United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the first concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 reported by the Committee on the Budget shall limit budget outlays to 21 percent of the gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to limit the sum of all severance taxes or fees, for any fiscal year, levied upon or collected from any taxpayer by a State or any political subdivision thereof on coal destined for shipment in interstate commerce for use in any powerplant or major fuel-burning installation or on any improvements or other rights, property, or assets produced, owned, or used in connection with the production of such coal. States that such tax shall not exceed a total of 12 1/2 percent of the value of such coal produced during a fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1980
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named individual in full satisfaction of his claims against the United States relating to his arrest and prosecution which resulted in a directed verdict for such individual.
United States · United States Congress · 12 February 1980
Rental Construction Incentive Tax Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt low-income housing and qualified rental housing construction from the amortization requirements applicable to real property construction period interest and taxes. Defines "qualified rental housing" as housing which is subject to a 30 year covenant binding its owners to maintain such property as residential rental property and which is located in an area having an average vacancy rate for rental housing of less than five percent in the year prior to such rental housing construction. Requires qualified rental housing which contains more than three dwelling units to provide for at least 30 percent occupancy by families of low or moderate income and to limit to 30 percent the number of childless individuals occupying such rental housing. Reduces the required amortization period for construction period interest and taxes with respect to qualified residential rental property (property in areas with a less than five percent vacancy rate) from ten to three years. Permits straight line depreciation, based on a ten-year period, for residential rental property. Qualifies low and moderate income rental housing for preferential tax treatment of recaptured depreciation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980
Campaign Contributions Utilization Reform Act of 1980 - Permits a candidate for Federal office or a person holding Federal office to transfer contributed funds to any political party committee. Prohibits the personal use of such funds. Prohibits a person holding office from using such funds to defray office expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Surface Transportation Act of 1980 - Title I - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Interstate System for fiscal year 1983; (2) highways for fiscal years 1981 and 1982; (3) the bridge program for fiscal year 1982; and (4) Interstate System resurfacing for fiscal years 1982 and 1983, subject to conditions placed upon the apportionment of funds. Makes the Federal share of the costs of completing a disapproved route of the Interstate System within an urbanized area available for bus-related and fixed rail facilities which are eligible for grants under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964. Sets forth the costs the Secretary of Transportation must include in making the revised estimate of the cost of completing the then designated Interstate System. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any project whose costs are not eligible for inclusion in such revised estimate. Mandates that each State receive not less than one-half of one percent of the total apportionment for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating the Interstate System in any fiscal year after 1982. Alters the percent of the ratio of lane miles used and vehicle miles traveled for apportionment purposes after fiscal year 1982. Eliminates the requirement that a State obligate all funds apportioned to it for any of specified Federal-aid systems before applying to the Secretary for the Federal share of such costs when additional funds have been apportioned to such State. Permits the Secretary to approve projects for reconstruction of lanes in use for more than five years on the Interstate System. Permits the Secretary to approve projects for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating lanes in use for more than five years which are on toll roads and are subject to a Secretarial agreement after fiscal year 1982. Eliminates the five year use restriction for nontoll roads after fiscal year 1980. Increases the percent of the Federal share payable to the States for Interstate System resurfacing to at least 90 percent of the costs. Authorizes appropriations for the repair or reconstruction of highways and roads damaged as a result of disaster or catastrophe. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for energy conservation projects on nontoll public roads to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate traffic flow on a Federal-aid system. Makes the Federal share of the cost of such projects 90 percent. Sets forth the formula for apportionment. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for such projects. Requires a State to maintain any project constructed under the Federal-aid Highway Act even after such project no longer constitutes a part of a Federal-aid system. Directs the Secretary to make apportionments for the replacement or rehabilitation of unsafe bridges in each State based upon the Federal share of the estimated cost as determined by the Secretary for fiscal years 1982 and 1983. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants: (1) to reconstruct, resurface, restore, and rehabilitate nontoll public roads which have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of transportation activities to meet the national energy requirements; and (2) for transportation projects which will alleviate the environmental, social, and economic impact of increased train traffic to meet such requirements in communities located along specified rail corridors. Makes the Federal share of the costs of any such project 80 percent. Directs the Secretary to establish a formula for apportionment of such funds. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Requires each State in fiscal year 1982 to utilize at least 30 percent of the apportioned funds for projects for the construction of routes on the Interstate System which are not open to traffic. Permits exemptions as specified. