United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to increase the income ceiling for a family's eligibility for energy conservation loans from 100 percent of the median income in an area to 150 percent of such median income.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest loans available under the Small Business Act until October 1, 1982, for the relief of small business concerns affected by disasters occurring on or after October 1, 1978. Provides loans bearing interest at three percent for amounts not exceeding $55,000, for the repair or replacement of a principal residence or personal property. Makes the following disaster loans available under the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) loans bearing interest at three percent on amounts for the repair or replacement of property damaged or destroyed if the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; and (2) loans bearing interest at the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus not to exceed one percent if the applicant is able to obtain credit elsewhere. Stipulates that the total amount outstanding and committed to any one borrower shall not exceed $500,000. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State- chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Makes such sums as are appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean, a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Medical Expense Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for medical expenses incurred by a taxpayer or his dependents, in lieu of the income tax deduction presently allowed by law. Establishes the amount of such credit at 85 percent of the medical care expenses paid by the taxpayer to the extent that such expenses exceed 15 percent of the taxpayer's modified gross income and do not exceed 25 percent of such income, and 100 percent of such expenses to the extent that they exceed 25 percent of the taxpayer's modified gross income. Defines "medical care" as usual, customary and reasonable amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, for transportation to medical care, for domiciliary and intermediate care facilities, and health care insurance. Repeals the income tax deduction for medical and dental expenses. Provides for the advance payment of the medical care expenses credit to a taxpayer who reasonably anticipates medical expenses in excess of the income levels established by this Act. Authorizes the President to study the adequacy of the use of such refundable credit in meeting the health care needs of the Nation as an alternative to all Federal medical assistance and health care programs.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Open House Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) direct each standing committee to establish a subcommittee on oversight; (2) direct standing committees to develop an oversight agenda and timetable; (3) direct representatives of the membership of the Committee on Government Operations to meet with majority and minority Members of each House committee to coordinate all of the oversight activities of the House; (4) require the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to file a written report containing its findings and recommendations for action on each investigation it undertakes; (5) allow the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to undertake investigations by direction of the House on adoption of a resolution; (6) limit the number of subcommittees that may be established by standing committees to at least four but no more than six (excluding the Committee on Appropriations); (7) require the maintenance of complete public records of all committee action; (8) prohibit proxy votes in committees and subcommittees; (9) provide for open committee meetings unless such meetings are closed by a rollcall vote of a majority of committee Members; (10) permit any committee Member to demand a rollcall vote on any question in committee; (11) require an affirmative rollcall vote of a majority of committee Members to report a measure or recommendation to the House; and (12) require the maintenance of complete public records of all conference committee actions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Repeals the requirement under part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, home health agencies, health maintenance organizations, and other types of health services facilities and organizations to which payment may be made under the Social Security Act to report: (1) the aggregate cost of operation and the aggregate volume of services; (2) the costs and volume of services for various functional accounts and subaccounts; (3) rates, by category of patient and class of purchaser; (4) capital assets; and (5) discharge and bill data.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Controlled Substances Sentencing Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to establish mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for the commission of certain offenses currently prohibited under such Acts. Increases such minimum terms if the defendant had been convicted previously of a felony. Authorizes a court to sentence an individual to a shorter term of imprisonment or parole ineligibility upon a finding of specified mitigating circumstances. Stipulates that the imposition or execution of a sentence under such Act: (1) may not include probation; (2) may not be suspended; (3) may not run concurrently; and (4) may not come under the provisions of the Federal Youth Corrections Act. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that a separate sentencing hearing be conducted when an individual is convicted of an offense for which a mandatory term of imprisonment is authorized under this Act. Directs a judicial officer, in setting the conditions of release pending trial, to consider whether a person charged with an offense under title I of this Act poses a threat to the community or will commit similar offenses. Authorizes such judicial officer to deny pretrial release to such individual upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence of specified aggravating circumstances in a separate hearing. Sets forth due process requirements for such hearings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Soviet Union should: (1) permit emigration from the Soviet Union; (2) remove restrictions on religious and cultural practices; and (3) stop harassing individuals who wish to leave or practice their religion.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals or married couples a $7,500 exclusion from gross income for any amount received as an annuity, pension, or other retirement benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Federal law designating the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Pennsylvania, to authorize appropriations (1) for renovating such Memorial during fiscal year 1980 and (2) as necessary after fiscal year 1980 for maintaining such Memorial.
