United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal to furnish specified information to a sales representative concerning orders placed through the representative's account and a monthly accounting of commissions due such representative. Enumerates items which must be set forth in any contract between a sales representative and a principal. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals conforming with such information requirements from the indemnification provisions set forth in this Act. Requires a principal who, without good cause, terminates a contract between such principal and a sales representative, or reduces the rate of commission for orders solicited on behalf of such principal, to indemnify the representative according to this Act. Requires a principal who reduces the size of the geographic territory assigned to a representative for a specified account, which results in a specified reduction in commissions, to indemnify such representative. Sets forth formulae for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows a plaintiff to bring an action to enforce any rights or liabilities created by this Act in a United States district court. Stipulates the procedure for such action.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
National Employment Priorities Act of 1979 - Requires a business concern to give notice, with an economic impact statement, to the Secretary of Labor and to affected employees, labor organizations, and local governments whenever such business concern intends a change of operations at an establishment which will result in an employment loss in any 18-month period of the lesser of 100, or of 15 percent, of the employees at such establishment. Requires, with exceptions, that such notice be given within specified periods of time (varying according to the number of employees affected) before such business concern reduces the weekly wages or suspends or terminates the employment of any employee in connection with such change. Directs the Secretary to investigate and hold public hearings on specified matters related to such change upon receipt of a written request for such investigation from an affected labor organization or from at least ten percent of the employees at such establishment. Requires such request to be made within 60 days of receipt of notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and hold closed hearings on such matters, without regard to whether such notice is given, upon: (1) a determination that such investigation would serve the purpose of this Act; or (2) a request from at least 50 percent of such employees. Empowers the Secretary to issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence in such investigations. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a report of such investigation. Makes employees who accept employment with such business concerns, with knowledge that such notice has been given, ineligible for specified assistance under this Act. Requires such business concerns to give written statements of employment status to employees whose weekly wages are lowered by a specified amount or who are suspended or terminated. Stipulates that an employee will be deemed to suffer an employment loss if a business concern fails to: (1) give such a statement of employment status to an employee; or (2) include in such statement an assurance of increased wages or reinstatement. Requires a business concern which gives such assurance, yet fails to prevent such employment loss, to pay such employee a lump sum in a specified amount in addition to other required payments. Requires a business concern, for a 52-week period following an employment loss, to make payments: (1) to the employee in a weekly income maintenance payment equal to 85 percent of such employees's wage rate or 100 percent of such rate while such employee participates in specified training programs; and (2) to specified employment benefit plans for such employees. Sets forth conditions under which such payments may be reduced or limited. Stipulates that such payments are not to be deemed wages for all other purposes, including specified employee benefit plans. Requires such business concerns to pay moving expenses for employees who resume employment with the same business concerns within three years. Requires such business concerns to continue weekly income maintenance payments to employees between 53 and 61 years of age when the 52 week payment period expires. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such business concerns for such continued payments. Directs the Secretary to make transitional assistance payments to employees upon their request whenever a business concern fails to make such payments. Provides that the amount of such payments shall then be owed, with interest, to the United States by such business concern. Makes a business concern which transfers ownership or control of an establishment to avoid liability for transitional assistance payments liable to the United States for a specified amount if the owning or controlling business concern fails to provide such assistance. Requires such business concerns to offer employees, who suffer an employment loss, any available employment, with equivalent wages and benefits, at any establishment of such business concerns for a three-year period after such employment loss. Sets forth such former employees' rights to credits and benefits in employee benefit plans and such business concerns' liability for payments to such plans. Stipulates that specified violations shall be deemed violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, for which civil actions may be brought. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with specified groups, to implement a comprehensive assistance program (including existing or new programs of job training, job placement, and payments for job search and moving expenses) for employees who suffer or may suffer employment loss. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement retraining programs and to condition specified assistance to business concerns upon their implementation or assistance with such programs. Directs the Secretary to issue certificates of Federal procurement credit to business concerns which comply with this Act for appropriate periods if the Secretary finds that such assistance would provide additional employment opportunities through the cooperating concerns. Sets forth conditions of eligibility for assistance of business concerns, local governments, and certain employers or cooperative associations of employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified forms of such assistance, giving priority to those which enable employees to continue at their present establishment. Makes such business concerns liable to local governments which lose revenue because of such changes of operations. