States district courts in those instances where he has reason to believe that a State is holding a primary in violation of this Act. Requires Presidential candidates in a primary, in order to be eligible to receive payments from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, to agree to enter at least one State primary in each of the six regions and to notify the Federal Election Commission of which primaries will be entered.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Government acquisitions officer who is authorized to administer procurement contracts for an executive agency from accepting compensation from any contractor who received funds under contracts administered by such officer for two years following such officer's last day of Federal employment. Makes it a felony for a contractor to offer such compensation. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue regulations as necessary to implement this Act. Permits an officer who is offered compensation and the contractor offering such compensation to apply to the OPM for an advisory opinion concerning the legality of such compensation under this Act. Directs the OPM to: (1) publish notice of such application; (2) issue an interim opinion within ten days and a final opinion within 30 days; (3) provide an opportunity for interested parties to present information or comments concerning issuance of such opinion; and (4) publish and give Congress specified information justifying the Office's opinion. Specifies conditions under which the OPM may determine that such compensation does not violate the intent of this Act. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires all meetings of the OPM to consider applications for an advisory opinion to be open to the public. Requires the Office to report annually to Congress concerning its activities and its recommendations for promoting high ethical standards for government employees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Stipulates that a member of the armed forces may be given only one of the following discharges: (1) an Honorable Discharge; (2) a Discharge from Services as regulated under this Act; (3) a Bad Conduct Discharge issued in accordance with the sentence of a general court-martial; or (4) a Dishonorable Discharge issued in accordance with the sentence of a general court-martial. Requires that a narrative statement describing the service of a former member be issued to such member upon request at any time following separation from service. Limits the information which may be included in such a statement. Sets forth the composition of administrative discharge boards which shall consider whether a member should be separated with a Discharge from Service pursuant to this Act. Allows such boards to recommend a Discharge from Service only upon a finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that: (1) the member has engaged in misconduct; (2) in the case of an officer, cadet, or midshipman, that such member has engaged in moral of professional dereliction; (3) the retention of such member would be contrary to the interests of national security; or (4) such member has been convicted previously in a civilian court or previous court-martial under specified circumstances and the retention of such member is not warranted. Authorizes the use of such a discharge by the President in time of war when the individual has been absent without authority for one year, or where the member has requested such discharge, after consultation with counsel, in lieu of board action under this Act or a court-martial. Sets forth the rights of the member concerned before the board and procedures regarding the board's actions. Directs such Judge Advocate General to establish a Court of Administrative Review to make recommendations for separation with a Discharge from Service. Requires the Court of Military Appeals to review the record upon which such a discharge was issued after final action by the Court of Administrative Review if the Judge Advocate General orders such review. Authorizes the Court to review the case upon petition by the member affected. Sets forth the conditions under which an administrative discharge board shall be precluded from determining whether a member should be issued a Discharge from Service.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to declare specifically that the jurisdiction of the Central Intelligence Agency encompasses only foreign, as opposed to domestic, intelligence activities. Directs the Agency to identify itself as such when gathering foreign intelligence from United States citizens in the United States or its possessions. Makes the Agency responsible for protecting sources of foreign intelligence under the guidance of the National Security Council. States that such responsibility shall be limited to lawful means to protect disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married person filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to make benefits under such title payable to a resident alien only if such alien has continuously resided in the United States for at least five years.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to promulgate regulations prohibiting air carriers from dispensing on-board alcoholic beverages or tobacco to passengers without charge.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Authorizes and directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to construct a general medical and surgical Veterans' Administration hospital at Jacksonville, Florida, and to secure the cooperation of the University of Florida College of Medicine in training medical students at Jacksonville.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Designates 30 days as the maximum period which an individual accused of a Federal crime may be held for examination in order to determine whether such person is insane or otherwise so mentally incompetent as to be unable to stand for trial. Revises the procedures to be taken upon a finding of mental incompetency, to direct, where possible, commitment of the accused to State or local authorities for hospitalization according to State or local law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to direct that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Increases the stipend for individuals participating in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program. Amends the Public Health Service Act to make former members of such program who have completed all obligated service in one of the military departments eligible for special grants under such Act to engage in private practice in a health manpower shortage area.