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 · 4 April 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow certain aliens applying as immigrants to be given preference visas as children of United States citizens provided such an alien: (1) requests such treatment; (2) was born after 1950 in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand; (3) was fathered by an American serviceman; and (4) provides a guarantee of financial support. Stipulates that such guarantee must: (1) be signed by a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who is at least 21 years old; and (2) provide that such signing sponsor will provide necessary financial support for five years. Allows the Attorney General to enforce such guarantee against the sponsor in a civil suit unless such sponsor dies or is adjudicated bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Urges (1) the International Whaling Commission to adopt a moratorium on the commercial killing of whales and (2) various countries to comply with such moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of social security taxation. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or if he does, such place of business is not provided, or provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for service performed by an individual who qualifies as an independent contractor under the standards established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Export Administration Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to make the Secretary of Defense responsible for identifying technologies and goods which shall be controlled for national security purposes. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Technology Export to assist the Secretary. Directs the President to issue rules and regulations limiting the export of critical technologies and goods and significant technologies and goods. Prohibits the President from restricting the export of significant technologies or goods which are available from foreign sources. Directs the President to negotiate with foreign countries to eliminate the availability for export of technologies and goods detrimental to U.S. national security. Prohibits the President from modifying the Secretary's classification of technologies and goods and findings as to availability unless (1) the President submits a national security impact statement to Congress and (2) Congress does not disapprove. Requires the appropriate Federal agency to submit national security impact statements upon the request of Congress. Provides for the appointment of technical advisory committees by the Secretary of Defense (instead of the Secretary of Commerce).
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Homeownership Opportunity Act of 1979 - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure a graduated payment mortgage with a principal amount of up to 100 percent of the appraised value of the property involved.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to specify those surgical procedures which can be safely and appropriately performed either in a hospital on an inpatient basis or on an ambulatory basis: (1) in a physician's office; or (2) in an ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Authorizes payment under the Medicare program for those ambulatory procedures not performed in a hospital. Directs the Secretary to establish with respect to each such surgical procedure an amount which is payable either to: (1) the physician for the excess costs in outfitting the physician's office to perform such procedures; or (2) the ambulatory surgical center for its services furnished in connection with such procedures. Stipulates that such amounts will be payable only upon assurances that the performance of such procedures will cost substantially less than the cost of performing such procedures on an inpatient basis in a hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to study and recommend to Congress within three years the extent of non-Federal cooperation that should be required for providing retaining works for dredged materials at water resources development projects. Stipulates that payment for such works shall be a Federal responsibility pending congressional action, unless existing law requires such payment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Establishes a Federal-State program to permit teachers to perform out-of-State educational service without loss of retirement benefits for such service. Entitles a qualified State retirement system which credits a teacher for out-of-State service, to Federal aid of 50 percent of the total cost to the system of such out-of-State credit. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet in order to qualify for Federal aid under this program. Limits the amount of the Federal aid to a State retirement system to provide not more than ten years of out-of-State service credit. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make a grant to each qualified State retirement system of an amount equal to two percent of such system's Federal aid received under this Act for the costs of administration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that a consumer or retailer who files an appropriate action in State or Federal court shall be entitled to collect from a retailer or distributor who wrongly withholds prompt payment of the refund value of a beverage container under the provisions of this Act: (1) the amount of the refund value; (2) the amount of any damages resulting in failure to make payment; (3) court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; and (4) $10.00 for each beverage container for which the retailer or distributor failed to make payment. Imposes civil fines on such retailer or distributor who fails to make payment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor and report to Congress on: (1) the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers; (2) any additional net costs incurred by retailers as a result of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress annually on: (1) the impact of this Act on conservation, recycling of waste products, and the economy; and (2) the potential role of refundable beverage container redemption centers. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance and information to States, distributors, retailers, consumers, and to manufacturers of beverage containers as necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Elephant Protection Act of 1979 - Directs the President to propose to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species that all trade in elephant products be suspended until large and healthy elephant populations have been reestablished and are biologically stable. Prohibits the importation into or exportation from the United States of elephant products. Prohibits the possession, transportation, or sale of such products. Provides for administration of this Act by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for scientific purposes or to enhance elephant propagation. Prescribes the conditions for granting of such permits. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Preempts any incompatible State laws.