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for safer off-system roads for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Sets aside specified amounts of the sums authorized in fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for obligation by the Secretary for projects of unusually high cost or long duration. Requires that specified apportionments received by the States in fiscal year 1983 not be less than the amount received in the previous fiscal year. Establishes limits of the total of all obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Title II - Federal Public Transportation Act of 1980 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations for discretionary grants or loans for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Establishes a ceiling on the amount of such authorizations which may be made available for grants and loans for new rail transportation systems, rail extensions, and automated fixed guideways. Requires that not less than five percent of such funds be obligated for projects in areas having populations of less than 200,000 after fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for grants for research and training in urban transportation problems for fiscal years 1982 through 1985; (2) for formula grant programs for fiscal years 1982 through 1985; (3) for administrative and other expenses for fiscal years 1982 through 1985; (4) for urban mass transit grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1985; (5) for terminal development for fiscal years 1982 through 1985; and (6) for intercity bus service for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Makes any person presenting a medicare card entitled to receive special rates established for the elderly or handicapped when paying mass transit fares. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate committees of Congress at least 30 days in advance of issuing a letter of intent to fund a project. Requires the Secretary to provide financial assistance through grants to the States and local bodies for the continuation through fiscal year 1983 of specified rail passenger service. Sets forth the Federal share of the operating costs of such rail passenger service. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1983. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project using high-speed waterborne transportation equipment and facilities and operating in and in the vicinity of Portland, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to report the results of such projects to Congress by the end of fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1980
Medical Expense Protection Act - Title I: Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan - Adds a new title to the Social Security Act, Title XXI - Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan. Establishes a voluntary insurance plan to provide automatic protection to families against catastrophic medical expenses, the Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan (CAPP), to be funded by general revenues and coinsurance amounts. Provides that a family will be eligible for CAPP assistance for CAPP covered expenses after members of the family incur medical expenses equal to the deductible. Stipulates that eligibility is contingent upon the payment of specified coinsurance amounts. Provides that the deductible and coinsurance amounts shall be equal to approximately 10 to 20 percent of family income, graduated according to income. Provides that there shall be no coinsurance payments after a family has incurred expenses equal to the "CAPP stop-loss". Provides that the CAPP stop-loss for any year shall be equal to approximately 10 to 25 percent of family income, again graduated according to income. Sets forth provisions relating to applications for assistance under this Act. Requires any family filing for assistance under this Act to file an income statement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Permits civil penalties to be imposed for submission of an intentionally false statement. Provides that payments shall be made for 100 percent of covered CAPP medical expenses and services except that in the case of prescription drugs for chronic illness the payment rate shall be 75 percent. Provides that there shall be no coinsurance for such drugs. Provides that payments with respect to CAPP covered services which are described in title XVIII (Medicare) of the Act shall be made to providers, with specified exceptions, in the amount and in accordance with the procedures set forth in such title. Establishes the Catastrophic Automatic Protection Plan Trust Fund in the United States Treasury. Appropriates to the fund, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, amounts necessary to make CAPP payments. Creates a Board of Trustees to hold the Fund, report to Congress concerning the Fund, and review policies allowed in managing the Fund. Directs the Secretary to provide for a listing of drug entities which may be legally introduced into interstate commerce with specified therapeutic categories. Provides that any individual dissatisfied with any determination relating to the individual's eligibility for or amount of CAPP benefits shall be entitled to a hearing concerning such determination and to judicial review of the Secretary's final decision. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act, including "CAPP covered services" which is defined as services furnished to an individual to the extent payment for such service may be made under the Medicare program, except that under CAPP: (1) inpatient psychiatric services shall be covered for 45 days in a calendar year; (2) items and services related to pregnancy, delivery, and care of a child through the first year are covered; (3) immunizations against serious communicable diseases are covered; and (4) prescription drugs for "chronic illness" are covered for an individual entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare. Directs the Secretary to provide for an evaluation, by an entity outside the Department of Health and Human Services, of the implementation of this Act during its first five years and to report to Congress on the evaluation. Title II: Employer Health Plans - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income, subject to stated conditions, amounts received by an employee through an accident or health plan towards which the employer contributed, only if the plan is a qualified plan. Subjects such exclusion to certain conditions, including: (1) the employer must make a contribution equal to at least 50 percent of the premium for the least expensive qualified plan; (2) requiring the employer to pay the employee a monthly rebate if the employee is offered more than one qualified plan and the employer contribution for the plan the employee selects would be greater than the premium of a low option plan, or the employee elects to participate in no qualified plan and is otherwise covered by a qualified plan; and (3) that the employer contribution for any employee for a family plan shall not exceed $120 per month. Defines terms including, among others, "qualified health plan." Defines such plan as a plan of an employer providing