United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to include any loan, payment, or gift made for the purpose of participating or intervening in a political campaign for certain offices within the definition of a "contribution or expenditure" by a national bank, a corporation, or a labor organization for purposes of such Act and the Public Utility Holding Company Act. Allows a corporation or labor organization to establish and administer a separate contributory fund for political purposes provided that all contributions for or to the fund are made voluntarily and are unrelated to any fees required for membership or employment in such organization or corporation. Prohibits the payment of any costs of establishing or administering the fund from moneys obtained in any commercial transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) governments causing the disappearance of any person, by abduction and clandestine detention, are committing terrorist acts; (2) the President should encourage other nations to join together in calling upon the United Nations to condemn such acts, to establish effective procedures for dealing with such cases, and to demand that all governments investigate all reports of disappearances, prosecute those responsible, and account for those persons who have disappeared; and (3) the President should attempt to implement a program to be taken with respect to governments practicing such acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Swine Health Protection Act - Prohibits the feeding, or the permission to feed, of garbage to swine unless such garbage has been treated to kill disease organisms, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, at a facility holding a valid permit issued by the Secretary (or the chief agricultural or animal health official of a State with an agreement with the Secretary). Exempts waste from ordinary household operations which is fed directly to swine on the same premises as the household from coverage as "garbage" under this Act. Requires persons operating a garbage-treatment facility who know such garbage is to be fed to swine to hold a valid permit issued under this Act. Provides for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such permits. Requires that such facilities, to be issued such permits: (1) meet requirements prescribed by the Secretary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of any infectious or communicable disease of animals or poultry; and (2) be so constructed that swine are unable to enter the premises or have access to untreated garbage or material coming in contact with such garbage. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for general enforcement of this Act by the Attorney General, upon the request of the Secretary, in U.S. district courts. Provides for cooperative agreements with State agencies for coordination of enforcement, administration, and regulation under this Act and under State law. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to repeal or supercede any State law prohibiting the feeding of garbage to swine. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Authorizes the President to present, in the name of the Congress, specially struck gold medals to Eric Heiden and the American Hockey Team for their victories at the 1980 winter Olympics. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and furnish bronze duplicates of such medals to the United States Olympic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
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 · 20 February 1980
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to delete the requirement of a determination of short supply before the Secretary of Agriculture must set loan levels for agricultural commodities, the exports of which have been suspended.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation extending best wishes and expressing appreciation to Carl Vinson for his devotion to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980
Amends the Cotton Research and Promotion Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from appointing to Cotton Board membership any person: (1) who has been convicted of any Federal or State offense carrying a penalty of imprisonment of more than one year; or (2) against whom any Federal or State agency has issued an order imposing sanctions for any violation of law relating to the buying, selling, handling, or transporting of agricultural commodities or contracts for the future delivery of such commodities. Prohibits the use of specified funds by a specified cotton producer organization to provide information to cotton producers concerning the activities of such organization or association or the Board under such Act, unless such information is specifically requested by a producer. Limits to ten percent of its budget for any fiscal period the amount which the Board may expend to provide such information to producers. Requires the Board to provide or direct any such information to all producers, unless specifically requested by a producer. Requires that all information with respect to refunds made to individual producers be kept confidential by all officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture and of the Board. Provides for criminal penalties and removal from office for convicted violators of such requirement. Prohibits the use of specified information, which has not been made public and which may affect or tend to affect prices, purchases, sales, or contracts for the future delivery of cotton, in any activity relating to such purchases, sales, or contracts. Prohibits specified communications or acquisitions to further such use. Provides penalties for violations of such prohibitions. Directs the Secretary to utilize a committee or committees of Department employees or officers with expertise in cotton marketing, production, processing and textile research, and administration, to establish guidelines governing legitimate expenditures by the cotton producer organization carrying out a program under such Act. Requires that such committee grant prior approval for all expenditures by such organization in excess of $7,500. Directs the Secretary to take actions to ensure: (1) that the Board or the Secretary budgets, audits, and approves all funds, incomes, and expenditures of such organization; and (2) that the Board obtains ownership of all technology, patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property which has been developed, maintained, or serviced in whole or part with funds collected pursuant to such Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate committees of Congress detailing such actions and recommending legislation relating to such matters.