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Prohibits any electric or gas utility from imposing any rate (including any charge or surcharge) on any residential consumer which is higher than the rate imposed on any other residential consumer because of the use of energy conservation or alternative energy sources. Exempts from such prohibition differences in rates charged based upon differences in the cost of service between residences which use electric energy and residences which use natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to designate motor vehicles operated by an owner or a nonowner accompanied by an owner as an exempted category under such Act. Prohibits any driver of a motor vehicle coming under such exemption to charge less than the lowest rate, fare or charge specified in tariffs or schedules on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission for identical or similar commodities between identical or similar points.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over; (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to examine the use of the AM radio broadcasting band and to assign such spectrum and distribute licenses so as to ensure that each community, regardless of size, is provided with the maximum local full-time radio broadcasting service.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Act to Combat International Terrorism - Directs the President to report biannually to Congress regarding acts of international terrorism and to submit lists of countries supporting international terrorism. Specifies the sanctions to be imposed against such countries, which includes: (1) no foreign assistance other than disaster assistance; (2) no sales of defense articles or services; and (3) denying export licenses for defense articles or services or for goods with potential military application, if the President determines such denial would reduce the support of the particular country for terrorist actions. Permits the President to suspend application of such sanctions in the interests of national security after consulting with the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes the President to exercise other sanctions, including the suspension of air services between the United States and the country supporting terrorist activities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to restrict operations at those foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to a standard level of effectiveness. Requires the Federal Aviation Administration Administrator to include in the Administrator's report to Congress assessments of the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical aviation assistance to foreign governments. Amends the provisions of Federal law which relate to the manufacture of explosive materials to require such manufacturers to add an identification taggant and a detection taggant to the explosive materials. Prohibits the distribution, importation, or sale of explosive materials without such taggants. Sets forth the time periods in which such requirements must be met. Specifies penalties for violations of these provisions. Amends the provisions of title 18 of the U.S. Code that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service, and for communicating false information which results in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies criminal penalties for threatening to commit air piracy, and placing a loaded firearm in baggage on board an aircraft. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating international terrorism. Specifies agreements which should receive high priority.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Voluntary Hospital Philanthropic Support Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that philanthropic support for health care be encouraged and expanded. States that in determining the reasonable costs of services furnished by nonprofit hospitals under titles V (Maternal and Child Health), XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, gifts, grants and endowments shall not be deducted from any operating costs in determining such reasonable costs. Prohibits any State from establishing a law or regulation respecting the limitations upon the revenue of hospitals which treats as such revenues any income attributable to grants, gifts or endowments. Prohibits any Federal law which provides for the control of hospital costs to treat as revenues any amounts which a State may not treat as revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should express disapproval to the Soviet Union concerning the nondelivery of mail to persons in the Soviet Union; and (2) U.S. Postal Service representatives should bring such violations to the attention of the Congress of the Universal Postal Union.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
National Ski Patrol System Recognition Act of 1979 - Grants a Federal charter to the National Ski Patrol System. Declares that the purpose of such corporation shall be to promote public safety in skiing.
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 · 15 February 1979
National Service Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a program under which all citizens of the United States between the ages of 18 and 30 are requested to perform one or two years of either military or civilian service, but in which no one is required to serve except to the extent that the needs of the military require that some persons be inducted for military training and service. Title I: National Service System - Declares it the obligation of each citizen to perform some service for the United States and to fulfill this obligation each citizen between the ages of 17 and 24 shall perform suitable civilian service, enlist in the armed forces, or be subject to induction into the armed forces. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the National Service System to be headed by a Director appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Stipulates that such System shall include at least one placement center in each county or comparable political subdivision in each State and there shall be at least one appeals board in each State. Requires each citizen within ten days after becoming 17 years of age to register at his or her local placement center. Requires citizens who are between the ages of 17 and 21 on the effective date of this Act and who are not already registered under the Military Selective Service Act to register within six months of the effective date of this Act. Requires registrants at least ten days before reaching the age of 18 to notify their local placement center of their election to enlist in the armed forces, to participate in the military lottery, or to participate in the civilian service program as well as what age the registrant will begin such service. States that the age for beginning such service shall be not less than 18 years nor more than 23 years of age. Stipulates that individuals who fail to begin their service at such time shall be placed in a lottery pool and shall be liable for a period of six years induction into the armed forces. Stipulates that individuals who elect to enlist in the armed forces but who are not accepted by the age of 25 solely because the manpower needs of the armed forces have already been met will be considered to have discharged their obligation to perform service under this Act. Sets forth the conditions under which an individual may be exempted from the provisions of this Act. Sets forth legal proof requirements for conscientious objectors. Sets forth conditions for deferring participation in the military lottery and the civilian service program. Sets forth registrant classification and reclassification procedures. Sets forth procedures for appeal of a classification or the denial of a request for a change in classification. Sets