United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the increase of total budget outlays of the United States Government during any fiscal year to a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the gross national product during the previous calendar year. Stipulates that if the inflation rate exceeds three percent annually the increase in total outlays shall be reduced by one-fourth the difference between the inflation rate and three percent. Requires any surplus in total revenues received by the Government to be used to reduce the public debt. Allows the limit on total outlays to be changed by a three-quarters vote of both Houses of Congress, or to meet an emergency declared by the President. Continues Federal aid programs to States and local governments for a period of six years. Prohibits Congress authorizing any United States agency from requiring that a State or local government engage in additional or expanded activities without compensation equal to the additional costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Department of Energy Reorganization Act of 1979 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish in the Department of Energy the position of Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy Resources in order to consolidate all energy conservation, solar energy, and energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities currently under the jurisdiction of different Assistant Secretaries of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should communicate U.S. insistence that the Soviet Union remove its troops from Cuba. Stipulates that ratification of the SALT II Treaty be suspended until such troops are removed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Small Savers Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit member banks in the Federal Reserve System, federally insured nonmember banks (including insured mutual savings banks), and Federal savings and loan associations to pay interest on negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) accounts for individuals and nonprofit organizations. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to authorize Federal credit unions to offer share draft accounts to individuals and nonprofit organizations. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and the National Credit Union Administration Board to consult with each other in setting the interest rates on time and savings deposits or the rate of dividends on share draft accounts which may be paid by financial institutions under their jurisdiction. Fixes the interest rate on all NOW accounts at one-fourth percent below the lowest passbook rate. Permits depository institutions which are currently authorized to offer NOW and share draft accounts to continue to pay interest at their existing rate. Extends the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to set maximum interest rates (Regulation Q) for each category of deposit until January 1, 1990. Requires such maximum rates to be increased by one- fourth percent every six months between January 1, 1982, and July 1, 1988. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to postpone such an increase for one year if such action is necessary to preserve the viability of depository institutions during a serious economic emergency. Requires the Board to report to the Congress if such authority is exercised. Prohibits the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, or the National Credit Union Administration from approving any new category of deposits or accounts which pays interest at a rate lower than the rate payable on existing deposits and accounts of comparable maturities. Requires the Board of Governors to report to the Congress if the bank regulatory agencies determine that the increases in the maximum rate of interest could be accelerated. Authorizes the Board of Governors, in consultation with the other bank regulatory agencies, to prescribe maximum rates of interest after the lapse of Regulation Q on January 1, 1989. States that such controls shall remain in effect for one year and must be based on a finding that an extreme economic emergency exists and such action is necessary to maintain the economic viability of depository institutions. Requires any such finding to be promptly reported to the Congress. Requires the bank regulatory agencies to report annually to the Congress on the viability of depository institutions. Terminates the authority for interest rate differentials between insured banks and insured thrift institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Repeals provisions permitting the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys representing veterans' claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration (VA). Provides for judicial review of certain administrative decisions made by the Administrator. Applies the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all VA rules, regulations, and determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits compelling a student to attend a public school located outside his or her school district for reasons of race, color, or national origin. Requires school districts to be established to: (1) preserve the neighborhood school concept; but (2) not deny any student an equal educational opportunity as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1979
Requires each importer, producer, refiner, distributor, and supplier of crude oil or refined petroleum products to submit monthly reports to the Secretary of Energy on its total refining capacity, the percentage of such capacity currently utilized, its crude oil supplies, the location of such supplies, and its inventory of refined petroleum products. Directs the Secretary to publish such information.