United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to authorize a State plan under such title to provide that, in determining the income and resources of a married couple one spouse of which is in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility, there may be disregarded from income and resources such amounts as a State determines by law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards; and (6) require certain persons involved in mining, refining, or importing asbestos used in construction material to reimburse the Federal Government for a share of the costs of the asbestos program conducted under this Act. Establishes the Asbestos Hazards School Safety Task Force. States that such Task Force's duties shall include: (1) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (2) reviewing and approving State applications for grants and loans; and (3) assisting in formulating standards and safety procedures. Requires State educational agencies which seek administrative funds to submit to the Secretary a plan which: (1) describes the manner such State shall disseminate information on the health hazards of asbestos fibers; (2) describes the content of such information; and (3) describes the procedures to be used by the State in maintaining records on asbestos. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local educational agencies for the Federal share of the costs of carrying out an asbestos detection program meeting the standards of this Act. Prohibits the making of such grants unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary after consultation with the task force. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools, for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment, and for determining which contractors are qualified to carry out testing and evaluation procedures. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discharge or discriminate against any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim of disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
National Educational Opportunities Act of 1979 - States the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) establish a national policy on equal educational opportunities based on the implementation of quality education with equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of race, color, or national origin; (2) provide an experimental mechanism for States and their local educational systems to implement such national policy; (3) support experimental efforts to reduce achievement disparities between racial and socio-economic groups in the schools; and (4) facilitate, where possible, a reduction in the concentration of children from low-income and minority groups in certain schools primarily by means other than busing. Requires a State wishing to receive funds under this Act to submit a desegregation plan and an implementation plan. Sets forth the guidelines and requirements for such implementation plan, including: (1) the creation of a State advisory council and local advisory committees; (2) an intradistrict and interdistrict transfer plan; (3) an intradistrict and interdistrict cooperation plan; and (4) a compensatory education program. Requires such implementation to be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare by January 31, 1980. Requires the Secretary to provide notice to applicants 30 days before a final selection is made. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980-1984.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Small and Independent Business Protection Act of 1979 - Prohibits mergers, consolidations, and direct or indirect stock acquisitions sufficient to effectuate a transfer of control between legal entities if: (1) each entity has assets or sales exceeding $350,000,000; or (2) one entity has assets or sales exceeding $350,000,000 and the other entity has 20 percent or more of the sales during the calendar year immediately preceding the acquisition in any line of commerce with annual sales exceeding $100,000,000 in any section of the country. Establishes the following affirmative defenses in actions based on such prohibited transactions: (1) the transaction will have the preponderant effect of substantially enhancing competition; (2) the transaction will result in substantial efficiencies, including economies of scale in manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or research and development; or (3) within one year preceding or succeeding the transaction, the parties shall have divested one or more viable business units with assets and revenues equal to or greater than the assets and revenues of the smaller party to the transaction. Precludes the use of any such affirmative defense, if: (1) one of the parties to the transaction has within the preceding year been a party to another prohibited transaction or (2) each of the entities involved in the transaction has assets or sales exceeding $2,000,000,000. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States and the Federal Trade Commission to enforce this Act. Directs the Attorney General and the Commission to establish procedures to enable parties to obtain a binding determination that a proposed transaction falls within the terms of any of the affirmative defenses. Empowers the courts to grant injunctive relief to private parties under the terms and conditions prescribed by the Clayton Act.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include displaced homemakers as a targeted group for whom the new employee credit is available. Defines "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has not worked in the labor force for a substantial number of years but has provided unpaid services in the home for family members; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is unemployed or underemployed and has encountered difficulty in obtaining suitable employment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act and the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require the concurrent resolution on the budget to establish the public debt ceiling. Repeals the temporary increase of $398,000,000,000 in the public debt limit effective until March 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Objects to the waiver of the Congressional oversight provisions of the Arms Export Control Act by the President. Requests that the military assistance to Yemen be delayed to give Congress time to fulfill its oversight functions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that (1) approval of the sale of commercial aircraft to Libya be reconsidered and (2) action on export licenses for such sale be postponed until Libya stops aiding Idi Amin in Uganda.