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Andrei Sakharov from internal exile immediately. Urges the President to: (1) protest Sakharov's exile and the continued suppression of human rights in the Soviet Union; (2) call upon other nations to join in such protests and impose sanctions against the Soviet Union; and (3) inform Helsinki signatory governments that the U.S. delegation intends to raise these violations at the 1980 Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe review meeting.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should press for the immediate release of Andrei Sakharov from internal exile. Declares that Congress will continue to raise the issue of Sakharov's treatment until he is accorded his legal rights by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Andrei Sakharov from internal exile immediately. Urges the President, through the Secretary of State to: (1) express U.S. opposition to Sakharov's exile; (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account, in evaluating its reactions with other countries, the extent to which those countries honor their commitments under international law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation honoring the memory of Walt Disney on the 25th anniversary of his contribution to the American dream.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Urges: (1) the U.S. Olympic Committee to propose the transfer or cancellation of the 1980 summer Olympic games; (2) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to adopt such proposal; and (3) the U.S. Olympic committee and other nations' Olympic committees to not participate in such summer games, if the IOC rejects such proposal, and conduct alternative games.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Simon Wiesenthal in recognition of his contribution to international justice through the documentation and location of war criminals from World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Provides for an exemption from the windfall profits tax for independent oil producers for an amount equal to 1,000 barrels of crude oil multiplied by the number of days in the taxable period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Calls upon the President to consult with friendly nations to coordinate naval and other resources in a Sealane Security System to provide lifesaving assistance and insure free passage through East and Southeast Asian sealanes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the Chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board: (1) to provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusivity of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits' awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. States that in the case of such a claim resolved in court, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in such court within 30 days after such award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1979
Rejects the President's determination that it is in the U.S. national interest to continue sanctions against Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Makes this rejection, and the resulting termination of sanctions, effective when a British Governor has been appointed and assumed his or her duties in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to plan and construct a recreation lake and other necessary improvements on Quinsippi Island in the Mississippi River, at Quincy, Illinois. Requires agreements with non-Federal interests concerning construction damages, provision of land, and maintenance, before construction may begin.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Hazardous Waste Response Fund Act of 1979 - States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to oil or other pollution of navigable waters. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a hazardous waste response program for dealing with emergencies involving the release or threat of release of hazardous waste into the environment from sites now regulated under Federal law. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take such emergency response actions as determined to be immediately necessary to prevent or minimize any harm to public health or the environment when any hazardous waste is released or is threatened to be released into the environment. Stipulates that where the Administrator determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of such waste, any other person responsible for such release or threatened release, or the State or local government concerned, will take such emergency actions, the Administrator shall not exercise such emergency response authority. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such emergency actions where it is determined that such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of emergency actions which are authorized. Authorizes the Administrator to remove, contain, and clean up hazardous waste at or associated with any hazardous waste site which may present a danger to public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator not to exercise such authority if he determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of waste treated, stored or disposed of at such site, any other person responsible for such site, or the State or local government concerned, will take the action referred to in this paragraph. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such actions where it is determined that such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of containment and removal actions which are authorized. Authorizes the Administrator to provide special rapid emergency assistance to State and local governments and to take such action, or assist other Federal agencies in taking actions as are deemed necessary to protect health and the environment from hazardous substances released into the environment in a manner which may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or the environment. Stipulates that such assistance may be rendered and actions taken even where the Administrator is unable to immediately determine the applicability of any Federal law other than this Act or the existence of any authority to take remedial action with respect to such hazardous substance release. Requires the Administrator or such other Federal agency or instrumentality to reimburse the Fund established under this Act for amounts expended for emergency assistance or actions where it is determined that such action taken or assistance provided is authorized under any authority of law other that this Act. Directs the Administrator to issue a National Hazardous Waste Response Plan after appropriate public review and public hearings are completed. Sets forth the components of such plan, and requires that hazardous waste removal and containment and emergency assistance for releases of such wastes shall be in accordance with such plan. Requires that such plan set forth recommended methods, procedures, criteria, and equipment for handling released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to provide equipment and other items necessary for damage assessment and response capability of Federal, State, and local strike forces or other emergency response teams. Limits the Federal share of the cost of actions taken by the Administrator under this Act. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Waste Response Fund to finance emergency response, removal, containment, cleanup, and other actions authorized by this Act, including administrative and personnel costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for such fund. Includes in such fund: (1) fees collected under this Act; (2) damage payments received for liability for hazardous waste releases; (3) reimbursements for emergency assistance or for the costs of actions taken for removal, containment, or cleanup of hazardous waste releases; (4) penalties assessed under this Act; and (5) amounts authorized to be appropriated. Imposes fees to be set by the Administrator on: (1) suppliers of petrochemical feedstocks; (2) suppliers of inorganic elements and compounds; and (3) refiners and exporters of crude oil. Specifies the aggregate amounts of fees imposed under this Act which are to be collected from such parties. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such fees upon his determination that any such feedstock, element, or compound is derived from the waste stream of a production process or from recycled materials. Imposes civil penalties for the failure or refusal to pay such fees. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations prohibiting the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Requires owners or operators of hazardous waste sites and persons responsible for hazardous waste releases or threatened releases violating the regulations issued under this Act to notify the Administrator thereafter. Prohibits any person from knowingly destroying or concealing records relating to hazardous wastes or hazardous waste sites. Authorizes the Administrator to require, by order, any owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or generator of hazardous waste to take such action as may be required for removal, containment, or cleanup of released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action against any person to impose a civil penalty for violation of regulations issued under this Act, up to $50,000 for single violations, and $250,000 for willful and knowing violations. Authorizes the Administrator to issue abatement orders or to seek equitable relief in the event of hazardous waste releases endangering or threatening to endanger public health or safety. States that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant such relief. Authorizes criminal penalties and imprisonment upon the owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or upon any other party responsible for a hazardous waste release for failure to comply with the notification requirements of this Act. Authorizes anyone taking actions under this Act as authorized by the Administrator to exercise the entry, inspection, and other authority contained in the applicable inspection provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Imposes strict liability upon any person causing or contributing to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste into the environment. Specifies the damages and costs for which such person shall be liable and states that such liability shall be to the governmental entity which incurred costs relating to removal, containment, emergency assistance or other actions, and to persons who sustained damages for personal injury, injury to property, and economic loss resulting from such release or threatened release. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of any person under any other law except that the amount recovered under such other laws shall reduce the amount recoverable under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide for the determination of claims against Vietnam arising out of the taking of U.S. property interests. Requires the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to receive and determine the validity and amounts of claims by U.S. nationals against Vietnam arising on or after April 29, 1975. Specifies the type of claims that may be considered. Directs the Commission to certify the amount of loss suffered by each claimant. Stipulates that the amount of any claim which has been assigned shall not exceed the amount of actual consideration paid by the last assignee. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims against Vietnam upon certification by the Commission. Specifies the priority of payments on such claims. Requires the Commission to complete its duties under this Act within three years. Prohibits fees in excess of ten percent of the claim. Makes specified provisions of existing law relating to the jurisdiction of the Commission, payment of claims, administrative procedure, and employee organizations applicable to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish disaster relief to alleviate the famine in Cambodia through international agencies to the extent feasible. Stipulates that priority be given to furnishing agricultural commodities under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize payment of a gratuity (equal to one year's salary at time of death) to the surviving dependents of officers or employees of the Central Intelligence Agency who die as a result of injuries sustained outside of the United States upon a determination by the Director of Central Intelligence that the death resulted from hostile or terrorist activity or occurred in connection with an intelligence activity having a substantial element of risk.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to seek free elections supervised by the United Nations in the Baltic States after the withdrawal of all Soviet military and civilian personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should inform and gain the support and cooperation of other nations in realizing independence for the Baltic States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the: (1) President should warn the Soviet Union against making citizenship claims on U.S. citizens; and (2) Secretary of State should inform U.S. citizens planning to visit the Soviet Union of the implications of the Soviet law on citizenship.