United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of any felony which may be prosecuted in a United States court shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such offense, be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than two nor more than 25 years. Stipulates that the imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Section: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Redefines "juvenile delinquency" for purposes of Federal court proceedings and subsequent treatment as: (1) the commission of a felony by an individual under the age of 15; or (2) the commission of any other crime by an individual under the age of 18. Directs the State to treat as adult offenders all persons who have attained 15 years of age and have committed a violation of State law for which imprisonment over one year may be imposed.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Directs the President to inform Congress of any dangers to Taiwan. Declares the policy of the United States to safeguard its interest and meet any dangers to Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Liquefied Gas Marine Transportation Safety Act of 1979 - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to add a new title, "Title III: Liquefied Gas Marine Transportation Safety." Prohibits, under such Title, the ownership, construction, or operation of an onshore liquefied bulk gas facility without a certificate of safety issued pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the ownership, design, construction, or operation of such a facility offshore except in accordance with a license issued pursuant to this Act. Sets forth the procedures for applying for a certificate or license as required by this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department under which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe safety standards for the location, design and construction, and operation of both onshore and offshore liquefied bulk gas facilities. Requires the Secretary to promulgate environmental standards, as well as safety standards, for offshore facilities. States that regulations governing the location of such facilities shall include standards: (1) for their location at a safe distance from other facilities or operations which might be a hazard to the facility or increase the damage caused by a liquefied bulk gas incident; (2) for natural hazards, such as meteorological or geological conditions; and (3) for the availability of incident prevention and control facilities. States that regulations governing the location of onshore facilities shall include standards for the location of facilities at a safe distance from persons and property, and for the safe navigation of liquefied bulk gas vessels into such a facility. Requires regulations governing the location of offshore facilities to include standards for the location of such a facility in safe navigation areas, with respect to the effect of the facility on the marine environment, oceanic currents and wave patterns, and alternative uses of the oceans. Directs the Secretary to require that the best available technology be used in the design and construction of both onshore and offshore facilities and to prescribe minimum standards for materials and for methods and techniques of design and construction. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the operation of liquefied bulk gas facilities. States that such regulations shall include standards: (1) for the use of Coast Guard-certified tankermen in the handling and transfer of liquefied bulk gas from vessels to facilities, and for the training of other personnel; (2) for the availability and use of incident prevention and control equipment; (3) for the use of security measures at facilities for protection against intentional acts which might cause incidents; and (4) for the maintenance of facilities and equipment and periodic Coast Guard inspections. Requires, in the case of offshore facilities, standards for vessel safety including the establishment of safety zones around offshore facilities. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over offshore facilities licensed under this subtitle. Extends such jurisdiction to foreign vessels located within the safety zone of a facility. Directs the Secretary of State to seek effective international action and cooperation in support of the policy and purposes of this Act. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Liquefied Bulk Gas Incident Liability and Compensation Fund for the payment of claims under this Act. Provides for the establishment of such Fund from fees collected from facility owners, and other amounts collected pursuant to this Act. States that claims for damages arising out of a liquefied bulk gas incident may be asserted for personal injury, and loss, injury to, or destruction of real or personal property. Sets forth standards for the establishment of liability for incidents at facilities. Establishes a limit of liability of $50,000,000 for an incident except one caused through the gross negligence or willful misconduct or by a violation of applicable safety, construction, or operating standards. Promulgates a procedure for the making of a claim arising out of an incident involving a liquefied bulk natural gas facility. Sets forth procedures for the administrative and judicial settlements of claims made pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President and Congress an annual report on the administration of the Fund. Sets forth the procedure for the revocation of a certificate or license issued pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Vessel Documentation Act - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to designate ports of documentation in the United States where vessels may be documented. Describes the vessels which shall be eligible for documentation. Stipulates that eligibility shall be based upon weight (minimum of five tons) and ownership by a citizen of the United States, or the Government of the United States or a political subdivision thereof. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe the form of filing, the manner of filing, and the information to be contained in applications for certificates of documentation. Requires the Secretary to maintain a numbering system for the identification of documented vessels. Stipulates that a certificate of documentation issued under this Act is: (1) conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, but not in any proceeding conducted under the laws of the United States; (2) evidence of qualification to be employed in a specified trade; and (3) not conclusive evidence of ownership in any proceeding in which ownership is in issue. Authorizes the issuance of a registry for any vessel which is eligible for documentation. Allows the issuance of a coastwise license or an appropriately endorsed registry for any vessel which: (1) is eligible for documentation; (2) was built in the United States; and (3) qualifies under laws of the United States to be employed in the coastwise trade. Stipulates that vessels receiving such a license may be employed in coastwise trade and the fisheries. Establishes similar requirements for the issuance of Great Lakes licenses, fishery licenses, and pleasure vessel licenses. Prohibits the employment of a documented vessel in any trade other than a trade covered by the certificate of documentation. Stipulates that whenever the owner of a vessel knowingly falsifies or conceals a material fact, or makes a false representation in connection with the documentation of a vessel under this Act, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, that vessel, together with its equipment, is liable to seizure by, and forfeiture to, the United States. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of a provisional registry for any vessel procured outside the United States which meets the ownership requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to publish periodically a list of all documented vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to require owners and masters of documented vessels to submit reports to insure compliance with this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of $500 for each violation of this Act. Repeals specified shipping laws so as to conform with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Tonnage Measurement Simplification Act - Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, responsibility for measuring vessels by tonnage before such vessels may be documented. Requires that a vessel be measured if it engages in international voyage by sea, or it is at least 24 meters in length and is self-propelled. Stipulates that a vessel not required to be measured by this Act may be measured if requested by the owner. Specifies instances in which remeasurement shall be required. Stipulates that a vessel measured prior to the effective date of this Act shall be considered as having been measured as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (previously the Commandant of the Coast Guard) to establish lines of demarcation dividing the high seas and inland waters of the United States for purposes of determining the applicability of special navigation rules in lieu of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea as well as determining the applicability of statutes referring to such areas.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Intergovernmental Antirecession and Supplementary Fiscal Assistance Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 to add to the congressional findings under such Act that both an antirecession fiscal assistance program and a supplementary fiscal assistance program which aid governments requiring fiscal relief are essential elements of a sound Federal fiscal policy. Extends the authorization of appropriations for antirecession fiscal assistance through September 30, 1980. Provides for the suspension of such assistance in certain circumstances if the unemployment rate does not exceed six percent. Amends such Act to require the Secretary of Labor to calculate the unemployment rate for specified units of local governments, within or encompassing standard metropolitan statistical areas, using the population survey methodology used prior to January 1, 1978, if such rates are higher than under the current methodology. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to reallocate any undistributed excess amounts among the States and local governments proportionately. Repeals the requirement that States and local governments file statements with the Secretary containing certain reporting assurances. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental payments to local governments whose allocation would be reduced as a result of calculating unemployment rates by a new formula. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide the Secretary of Commerce with necessary information and to determine unemployment rates for each State and local government. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to pay supplementary fiscal assistance to local governments with unemployment rates above six percent whenever the unemployment rate for the United States is five percent or more. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance through September 30, 1980. Provides for the suspension of such assistance if antirecession fiscal assistance is being paid or U.S. unemployment rates are less than five percent. Specifies the formula to be used in determining payments under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to combine certain supplementary payments with the general revenue sharing payment and make a single payment to the local governmental unit. Provides for the reallocation of any undistributed excess amounts among the local governmental units proportionately. Requires local governments receiving supplementary fiscal assistance to comply with those provisions applicable to antirecession fiscal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns whether they wish to contribute any portion of their income tax refund or make any additional contribution to the support of either the arts or the humanities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to amend income tax return forms to provide a notice to taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 50 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts and 50 percent to State Art Agencies. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Authorizes the payment of 80 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the humanities to the National Endowment for the Humanities and 20 percent to State Humanities Entities. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State Humanities Entities as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Prohibits any Endowment or agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to raise additional funds or meet any matching requirements. Prohibits the use of funds raised by this Act to make grants to any institutions which hold such funds for investment. Limits the amount of funds which any institution may receive under this Act according to a specified percentage of the institution's operating budget.