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 · 14 March 1979
Establishes the Channel Islands Marine National Park in the State of California, and includes in such park San Miguel and Prince Islands, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands and surrounding waters. Terminates authority for the Channel Islands National Monument. Sets forth provisions for the acquisition of land for such park. Directs the Secretary of Interior to direct and develop, in cooperation with the State of California, a marine resources study report, including an inventory of all species in the park and recommendations for the protection of marine resources. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of California for the management of those lands and waters within and adjacent to the national park which are owned by the State of California.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Allows initial pleadings in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico to be filed in either the Spanish or English language. Requires further pleadings and proceedings to be in English, unless the court allows the use of Spanish, upon the request of a criminal defendant, the agreement of all parties in a civil case, or upon the court's own motion. Provides that each written order and decision shall be in the language used in the trial or proceeding, except that on appeal all records and documents shall be in English. Prohibits the disqualification of persons on a grand or petit jury in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico solely because of a person's inability to speak, read, write and understand English if such person is able to speak, read, write, and understand the language in which the trial or proceeding is being conducted.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Citizens' Postal Rate Relief Act of 1979 - Prohibits the postal rate for qualified mail matter from exceeding the minimum per piece rate for regular rate third-class bulk mail plus the difference between the rate for ordinary single-piece first-class mail and the discounted rate for such mail when presorted. Defines "qualified mail matter" as domestic letter mail of individuals which is sealed against inspection and subject to third-class bulk mail service standards.
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
Dispute Resolution Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish in the Department of Justice the Dispute Resolution Program, including the Dispute Resolution Resource Center and the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board. Includes among the functions of the Center: (1) serving as an information clearinghouse for dispute resolution information; (2) providing technical assistance to State and local governments; (3) conducting research with respect to dispute resolution; (4) surveying existing dispute resolution mechanisms; and (5) identifying the types of minor civil disputes which are amenable to informal resolution. Directs the Board to advise the Attorney General with respect to this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide financial assistance to State and local governments and nonprofit organizations for improving existing dispute resolution mechanisms or establishing new mechanisms. Specifies the purposes for which such assistance may be used, including a prohibition against the use of such funds for attorneys' fees. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) enter into a contract for an independent study of the Dispute Resolution Program and make public and submit to Congress the results of such study by April 1, 1984; and (2) submit annually to Congress a report with respect to the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Entitles former spouses of members of the uniformed services who were married to such member for at least ten years to an annuity based upon a portion of such member's retired or retainer pay. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan to make former spouses eligible to receive annuities under such Plan.
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
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to prohibit the discharge of any federally insured or guaranteed student loan prior to five years from the commencement of the repayment period for such loan unless the court determines that repayment from future income will impose an undue hardship on the bankrupt or the bankrupt's 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
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 · 6 March 1979
Civil Rights Commission Authorization Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the Civil Rights Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Alcohol Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal or biomass for primary use as a substitute for fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 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 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct that any regulations which require a gasoline station to offer unleaded gasoline be amended to require the sale of a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol. Provides that such requirement shall apply only if it is determined that supplies of such a blend are reasonably available to filling stations. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take cooperative action to facilitate expanded production and distribution of alcohol for use as a motor vehicle fuel and fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Declares that the Senate should approve and the President should ratify the International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, upon receiving information that a foreign country or instrumentality is engaged in an unfair trade practice with respect to certain goods, to inquire into such practice to determine whether an investigation is warranted. Directs the Special Representative to investigate such practice if the inquiry shows the need for an investigation. Requires the Special Representative to make public any determinations within 150 days after publishing notice of the investigation. Requires the Special Representative to provide for appropriate public hearings. Directs the Special Representative to provide for the presentation of views or for a public hearing after the President takes expedited action in the national interest.