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Hazardous Waste Disposal Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to set forth criteria upon which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is to base performance standards for owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities, including: (1) the utilization of recycling, where feasible; (2) the detoxification and use of other techniques for making hazardous wastes environmentally acceptable where recycling is not feasible; and (3) the incineration of such wastes or its storage and disposal in a landfill only when treatment or disposal would not be environmentally acceptable and where recycling would not be feasible. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to add provisions requiring States to prepare an inventory of each site within each State at which hazardous waste has been stored or disposed of. Requires that such inventories contain descriptions of the locations of such sites; information relating to the amount, nature and toxicity of the waste at such sites; the name and address or corporate headquarters of the owners of each such site; an identification of the treatment techniques used; and information as to the current status of the site. Authorizes the States conducting such inventories to inspect such sites and to have the same rights of access as States having an authorized hazardous waste program. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of standards relating to the location of hazardous waste facilities, including the prohibition against locating such facilities in close proximity to inhabited areas. Directs the Administrator to develop a site classification system to reflect the suitability of various different types of sites for storage, treatment, or disposal of hazardous waste classified according to specified characteristics. Requires that after the effective date of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, each hazardous waste facility be located on Federally-owned lands or on State-owned lands in the case of a State having an authorized program, which meets the standards established by the Administrator relating to location of such facilities. Stipulates that when a facility's permit is revoked for reasons of safety or improper location, the Administrator or the authorized State shall order the removal of such waste as may be necessary to ensure compliance with appropriate standards. Directs the Administrator to select at least one location in each State on public lands meeting the appropriate standards for a hazardous waste facility to insure that each generator of such waste has access to such facility. Directs the Administrator or the authorized State to acquire privately-owned hazardous waste facilities when treatment and disposal operations are terminated at such facilities and to provide for the necessary maintenance thereof. Amends the public participation provisions of such Act. Amends such Act to provide that nothing in such Act may be construed to permit a State to prohibit the interstate transportation of hazardous waste. Directs the President to issue regulations designating as hazardous substances, in addition to those defined under this Act, such elements and compounds which may present substantial danger to the public health or the environment if discharged or released. Prohibits the discharge of any hazardous substance in violation of the Clean Water Act or the release or disposal of any such substance into or upon groundwater, air, land, or navigable waters or where it would affect Federally-owned or managed natural resources. Requires persons in charge of onshore facilities to report to the appropriate Federal agency of any release or disposal of hazardous substances, in violation of this Act, and establishes criminal penalties for failure to comply with such notification requirement. Provides that any person who may be subject to liability for a hazardous waste disposal site not in compliance with a permit or accorded interim status shall notify the Administrator of the existence of such site, and any known or suspected discharges of such substances from such site. Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who fails to so notify the Administrator and adds that such person shall not be entitled to any limitation of liability or to any defenses to liability under this or any other law. Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly destroying or concealing any records relating to hazardous substances or a hazardous substance disposal site. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and enforce such control or removal requirements as are deemed appropriate to protect the public health and environment from any hazardous substance disposal site not in compliance. Authorizes the President to take any emergency response measure including removal or containment, necessary to protect the public health or the environment whenever a hazardous substance is discharged or released into the environment, unless it is determined that the owner or operator of the source of the release will properly remove such substance. Directs the President, within a specified period, to revise and republish the National Contingency Plan for the removal of oil and hazardous substances to reflect and effectuate the responsibilities and powers created by this Act. Specifies that such revision include a National Hazardous Substance Disposal Site Response Plan, such plan to include: (1) methods for discovering and investigating such sites; (2) methods for evaluating and containing any actual or threatened discharges or releases from such sites which pose a substantial danger to the public health or the environment; (3) methods and criteria for determining the appropriate extent of emergency response, containment, and other methods authorized by this Act; (4) appropriate roles and responsibilities for various governmental and nongovernmental entities in effectuating the Plan; (5) provision for response equipment and supplies; and (6) provision for reporting the existence of and any releases of hazardous substances from sites which may be located on federally-owned or controlled properties. Authorizes the Administrator: (1) to require any person involved in activities which may present a danger to public health or the environment related to the handling, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of any hazardous substance to take any necessary actions to ascertain in the nature and extent of such danger; or (2) to bring suit in the appropriate United States district court to require any such person to take such actions. Makes the owner or operator of an onshore facility from which a hazardous substance is discharged jointly, severally and strictly liable for specified damages resulting from such discharge, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the President or the authorized representative of a State to act on behalf of the public as trustee of any natural resources damaged or lost as a result of such discharge and to recover for such damages. Stipulates that each department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Federal Government shall be subject to and comply with this Act. Imposes liability upon any generator or transporter of any hazardous substance for such discharge by the facility which was the source of the discharge if such generator or transporter could have reasonably anticipated such discharge. Imposes punitive damages upon the owner or operator of a hazardous substance disposal site for failure to properly provide emergency response or containment upon request of the President. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Substance Response Fund to be constituted from specified fees, and all moneys recovered on behalf of the Fund or recovered or collected under the Clean Water Act. Requires manufacturers, importers, and generators of hazardous substances to pay fees on each unit of hazardous substance produced, manufactured, or imported into the United States and each unit of hazardous waste generated. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate rules and regulations relating to the collection of such fees, and sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of such regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to invest any excess of the Fund in interest-bearing special obligations of the United States. Directs the President to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary in the event the moneys available in the fund are inadequate to meet the obligations of the fund. Sets forth the purposes for which Fund moneys may be used. Authorizes the President to delegate his duties under this Act to the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities. Directs the President to establish a national priority system for responding to releases of hazardous substances and a system whereby States affected by such discharges may act to provide emergency response and be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred therefor. Sets forth procedures for the disposition of claims resulting from such discharges. Establishes a six year statute of limitation for claims presented or actions commenced under this Act. Subrogates to the United States Government all rights of a claimant to recover the costs of removal or damages from the person responsible for a hazardous substance discharge prior to payment of any claim by the Fund. Subrogates any person, including the Fund, who pays compensation pursuant to this Act to any claimant for damages or removal costs of such claimant. Directs the Attorney General upon request of the President, to commence an action on behalf of the Fund to recover any compensation paid by the Fund to any claimant pursuant to this Act. Directs the President, acting through the Administrators of the EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, to issue regulations for the assessment of damages for injury to or loss of natural resources resulting from a discharge of hazardous substances. Directs the Comptroller General to provide for auditing of all payments and other uses of the Fund. Requires owners and operators of onshore facilities to post a bond in an amount determined by the Administrator as sufficient to insure proper maintenance and storage of hazardous wastes for twenty years after the termination by such person of the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes at such facility. Authorizes judicial review of any regulation issued under this Act only in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over all controversies arising under this Act. Makes conforming amendments to the Clean Water Act. Transfers to the Fund one-half of any sums appropriated under the oil and hazardous substances liability provisions of such Act and all of the sums appropriated under the emergency powers provisions of this Act. Terminates the authority to establish and collect fees under this Act on October 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits to any individual for any month in which such individual is confined in a penal institution. Stipulates that benefits withheld from such individuals shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the same wages and self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Simon Wiesenthal in recognition of his contribution to international justice through the documentation and location of war criminals from World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Modifies the project for the replacement of locks and dam 26 on the Mississippi River in Illinois and Missouri to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to install hydroelectric power generating facilities at such project. Requires congressional approval of such facility before appropriations will be made to construct such facility.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that certain musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the method of valuing farms for estate tax purposes to provide that if there is no comparable land from which the average annual gross rental may be determined but there is comparable land from which the average net share rental may be determined, then the existing valuation formula shall be applied by substituting "average net share rental" for "average gross cash rental. Defines net share rental as the excess of: (1) the value of the produce received by the lessor under a lease of the land on which such produce is grown, over (2) the cash operating expenses of growing such produce which, under the lease, are paid by the lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that interest earned on a nonnegotiable time deposit certificate which has a maturity of one year or less will not be treated as received or accrued until the earlier of its maturity date or the date on which it is redeemed. Excludes such certificates from classification as a discount instrument of indebtedness.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Directs the Director of the International Communication Agency to make available to the Administrator of General Services the film, "Reflections: George Meany", for distribution in the United States.
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).
![Official portrait of Rep. Findley, Paul [R-IL-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000123_200.jpg)