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Requires each Executive agency, within ten days after entering into a personal services contract with any person or unit of State or local government, to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the number of agency employees which would be required to perform the contracted functions. Directs any agency which is prevented because of a personnel ceiling from performing a function which the agency determines would be performed by the agency more effectively than by contract, to submit to the OMB, within ten days of such determination, a request for an adjustment in such ceiling to enable the agency to perform the function. Requires the OMB to make such adjustment within 30 days after it is submitted unless the OMB finds that the agency did not follow applicable procedures when making its determinations. Directs the OMB to submit to Congress quarterly reports regarding each agency's personal services contracts and adjustments in personnel ceilings. Directs an agency to consider an employee's administration of personnel ceilings and compliance with procedures governing the contracting out of agency functions when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for an employee under the merit pay system. Prohibits an agency from obligating more than 20 percent of its appropriations for a fiscal year during the last two months of that year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares that the Soviet authorities should: (1) release a copy of the judgment against Anatoly Shcharansky; and (2) free Shcharansky and other Prisoners of Conscience and permit their emigration to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Appropriates $513,000,000 to the Administrator of General Services for fiscal year 1980 for purchasing silver for stock piling under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to seek free elections supervised by the United Nations in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, after the withdrawal of all Soviet military and civilian personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should inform and gain the support and cooperation of other nations in realizing independence for the Baltic States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the: (1) President should warn the Soviet Union against making citizenship claims on U.S. citizens; and (2) Secretary of State should inform U.S. citizens planning to visit the Soviet Union of the implications of the Soviet law on citizenship.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt from applicable Federal regulations any State having in effect a law, rule, or regulation applicable to underground injection control related to the production or recovery of oil or natural gas unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that such law, rule, or regulation fails to protect underground sources of drinking water. Provides that any State for which such finding is made may amend its law, rule, or regulation in order to benefit from such exemption where approved by the Administrator. Exempts from the underground injection well permit requirements any State having in effect such law, rule, or regulation approved by the Administrator. Exempts from the administrative procedure and judicial review requirements of the United States Code any action relating to national interim primary drinking water regulations, revised national primary drinking water regulations, and State underground injection control program regulations, except as expressly provided by this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a docket for such actions, and sets forth notice and public and agency commenting requirements for any proposed rulemaking. Sets forth procedures and other requirements for promulgating rules concerning drinking water regulations, and establishes procedures for judicial review of such actions. Amends the definition of "primary drinking water regulation". Revises the standard for the promulgation of primary drinking water regulations. Makes technical and conforming amendments to such Act. Requires any State having primary enforcement responsibility to submit notice to the Administrator that its public water system supervision program conforms to any revision or amendment to any national primary drinking water regulation made by the Administrator. States that failure to submit such notice shall be grounds for withdrawal of State primary enforcement responsibility. Amends such Act to authorize a State having such enforcement responsibility to exempt from maximum contaminant level requirements or treatment technique requirements any public water system not having any reasonable alter native source of drinking water available. Revises the dates for compliance by public water systems with contaminant level and treatment technique requirements. Extends the effective date for State underground injection control regulations approved by the Administrator. Authorizes the waiver of the prohibition against State grants being made for any period beginning more than one year after the date of a State's first grant having been made for a period of 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national primary drinking water regulations if the State has assumed primary enforcement responsibility and is making diligent efforts to comply with such amendment or revision. Prohibits the Administrator from making grants to any State unless the State has assumed primary enforcement responsibility within two years after the Administrator promulgates State underground injection control program regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1979
Requires a ten percent reduction in the number of civilian employees of the executive branch from the number of such employees on September 30, 1977, to be attained through attrition by September 30, 1984. Limits the percentage of low level positions which may be involved in such reduction. States that the reduction of positions among agencies shall be proportionate to the size of each agency's work force. Requires a similar reduction in the work force of the legislative branch. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report annually to Congress on work force reductions in the executive branch. Requires the Director of the Federal Judicial Center to submit to Congress recommendations for similar reductions in the Judicial branch.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to include in the definitions of the terms "United States" and "State" the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession over which the United States has jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to implement and administer a national recreational boating safety and facilities improvement program. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to States for accepted State recreational boating safety and facilities improvement programs if sufficient State matching funds are available. Directs the Secretary to accept State programs that include: (1) an approved vessel numbering system; (2) a cooperative boating safety assistance program with the Coast Guard; (3) sufficient patrol to enforce applicable State laws; (4) boating safety education; (5) a State agency to implement or coordinate the program and report to the Secretary; and (6) facilities improvement. Sets forth formulas for the allocation of funds among the States. Establishes in the Treasury a National Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Fund from which the Secretary may allocate funds for accepted State programs. Authorizes appropriations for such State programs of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer certain amounts from the taxes received from special motor fuels and gasoline used in motorboats to the National Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek the establishment of an international food cartel made up of the major food exporting countries which would negotiate with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries for reasonable oil prices.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified individuals and groups interested in the problem of automobile theft when establishing such standards. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months of the enactment of this Act, to issue notices of rulemaking covering the unauthorized starting of a motor vehicle and the identification of major automobile components. Stipulates that proposed rules shall consider current technological developments in such areas. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires that a final rule shall become effective within two calendar years or before the introduction of two model years after such rule is issued. States that a Federal automobile security standard supercedes any State or local standard. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or vehicle part which has had such number removed unless: (1) the vehicle or part is owned by an innocent purchaser; or (2) the number is replaced according to applicable law. States that all provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and baggage shall apply to seizures and forfeitures of motor vehicles and vehicle parts. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting and Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on: (1) developments in the area of identification of off-highway vehicles and parts thereof; and (2) other specified measures to help prevent the theft of such vehicles and parts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada should meet to discuss energy issues and establish a common economic bond of energy cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to make any Executive order imposing sanctions against Rhodesia unenforceable after the government elected April, 1979, is installed. Repeals: (1) penalty provisions for violations of the sanctions and (2) certification requirements on the import of steel mill products containing chromium.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Declares that Zimbabwe Rhodesia has: (1) demonstrated its willingness to negotiate in good faith at an all parties conference; and (2) approved through elections the transfer of power to a black majority government. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) should determine that Zimbabwe Rhodesia is in substantial compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978; (2) should not enforce sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia; and (3) should establish diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax income of married individuals filing tax returns separate from their spouses at the same rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at lease 500 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1986 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into such contracts and make such grants as may be necessary or appropriate for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with appropriate Federal agencies to carry out projects and activities with respect to Federal facilities as may be appropriate for the demonstration of wind energy systems which are suitable and effective for use in such facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that the right to life vests from the moment of fertilization without regard to age, health, or condition of dependency.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the period from 24 to 36 months that funds allotted to a State for construction of treatment works shall remain available for obligation by the State.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to permit States to require any individual to work if such individual's needs are taken into account in determining eligibility for AFDC benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint two individuals to serve as cochairpersons of a team of observers of the election in Rhodesia. Requires the team to observe such election and to report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Federal Acquisition Reform Act - Title I: Regulatory Guidance - Authorizes and directs the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy (Administrator) to promulgate a single, simplified, uniform regulation implementing this Act and to establish procedures for assuring compliance with this Act within two years of its enactment. Authorizes and directs the Administrator to establish and oversee a program to reduce agency use of detailed product specifications. Requires the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, after consulting the Office of Personnel Management, to establish a code of conduct for contracting officers employed by executive agencies. Directs the Inspector General of each agency to: (1) investigate any allegations of code violations; (2) refer criminal violations to the Attorney General; and (3) refer other violations to the agency head. Requires each agency to report on such investigations to the OFPP which shall report to Congress. Title II: Acquisition by Competitive Sealed Bids - Sets criteria for use of the competitive sealed bid method of acquisition. Stipulates that the time prior to opening bids be sufficient to permit competition and that invitation for sealed bids be accessible to all interested bidders. States that eligibility to participate in the bidding may be limited to concerns eligible to participate in small business set-asides, or