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Victims of Crime Act of 1979 - Establishes a nine-member, part-time Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. States that such grants shall total: (1) 25 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program; and (2) 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Specifies criteria for a State plan to qualify under this Act, including that such plan: (1) offer compensation for personnel injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes; (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of any person whose death resulted from being victim to such a crime; (3) grant claimants the right to a hearing; (4) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery; (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State; (6) does not require claimants to seek welfare benefits; (7) denies or reduces any claim where the victim or claimant contributed to the death or injury; (8) may require the criminal by State law or rule to make restitution to the victim; and (9) does not require that any person be apprehended or convicted of the crime giving rise to the claim. Permits States with programs not in compliance with this Act to remain eligible for grants under this Act until the day after the close of the first regular State legislative session that begins after the effective date of this Act. Sets forth specified expenses that may not be included in the State program's cost of paying compensation when determining the amount of the grant for which such program is eligible. Directs the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees with respect to each qualifying State program, and the activities of the Attorney General in carrying out this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on the appropriateness of requiring State laws preventing criminal wrongdoers from enjoying profits made from publicity surrounding their wrongdoing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Internal Security to investigate and report on Communist and other subversive activities affecting the internal security of the United States, including activities intended to overthrow or alter the form of government in the United States by unlawful means or which incite or employ violence or any unlawful means to obstruct the lawful authority of the government.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the Medicare program for services provided in a rehabilitation facility for the blind, and for services furnished to blind individuals by mobility therapists and rehabilitation teachers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for preventive services furnished in the screening, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals for hypertension.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include the services of licensed practical nurses under the coverage provided pursuant to such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Geriatric Health Personnel Training Act of 1979 - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to grant $500,000 for each of six schools of medicine to assist in the establishment and operation of departments of geriatrics. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist schools of medicine in the establishment and operation of continuing education programs in geriatrics for physicians. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, and $5,000,000 for each of the next three fiscal years to enable the Secretary to make grants to schools of medicine to assist in developing and conducting training programs designed to prepare armed forces veterans, with appropriate experience as paramedical personnel, to serve as medical assistants in long-term health care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit colleges and universities for the development of graduate programs for nurses in geriatrics and gerontology.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Long-Term Care Services Act of 1979 - Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social security Act to authorize the establishment of an experimental program to subsidize families who agree to care in their own homes, for their dependents who are 65 years of age or older and who would otherwise require, because of physical or mental infirmities, the services of a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for elderly day care center services. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to institute a program under which qualified organizations, public and private, will submit plans for the development of carefully conceived and innovative projects to meet the special health care, housing, and related needs of elderly persons in a campus-type setting. Authorizes the Secretary to make interest subsidy payments to holders of mortgages covering such projects. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure mortgages secured by properties in projects built pursuant to this Act. Amends title XVIII to provide payment for extended and intermediate care services, and to provide for the creation of an alternative reimbursement formula which will allow participating hospitals with less than 100 beds and less than 60 percent average occupancy to provide long-term care without applying proportional allocation of overhead costs to all patients in such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for one comprehensive physical examination a year, dental care including dentures, eye examinations including eyeglasses, hearing aids including examination, and treatment of foot conditions. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take steps to eliminate unnecessary or excessive medical appliance expenditures under the Medicare program by implementing appliance leasing, auditing of medical appliance manufacturers and providers, and by cross-referencing prevailing medical appliance rates. Includes under the term "medical appliance" hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, and similar health aids. States that the Federal Trade Commission should continue and increase scrutiny of the medical appliance industries in the interest of consumer protection. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should provide increased assistance to encourage the continuing education and training of hearing specialists, clinical audiologists, and physicians to improve the quality of hearing care, and to encourage the provision by State and local governments of more and better hearing care for the elderly, including a network of examination and treatment sites.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance Reduction Act of 1979 - Reduces, under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act: (1) the inpatient hospital deductible; and (2) the monthly premiums for hospital insurance for individuals not otherwise eligible for Medicare benefits. Appropriates to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund the additional amounts required to reimburse the Fund for such additional payments as are caused by the lowering of the inpatient deductibles and monthly premiums. Increases the benefits payable to each individual covered by the supplementary medical insurance program for the aged and disabled. Reduces deductibles, coinsurance, monthly premium and the charges under such program. Authorizes to be appropriated a Government contribution equal to such amount as necessary to reimburse the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for such additional payments as caused by the increased benefits payable to individuals and the reduced deductibles and coinsurance charges.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
