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United States · Official source
833 records where Rep. Emery, David F. [R-ME-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Designates the week of October 5 through October 11, 1980, as "National Diabetes Week."
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a plan for local nutrition monitoring including: (1) the identification of priority target areas; (2) the development of a structure for monitoring specified regions; and (3) the choice of methodology and a timetable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Requires each one-dollar, two-dollar, five-dollar, ten-dollar, and twenty-dollar bill to be trimmed in a manner which will enable the blind to determine its denomination.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe-Rhodesia upon the appointment and arrival of a British Governor in Salisbury.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Designates the third week of September of each year as "National Cystic Fibrosis Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Sunset Review Act of 1979 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office, before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires, after a determination that all programs and tax expenditures are accurately classified, that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Directs the General Accounting Office to maintain and publish a supplement to the inventory. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on or before March 1 in the first session of each Congress beginning with the 98th Congress, to develop, adopt, and submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committees on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction or in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Requires the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for adoption. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report setting forth the committee's findings, recommendations, and justifications. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to give assistance to the appropriate Congressional committees. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any legislative committee to review programs or tax expenditures within its jurisdiction and to report legislation modifying, continuing, or terminating such programs or expenditures at such times and in such manner as it deems appropriate. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning on November 23, 1980, as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Research and Development Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive plan and program of research, development, and demonstration of ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive technology application plan designed to realize the goal of producing 10,000 megawatts of electrical capacity or energy product equivalent from ocean thermal energy conversion systems by the year 1999. Sets forth criteria for the selection of programs and the establishment of priorities concerning ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Establishes an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on the implementation and conduct of the programs established under this Act and on other matters concerning ocean thermal energy conversion. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for plant and capital equipment for specified ocean thermal energy conversion demonstration plants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979
Special Energy Prosecution Act of 1979 - Establishes an independent Office of Special Prosecution within the Executive Branch, to be headed by a presidentially-appointed Special Prosecutor, with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute any violations of any provisions of, or regulations promulgated under, the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973, of all other Federal laws governing and relating to energy prices and imported crude oil and refined petroleum product purchases and sales, of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Sherman Antitrust Act, and the Clayton Antitrust Act. Directs the Special Prosecutor to limit his investigations, audits, reviews, and prosecutions to activities of the major oil companies. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to take any necessary actions to perform the functions of the Office of Special Prosecution, including activities such as: (1) instructing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other investigative agencies on the collection and delivery of information and evidence; (2) conducting proceedings before grand juries; (3) conducting and arguing appeals in the United States Supreme Court; (4) conducting civil and criminal litigation; and (5) contesting the assertion of executive privilege. Terminates the Office two years after the confirmation of the appointment of the Special Prosecutor. Directs the Special Prosecutor to report annually to the President, Congress and appropriate Executive agencies. Sets forth an expedited review procedure with respect to motions challenging the validity of any provision of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Army, with respect to the Army National Guard, and the Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to the Air National Guard, to prescribe regulations for the accounting of property issued to the Guard and the fixing of responsibility for that property. Provides that individual members of the Guard may be held liable for lost, damaged, or destroyed property if under similar circumstances active service personnel would be so liable. Stipulates that such liability shall be taken out of pay unless cancelled by the respective Secretary. Provides that a State, or territory (including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Canal Zone) may be held liable for property lost, damaged, or destroyed incident to such jurisdictions' authorized use. Stipulates that such liability shall be paid from non-Federal funds.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1979
Appropriates sums necessary to continue any Federal purpose or function which is not funded on the first day of any fiscal year if such purpose or function was funded during the previous fiscal year. Stipulates that the level of funding may not exceed that applicable on the last day of the previous fiscal year. Declares that such continuing appropriations shall remain available for one fiscal year or: (1) the enactment of an appropriation for such purpose or function; or (2) the enactment of a general appropriation for the applicable department or agency without providing for such purpose or function. Makes such continuing appropriations available without regard to certain time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments required by law. States that while such continuing appropriations are available they shall cover all expenditures related to such purpose or function. Charges expenditures made under this Act to the applicable fund or authorization once legislation is enacted providing such an account.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for expenditures to replace furnaces with furnaces that meet specified energy efficiency targets established by the Department of Energy. Limits the amount of such credit to 30 percent of expenditures under $2,000 and 20 percent of expenditures between $2,000 and $10,000.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit: (1) any person from contributing over $1,000 to a political committee advocating the election to a Federal office of an individual who is not a candidate for such office; or (2) any multicandidate political committee from contributing over $5,000 to such a committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify wood or coal burning stoves and furnaces for the income tax credit for residential energy conservation expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Designates the month of July, 1980, as "National Porcelain Art Month."