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such liability. Directs the Secretary to pay such amounts to local governments if a business concern fails to do so (with such amount to be owed, with interest, to the United States by such business concern). Makes business concerns which transfer operations to an establishment outside the United States, when an economically viable alternative to such transfer exists, liable to the United States for lost revenues according to specified formulas. Sets forth criminal and civil violations and penalties. Enumerates violations of employees' rights and remedies for such violators. Directs the Secretary to: (1) recover overpayments for specified Federal assistance to employees obtained through a knowing deception; (2) maintain specified operating reserves; and (3) record mortgage security on specified loans. Provides procedures for Congressional disapproval of rules promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to make specified reports and legislative proposals to the Congress. Sets forth general powers of the Secretary in carrying out this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement this Act through the National Employment Priorities Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate any function, power, or duty under this Act to the Administrator of the National Employment Priorities Administration. Establishes the National Employment Priorities Administration in the Department of Labor to: (1) perform such delegated functions, powers, and duties; (2) conduct research on the relationship between unemployment and changes of business operations; and (3) identify services and products which may profitably be provided by business concerns receiving specified assistance. Establishes the National Employment Priorities Advisory Council to: (1) advise and assist the Secretary in carrying out this Act; (2) evaluate programs under this Act; (3) study and report on those areas of future economic activity in which the United States will be at a competitive disadvantage and on industries in which many businesses may change operations; and (4) research and propose new assistance programs for employees, local governments, and business concerns. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the manufacture, importation, installation, offer to sale, rent, or lease, or other distribution of telephone receivers or similar equipment manufactured after the date of enactment of this Act for use in connection with any interstate or foreign communication, unless such receiver or equipment is designed and manufactured to permit telephone reception by means of hearing aids with inductive receptors. Establishes fines for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Repeals provisions permitting the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys representing veterans' claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration (VA). Provides for judicial review of certain administrative decisions made by the Administrator. Applies the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all VA rules, regulations, and determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Daniel James Memorial Center for Preventive Health Education Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make a grant to Tuskegee Institute in Alabama for the construction of a building in memory of General Daniel James, to be known as the "Daniel James Memorial Center for Preventive Health Education. States that such Center shall serve as a repository for the papers and memorabilia relating to General James' life, and shall function as an athletic, educational, cultural, and community center.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
World Peace Tax Fund Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit conscientious objectors to designate their income, estate, or gift tax payments for nonmilitary purposes. Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a World Peace Tax Fund to receive such tax payments. Requires tax forms to contain a checkoff for taxpayers who wish to claim conscientious objector status and designate their tax payments for the World Peace Tax Fund. Specifies that an individual may claim conscientious objector status only if such individual has actually qualified as a conscientious objector for selective service or immigration purposes or declares that he or she is conscientiously opposed to participation in war, within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to require any individual who claims conscientious objector status to provide such additional information as is necessary to verify such status. Permits the setting aside of criminal or civil penalties imposed upon a taxpayer for nonpayment of tax prior to the enactment of this Act, if the taxpayer pays the tax (with interest) and satisfactorily establishes that nonpayment was due to his conscientious objection to war. Directs the Comptroller General to determine the percentage of actual appropriations made by the United States from the Federal budget during the preceding fiscal year for military purposes. Requires the publication of such information in the Congressional Record. Establishes a World Peace Tax Fund Board of Trustees. Sets forth the membership structure and duties of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Postmaster General and the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should give favorable consideration to the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Americans of Italian descent and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Philip Mazzei on December 25, 1980, or as soon as possible thereafter. States that the Postmaster General and the Committee should honor other foreign-born contributors to the revolutionary cause, from countries which have not yet been commemorated, prior to the conclusion of the American Bicentennial celebration in 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should call for an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, or other appropriate fora, to deal with the refugee crisis in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Youth Employment Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Title IV of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act - Establishes a program of guarantees of employment and training for disadvantaged youth under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Ends the program of demonstration projects designed to demonstrate the efficacy of the employment guarantee program. Adds, as a condition of eligibility for participation in such program, the requirement that a disadvantaged youth be from a rural or urban "poverty area" as such term is described in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into arrangements with public and nonprofit private agencies to provide employment and training services under this Act when no application of a prime sponsor has been submitted or approved, or when the approval of a prime sponsor has been terminated. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a plan for the establishment of such youth incentive entitlement programs throughout the United States by a specified date. Authorizes appropriations for the payment of prime sponsor entitlements for programs under this Act for fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Authorizes the use of up to 20 percent of funds for such programs for youths who do not meet the stated eligibility requirements, but who have encountered barriers to employment. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to programs of community conservation and improvement youth employment projects to be carried out by eligible youths and appropriate supervisory personnel. Authorizes appropriations to carry out certain youth and employment training programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Repeals the provision for the distribution of funds among the various programs established under this Act. Requires prime sponsors to assist each youth in such youth employment programs to establish a personalized employability plan. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and thereafter to provide additional nonresidential Job Corps opportunities in nonresidential institutional skill centers for youth residing in high unemployment or economically disadvantaged areas. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements for youth employment with Federal agencies. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such agencies for such projects. Sets forth criteria by which the eligibility of such projects for funds under this Act shall be determined. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with Federal executive agencies, the Postal Service, or the Postal Rate Commission to provide youth employment. Sets forth eligibility standards and conditions of employment for project enrollees. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for such Federal youth employment projects. Title II: Amendments to Title VII of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act - Permits prime sponsors, with the approval of the Secretary, to establish programs of providing demonstration grants from specified funds to private employers for community service projects approved by private industry councils, with any profits to be used to further the purposes of the projects. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Declares that, for the purposes of any other law: (1) no activity for the employment or training of youths under age 25 conducted under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act shall be deemed to be on-the-job training; and (2) no funds received by any employer with respect to any such activity shall be deemed to be funds received from the Federal Government for purposes of on-the-job training. Title III: Work Incentive Extension - Authorizes the Secretaries of Health, Education, and Welfare and of Labor to carry out the work incentive program under Title IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act from sums authorized to be appropriated by this Act without regard to non-federal matching fund requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for the work incentive program for parents under age 22 who volunteer to participate in such program under the Social Security Act. Title IV: Interagency Coordinating Committee for Youth Employment - Youth Employment Coordination Act of 1979 - Establishes in the executive branch an Interagency Coordinating Committee for Youth Employment to assist interagency cooperative projects to improve the employability of disadvantaged youth. Limits the amount of Federal funds available for such projects to ten percent of the total estimated project cost. Authorizes appropriations for the Committee and such projects for fiscal years 1981 through 1983. Title V: Wagner-Peyser Act Amendment - Requires States applying for certain funds under the Wagner-Peyser Act to submit to the Secretary a plan supplement for general employment services for youth and in-school service to assist youths in the transition from school to working life. Authorizes the Secretary to operate such programs in States which do not submit such supplements. Sets forth formulas (based on numbers of youth and of economically disadvantaged youth) for allocating funds for such programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and thereafter for such programs. Title VI: Apprenticeship Act Amendment - Amends the National Apprenticeship Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to: (1) designate essential occupations suitable for training through apprenticeship and other occupations which underutilize apprenticeship; (2) establish research, development, and demonstration projects for apprenticeship programs in emerging or nontraditional apprenticable occupations; (3) provide assistance and training for certain personnel needed to provide additional apprenticeship positions in certain occupations; and (4) reimburse the costs attributable to training apprentices in certain occupations for one-half of the normal term of such apprenticeship. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and thereafter for such reimbursement. Requires that Federal procurement contracts include a provision requiring: (1) the employment of a reasonable number of apprentices (as prescribed by the Secretary by regulation), to the extent that craft persons are to be employed in apprenticable occupations; and (2) the indenture of such apprentices to a registered program of apprenticeship. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, to promote the establishment of apprenticeship programs in Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Filippo Mazzei, and in tribute to the millions of Americans of Italian descent who have played an important role in American history.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the House that the President should call for an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly to deal with the refugee crisis in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire by donation the former residence of Gerald R. Ford located at 649 Union Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan; or, if unable to acquire such residence by donation, to enter into a cooperative agreement with the city of Grand Rapids to assist in the preservation and interpretation of such site. Authorizes the Secretary, under specified conditions, to establish and administer the Gerald R. Ford National Historic Site. Authorizes the acquisition of personal property associated with such site upon its establishment as an historic site. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress after establishment recommending acquisition of any adjoining real property which may be necessary for the protection and administration of such historic site.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes as an office of the House of Representatives the House Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) establish and publish policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of clause 9 of rule XLIII and clause 6(a) (3) (A) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives; (2) supervise the actions of the Director and the operations of the House Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints. Title II: House Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes as an office of the House of Representatives the House Fair Employment Relations Office to develop procedures to implement the policies of the Board, gather information relating to House employment practices, and review procedures for the hearing and setting of complaints. Title III: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunities - Provides for counseling and assistance through the Office to any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of rule XI or rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedures for filing informal complaints based on employment discrimination, and for the informal settlement of such claims. Sets forth the procedure for filing formal complaints, and for conducting hearings on such claims. Provides for an appeal to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct from an adverse decision or order of the Board. Sets forth remedies available to individuals who have experienced discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to entitle households composed entirely of persons who are age 60 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act, to a medical expense deduction in the computation of household income which is equal to the actual cost of medical expenses. Removes the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction for such households.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Title I: Export Administration - Export Administration Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to repeal provisions concerning the control and monitoring of exports and the information to be provided exporters. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue validated, qualified general, general, or other export licenses depending on the circumstances. Requires the Secretary to maintain a commodity control list of goods or technology subject to export control. Authorizes the President, through the Secretary, to restrict exports of goods or technology which would be detrimental to U.S. military security, by means of export licenses. Requires the Secretary to publicize the imposition of such controls. Stipulates that U.S. policy concerning export controls and individual countries shall not be based exclusively on the country's Communist or non-Communist status, but shall take into account various factors. Directs the Secretary to maintain, as part of the commodity control list, a list of goods or technology subject to export controls to be revised periodically. Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a list of military critical technologies, emphasizing goods currently not possessed by countries subject to export controls, which would permit a major advance of such countries weapons systems. Specifies the conditions under which the Secretary of Commerce may require each type of export license. Encourages the use of a qualified general license to the maximum extent possible. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to review periodically the availability outside the United States of goods or technology which require a validated export license and to make certain adjustments. Requires the Secretary to establish a system of automatic annual increases in the performance levels of goods and technology required to have validated and qualified licenses in order to remove restrictions on those goods and technologies which are no longer detrimental to U.S. military security. Requires the Secretary to appoint technical advisory committees to advise the Secretary concerning export controls under this Act at the request of a substantial segment of any industry. Directs the President to enter into negotiations with the governments participating in the Coordinating Committee of the Consultative Group concerning export controls. Exempts countries participating in the Committee and receiving goods or technology subject to export controls from conditions limiting the further export of such goods. Requires U.S. citizens, who enter into agreements to export unpublished technical data to countries to which exports are restricted for national security purposes, to report such agreements to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of State to be responsible for conducting negotiations with other countries to restrict the export of goods and technology detrimental to U.S. security. Authorizes the President, through the Secretary, to restrict the exportation of goods or technology necessary: (1) to further significantly U.S. foreign policy or international responsibilities; (2) to secure the removal of restrictions on access to supplies; or (3) to encourage other countries to prevent the use of their territories or resources to aid international terrorism. Gives the Secretary of State the right to review any export license and appeal any decision to the President. Sets forth the criteria for such controls. Requires consultation with the industry concerned and with Congress (giving Congress an opportunity to veto such control) before imposing such controls. Requires the President to first attempt to secure the objectives of this Act through diplomatic means. Excludes from such controls, goods and technology which would help meet basic human needs, unless the President imposes restrictions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain a list of goods subject to export controls for foreign policy purposes as part of the commodity control list. Sets forth the procedure for processing validated and qualified general export license applications. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to review any proposed exports to countries to which exports are controlled for national security purposes. Permits the Secretary of Commerce to extend the prescribed time limitations for export license applications. Authorizes applicants for export licenses to file appeals with the Secretary and bring court actions. Directs the President to allocate export licenses using various factors, including the extent other countries engage in equitable trade practices with the United States in times of short supply. Directs the Secretary to monitor exports which may have a serious adverse impact on the domestic economy. Exempts oil which is exchanged with an adjacent foreign state resulting in lower prices for U.S. consumers from the prohibition against exporting domestically produced crude oil. Repeals the two year limitation on such prohibition. Requires congressional approval before oil subject to such prohibition may be exported. Authorizes the President to export oil otherwise prohibited, pursuant to an oil supply agreement. Repeals the prohibition against exports to Uganda. Exempts, under specified circumstances, exportations pursuant to barter agreements from quantitative limitations imposed on exports to protect the domestic economy. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to require a validated license for the export of unprocessed western red cedar logs. Specifies quotas for the export of such logs. Declares standard aircraft equipment, to be exported to countries other than controlled countries, subject to export controls under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Stipulates that neither the foreign policy controls nor the national security controls shall supersede control procedures established pursuant to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978. Increases the penalties for violating such Act. Prohibits the disclosure of specified information about export transactions. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress concerning the administration of this Act. Authorizes the President and the Secretary to issue any necessary rules and regulations. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Terminates authority under this Act on September 30, 1983. Makes certain technical amendments to conform to the provisions of this Act. Title II: International Investment Survey Act - Amends the International Investment Survey Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations for such Act through fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Special International Security Assistance Act of 1979 - Stipulates that: the (1) the authorization of appropriations for arms sales guaranties to Egypt and Israel does not constitute congressional approval of the sale of any particular weapons system; and (2) the implementing authority in this Act does not signify congressional approval of any other executive agreement. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President: (1) to construct air bases in Israel and (2) to furnish defense articles and services to Israel. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Provides for partial financing by Israel. Prohibits funding more than 60 persons contracted for personal services abroad for purposes of this chapter. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1979 under the Arms Export Control Act to be used for arms sales guaranties to Egypt and Israel. Increases the principal amount of such guaranteed loans. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning economic conditions in Egypt and Israel which may affect their ability to repay their obligations. Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for Egypt through the Economic Support Fund. Authorizes the President to transfer to Egypt the facilities and property of the U. S. Sinai Field Mission. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) other countries provide financial assistance to support peace in the Middle East; and (2) the President should develop a common program of Middle East assistance and investments in consultation with other countries.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act; (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia teachers' retirement and annuity fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to determine, in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices, the level percentage of payroll required to be paid into the Fund, considering length of participation in the retirement program and the present value of future benefits. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal Payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Provides for a reduction in Federal contributions to the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund should the costs of police officers and fire fighters' disability retirement prove excessive as determined by a specified formula. Sets forth the criteria for determining the percentage of disability for current employees who apply for disability retirement. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, the Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to: (1) eligibility for optional retirement; (2) eligibility for disability retirement; (3) amount of disability annuities; (4) suspension of disability annuities; (5) physical examination of disability annuitants; (6) amount of survivors annuities; (7) deferred annuities; and (8) interest on refunds and on deposits for prior service credit. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgment, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Directs the Board of Police and Fire Surgeons to submit to the Mayor recommendations for regulations to improve the administration of disability retirements. Places restrictions on retired police officers and fire fighters receiving an annuity under this Act while employed by the District of Columbia government. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the name beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant. Provides the termination of teachers' disability annuities based on excessive outside earned income. Places restrictions on retired teachers receiving an annuity under this Act while employed by the District of Columbia government.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Directs the Postmaster General to issue four commemorative postage stamps to honor leaders of the American labor movement. Stipulates that one such stamp shall honor Walter Philip Reuther and each of the three remaining stamps shall honor another labor leader as designated by the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of blind persons, or persons with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Preretirement Education Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a program of grants to: (1) develop model preretirement education programs; (2) train personnel for such programs; (3) prepare related information and materials; and (4) provide consultation services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out a preretirement education study and a retirement employment study.