National Home Health Clearinghouse Act of 1979 - Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Home Health Clearinghouse to gather and disseminate information concerning the various public and private agencies providing home health care and related services to the elderly. Directs the Clearinghouse to (1) establish a computerized system for such purposes, and (2) publish current descriptions of Federal services and benefits available to the elderly under the Social Security Act, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and other related laws.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Services Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to health maintenance organizations for the construction of ambulatory services to be used by such organizations for the provision of health services to their members in medically underserved areas. Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set forth new regulations governing the payment of the cost of medical services incurred by a member of a health maintenance organization. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit reimbursement to States for payments made to health maintenance organizations in cases where such payments would have previously been prohibited because of the eligibility of a significant percentage of the members of such an organization for medicare payments when it is determined that the health needs of the population affected are best served by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Mental Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act: (1) to provide Medicare coverage of mental illness on an equal basis with coverage of physical illness; and (2) to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program. Changes from October 1, 1977, to October 1, 1979, the date by which a State is required under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to establish or designate an authority to establish and insure the enforcement of standards for institutions, foster homes, or group living arrangements in which a significant number of recipients of supplemental security income reside. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish to the States such information about the residences of such recipients as is necessary for the States to establish, maintain, and enforce such standards. Requires the Secretary to pay to the States an amount equal to the sums spent by each State for inspecting such institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the charitable deduction allowed for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall include the depreciation, operation, and maintenance costs allocable to such operation and shall be determined in the same manner as a business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to reallot unused social services funds to States which will use such funds during the succeeding year in preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care. Allocates additional Federal matching funds for multipurpose senior center programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to clarify and standardize the eligibility requirements to the provision of assistance to multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Age Discrimination in Federal Employment Act of 1979 - Repeals specified Federal laws compelling mandatory retirement based on age for the following: (1) Federal employees; (2) the Director of the Federal Judicial Center; (3) tax Court Judges; (4) Foreign Service employees; (5) Lighthouse Service officers and employees; (6) the Comptroller General and the Assistant Comptroller General; (7) Central Intelligence Agency officers and employees; and (8) District of Columbia Judges.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to permit county governments to provide to their residents through the State's Medicaid plan a level of medical assistance which is greater in amount, duration, or scope than that available under the plan to other State residents. Requires county governments to show that their plans for providing additional benefits do not result in excessive administrative costs or otherwise conflict with the result in excessive administrative costs or otherwise conflict with the administration of the State Medicaid plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 to allow volunteers in the Service Corps of Retired Executives, established under the National Volunteer Programs to Assist Small Businesses, to provide assistance to home health agencies which provide home health services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the governing boards of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities having an average duration of stay of more than 30 days to establish written policies guaranteeing specified rights of patients including: (1) information on services and charges; (2) information on and participation in medical treatment; (3) conditions of transfer or discharge; (4) grievances; (5) management of personal financial affairs; (6) freedom from abuse and restraints; (7) confidentiality of records; and (8) freedom of association. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish civil penalties for the violation of such rights. Sets forth provisions concerning the processing and investigation of complaints arising from the violation of patients' rights.