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Maritime Education and Training Act of 1979 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to integrate existing provisions of Federal law concerning maritime education and training by the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Academy), State maritime colleges, and civilian nautical schools. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish minimum requirements and a system of competition for selecting candidates to the Academy. Prohibits granting any preference in the selection process to members of the families of Academy alumni. Requires the Panama Canal Commission to nominate candidates from the areas and installations made available to the United States pursuant to the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and related agreements. Authorizes the Secretary to make a limited number of noncompetitive appointments to the Academy each year. Requires each candidate who is a U.S. citizen, as a condition of appointment, to sign an agreement committing the candidate: (1) to complete instruction at the Academy; (2) to obtain and maintain an officer's license in the United States merchant marine for six years following graduation; (3) to apply for and, if tendered, accept a six-year appointment as a commissioned officer in the United States Naval Reserve; (4) in lieu of such appointment, to serve the U.S. national defense or foreign commerce for five years; and (5) to report to the Secretary on compliance with such agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to order any cadet who violates the agreement to active duty to serve the unexpired portion of required service. Authorizes the chairmen of the congressional committees having legislative jurisdiction over the Academy to designate committee staff members as staff members for the Board of Visitors of the Academy. Directs the Governors of the States or territories cooperating to sponsor a regional college to identify the State or territory to conduct the affairs of such college. Declares that a regional maritime college is eligible for Federal assistance on the same basis as a State maritime college. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) to pay the costs to such a regional or State college (college) for fuel used for training cruises; and (2) to provide for training of college students on Government-owned and subsidized vessels or other vessels. Requires the Secretary to assist the colleges with the operation and maintenance of new vessels. Stipulates that a college, as a condition for receiving Federal assistance or a training vessel, must require Students to pass the examination for an entry-level merchant marine officer's license. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to appoint students graduating from a college which receives Federal assistance as Reserve midshipmen of the U.S. Navy or to commission such students as Reserve ensigns in the Navy. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to college students. Requires that each student receiving a loan agree to certain conditions concerning use of the loan and post-graduate service obligations. Declares that such a loan shall be forgiven if the student: (1) completes all terms of the loan agreement; or (2) is separated from the college because of failure to meet the academic requirements of the college or the physical requirements for a merchant marine officer's license. Allows the Secretary to waive payment of the loan under specified circumstances. Includes service as an administrative enrollee of the United States Maritime Service (USMS) as Federal service for those enrollees appointed to civil service positions. Stipulates that: (1) such USMS service shall be counted either toward one periodic step increase or toward one additional step increase; and (2) after appointment to the civil service such enrollees are not entitled to certain USMS travel and health benefits. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) to lend surplus shipping equipment to the Academy, colleges, or other approved merchant marine training schools for instructional purposes; (2) to utilize resources of other Federal agencies, with the consent of such agencies, for maritime-education purposes; and (3) to employ instructors for maritime-education courses without regard to specified provisions of Federal law concerning the classification of civil service positions and General Schedule pay rates. Repeals certain provisions of Federal law relating to marine education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury for the business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to include within the definition of the term "contribution" the value of volunteer services which are provided on behalf of a candidate or political committee by a corporation, a labor organization, or a committee or organization affiliated with such corporation or labor organization.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a refundable income tax credit equal to one-third of the total cost during the taxable year of heating oil purchased by such individuals for use in a residence for residential purposes. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $400 for the taxable year. Reduces the amount of such credit by one percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $20,000. Provides for the termination of the credit for taxable years ending after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Welcomes Pope John Paul II to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Uniformed Services Health Professionals Special Pay Act of 1979 - Provides special and additional pay for physicians in the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service who are on active duty for a period of not less than one year. Sets forth a schedule for such special pay providing that: (1) physicians below pay grade 0-7 are to receive between $1,200 and $10,000 per year based on years of creditable service; and (2) physicians above pay grade 0-6 are to receive $1,000 per year. Entitles a physician eligible for special pay to an additional $10,000 annual payment for any 12-month period during which he or she is not undergoing medical internship or initial residency training. Requires such a physician to agree in writing to remain on active duty for a period of not less than one year in order to receive such $10,000 additional payment. Authorizes additional special pay (from $2,000 to $5,000 based on years of creditable service) for those physicians eligible for special pay who are board certified (under regulations prescribed by this Act). Sets forth a special pay schedule for dentists in the Armed Forces or in the Public Health Service who are on active duty for not less than one year providing that: (1) dentists below pay grade 0-7 are to receive between $1,200 and $9,000 per year based on years of creditable service; and (2) dentists above pay grade 0-6 are to receive $1,000 per year. Entitles a dentist eligible for special pay to an additional annual payment ($6,000 to $10,000 depending on years of creditable service) for any 12-month period during which he or she is not undergoing dental internship or residency training. Requires such a dentist to agree in writing to remain on active duty for a period of not less than one year in order to receive such payment. Authorizes additional special pay (from $2,000 to $4,000 based on years of creditable service) for those dentists eligible for special pay who are board certified. Sets forth a special pay schedule for optometrists in the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service who are on active duty for not less than one year providing for: (1) payments of $1,000 to $3,000 per year depending on years of creditable service; and (2) additional annual payments of $1,000 for optometrists with at least three years of creditable service. Requires a written agreement for such additional payments. Defines "creditable service" for purposes of this Act to include all time spent in internship or residency while not on active duty, and all time spent on active duty (as a physician, dentist, optometrist or podiatrist). Authorizes special pay of $100 per month to podiatrists in the Armed Forces or in the Public Health Service who are on active duty for not less than one year and who have three or more years of creditable service. Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish standards for determining whether an officer is: (1) undergoing medical, dental, or optometry internship or residency training; and (2) board certified for a medical or dental specialty. Stipulates that any special pay received under this Act may not be included in computing the amount of any increase in pay authorized by any other uniformed services pay provisions, or in computing retired, severance, or readjustment pay. Provides for the refund of a specified percentage of the amount received by an officer who voluntarily terminates active service before the expiration of the one-year written agreement. Directs the Secretary to conduct a review every two years of such special pay authorizations. Requires the first such review to be submitted to the Congress no later than September 30, 1982. Repeals existing provisions of Federal law: (1) prohibiting special pay for veterinarians after September 1980; (2) setting forth guidelines for physicians' and dentists' continuation pay; and (3) regarding special pay for specified physicians below pay grade 0-7 who execute active duty agreements. Directs the Secretary to conduct an evaluation of alternatives for addressing the existing maldistribution of medical and dental specialties within the Armed Forces. Requires a final report to be submitted to the Congress no later than two years after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that health professionals eligible for basic and special pay under existing provisions shall not be paid less than such amounts as a result of amendments made by this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981. Provides that special pay provisions under this Act shall take effect for periods beginning after September 30, 1979, or after date of enactment of this Act, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify passive solar energy property for the residential energy tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of December 3 through December 9, 1979, as the "Boy Scouts Calendar Distribution Week."