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, but retains as a basis of jurisdiction "alienage," involving foreign states or citizens of foreign states. Abolishes the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Retains as a basis for Federal jurisdiction statutory interpleader, which includes actions between citizens of different States. Permits venue for a Federal civil action in any judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or in which a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Federal Lobbying Disclosure Act - Declares it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the disclosure to the Congress, the President, and the public of the activities and the utilization of funds by persons who seek to influence the legislative process. Requires specified groups of people to file notices of representation with the Comptroller General. Requires recordkeeping by lobbyists, as to the sources of their income and the expenditure of funds to influence legislation. Requires semiannual reports by lobbyists. Directs the Comptroller General to promulgate such rules, regulations, and forms as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides civil and criminal penalties for the violations of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Authorizes and directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to acquire the necessary land and establish a national cemetery in Duval County, Florida.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to study the efficiency and effectiveness of each Federal agency every ten years and to recommend to the President and Congress reorganization or abolition of each such agency as may be necessary to improve such efficiency and effectiveness. Abolishes each such agency upon the due date of such report unless during the ten-year period since the last report Congress has passed legislation continuing such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Authorizes the inclusion of military service performed by an individual after December, 1956 in the aggregate period of service on which a civil service annuity is based. Stipulates that this Act applies only to individuals becoming eligible for such annuity after the date of enactment. Directs the Civil Service Commission, upon request, to recompute the annuity of an individual receiving such annuity before the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Makes individuals who became widowed during the 18-month period after the enactment of the Armed Forces Survivor Benefit Plan eligible for annuities under such plan (previously only those widowed within 12 months of the enactment of such plan were eligible for annuities).
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
World Peace Agency Act - Establishes a United States Agency for World Peace within the Department of State to research problems relating to achieving peace. Requires the Director of the Agency to establish a Laboratory for Peace to administer and develop its research programs. Requires the Director to make recommendations to the President and government agencies concerning United States efforts for peace.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a program of grants to instruct public elementary and secondary school students in the principles of citizenship and ethics. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979-1981 for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from terminating the tax-exempt status of an educational institution for reasons of racial discrimination unless such organization has been adjudicated as racially discriminatory by a State or Federal court.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit expenditures by any candidate or political committee unless there are sufficient funds in the checking account maintained by such committee to pay the amount of such expenditure. Prohibits any person from providing goods or services to a candidate or political committee until such person has received payment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Military Justice Act of 1979 - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to establish within the Office of the Judge Advocate General of each armed force an independent command known as the Courts-Martial Command. Stipulates that each such command shall be divided into four separate divisions as follows: (1) the judicial division which shall be responsible for the detailing of military judges; (2) the prosecution division which shall be responsible for detailing trial counsel and assistant counsel to courts-martial trials; (3) the defense division which shall be responsible for detailing defense counsel and assistant counsel to courts-martial trials; and (4) the administrative division which shall be responsible for convening court-martial and detailing court reporters to courts-martial trials. Stipulates that each Court-Martial Command shall be subdivided into one or more Regional Commands which shall have responsibility for the administration of military justice within its geographic area. Revises the classification of courts-martial to establish only two types of courts- martial, upper courts-martial consisting of a military judge and seven members, and lower courts-martial consisting of a military judge and three members, or in both cases only a military judge if requested by the accused and approved by the military judge. Sets forth the jurisdiction of upper and lower courts- martial. Stipulates that lower courts-martial may not prescribe punishments of death, dishonorable discharge, dismissal, confinement for more than six months, hard labor without confinement for more than three months, or forfeiture of pay for more than six months. Grants the district courts of the United States jurisdiction over enumerated offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Stipulates that courts-martial may be convened only by the Chief of the Administrative Division of the Regional Command or the Chief's designee within that division. Stipulates that members of upper and lower courts-martial are to be selected on a random basis among those eligible persons permanently stationed within the geographical limits of the Regional Command convening the court-martial unless the Secretary concerned prescribes by regulation that the selection be made from a smaller geographical area. Requires that, within 24 hours after charges are preferred against an individual or 24 hours after an individual is arrested, whichever is first, such person be brought before a military judge at which time the judge shall inform the accused of the charges against the accused as well as the rights of the accused including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney and the accused's right to a