forth active training and service requirements for individuals who enlist or are inducted into the armed forces or who elect to participate in civilian service pursuant to this Act. Establishes procedures for conducting the military lottery. Specifies the order for induction for training and service in the armed forces in the event of war. Sets forth the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services. Transfers the personnel and funds of the Selective Service System to the National Service System. Provides criminal penalties for individuals who refuse to register in the National Service System as required or who fail to report for induction when ordered to do so. Title II: National Youth Service Foundation - Creates the National Youth Service Corps for those registrants in the National Service System electing to perform civilian service. Establishes within the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the National Youth Service Foundation. Empowers such Foundation to administer the National Youth Service Corps and to make grants to units of State and local government in order to provide employment opportunities for civilian service registrants in the Corps. Provides for a Board of Trustees of the Foundation to be appointed by the President. Provides for the appointment of a Director of the Foundation by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the duties of registrants who have elected to perform civilian service. Requires each registrant who has located a position in which to perform civilian service to perform satisfactory service for a period of one year. Designates as "sponsors" those persons and units of State, local, and regional government that have positions available in which civilian service registrants may perform service. Stipulates that each sponsor shall provide supervision and training to civilian service registrants in accordance with minimum standards to be prescribed by the Board. Stipulates that civilian service registrants shall be paid a subsistence stipend determined by the Board based upon the local cost-of-living of the geographic area. Requires any civilian service registrant who withdraws or is dismissed from a civilian service position to report to the local placement center nearest to the registrant's current place of residence for reassignment within ten day of a Board's determination that the registrant is to continue in the civilian services. Requires any civilian service registrant who is not able to find a position in a qualified service category, or who fails to complete satisfactorily a year of service, shall perform such service, or complete such year of service, in the Young Adult Conservation Corps, or shall be placed in the military lottery pool. Authorizes the Board to promulgate regulations designating specific service categories as qualified service categories in which civilian service registrants may serve for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the conditions under which an activity shall be deemed to be a qualified service category pursuant to this Act. Delineates suitable service categories to include positions in: (1) the Foundation and State, local, and regional government agencies; (2) schools; (3) nonprofit hospitals; (4) law enforcement agencies; (5) penal and probation systems; (6) private, nonprofit organizations whose principal purpose is social service; and (7) certain seasonal farm labor on commercial farms. Stipulates that suitable service categories may not include positions in: (1) profitmaking business organizations; (2) labor unions; (3) partisan political organizations; (4) organizations engaged in religious functions, unless the position itself does not involve any religious functions; and (5) domestic or personal service companies or organizations. Requires the Board to solicit information from sponsors who are authorized to participate in the civilian service program with regard to the types and impact of positions available for civilian service registrants. Provides for Board certification of specific positions as qualified for civilian service. Sets forth limited appeal procedures for sponsors or registrants who are adversely affected by decisions of the Board relating to the suitability of a specific position for civilian service pursuant to this Act. Requires that sponsors provide civilian service registrants with the same hours of work and leave as they afford their new employees. Directs the Board to contract for health care plans for registrants and to prescribe how the costs of such health care shall be borne by registrants and by sponsors. Stipulates that registrants shall not be considered Federal employees except that such an individual shall be considered to be an employee of the United States for the purposes of specified laws. Requires sponsors to submit annual reports to the Board regarding the number and reason for registrants leaving service with such sponsor. Sets forth the conditions under which an individual may be dismissed from civilian service by a sponsor. Stipulates that registrants who are dismissed for cause shall be deemed to have elected to participate in the next military lottery. Authorizes the Board to make grants to units of State and local government for: (1) paying stipends to registrants; (2) encouraging local private persons and other governmental entities to become sponsors in the civilian service program; and (3) such other purposes as the Board may authorize to carry out the provisions of this title. Establishes the National Advisory Council on Youth Service to advise the Board on policy matters relating to the administration of this title. Title III: Veterans Benefits - Entitles individuals who volunteer or who are inducted into the armed forces pursuant to this Act to specified educational benefits. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals the Military Selective Service Act. Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow renters of their principal residence an income tax credit for 25 percent of their proportionate share of the State and local real property taxes imposed upon the property on which their residence is located. Stipulates that the amount of the allowable credit may not exceed the amount of rent paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) should enter into negotiations to secure the withdrawal of Soviet personnel and the release of political prisoners from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; (2) should instruct the U.S. delegation to present the illegal Soviet actions in such countries at the preparatory meeting of the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (3) should gain the cooperation of other nations in achieving such objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives by adding Rule XLIX: Limitations on the Use of Official Congressional Stationary. Prohibits any Member of the House of Representatives from using or authorizing any person to use any official congressional stationary to raise funds if such funds are to be used to influence governmental policy or affect governmental elections. Defines "official congressional stationary" to include any stationary, whether prepared with Federal funds or not, which contains any reference to the Congress or the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married person filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
![Official portrait of Rep. Coughlin, Lawrence [R-PA-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000807_200.jpg)