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Revises specified inspection and manning requirements for vessels below a specified size carrying passengers or freight for hire. Increases the civil penalty for violations of such manning requirements. Makes freight-carrying vessels below a specified size subject to the same inspection requirements as those applicable to smaller passenger-carrying vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Social Security Deposit Act of 1979 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct a State to pay to the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days following the end of each month, OASDI contributions related to the employment of State employees.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Synthetic Fuels Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Loan Guarantees for Synthetic Fuel Demonstration Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to guarantee and to make commitments to guarantee interest payments on obligations issued for the purpose of financing the construction of demonstration facilities for the conversion of domestic coal, oil shale, tar sands, biomass, peat, and other domestic resources into synthetic fuels, and for other energy sources such as ocean thermal energy conversion. Stipulates that such guarantees shall be issued under a competitive bidding procedure to the extent possible. Prohibits the issuance of a guarantee for an oil-shale conversion facility until a modular facility of the same technology has been shown to be successfully operated. Limits the total amount of loan guarantees outstanding under this Act to $10,000,000,000, and prohibits issuance of such guarantees beyond five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for handling defaults in payments on any obligation issued and guaranteed under this Act. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund into which shall be deposited authorized administrative funds, interest and principal payments, or repayments and fees, and any other moneys derived from the operation of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in the event moneys available in the fund are insufficient to enable the Secretary to carry out this title. Stipulates that inventions made or conceived under a guarantee authorized by this title shall be subject to the appropriate sections of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development of 1974. Directs the Secretary to provide opportunities for small business to participate in such guarantee program. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report of the activities conducted under this title. Requires that regulations issued under this title be submitted to specified congressional committees. Repeals existing provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 relating to loan guarantees for alternative fuel demonstration facilities, excluding those provisions on the issuance of obligations for synthetic fuel conversion facilities and municipal waste energy generation facilities. Title II: Priority Energy Projects - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Exempts such designations from the impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1979, but requires that designated projects comply with the appropriate provisions of the Clear Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. States that the time allowed for completion of all final agency action and the issuance of all final agency decisions as to licenses, permits, and other authorizations shall be consistent with existing statutory obligations. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for the coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Governor of a State in which a priority energy project is to be located a voluntary decision schedule setting deadlines for State and local authorities to complete their actions relating to such project. Sets forth procedures authorizing the President to waive State or local law provisions causing delay in implementing the State decision schedule. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of any action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give expedited treatment to such matters. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Goals and Objectives - Establishes a national goal for the reduction of energy imports by the year 1990 to the equivalent of 25 percent of the crude oil and synthetic fuels consumed in the United States in that year. Directs the Secretary to conduct specified studies relating to the attainment of such goal. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to test the commercial feasibility of synthetic fuels by using such fuels in selected portions of the vehicle fleets of specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates for 1979 and to make permanent reductions for succeeding years. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to individual income tax brackets and to the amount of the personal exemption. Provides that the amount of the personal exemption and the zero bracket amount applicable to a taxpayer shall determine whether such taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Title II: Capital Cost Recovery - Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Title III: Reduction of Payroll Taxes and Long-Range Financial Strengthening of the Social Security System - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the special increases in the contribution and benefit base, for purposes of determining amount of tax liability, for 1979 through 1981. Limits contribution and benefit bases to a maximum $22,900 in 1979 and 1980. Makes reductions in the social security tax rate and sets forth the tax rate through year 2010. Provides for the partial funding of title XVIII (Medicare), part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of the Social Security Act from general revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit trading in potato (Solanum tuberosum) futures on commodity exchanges.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) energy production and conservation policy; (2) energy regulation; (3) energy research and development; (4) natural gas and oil production; (5) coal production, distribution, and utilization; (6) hydroelectric power; (7) solar power systems; (8) nonmilitary development of nuclear energy; (9) naval petroleum reserves; (10) energy- related aspects of deep-water ports; and (11) studies, reviews, and reports relating to energy matters.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate August 31, 1980, as "Working Mother's Day."