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to establish a grant program for the purpose of making reimbursements to institutions of higher education to defray a portion of tuition costs, or costs of individual courses of study, applicable to eligible older persons at such institutions. Requires any institution of higher learning desiring to receive reimbursements from the Commissioner to transmit an application to the Commissioner in such form, at such times, and according to such procedures, as the Commissioner may establish. Sets forth assurances to be contained in such application. Provides that the United States courts of appeals shall have jurisdiction, concerning such application, to affirm or to set aside an adverse decision of the Commissioner. States that any older person who is qualified to enroll in any course of study at an institution receiving reimbursements under this Act shall be eligible for such enrollment without being required to defray any cost of tuition or any cost of a course of study. Entitles any institution of higher education whose application is approved to receive reimbursements equal to 55 percent of the cost of tuition or the cost of any study applicable to an older person with respect to whom such reimbursement is sought. States that reimbursements shall be made only for those students who constitute a greater number than those enrolled in 1978 who would have been eligible for benefits if the program were available. Defines the term "older person" as any person 60 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to provide that any patient of a nursing home or intermediate care facility which is participating in the hospital insurance program under title XVIII (Medicare) or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act shall have the right to terminate any contract entered into for his or her care in such a facility upon giving the facility at least 30 days written notice. Prohibits such a facility from requiring any patient to turn over to it any periodic benefit check or other income received after the patient has given such notice.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Medicare Long-Term Care Act of 1979 - Repeals existing provisions for post-hospital home health services under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Establishes, within the hospital insurance program of such title, a program of long-term care benefits to be provided for aged and disabled individuals including all recipients of supplemental security income benefits and to be financed without additional cost to such individuals, through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, from funds appropriated by the Federal Government. States that the benefits provided to an individual by such program shall consist of: (1) home health services; (2) homemaker services; (3) nutrition services; (4) long-term institutional care services; (5) day care and foster home services; and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Requires that, to the maximum extent possible, such benefits shall be provided by or through community long-term care centers, as defined in this Act; and, in any case where a State has an agency which performs the functions of planning and developing such centers and overseeing their operation the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall make grants to the State or State agency to reimburse it for expenses incurred in the performance of such functions. Directs the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the amount expended by a State for the operation of a State long-term care agency. Enumerates the functions of such an agency. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (A) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (B) who resides in the area served by such center and (C) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including the services to be provided by community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary to develop and promulgate to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations setting forth the standards of care for homemaker and nutritional services. Establishes the Federal Advisory Council on Long-Term Care. Sets forth the qualifications of the five members of such Council. States that it shall be the duty and function of the Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on regulations under this Act and on matters of general policy with respect to this Act. States that no regulations of the Secretary under this Act shall become effective unless they have first been approved by the Council. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Authorizes the appropriation to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as the Secretary considers necessary for any fiscal year for the purposes of the program created by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with institutions to meet the cost of training programs in the techniques and methods of providing long-term health care.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement that prior hospitalization is necessary before extended care facility benefits are available under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Older Americans Civil Rights Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to require the Commission on Civil Rights to study and collect information concerning policies and practices constituting discrimination on account of age. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend its coverage to discrimination based on age in public accommodations, public facilities, and public education. Requires the Community Services Administration to provide assistance in resolving difficulties relating to discriminatory practices based on age. Prohibits discrimination based on age in: (1) the sale or rental of housing; (2) the financing of housing; and (3) the provision of brokerage services. Prohibits intimidation of any person because of age because such person is or has been selling, purchasing, or renting any dwelling. Defines "age" for the purposes of the amendments made by this Act, as being considered too old, but only if the individual has attained the age of 40 years.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies. Directs the Secretary to establish a Drug Benefits List of prescription and nonlegend qualified drugs, limited to specified pharmacological therapeutic categories which the Secretary deems appropriate for the treatment of conditions, illnesses, or injuries to the person or well-being of aged individuals. Specifies conditions under which participating pharmacies may substitute lower cost, therapeutic equivalents for prescribed drugs. Establishes a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary on policy in general and the content and format of the drug benefits list in particular. Sets conditions for the participation of pharmacies in the program. Prescribes criminal penalties for fraud.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Youth Internships in Field of Aging Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize a grant program for the establishment of internship programs for secondary school students at administrative, research, and service levels with professions in the field of aging. Establishes application guidelines for such grant program.