medical care for employees and their families which the Secretary certifies as meeting certain requirements, including the provision of CAPP covered services after the employee has incurred out-of-pocket expenses in excess of $2,500. Prohibits an income tax deduction for contributions by an employer to a health plan for compensation to his or her employees for sickness, unless the employer offers a qualified plan. Limits the income tax deduction for medical and dental expenses to an individual: (1) who is blind or disabled as determined under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Act or is receiving Medicare benefits because of end-stage renal disease; or (2) for care while a resident of a long-term care facility or of an institution for the care, rehabilitation or training of the physically or mentally handicapped. Provides for a deduction, not to exceed $250, for one-half of the premiums for a qualified health plan. Title III: Medicare Amendments - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the time limitation on inpatient hospital care. Makes individuals entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII of the Act eligible for certain benefits under CAPP. Eliminates coinsurance under part A. Provides that any charge for any service or procedure performed by a doctor shall be reasonable if: (1) the service or procedure is performed in a designated physician shortage area; (2) the physician has a regular practice in the shortage area; (3) the charge does not exceed the prevailing charge level as otherwise determined; and (4) the charge does not exceed the amount generally charged by such physician for similar services. Permits entities utilized for administering the Medicare program to be utilized for administering CAPP. Title IV: Studies and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide for studies of, and demonstration projects with respect to, the desirability and feasibility of adding a long-term care program into the Medicare program or CAPP and to report to Congress the results of the studies and projects; (2) to conduct a study of the feasibility of, and options with respect to, consolidating title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act into CAPP or other programs and to report to Congress concerning such study; and (3) to conduct a study of the feasibility of promoting better efficiency and effectiveness in the Medicare and Medicaid programs by permitting those eligible under such programs the option of receiving benefits through competitive private plans to report to Congress concerning such study. Requires the Secretary to reduce Medicaid payments to a State if the State reduces the number of categories of individuals eligible for benefits or the amount of benefits provided under: (1) title V (Maternal and Child Health), XIX, or XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Act; or (2) any program providing benefits similar to those under title XXI, and such reduction results in an increase in the amount of payments that would otherwise be made under such title. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to consider it an unfair trade practice for any entity to advertise that any amounts paid to an individual represents reimbursement for the deductible under CAPP.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the income tax deduction for charitable contributions to private foundations shall be the same as the deduction allowed for contributions to public charities (50 percent of taxpayer adjusted gross income). Eliminates distinctions between public charities and private foundations for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Exempts grants made to charitable organizations by a private foundation from the excise tax penalties on private foundation taxable expenditures, if the foundation making the grant has not made grants to the organization in excess of $15,000 during the calendar year. Permits the abatement of excise tax penalties imposed on private foundations if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the activity giving rise to the tax penalty was due to reasonable cause and not to intentional disregard of rules and regulations, and was corrected within the specified time period for corrections. Redefines "members of family" for purposes of identifying disqualified persons under the private foundation self- dealing rules, to include the individual's spouse, ancestors, and children, and the spouses of the individual's children. Limits the amount of private foundation income which is required to be distributed for a taxable year to the amount of the minimum investment return, as defined under the private foundation excise tax penalty rules, (currently, the greater of minimum investment return or adjusted net income). Classifies expenses for the production of gross investment income or for the management of investment property as qualifying distributions for purposes of requirements relating to the distribution of private foundation distributable income. Excludes capital gain income from the computation of net investment income for purposes of computing the two percent tax on the investment income of private foundations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) national energy policy generally; (2) measures relating to the production, supply, marketing, pricing, regulation, or conservation of energy resources, except on the public lands; (3) the transmission and marketing of all electrical energy, except by or through federally chartered regional or national power authorities and for rural electrification; and (4) all interstate energy compacts, except on the public lands. Specifies that such committee shall have the same jurisdiction with respect to regulation of nuclear facilities and use of nuclear energy as it has with respect to regulation of nonnuclear facilities and of use of nonnuclear energy.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) national energy policy generally; (2) measures relating to the production, supply, marketing, pricing, regulation, or conservation of energy resources, except on the public lands; (3) the transmission and marketing of all electrical energy, except by or through federally chartered regional or national power authorities and for rural electrification; and (4) all interstate energy compacts, except on the public lands. Specifies that such committee shall have the same jurisdiction with respect to regulation of nuclear facilities and use of nuclear energy as it has with respect to regulation of nonnuclear facilities and of use of nonnuclear energy.