other authorized programs. Requires the invitation for bids to describe purchases, to the extent practicable, in functional terms in order to permit a variety of distinct products or services to qualify. Requires agency head approval in the event that specific product or service descriptions are to be included in such bids. Provides for instances where the use of functional or performance specifications make it impractical to plan for award primarily on the basis of price. Requires all bids to be opened publicly at the time and place stated in the invitation. States that contracts shall be awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the invitation and is most advantageous to the Government. Permits the rejection of all bids when, for cogent and compelling reasons, it is in the Government's interest to do so. Title III: Acquisition by Competitive Negotiation - Permits the use of the competitive negotiation method of procurement when the competitive sealed bid method is inappropriate under criteria set forth in this Act or rules promulgated by the Office. Requires solicitations for offers issued by the Government to interested or potential sources in competitive negotiations to: (1) be obtained from a sufficient number of qualified sources; (2) include the evaluation methodology and the relative importance of all significant factors used during competitive evaluation and for final selection; (3) state broadly agency purchase requirements; (4) clarify agency intent to all offerors in a timely and equitable manner, where inadequacies in the solicitation have been identified; and (5) be subject to prior approval by an agency head, when using detailed product specifications. Establishes standards for written and oral communications with all responsible offerors in a competitive range. States that such discussions shall generally be limited to obtaining any needed clarification, substantiation, or extension of offers. Declares that auction techniques are strictly prohibited. Requires, when awards are made for alternative approaches selected on the basis of the factors contained in the solicitation, that the contractors be sustained in competition to the maximum extent practicable until sufficient test or evaluation information becomes available to narrow the choice. Prohibits disclosure of information concerning a contract award to any person not having source selection responsibilities. Permits the notification of offerors who have been eliminated from competition. Requires prompt notification of award to all unsuccessful offerors. Continues the use of multiple award schedules under competitive methods which: (1) limit the number of items on such schedules which meet the same need; and (2) obtain the lowest competitively priced items which meet the minimum needs of the government. Authorizes the use of noncompetitive acquisition methods: (1) if the contract to be awarded stems from acceptance of an unsolicited proposal; or (2) if the agency head determines that it is in the best interest of the Government to enter into a noncompetitive contract. Requires the contracting officer to use price analysis techniques to evaluate the reasonableness of a negotiated prime contract price or a price adjustment to a contract modification where the price is expected to be $500,000 or less and is based on an established catalog or market price of a commercial item, and where there has been a recent comparable competitive acquisition. Extends such price analysis to subcontracts. Requires that cost data be obtained and cost analysis techniques used whenever the price of a contract, subcontract, or price adjustment pursuant to a modification is expected to exceed $500,000. Permits the contracting officer to obtain cost data and use cost analysis techniques when authorized in regulations issued by the Administrator. Requires contractors and subcontractors to submit in writing such price data or cost data as are required to be obtained pursuant to this Act. Permits regulations issued by the Administrator to authorize identification in writing of price data and cost data in lieu of actual submission. Authorizes the Government to adjust a contract price downward when reliance on inaccurate, incomplete, or noncurrent data increased significantly such price. Waives submission requirements to certain contracts and subcontracts with reasonable negotiated or established prices. Gives agencies the power to inspect plants and records of a contractor up to three years after final payment has been made under a contract to ascertain the accuracy of price and cost data submitted under this Act. Title IV: Acquisition by Simplified Small Purchase Method - Permits the use of the competitive small purchase procedures method of procurement when contracts valued at not more than $10,000 are involved. Directs the Administrator to issue simplified procedures for small purchases. Title V: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost system of contracting under this Act. Requires competitive negotiation contracts and technical proposal awards to contain a warranty by the contractor that no person or selling agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure the contract for a commission or a contingent fee. Disallows the making of any contract for a period of more than five years unless an exception has been made by the Office under this Act. Permits any executive agency to make advance, progress, partial, or other payments under contracts. Requires adequate security for partial and progress payments made pursuant to a Government contract. Prohibits any such payment of over $25,000,000 without Congressional review. Authorizes the Comptroller General, upon recommendation of the Agency head, to remit sums due the Government under contract terms providing for the assessment of liquidated damages for a delay performance. Requires agency employees who have reason to believe that a bid, proposal, or offer may be in violation of the criminal or antitrust laws to refer the matter to the Justice Department. Makes the Federal Bureau of Investigation responsible for the investigation of improper conduct under this Act. Allows contractors who conduct 75 percent of their business activity under commercial and/or competitive Government contracts to obtain a waiver from certain reviews of internal contractor operations. Requires in every Government awarded contract