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Amends the Walsh-Healey Act to permit government contractors to have their employees work a four-day workweek consisting of four ten-hour days. Amends the Contract Work Hours Standards Act to revise wage and overtime guidelines to accommodate such a workweek.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to increase the labor cost limitations for weatherization materials for which financial assistance may be provided under such Act in areas where the Secretary of Energy determines that there is an insufficient number of volunteers, training participants, and public service workers available to work on weatherization projects. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to waive the requirement relating to assurances that applicants for weatherization assistance will use such funds to supplement, and not supplant, State and local funds where he makes the determination described above. Makes inapplicable the limitation on the amount of weatherization assistance allowed to be used for repair to a dwelling to make such weatherization effective if the State policy advisory council requests the Secretary of Energy to increase such amount.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Alternate Fuels Engine Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Alternative Fuels Engine Development Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a comprehensive program for the development of gas turbine engines for commercial production. Stipulates that such program shall include development of gasoline engine conversion systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, and loans with specified types of institutions and organizations in order to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to qualified entities to assist in the commercial production of such engines and conversion systems. Authorizes appropriations for programs described under this title. Requires that federally-purchased vehicles be equipped with gas turbine engines or gasoline engine conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to take such steps as necessary to assure participation by small businesses in the programs conducted under this title. Terminates the provisions of this Act effective January 1, 1990. Title II: Tax Incentives for Gas Turbine Engine Development and Production and for Gasoline Engine Conversion Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide an additional 15 percent investment tax credit for gasoline conservation property, as defined under this Act. Allows a tax deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified gasoline conservation product facility based on a period of 60 months. Sets forth procedures for determining eligibility for and claiming such deduction. Allows a tax credit for purchase of qualified gasoline conservation products. Allows a tax deduction for fees paid for transportation of a taxpayer on any public transportation motor vehicle which uses any qualified gasoline conservation product.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Smaller Enterprise Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and small organizations. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule. Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any rule affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting and recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standards for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this Act in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Elephant Protection Act of 1979 - Prohibits the importation into or exportation from the United States of African elephants or elephant products. Prohibits the acquisition, transportation, or sale in interstate commerce of such products imported in violation of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the importation or exportation of elephants and elephant products if: (1) the Secretary finds the wildlife management authorities of the nation in which such products originate are developing an elephant conservation program according to specified criteria; (2) the products can be traced as coming from a particular nation; or (3) such products are for zoological, educational, or scientific purposes or to enhance elephant propagation. Prescribes conditions for the granting of such permits. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the 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 furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Provides for the forfeiture of elephants, elephant products, or vehicles aiding in the acquisition or transportation of such products contrary to the provisions of this Act. Supersedes the Endangered Species Act, the Tariff Act, and State laws regarding elephant and elephant products.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Designates April 10, 1980, as "ORT Centennial Day" to salute the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training on its 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Animal Welfare Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit coursing (the use of live animals as visual lures in dog racing and training). Sets forth the penalties for violation of this Act. Exempts any dog trained by the use of any live visual lure, or sponsored or exhibited in a coursing venture, or any animal used as a live visual lure in a coursing venture before the effective date of this Act from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Requests the Governors of the 50 States to cooperate voluntarily by standardizing truck weight and length limits at 80,000 pounds and 60 feet in order to encourage striking truckers to go back to work.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Congressional Salary Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make any recommendations of the President relating to the salaries of Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico purely advisory. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require that the annual rate of pay for members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Senate and House leadership be the rate payable for such positions on the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise established by law. Prohibits any law increasing such rates of pay from taking effect before the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such law is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Calls upon the President to urge: (1) the International Whaling Commission to adopt an indefinite moratorium on the commercial killing of whales; and (2) various countries to voluntarily comply with such moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1979
Exempts States from the requirement of filing environmental impact statements with respect to the following actions taken under fish and wildlife restoration programs: (1) surveys and inventories to determine the numbers and conditions of fish and wildlife and their habitats; (2) routine maintenance with respect to facilities and improvements; (3) hunter education programs; (4) coordination projects providing for administrative and clerical services for State projects; (5) research other than: (a) research to develop new technologies; (b) research which involves the killing of a significant number of animals; (c) research which requires a significant disruption of the physical environment; and (d) research which affects public health or safety; (6) technical guidance for the purpose of improving fish and wildlife resources; (7) migratory bird banding operations; and (8) development of a comprehensive plan for fish and wildlife management.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify a replacement oil boiler whose energy savings cost can reasonably be expected to exceed its cost over a ten year period for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Forest Fuel Utilization Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants through the rural forestry assistance program of the Forest Service to States for the employment of additional State foresters or equivalent State officials. Requires the Secretary to determine the number of woodlot owners in each State. Authorizes the Secretary to make forest fuel utilization training programs available to State foresters, or equivalent State officials, in States in which forest growth is underutilized and in which there is a potential for the utilization of wood as a fuel in place of oil. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Energy to develop a plan to increase the assistance and information provided to the Forest Service by the Department of Energy; and (2) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to develop a plan to increase the managerial assistance and information provided to small woodlot owners and wood fuel distributors and marketers by the Small Business Administration.