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
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases by 50 percent Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the program of optional State supplemental payment under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) (SSI) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish States with such information about residential institutions, foster homes, and group living arrangements in which a significant number of recipients of SSI benefits are residing as is necessary for the States to establish and enforce standards for such institutions. Sets forth specific matters which such State standards must cover. Deletes the requirement of a reduction of the payment of an SSI beneficiary who lives in such an institution, home, or group living arrangement when such residence does not meet State standards. Directs the Secretary, upon findings that the standards established by a State under this Act will assure a reasonable standard of well-being for residents of such institutions, to reimburse the State for the costs attributable to the compensation or training of personnel responsible for inspecting such institutions to determine whether they comply with the standards established by the States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to finance the construction and rehabilitation of congregate facilities in federally assisted housing projects and the provision of congregate services for elderly and handicapped individuals and families.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Agricultural Land Protection Act - Title I: Federal Agency Compliance - Requires the interpretation and administration of the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States in accordance with a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of private landholders in making land use decisions, and the rights and responsibilities of State and local governments in developing public policies regarding non-Federal land use. Directs Federal agencies to consider the retention of agricultural land for agricultural purposes when they make decisions which impact directly or indirectly on private, and State and local government public land, as well as on Federal land. Requires all such Federal agencies to review their administrative procedures, especially those regarding land acquisition and management, in order to bring them into conformity with the policies and purposes of this Title. Title II: Study Committee on Protection of Agricultural Land - Establishes a Study Committee on Protection of Agricultural Land to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires a final report of the Committee's findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress by July 1, 1983. Title III: Demonstration Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during a three-year period, to provide financial and technical assistance to States and local governments for the development, demonstration, and testing of methods of reducing the quantity of agricultural land (including such land in and around urban areas) being converted from agricultural uses to nonagricultural uses. Limits such financial assistance to not more than 50 percent of the cost of preparing, establishing, demonstrating, conducting, and testing two such reduction projects. Title IV: Technical Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary, through the Soil Conservation Service, to provide States and local governments with: (1) technical assistance concerning methods of protecting agricultural land and reducing its conversion to nonagricultural uses; and (2) financial assistance (not to exceed 50 percent of costs) to enable such governments to develop plans to implement such methods. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program (Part B of title XVIII). Eliminates the $60 deductible under the supplementary medical insurance program with respect to home health services. Includes services by a community mental health center among the benefits provided under the medicare program for up to: (1) 10 outpatient visits per year; and (2) 60 partial hospitalization visits per year. Stipulates that in determining the 190-day limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program, one day shall be included for every four partial hospitalization visits to a community mental health center. Sets forth the conditions and limitations on payments for community mental health center services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) to exempt only the renting of space within a single family dwelling unit by the occupant of such unit to any other person from the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Prohibits insurers against hazards from discriminating in housing insurance contracts. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Prohibits discrimination in housing finance because of the national origins of people residing in the vicinity of the dwelling involved. Prohibits discrimination in the buying of debts secured by real property. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the administrative authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Revises the procedures for enforcing the fair housing antidiscrimination provisions of the Act. Permits the Secretary to enforce the provisions upon receiving a charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or upon the Secretary's initiative. Permits the Secretary to refer charges to certified State or local agencies to take action. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of their efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to order preliminary relief in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures to be followed when the Secretary has an administrative hearing on a complaint. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action and (2) to commence a civil action (a) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (b) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney fees. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals to determine the validity of the Secretary's final orders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include within its medical coverage: (1) preventive health care, including an annual comprehensive physical examination of older individuals, and diagnostic services; (2) hearing aids, foot care, dental care, and vision aids (including hearing and vision examinations for older individuals); (3) care and services provided by outpatient clinics for the elderly; (4) nutritional counseling; (5) professional guidance and counseling for aged and disabled individuals living alone at home; (6) periodic chore services; and (7) hospital outreach services. Revises title XIX to require State comprehensive medical plans to include provisions for payment of services provided by home health agencies and other long-term care providers. Permits the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist them in funding specified demonstration and pilot projects to determine the effectiveness of various home health and supportive services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them: (1) to conduct annual health fairs through which individuals over age 60 would be provided free medical checkups; and (2) to establish programs under which regular medical services for individuals over age 60 would be provided within the jurisdiction of the subdivisions in mobile health facilities. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that a minimum of $15,000,000 be obligated for grants and contracts for emergency medical services systems for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Export Administration Act 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, distribution, or general 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 control. 