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
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act; (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited; (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia teachers' retirement and annuity fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other monies, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to determine, in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices, the level percentage of payroll required to be paid into the Fund, considering length of participation in the retirement program and the present value of future benefits. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund respectively. Provides for a reduction in Federal contributions to the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund should the costs of police officers and fire fighters' disability retirement prove excessive as determined by a specified formula. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to the Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefit. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, and Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded except as provided in this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes In Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to: (1) eligibility for optional retirement; (2) eligibility for disability retirement; (3) amount of disability annuities; (4) suspension of disability annuities; (5) physical examination of disability annuitants; (6) amount of survivors annuities; (7) deferred annuities; and (8) interest on refunds and on deposits for prior service credit. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgment, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the named beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant. Provides for the termination of teachers' disability annuities based on excessive outside earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an additional $1,000 personal tax exemption for a taxpayer, his spouse, or a dependent who is disabled. Defines "disability" as an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment which has lasted or will last continuously for at least 12 months. Disallows the additional exemption if the taxpayer or his spouse already receives an extra exemption due to blindness.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Declares it to be the sense of the Congress that crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, and all other components of energy costs to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers be explicitly covered by the price and profit margin guidelines established in the President's anti-inflation program, and that the President take all possible measures to slow the rising costs of energy, a major contributor to the inflationary pressures on our economy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Title I: Department of State - Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981 - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the Department of State to be used for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance (with $25,000,000 earmarked for resettling refugees in Israel); (5) bilateral science and technology agreements; and (6) salary increases and currency fluctuations. Requires the United States to reduce its contribution to the United Nations by a specified percent of the amount budgeted by the United Nations for certain Palestinian organizations. Permits the use of up to ten percent of the authorized appropriations for the State Department to be shifted from one account to another. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to express the sense of Congress that Foreign Service officers assigned abroad be familiar with the local language. Title II: International Communication Agency - International Communication Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981 - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the International Communication Agency (ICA). Repeals the loyalty investigations required by the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 and the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to give the Director of the ICA, as well as the Secretary of State, the authority to employ aliens without regard to the civil service and classification laws. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to exempt the Director of ICA from provisions concerning the management and disposal of government property with respect to the furnishing of facilities in foreign countries and reception centers in the United States. Amends the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to authorize the Director to provide services within the United States in connection with exchange activities when such services are requested and reimbursed by other departments or agencies. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit the Director to approve the acquisition, leasing, and improving of real property without regard to provisions requiring the Attorney General's approval of the title. Redesignates the United States Advisory Commission on International Communication, Cultural and Educational Affairs as the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Provides for the appointment of a Staff Director of such Commission. Revises the administrative authority of the Secretary of State. Authorizes additional appropriations for the ICA to cover salary increases and currency fluctuations. Authorizes the public distribution within the United States of the film, "Aspen," and the "English Teaching Forum." Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Board for International Broadcasting Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981. Authorizes the appropriation of additional amounts for RFE/RL, Incorporated, to cover currency fluctuations. Title IV: Technical Provisions - Amends an Act to establish a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to limit to $6,000 the amount the Commission may use for official reception and representational expenses. Stipulates that any statutory reference to the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives shall be deemed a reference to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Permits civil suits under the Civil Rights Act by an individual against any person acting under color of any law or custom of the District of Columbia who subjects any person within the jurisdiction of the District to the deprivation of any right, privilege, or immunity secured by the Constitution and laws. Deems, for purposes of this Act, any Act of Congress applicable exclusively to the District of Columbia to be a statute of the District of Columbia. Extends the original jurisdiction of Federal district courts to encompass such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the physically handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
International Security Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase the amount the President is authorized to use for emergency purposes. Requires the President to report to Congress each time he exercises such authority. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) international narcotics control (with specified limitations); (2) military assistance (with limitations on the amounts to Portugal, Spain, Jordan, and the Philippines); (3) international military education and training (with limitations on the amount for Latin America); and (4) peacekeeping operations. Authorizes the President to drawdown defense articles and services, cost not to exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year, to provide emergency military assistance without first finding that failure to respond immediately to such emergency will result in serious harm to vital U.S. security interests. Permits an authorization for military assistance to a particular country to remain available for three years after such assistance has been authorized. Increases the monetary limits of military stockpiles in foreign countries. Permits such stockpiles to be located in the Republic of Korea. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the advisability of establishing a system of reserve stocks of defensive weapons for use by friendly developing countries in military emergencies. Authorizes the President to assign military personnel during fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to manage international security assistance programs in specified countries, including Greece. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the President to provide, without charge, quality assurance, inspection, and contract audit services in connection with defense contracts with any North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nation if such nation provides the same services to the United States. Authorizes the President to reduce or waive certain administrative and reimbursement charges in connection with cooperative agreements with NATO or NATO member countries for research and development of defense articles. Requires the President to transmit to Congress such a proposed cooperative agreement describing the cooperative project. Exempts such cooperative projects from congressional reporting and licensing requirements. Directs the President to report quarterly to Congress concerning price and availability estimates provided to foreign countries with respect to sales of defense articles or services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for military sales to Israel. Reduces the ceiling on foreign military sales credits. Raises the ceiling on aggregate acquisition costs for excess defense articles ordered for foreign countries. Requires the President to report within 60 days (instead of 30) to Congress concerning military exports. Repeals the requirement that such reports describe the services performed by and number of Federal employees. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on the number of Federal employees performing under this Act for which reimbursement is provided by the country receiving such services. Requires the President to set forth in a certification to Congress a justification of the determination that a proposed sale of defense articles is in the interests of national security. Raises the ceiling on the sale of major defense equipment sold to non-NATO countries. Authorizes the President to transfer to Taiwan, U.S. property and war reserve material located on Taiwan on January 1, 1979. Releases Thailand from its contractual obligation to pay the United States for certain ammunition. Permits assistance to Jordan only if the President certifies (1) that Jordan is acting in good faith to achieve peace in the Middle East and (2) that the expenditures of such funds will serve the process of peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Urban Grant University Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to urban universities (as defined by this Act) to assist them in carrying out urban-oriented projects. Sets forth grant application guidelines, including a requirement that no project grant may exceed 90 percent of such project's total cost. Stipulates that any institution receiving assistance under this Act shall be designated as an "urban grant university." Requires the Commissioner to publish annually a list of such urban grant universities. Limits the annual amount of such assistance to institutions in any one State to 15 percent of the total amount paid.