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
Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund for the purposes of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Obligates owners of such oil to reimburse the refinery or terminal the full amount of the fee levied on such person's oil. Imposes a civil penalty on any person required to pay or collect such fees who fails to do so. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) of any vessel which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise claims with limited exceptions to be presented initially to the owner or operator, or to such person's guarantor. Permits claimants either to present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States court if liability is denied or the claim is not settled within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or government entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Directs the President to conduct a study to determine whether adequate private oil pollution protection is reasonably available to owners and operators of vessels and facilities. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Act, to conform with the the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest disaster loans available until October 1, 1982. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Transfers specified provisions of the Act which established an Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to the Small Business Act. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State-chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations for the expenses of the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to remove the existing 70-year upper age limit to which the prohibitions of such Act apply, thereby extending the protection of such Act to all individuals who are at least 40 years of age. Specifies that there shall be no exceptions to the prohibitions of such Act because of the nature of employment of an individual, or retirement benefits to which an individual may be entitled. Repeals provisions restricting the employment or compensation of an individual in the Federal civil service, Government of the District of Columbia, Foreign Service, or Army Corps of Engineers after such individual retires with an annuity or reaches retirement age. Repeals automatic separation requirements based on age and length of service which relate to employees of the Alaska Railroad, the Panama Canal Company, the Canal Zone Government, and to air traffic controllers and Federal law enforcement officers and firefighters.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
National Aquaculture Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture and certain other Federal and State officials, to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis, and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Stipulates that each such program shall be implemented either individually, jointly, or collectively by the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture and the Interior according to responsibilities vested in the respective Secretaries by law, or on the basis of departmental expertise and resources. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make periodic reviews of the operation and effectiveness of the Plan and to amend the plan as necessary. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to make a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States and complete an initial assessment within six months after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of Agriculture, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, or technical assistance to interested persons; (2) consult and cooperate with persons, agencies, and regional commissions; (3) encourage the implementation of aquacultural technology; and (4) prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such a program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish an aquaculture information service; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) conduct a study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely affected by competition from products produced by commercial aquaculture enterprises. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to prepare and submit to Congress a biennial report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Establishes the Interagency Aquaculture Coordination Committee to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant program and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior, according to their powers under this Act, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Allows the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior to provide financial assistance for aquacultural demonstration projects in the form of grants in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $150,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to provide essential property or liability insurance to owners of aquaculture facilities at reasonable rates upon a determination that the issuance of such insurance is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund to enable the Secretary to guarantee obligations, make disaster loans, and implement the insurance program established under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Older Americans Employment Rights Act of 1979 - Defines the term "age" for purposes of equal employment opportunities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to mean a person's being considered too old, but only if such person has attained the age of 40 years. Prohibits employment discrimination because of age, under the Civil Rights Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to review problems of narcotics abuse, including enforcement, international trafficking, organized crime, and the criminal justice system with respect to narcotic law violations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the producers and distributors of motion pictures and television and radio programs should cease the production and distribution of films and programs which defame, stereotype, ridicule, demean, or degrade ethnic, racial, or religious groups. Calls upon the motion picture and broadcasting industries to establish adequate standards for the production of films which portray such groups. States that if the industries do not respond, the Congress shall formulate measures to establish and implement such standards.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; (4) provide reasonable representation for specified individuals and organizations in establishing and maintaining provisions for the governance and conduct of its affairs; and (5) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition or sponsor athletes in competition and be sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate means of providing funding to the Corporation for the construction and operation of training centers and sports medicine research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1978
Expresses the support of Congress of a comprehensive review of retirement income, survivor benefit, and disability benefit programs, as set forth in the objectives of the President's Commission on Pension Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Recreational Boating and Facilities Safety Improvement Act - Establishes within the Treasury a Recreational Boating and Facilities Safety Improvement Fund which is to be administered by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and used exclusively to finance recreational boating facilities projects and recreational boating safety services. Stipulates that during the period ending September 30, 1985, the revenues attributable to the special motor fuels and gasoline use in motorboats taxes under the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 shall be covered into the Fund. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to States from the Fund for State boating purposes. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 50 percent of its cost. Sets forth conditions of eligibility for State boating safety projects and ratios for the allocation of Fund revenues among the States. Stipulates that the National Boating Safety Advisory Council shall act as an advisory body to the Secretary in assessing the need for and suitability of recreational boating facilities and boating safety services projects and in developing priorities for such facilities and projects. Directs the Secretary, within 18 months, to submit to Congress a comprehensive review and report on the needs, problems, and opportunities associated with recreational boating facilities and boating safety programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
![Official portrait of Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000432_200.jpg)