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Urges the President to: (1) notify the Soviet Union that the United States will terminate the Agreement on Maritime Matters, unless Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan; and (2) refuse the Soviets permission to enter U.S. ports, until such troops are withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Intelligence Reform Act of 1980 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "special activity" to mean activity conducted abroad to further official United States programs and policies which is planned and executed so that the role of the Government is not apparent or acknowledged publicly, but excluding diplomatic activity and the collection of intelligence or related support functions. Prohibits the expenditure of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for a special activity unless: (1) the President finds that the activity is important to the national security and reports such activity to the congressional select intelligence committees (current law requires such reporting to the "appropriate" congressional committees); or (2) the National Security Council (NSC) determines that the activity does not involve substantial resources or risks and falls within a category of special activities which (A) have been found by the President to be important to the national security, and (B) have been reported to the congressional select intelligence committees. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to exempt information in files maintained by an intelligence agency or component of the Government from the provisions of any law requiring publication or disclosure, if such files have been specifically designated by the Director of Central Intelligence to be concerned with: (1) scientific or technical systems for the collection of foreign intelligence; (2) special activities and foreign intelligence operations; (3) investigations to determine the suitability of potential foreign intelligence sources; and (4) intelligence liaison arrangements with foreign governments. Requires requests by U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens for information concerning themselves to be processed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to add a new title V, "Protection of Certain National Security Information." Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for anyone who, having had authorized access to classified information, intentionally discloses to any individual not authorized to receive classified information any information that identifies an individual as an employee of an intelligence agency or as an agent, informant, or source of assistance to an intelligence agency, where the actor knows or has reason to know that the information so identifies such individual and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such individual's intelligence relationship to the U.S. Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of one year imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for anyone who with intent to impair the foreign intelligence activities of the U.S. discloses such information with such knowledge. Makes it a defense to such crimes that before the commission of the offense the United States had publicly acknowledged or revealed the intelligence relationship of the individual to the United States Stipulates that it shall not be an offense to transmit such information directly to the congressional intelligence committees. Defines "intelligence agency" for the purposes of such offenses to mean the CIA, any intelligence component of the Department of Defense, and any foreign intelligence component of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Intelligence Reform Act of 1980 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "special activity" to mean activity conducted abroad to further official United States programs and policies which is planned and executed so that the role of the Government is not apparent or acknowledged publicly, but excluding diplomatic activity and the collection of intelligence or related support functions. Prohibits the expenditure of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for a special activity unless: (1) the President finds that the activity is important to the national security and reports such activity to the congressional select intelligence committees (current law requires such reporting to the "appropriate" congressional committees); or (2) the National Security Council (NSC) determines that the activity does not involve substantial resources or risks and falls within a category of special activities which (A) have been found by the President to be important to the national security, and (B) have been reported to the congressional select intelligence committees. Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to exempt information in files maintained by an intelligence agency or component of the Government from the provisions of any law requiring publication or disclosure, if such files have been specifically designated by the Director of Central Intelligence to be concerned with: (1) scientific or technical systems for the collection of foreign intelligence; (2) special activities and foreign intelligence operations; (3) investigations to determine the suitability of potential foreign intelligence sources; and (4) intelligence liaison arrangements with foreign governments. Requires requests by U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens for information concerning themselves to be processed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to add a new title I, "Protection of Certain National Security Information." Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for anyone who, having had authorized access to classified information, intentionally discloses to any individual not authorized to receive classified information any information that identifies an individual as an employee of an intelligence agency or as an agent, informant, or source to know that the information so identifies such individual and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such individual's intelligence relationship to the U.S. Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of one year imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for anyone who with intent to impair the foreign intelligence activities of the U.S. discloses such information with such knowledge. Makes it a defense to such crimes that before the commission of the offense the United States had publicly acknowledged or revealed the intelligence relationship of the individual to the United States. Stipulates that it shall not be an offense to transmit such information directly to the congressional intelligence committees. Defines "intelligence agency" for the purposes of such offenses to mean the CIA and any intelligence component of the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit "special activity" (as defined by this Act) abroad unless the President determines such activity to be important to national security, and reports to the House and Senate select intelligence committees regarding such activity. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to operations pursuant to a declaration of war, or under authority of the War Powers Resolution. Repeals a provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 requiring the President to report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding expenditures for Central Intelligence Agency operations.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States should immediately initiate an accelerated production and deployment of cruise missile carrying B-1 bombers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Amplitude Modulated Broadcast Station Experiment Act of 1979 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission, within six months after the date of enactment of this Act, to conduct an experiment and study of the feasibility of establishing extended broadcasting hours of operation for amplitude modulated broadcast radio stations which have station licenses. Requires the Commission to report the results of such experiment and study to the Congress within two years of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Extends from February 1, 1980, until April 1, 1980, the filing date of the final report on the House Select Committee on Committees. Terminates such committee 30 days after the filing of such report with the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Transportation Systems Efficiency Act of 1979 - Title I: - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to stipulate that the authorization of funds for public mass transportation projects under such Act shall remain available for obligation for the three fiscal years after the fiscal year for which the authorization was made. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for energy conservation projects on nontoll public roads to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate traffic flow on a Federal-aid system highway. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1990 out of the Public Transportation Trust Fund (as established by title III of this Act) for projects under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and for public mass transportation projects substituted for Interstate Highway System projects. Title II: - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to apportion funds for the repair of public roads which have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of transportation activities to meet national energy requirements and which will continue to incur such use. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1990 for such purpose out of the Highway Trust Fund and out of the Energy Trust Fund (as established by H.R. 3919 of the 96th Congress or its equivalent). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to separate rail highway crossings where there is a substantial increase in the use of rail facilities in transporting coal to meet national energy requirements and where the continued use of such facilities will result in substantial delays of highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for fiscal years 1980 through 1990 out of the Highway Trust Fund and the Energy Trust Fund. Title III: Public Transportation Trust Fund - Establishes within the Treasury of the United States the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund 25 percent of the amounts received by the Treasury pursuant to the windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil. Stipulates that the proceeds of such Fund shall be used for making capital expenditures for public transportation projects or transportation systems projects under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 or under title 23 (Highways) of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax effect known as the marriage penalty by permitting the deduction, without regard to whether deductions are itemized, of ten percent of the earned income of the spouse whose earned income is lower than that of the other spouse. Limits such tax deduction to $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the people of the United States should observe December 23, 1979, as a national day of prayer and meditation for the hostages in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers an income tax credit for all ordinary and necessary expenses which such taxpayers incur in connection with an audit or a final judicial determination of their tax liability, if such audit or determination establishes that there is no tax deficiency. Disallows an income tax deduction for any audit expenses for which a credit is claimed under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Authorizes the President to impose higher or additional duties on the products of any country which is not cooperating with the United States in its diplomatic or economic initiatives to terminate the unlawful actions of other foreign governments regarding U.S. citizens assigned to a U.S. diplomatic mission.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Title I: Limitation on Future Growth of Federal Spending and Tax Expenditures - Federal Spending and Tax Expenditure Control Act of 1979 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit the adoption of any concurrent resolution on the budget which sets forth a level of total budget outlays and total tax expenditures in excess of 28.5 percent of the gross national product in fiscal year 1981, 28 percent of the gross national product in fiscal year 1982, or 27.5 percent of the gross national product in any fiscal year thereafter. Establishes procedures to enable the President and the Congress to suspend such limitations on budget outlays and tax expenditures. Title II: Federal Credit Program Control - Federal Credit Program Control Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide a basis for controlling loans and loan guarantees under Federal credit programs through the congressional budget process. Requires the first concurrent resolution on the budget for each fiscal year to set forth the appropriate level of total gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans and the appropriate level of total commitments to guarantee loans and to allocate such totals among the major functional categories of the budget. Directs each standing committee of the House and Senate to submit its estimates of direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments provided for in legislation under its jurisdiction by March 15 of each year for consideration of the Budget Committees in formulating the budget resolution. Directs the House and Senate Banking Committees to submit recommendations to the Budget Committees for the aggregate levels of direct loans and loan guarantees in each fiscal year. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying a conference report on the concurrent resolution on the budget to include an estimated allocation of the total levels of direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments among the committees of the House and Senate. Directs the Committees on Appropriations to provide such an allocation among their subcommittees as soon as practicable after a budget resolution has been agreed to. Requires the House Committee on Appropriations, before reporting any regular appropriations bills, to submit a summary report to the House comparing the credit authority contained in such bills to the levels agreed to in the budget resolution. Requires any report accompanying legislation conferring new budget authority or increasing tax expenditures to include information on direct loan obligations and loan guarantee commitments. Establishes a deadline for the completion of action on legislation providing credit authority. Requires the second concurrent resolution on the budget in any fiscal year and the reconciliation process to take into account Federal obligations and commitments on loans and loan guarantees. Declares out of order any measure brought up for consideration in either House which would increase the level of loan obligations and guarantee commitments agreed to in the budget process. Requires any authority to guarantee the payment of any indebtedness to be contingent on provisions in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Title I: - Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to extend the current reporting requirement to include persons "attempting" to transport monetary instruments into or from the United States. Title II: Authorizes any customs officer who has reasonable cause to suspect that monetary instruments are being transported for which a report is required to search, without a search warrant, any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, envelope or other container, or person entering or departing from the United States. Title III: - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a reward to any individual providing original information which leads to a recovery of at least $50,000 by way of a criminal fine, civil penalty, or forfeiture for a violation of such Act. Makes ineligible for such payment any Federal, State, or local employee who furnishes information in the performance of official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Amends the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a reward to any individual providing original information which leads to recovery of at least $50,000 by way of a criminal fine, civil penalty, or forfeiture for a violation of such Act. Makes ineligible for such payment any Federal, State, or local employee who furnishes information in the performance of official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to provide general notice of, and an opportunity for public participation in, rulemaking proceedings concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe-Rhodesia upon the appointment and arrival of a British Governor in Salisbury.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish and actively pursue a national energy plan that emphasizes and demands the use of domestic coal as a means of displacing current foreign energy imports. Declares that the President should establish a task force to examine modifications in the implementation of the Clean Air Act that could increase coal use without violating national ambient air quality standards. States that the President should submit to Congress within 60 days a plan which will achieve the goals of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Sunset Review Act of 1979 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office, before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires, after a determination that all programs and tax expenditures are accurately classified, that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Directs the General Accounting Office to maintain and publish a supplement to the inventory. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on or before March 1 in the first session of each Congress beginning with the 98th Congress, to develop, adopt, and submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committees on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction or in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Requires the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for adoption. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report setting forth the committee's findings, recommendations, and justifications. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to give assistance to the appropriate Congressional committees. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any legislative committee to review programs or tax expenditures within its jurisdiction and to report legislation modifying, continuing, or terminating such programs or expenditures at such times and in such manner as it deems appropriate. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include the acquisition of band instruments for the use of children and teachers in elementary and secondary schools for such uses as the school administration considers desirable among those purposes for which the Commissioner of Education is directed to carry out a program of making grants to States for libraries and learning resources.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1979
Appropriates sums necessary to continue any Federal purpose or function which is not funded on the first day of any fiscal year if such purpose or function was funded during the previous fiscal year. Stipulates that the level of funding may not exceed that applicable on the last day of the previous fiscal year. Declares that such continuing appropriations shall remain available for one fiscal year or: (1) the enactment of an appropriation for such purpose or function; or (2) the enactment of a general appropriation for the applicable department or agency without providing for such purpose or function. Makes such continuing appropriations available without regard to certain time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments required by law. States that while such continuing appropriations are available they shall cover all expenditures related to such purpose or function. Charges expenditures made under this Act to the applicable fund or authorization once legislation is enacted providing such an account.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Youth Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to permit employers, without prior certification by the Secretary of Labor, to pay 85 percent of the minimum wage: (1) to youths under age 20, for a 365-day period; and (2) to full-time students, with proof of enrollment at an institute of higher education, for part-time work up to 20 hours per week or full-time work during vacation periods. Directs the Secretary to insure against specified violations of requirements for such special minimum wages for youths and students. Makes employers liable for unpaid wages and overtime compensation for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 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 the Baltic States 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 October 1979