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 control. Limits the Secretary's authority to issue validated and distribution licenses for goods and technology. Requires the Secretary to establish a system of automatic annual increases in the performance levels of goods and technology required to have validated and distribution 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 begin negotiations for treaties controlling exports of goods and technology detrimental to the security interests of the treaty parties. Authorizes the President, through the Secretary, to restrict export of goods or technology necessary: (1) to further significantly U.S. foreign policy or international responsibilities; or (2) to encourage other countries to prevent the use of their territories or resources to aid international terrorism, by means of export licenses. 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 goods and technology which would help meet basic human needs from such controls. Sets forth the procedure for processing validated and distribution export license applications. Prohibits the disclosure of confidential information other than to Congress. 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.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow the Select Committee on Aging to appoint, by majority vote of the committee, not more than 18 professional staff members.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Small Business Employee Ownership Act - Amends the Small Business Act to make employee-owned firms eligible for financial assistance under the business loan program. States that in the case of small business concerns using an employee stock ownership plan, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, all financial assistance shall be made to the trust created for employee ownership of stock (ESOT). Predicates such assistance on: (1) a guarantee by the company seeking assistance that it will repay all obligations incurred by the ESOT; (2) the written assurance of the trustee of the ESOT that all guaranteed loans will be used solely for the purchase of company stock; (3) a distribution arrangement which vests ownership of all stock with the employees no later than the expiration date of any assistance made available to acquire such stock; and (4) a certified plan, meeting specified conditions, for the allocation of company stock among the employees. Authorizes the extension of loan guarantees to employee organizations, including those using an ESOT, to finance the acquisition of the employee's workplace if it is a small business or a subsidiary which, if independently owned, would be a small business. States that such guarantees may be extended only if the small business or subsidiary would otherwise close, liquidate, relocate or sell out to a large business or if the owner agrees to the purchase by the employees. Requires an employee organization to compile a feasibility study and plan containing specified provisions in order to be eligible for such guarantees. Limits the principal amount of any loan guaranteed under this Act to $1,000,000. Authorizes $10,000 loans to conduct feasibility studies which will be considered grants if the loan application is denied. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report periodically to the Congress on the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to extend loan guarantees directly to an owner of a business who is selling the business to employees under an installment contract provided specified conditions are met in the event of default. Makes a company with 51 percent of its stock allocated through an ESOT to one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the minority enterprise contract assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Amends the program of medical and dental care for members and certain former members of the uniformed services and for their dependents to include former spouses of members of the uniformed services. Establishes length of marriage and other requirements of eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Child Health Assurance Act of 1979 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the State plan for medical assistance required by such title to provide for making medical assistance available to: (1) any individual who is under the age of 18 and, at the option of the State, to any individual over the age of 17 and under 21, if the individual is a member of a family eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and does not exceed specified income standards; and (2) any woman for a period of her pregnancy and for 60 days following the termination of her pregnancy who on the basis of resources is eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and whose income does not exceed specified standards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a national child health assurance program (CHAP) income standard for the purpose of establishing the eligibility of, and extent of medical assistance provided to, certain children and pregnant women. Sets the national CHAP income standard at two-thirds of the nonfarm income official poverty line. Defines the services to be made available to pregnant women and eligible individuals under age 21 pursuant to this Act. Requires each State plan for medical assistance under the Medicaid program to provide, in the case of any individual under 21 who has received a timely periodic child health assessment, all care and services available under such program and referral for care and services not available under Medicaid. Sets forth standards of the "child health assessment" required by this Act. States that the health care provider performing such assessment must agree to perform such basic diagnostic and treatment services as an assessment shows to be necessary, or to refer a beneficiary to an appropriate provider for such services, and to provide beneficiaries with routine dental care. Requires such a provider to be reasonably accessible on a continuing basis to beneficiaries whom it has assessed. Stipulates that for individuals under 21 who have received a timely health assessment no enrollment fee or charge for any service will be imposed. Provides for the payment of a percentage of the cost of a State child health assessment program by the Federal Government. Requires each State plan under the Medicaid program to develop a plan to implement a CHAP. Directs the Secretary to establish performance standards for CHAP's. Sets forth penalties for States which fail to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on each State's CHAP. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the coordination of health care services to children under: (1) the CHAP program and under title XIX; and (2) title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) and title XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary: (1) to study and conduct demonstration projects in order to evaluate the participation of health care providers in CHAP's and methods of improving their level of participation in these programs; and (2) to develop and carry out experiments and demonstration projects designed to determine the effect of payment on a capitation basis for child health assessments and other services provided under CHAP's upon the level of participation and performance of such providers in these programs. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such studies. Stipulates that certain individuals will remain eligible for Medicaid by disregarding specified involuntary increases in benefits, compensation, the pensions provided under specified Federal laws. Stipulates that certain individuals under the age of 21 shall remain eligible for Medicaid while inmates in certain juvenile institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1979 - Requires any Government procurement contract to which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily to remain open for bidding for at least 30 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 20 percent participation by small business concerns within each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Establishes the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site through the acquisition of the former home and office of Frederick Law Olmsted in Brookline, Massachusetts. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer such property.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to eliminate all age restrictions presently applicable to individuals applying for inpatient psychiatric hospital service benefits under the Medicaid program.
![Official portrait of Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000064_200.jpg)