a provision that interest be paid by the Federal Government to the contractor on any amount due after 30 days. States that no amount shall be considered due until receipt by the Government of a proper invoice and any substantiating documentation required. Makes it the duty of, and empowers, the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) obtain notice of all proposed acquisitions above $10,000 from any executive agency; and (2) publicize such notices in "United States Department of Commerce Synopsis of the United States Government Proposed Procurement, Sales, and Contract Awards". Requires the Administrator to review the prevailing costs of labor and materials at least every three years. Permits the Administrator, where costs have varied by at least ten percent, to revise specified dollar thresholds stated in this Act. Requires all specifications to be reviewed at least every five years and be cancelled, modified, revised, or reissued as determined by such review. Directs the Administrator to attempt through review of acquisition programs to make minority business participation in Government contracting more effective, and to assure that such businesses have full opportunity to compete for Government contracts. Limits the time in which a claim may be made by an executive agency against a contractor to six years from the date of final payment under the contract. Title VI: Delegation of Authority - Permits agency heads to delegate specified authority conferred under this Act. Permits one agency to delegate acquisition functions to another agency to facilitate joint acquisition. Title VII: Protests - Grants authority to the Comptroller General to decide any protest submitted by an interested party or referred by any agency. Requires the Comptroller General to provide inexpensive, informed, and expeditious resolution of protests. Authorizes the Comptroller General to declare whether any protested solicitation or award, comports with law and regulation. Title VIII: Applicability of Subsequent Laws - Declares that any law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act may not be construed as amending this Act unless it explicitly so states. Title IX: Amendments and Repeals - Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Declares that Zimbabwe Rhodesia has (1) demonstrated its willingness to negotiate in good faith at an all parties conference and (2) approved a constitution transferring power to a black majority government. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President (1) should determine that Zimbabwe Rhodesia is in substantial compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978 and (2) should not enforce sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out the provisions of such Act with respect to: (1) the regulation of and research pertaining to ocean dumping; and (2) the acquisition, development, and operation of marine sanctuaries. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct research to determine means of ending the dumping into ocean waters of material unreasonably degrading the marine environment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of individuals who have attained age 65 interest earned on any series E United States savings bond.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Attorney General initiate an investigation for a period not to exceed 90 days under the Ethics in Government Act to determine whether officially substantiated allegations involving the President and at least one former Cabinet-level official warrant further investigation or prosecution by a special prosecutor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Defense Readiness and Mobilization Capability to investigate and report on defense readiness and mobilization capability, including an analysis of: (1) the kind and extent of threats to the national defense; and (2) the quality and quantity of manpower, material, transportation, budgetary, and programmatic resources needed at present, and able to be mobilized in the future. Sets forth the requirements for appointment to the joint select committee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1980. Sets forth the amount of funds allocated for: (1) operation and maintenance expenses; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment related thereto; (3) alteration or removal of bridges over navigable waters of the United States, constituting obstructions to navigation; and (4) research, development, test, and evaluation. Permits the Coast Guard to have an end-of-year strength for active duty personnel of 39,027, provided that such ceiling does not include members of the Ready Reserve called to active duty. Specifies the average military training student loads for the Coast Guard as follows: (1) recruit and special training: 4,125 students; (2) flight training: 125 students; (3) professional training in military and civilian institutions: 425 students; and (4) officer acquisitions: 1,000 students.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Extends through fiscal year 1984 the entitlement periods for the authorization of appropriations under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Taxpayer Relief Amendments to Panama Treaty Legislation - Specifies that all expenses incurred implementing the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 shall be treated as an expense of the Panama Canal Commission. Prohibits payments to Panama out of U.S. Treasury revenues. Requires the Panama Canal Company to pay its cash assets to the U.S. Treasury to be applied against its debt. Directs the Commission to continue repaying its debt to the United States. Amends the Panama Canal Code to require the Commission to pay: (1) all canal operating revenues to the U.S. Treasury; and (2) the payments required under the Treaty to Panama only with express congressional authorization. Directs the General Accounting Office to monitor all costs incurred by the Commission and report annually to Congress on the differences in costs to the U.S. taxpayer. Prohibits unless expressly authorized by Congress: (1) the use of U.S. funds to implement the Treaty; (2) the transfer of U.S. property in the Canal Zone to Panama; and (3) the cessation of the Panama Canal Company and the Canal Zone Government.
![Official portrait of Rep. Carney, William [R-NY-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000165_200.jpg)