Rural Cooperative Business Income Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received by a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company for services to customers or rural telephone or electric companies, and income received from the rental or sale of communications or power facilities, shall not be subject to the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
National Product Liability Act - Permits product liability actions, with specified exceptions, only during the period during which the defendant expressly warranted such product or whichever of the following periods first expires: (1) the earlier of any ten-year period beginning on the date of the first sale, lease, or delivery of possession of any product unit alleged to have harmed the plaintiff by any seller to any buyer or to any initial user or consumer; or (2) the period of limitation prescribed by State law. Specifies that a product liability action shall not be barred or limited by this Act if the action is: (1) for personal injury, death, or property damage claimed to have resulted from the defendant having either (a) breached an express contractual, statutory duty to take action for safety reasons regarding the product unit or (b) modified the product unit subsequent to the date of first sale, lease, or delivery of possession which introduced a hazard not previously existing; (2) brought against a seller who (a) owes any such duty or (b) makes, authorizes, or furnishes materials for the accomplishment of any such modification or (c) furnishes inadequate specifications, instructions, or warnings for the accomplishment of any such modification; and (3) commenced within which ever of the following first expires (a) the ten-year period beginning on the date such duty arose or such modification was made or (b) the period of limitation prescribed by State law. Sets forth standards for determining liability for product formula or design. Requires the plaintiff to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that such formula or design was the immediate, physical, and producing cause of the damage or injury and that an alternative formula or design, meeting specified requirements, was available at the time of manufacture and would have avoided or reduced the injury or damage. Declares that a defendant shall not be liable for that portion of the personal injury, death, or property damage which could have been reduced or avoided by additional safety or protective devices or substances, if the defendant proves specified conditions by a preponderance of the evidence. Declares that the defendant shall not be liable if the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the product formula or design complied with mandatory Federal standards or regulations applicable at the time of manufacture and directly pertained to the alleged hazard. Specifies that such standards shall not apply to product liability actions based upon breaches of express warranty, express contract, or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Sets forth standards of product liability for failure to specify, instruct, or warn of hazards. Requires the plaintiff to prove specified conditions by a preponderance of the evidence in such actions which vary depending on whether the defendant is a seller, a manufacturer or a party other than the manufacturer. Declares not liable a defendant who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that injury, death, or damage: (1) resulted from a modification made in the product by someone other than the defendant and other than in accordance with the defendant's express specifications or express consent; or (2) caused by specified forms of misuse of the product by any person other than the defendant. Sets forth conditions for strict liability of nonmanufacturing sellers. Requires the plaintiff to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a nonmanufacturing seller: (1) exercised significant control over the product's characteristics, function, design, specifications, instructions, or warnings; or (2) had actual knowledge of the particular defect which caused the alleged injury or damage. Allows defendants to notify third persons answerable in product liability actions. Makes binding any such notice which states that third persons must come in and defend or be bound by determinations of fact in that suit in actions against them by the notifier. Permits nonmanufacturing sellers to joint as a third party defendant the manufacturer of the product claimed to have caused the injury who is or may be liable with or to the nonmanufacturing seller. Declares that this Act shall be construed as an Act of limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Lacey Act Amendments of 1979 - Prohibits any person from: (1) transporting, selling, or acquiring in any jurisdiction any fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law governing such jurisdiction; (2) making any false document concerning any fish or wildlife transported in interstate or foreign commerce; (3) assaulting or impeding any person enforcing this Act; or (4) attempting or causing any such offense: Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act and the administrative procedure regarding the assessment of civil penalties. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to suspend, modify, or cancel any Federal license or permit for hunting, fishing, importing, or exporting fish or wildlife, or operating a quarantine station for imported wildlife issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of this Act. Declares that all fish or wildlife transported, sold, or acquired in violation of this Act and all vehicles and equipment used in such offense shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to: (1) carry firearms; (2) make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds; (3) execute and serve warrants; (4) detain and inspect any vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States or U.S. waters; (5) inspect and demand documents relating to such a package; and (6) hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States for actions arising pursuant to enforcement of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, and Commerce to pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to criminal conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property for a violation of this Act. Subjects all fish or wildlife transported into a State for use in such State to laws governing fish or wildlife produced in such States. Permits States to make and enforce laws which are consistent with this Act. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law concerning commerce in fish and wildlife.
![Official portrait of Rep. Cleveland, James C. [R-NH-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000512_200.jpg)