preliminary examination. Stipulates that the judge shall admit the accused to bail in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned or may impose such restrictions in lieu of bail to insure the presence of the accused at trial. Allows interlocutory appeals for denial of bail. Allows trial counsel and defense counsel three preemptory challenges at any lower court- martial if a bad conduct discharge may be adjudged, six preemptory challenges at any upper court-martial and ten challenges if the death penalty may be adjudged by the court. Prohibits the court-martialing of any individual who has been tried for substantially the same offense in any State or Federal court or the trial of any individual in State or Federal courts if such individual has been tried by a court-martial for substantially the same offense. Requires that all subpoenas be signed by a military judge. Stipulates that only military judges in accordance with regulations promulgated by the President shall have the authority to issue orders to conduct searches and seizures in connection with offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and requires that such orders be in writing and based upon probable cause. Sets forth the powers of military judges with respect to contempt proceedings. Authorizes military judges to enter judgments of acquittal after the evidence on either side is closed if the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction. Requires concurrence of two-thirds of the members of a court-martial who are present at the time the vote is taken in order to convict an individual. Stipulates that where the sentence is death the vote must be unanimous and that such vote is not binding on the military judge. Increases the number of judges on the United States Court of Military Appeals from three to nine. Authorizes the court, whenever it determines it is necessary to expedite business of the court to divide itself into three separate panels each consisting of three judges. Stipulates that cases in the United States Court of Military Appeals may be reviewed by the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari. Establishes a committee to conduct a study of specified aspects of the military justice system and to report the results of such study to the President within one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1979 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to vest within the President the authority to determine which materials are strategic and critical and the quality and quantity of each such material to be stockpiled. Establishes guidelines for the President to follow in making such determinations. Prohibits the use of any funds for the acquisition of stockpile material unless funds for such acquisition have been authorized by law except where such funds are used for refining, processing, or rotational purposes. Requires that disposals from the stockpile be specifically authorized by law. Directs the President to encourage the use of barter in acquiring and disposing of strategic and critical materials. Sets forth practices and procedures for the procurement or disposal of stockpile materials. Authorizes the President to dispose of stockpiled materials upon a determination that such disposal is required for national defense purposes, in time of war, or during a national emergency. Directs the President to make scientific, technological, and economic investigations of domestic ores and minerals which are found in inadequate quantities or grades in order to develop new domestic sources for such substances, devise new methods for the treatment and utilization of lower grade reserves of such materials, and to develop substitutes for such essential ores and mineral products. Establishes the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund within the Treasury to fund the acquisition of stockpile materials. Authorizes the President to appoint advisory committees to advise the President with respect to the acquisition, transportation, storage, security, and disposal of stockpile materials. Directs the President to report every six months to the Congress with respect to the acquisition and disposal of stockpile materials and a statement of the financial status of the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund. Prohibits the President from regulating the importation of strategic and critical materials from non-Communist sources.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Military Registration and Mobilization Assessment Act of 1979 - Directs the President to: (1) report to the Congress by June 30, 1979, on the plans for a modern and efficient system of selective service registration; (2) commence military selective service registration by October 1, 1979; and (3) establish a National Advisory Committee to make recommendations for achieving adequate military medical personnel. Requires the Secretary of Defense, in the Secretary's annual report to Congress on military manpower requirements, to include an assessment of the Nation's capabilities to mobilize such additional manpower as may be needed to meet national security requirements under emergency situations, including the feasibility of a program for three months of active duty assignment for selected persons, followed by a three-year reserve obligation. Amends the Military Selective Service Act of 1967 to transfer the personnel and funds of the Selective Service System to the Department of Defense. Stipulates that enlisted or appointed military personnel when released from active duty shall be transferred to a reserve component for three years, or as otherwise obligated by law, whichever is longer. Authorizes regulations to grant the Selective Service System access to age and address information in the records of any school, any agency of the United States, or any agency or political subdivision of any State for the sole purpose of conducting selective service registration.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Sunset Act of 1979 - Title I: Reauthorization of Government Programs - Sets forth a ten-year schedule for reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 1979. Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any bill, resolution, or amendment which authorizes new budget authority. States that it is not in order for either House to consider any legislation which authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for a program for a period of more than ten years, for an indefinite period, or for any fiscal year beginning after the next reauthorization date applicable to such program. Provides that before the Congress can appropriate funds for any program, after its first reauthorization date, there must be a specific authorization in law to support the appropriation. Requires the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct a sunset review of programs during the Congress in which such programs are scheduled for review. Requires that the report accompanying such reauthorization contain specified information, and that the report be completed during the Congress in which the program is scheduled for reauthorization. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as interest on Federal debts, health care services, general retirement and disability payments, as well as litigation activities which have as their objectives the protection and implementation of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and specified retirement pay and benefits. Allows the reauthorization schedule set forth in this Act to be changed by concurrent resolution of the two Houses of Congress and sets forth the procedure for such change. Requires all legislation and other matters related to changes in the dates for programs under this Act to be referred to the committee with legislative jurisdiction over any program affected by the proposal and, sequentially, to the Committee on Rules in the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Rules and Administration in the Senate. Requires such committees to report any concurrent resolution or bill referred to it by a committee of legislative jurisdiction within 30 days, with a statement on each of its recommendations. Makes provisions for any proposed change which has been reported by a committee before June 1, 1980. Title II: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist Congress in carrying out the reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no later than January 1, 1980. Sets forth the contents of the inventory program, including the type of authorization provided for such programs' new budget authority; and the manner in which related program areas may be grouped for evaluation and review. Permits the congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of Congress, and that such revisions be reported to each House. Requires that periodic reports tabulate the progress of congressional action on bills and resolutions authorizing budget authority for programs in the inventory. Requires the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to submit periodic reports to the Congress on the adequacy of the functional and subfunctional categories for grouping programs of like missions or objectives. Title III: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review, and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Directs each committee to consult with the appropriate committees of either the House of Representatives or the Senate in order to achieve coordination of program reevaluation and inform itself of the related activities of or available assistance from the General Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, the Office of Technology Assessment, and appropriate instrumentalities in the executive and judicial branches. Requires each committee to deliver a report on the reexamination to the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House at the date specified in the funding resolution first reported by such committee in 1981 and thereafter for the first session of each Congress. Allows two or more committees which have legislative jurisdiction over the same programs or portions of the same programs to examine such programs jointly and submit a joint report. Stipulates that such report: (1) contain the findings, recommendations, and justifications of the program; and (2) include specified information including, but not limited to, an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the program and an identification of any trends, developments, and emerging conditions which are likely to affect the nature and extent of the problems or needs which the program is intended to address. Requires each executive department or agency which is responsible for a program selected for reexamination to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget and to the appropriate committees of the Congress on its findings, recommendations, and justifications of specified aspects of the program. Title IV: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes, as an independent instrumentality of the United States, the Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to conduct a nonpartisan study and investigation of the organization and methods of operation of all departments, agencies, independent instrumentalities, and other authorities of the executive branch of the Government, and to make such recommendations as it determines are necessary to promote economic, efficient and improved services in the transaction of public business. Requires the Commission to submit interim reports to the President and the Congress, and to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations. Requires the Comptroller General to report once a year for two years after submission of the Commission's final report on the status of actions taken as a result of the report. Specifies the composition of the 15-member Commission and sets forth the duties and powers of the Commission. States that the Commission shall cease to exist 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated until September 30, 1984, without fiscal year limitations, $4,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Title. Title V: Regulatory Impact - Requires the President to submit, at the beginning of each of the five congresses beginning with the 97th Congress, an analysis of the purposes, function, and efficiency of 16 specified regulatory agencies. Requires the President to submit legislative plans, based on such analyses, for the improvement of operations of such agencies. Establishes a schedule according to which plans for specified agencies will be submitted early in each of the five congresses for which the required analyses are submitted. Directs the President, with each plan, to submit a report on the cumulative impact of government regulatory activity on specific industry groupings. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to assess each of the agencies included in the President's plan and to analyze the plan, and submit such information to the Congress. Title VI: Government Accountability - Requires the President, beginning with the first year of the 97th Congress, to submit biennially, as part of the budget, a report on the management of the executive branch. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide an evaluative report on Federal programs to the President to be included with the President's report. Title VII: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after consultation with the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress, to prepare an inventory of tax expenditure provisions and to submit a report on such inventory to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House and the Senate Finance Committee. Defines the term "tax expenditure provision" as any provision of Federal law which allows a special exclusion, exemption, or deduction in determining liability for any tax or which provides a special credit against any tax, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability. Specifies the contents of the report which include an estimate of the revenue loss from each tax provision. Requires the Director to: (1) submit a revised inventory to each House of Congress by December 1, 1980; (2) revise the inventory after the close of each session of Congress and report such revisions to Congress; and (3) periodically report on congressional action on bills and resolutions which create or affect tax provisions. Directs the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax provisions similar to the schedule set out for Federal programs in title I of this Act. Requires Congress to take final action on the reauthorization schedule for tax provisions before the end of the 96th Congress. Provides that each tax expenditure provision shall expire unless it is reauthorized by a law enacted during the Congress in which it is scheduled for review. Sets forth procedures and restrictions for the consideration of bills reauthorizing tax provisions, which are similar to the restrictions and procedures governing bills authorizing new budget authority for Federal programs as described in title I. Requires that the report accompanying a reauthorization bill include specified information. Permits Congress to prescribe technical rules as may be necessary to mitigate adverse effects which might result for taxpayers who rely on a certain tax provision. Title VIII: Miscellaneous - Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to permit the committees of Congress to obtain from the agencies of the Government estimates or requests for appropriations or requests for increases in an item of any such estimate or request, and recommendations as to how the revenue needs of the Government should be met. Declares that nothing shall require the public disclosure of records which are specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order, or which are otherwise specifically protected by law. Sets forth administrative procedures and requirements. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a "Regulatory Duplication and Conflicts Report" for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Stipulates that each such report identify duplicative or conflicting rules and regulations promulgated by executive departments, independent agencies, and State and local governments and contain recommendations which address such conflicts or duplications. Defines the term "required authorization waiver resolution" for purposes of this Act. Sets forth the procedure which the chairman of the committee of the Senate or the House of Representatives having legislative jurisdiction over programs must follow in order to introduce a required authorization waiver resolution. Makes it the duty of the Committees on Governmental Affairs and on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committees on Government Operations and on Rules of the House of Representatives to review the operation of the procedures established by this Act and to submit a report every five years beginning December 31, 1986. Authorizes to be appropriated through fiscal year 1990 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the review requirements and for the compilation of the inventory of Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Allows an item veto by the President of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing the bill, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Provides that such bills shall be subjected to the same proceeding as other bills disapproved by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District of Columbia shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires that if a Presidential candidacy receives a plurality of at least 40 percent of the votes cast, such candidacy shall become the President and the Vice President elect. Requires the election to be held on a day which is uniform throughout the United States. Directs Congress to assemble in special session on the first Monday of December if, after any such election, no Presidential candidacy receives 40 percent of the vote. Requires the Senate and the House of Representatives sitting in joint session to choose immediately, from the two pairs of persons joined as candidates who received the highest number of votes cast in the election, one such pair by ballot. Directs that the law of each State shall govern within such State as to any matter with respect to which the Congress is granted legislative power under this Amendment as long as not inconsistent with any Act of Congress. Gives Congress the power to provide by law for the manner in which the candidacies to appear on the ballot are determined, the places and manner in which the election is held, and the manner in which its outcome is determined. Requires that voters possess the same qualifications as apply in such State in election of Senators, except that Congress may prescribe uniform qualifications regarding age and residence. Allows Congress to provide for the case of death or withdrawal of a candidate on or before the date of the election. Gives Congress power to establish nominating procedures for Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits compelling a student to attend a public school other than the one nearest his residence. Grants Congress the power to enforce by appropriate legislation the provisions of this amendment, and to insure equal educational opportunities for all students wherever located.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total expenditures in any fiscal year shall not exceed the net amount of revenue received by the Government in that year. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or by a concurrent resolution passed by the Senate and the House stating that a national economic emergency requires such suspension.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Inflation to investigate and study the causes of inflation in the United States, particularly the effect of wages and prices on the cost of goods and services.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bennett, Charles E. [D-FL-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000371_200.jpg)