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 · 15 March 1979
Title I: Department of State - Department of State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981 - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the Department of State to be used for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance (with $25,000,000 earmarked for resettling refugees in Israel); (5) bilateral science and technology agreements; and (6) salary increases and currency fluctuations. Requires the United States to reduce its contribution to the United Nations by a specified percentage of the amount budgeted by the United Nations for certain Palestinian organizations. Permits the use of up to ten percent of the authorized appropriations for the State Department to be shifted from one account to another. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to express the sense of Congress that Foreign Service officers assigned abroad be familiar with the local language. Title II: International Communication Agency - International Communication Agency Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981 - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the International Communication Agency (ICA). Repeals the loyalty investigations required by the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 and the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to give the Director of the ICA, as well as the Secretary of State, the authority to employ aliens without regard to the civil service and classification laws. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to exempt the Director of ICA from provisions concerning the management and disposal of government property with respect to the furnishing of facilities in foreign countries and reception centers in the United States. Amends the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 to authorize the Director to provide services within the United States in connection with exchange activities when such services are requested and reimbursed by other departments or agencies. Amends the United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 to permit the Director to approve the acquisition, leasing, and improving of real property without regard to provisions requiring the Attorney General's approval of the title. Redesignates the United States Advisory Commission on International Communication, Cultural and Educational Affairs as the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Provides for the appointment of a Staff Director of such Commission. Revises the administrative authority of the Secretary of State. Authorizes additional appropriations for the ICA to cover salary increases and currency fluctuations. Authorizes the public distribution within the United States of the film, "Aspen," and the "English Teaching Forum." Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Board for International Broadcasting Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1980 and 1981 - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981. Authorizes the appropriation of additional amounts for RFE/RL, Incorporated, to cover currency fluctuations. Title IV: Technical Provisions - Amends the Act which establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to limit to $6,000 the amount the Commission may use for official reception and representational expenses. Stipulates that any statutory reference to the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives shall be deemed a reference to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to restate the purpose of such Act to be to assist interested countries in meeting basic living needs, strengthening development programs, furthering a spirit of voluntary action, and promoting a better understanding by and of the American people. Creates the Peace Corps as a government corporation, with authority for operations vested in a presidentially appointed Board of Directors. Establishes in the Peace Corps an Advisory Council to evaluate Corps policies and programs. Directs the Peace Corps to encourage host governments to establish advisory councils to advise Peace Corps Country Directors and host country government officials on Corps operating procedures. Requires the Board (formerly the President) to appoint the Director of the Peace Corps. Directs the Corps to coordinate programs with other volunteer and development organizations. Repeals specified provisions of the Peace Corps Act which empower the President and Secretary of State to carry out such Act. Increases from $125 to $150 the readjustment allowance for Peace Corps volunteers. Prohibits the assignment of volunteers to the clerical staffs of Peace Corps representatives abroad. Prohibits volunteers from serving more than five years in any ten-year period without personal approval from the Director. Requires the Corps to encourage volunteers to continue their contributions to good will and development by assisting in the readjustment of, and utilization of skills developed by, former volunteers. Includes spouses living with volunteers as eligible to receive living and other allowances, health care, language training, and other benefits. Eliminates the position of "volunteer leaders" from the Peace Corps and makes conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Domestic Volunteers Service Act of 1973 to eliminate one of the two Associate Directors of ACTION.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate a Coordinator of programs to be responsible for: (1) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (2) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (3) making recommendations to Congress with respect to modification of Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to assist the victims and their dependents. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of such programs no later than three years after enactment. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subjected to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of assistance to victims and their dependents.
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 · 8 March 1979
Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to prohibit an electric or gas utility from terminating electric or natural gas service to any residential consumer without the consent of such consumer: (1) from October 14 to April 14 of any year; or (2) in situations in which such termination would be dangerous to health. Requires State regulatory electric and gas utilities to make available to the public weekly reports of involuntary terminations of service to consumers. Provides that during any period when termination of service to an electric or gas consumer would be dangerous to health, such service may not be terminated if the consumer establishes that he or she is able to pay in accordance with a qualified deferred payment program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable, income tax credit for household expenses to any taxpayer who maintains a household in which a dependent aged 65 or over resides. Limits such credit to $250 for each aged dependent for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Foreign Service Retirement Amendments of 1979 - Repeals the mandatory retirement provisions applicable to certain Foreign Service personnel, including career ambassadors, participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, and Foreign Service information officers. States that the amendments made by this Act shall only apply with respect to service on or after February 22, 1979.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Diggs, Charles C., Jr. [D-MI-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000344_200.jpg)