United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat property which is placed in service after December 31, 1982, as energy property, for purposes of the investment tax credit, if such property qualifies as energy property and if the taxpayer is affirmatively committed on that date to its construction, reconstruction, erection, or acquisition. Defines "affirmative commitment" as: (1) the completion of detailed engineering studies and the application for construction permits of licenses with local authorities; (2) the entry into a written, binding contract for the commencement of construction, reconstruction, or erection, or for the acquisition of the property; or (3) the placement of purchase orders for the acquisition of at least 50 percent of the total cost of all items of permanent equipment necessary for the construction, reconstruction, or erection of the property.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Alcohol Production Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60 month period, of any qualified alcohol producing facility which is: (1) property of a character subject to the allowance for depreciation; (2) used as an integral part in the production of alcohol from coal, biomass, or agricultural products; (3) a research facility used in connection with such production; or (4) a facility used in connection with such production for the bulk storage of fungible commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should promptly enact the President's April 5, 1979, proposal providing for solar energy tax credits and that such enactment should take effect retroactively to such date.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979
Anti-Inflation Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to require the President to include in the annual economic report to Congress, for the purpose of reducing the rate of inflation: (1) a set of price and wage guidelines; and (2) a coordinated set of fiscal, monetary, regulatory, antitrust, investment, productivity, international, and other economic policies. Requires that such guidelines be designed to reduce the amount of price increases or wage settlements by a significant anti-inflation factor. Limits their applicability to businesses and labor organizations of specified size. Specifies the manner in which such guidelines are to be formulated and requires the Council on Wage and Price Stability to assist the Council of Economic Advisors in such formulation. Requires the Joint Economic Committee of Congress to hold special hearings to review the President's proposed guidelines. Establishes procedures for Congressional approval of the guidelines as an effective national standard. Requires businesses to notify the Council on Wage and Price Stability of significant price changes at least 30 days before they become effective. Requires labor organizations to report annually to the Council on the fee structure of its members. Directs the Council to make a report on any price increase, wage settlement, or change in fee structure which exceeds the guidelines. Requires the President to institute and carry out a process of mediation to achieve compliance. Instructs the Council of Economic Advisors and the Council on Wage and Price Stability to jointly report to the appropriate committees of Congress their findings and recommendations on the use of tax incentives and penalties to induce compliance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Establishes a seven-member Task Force on Consumer and Physician Incentives Toward Hospital Cost Containment (three members to be appointed by the President, two by the Speaker of the House, and two by the President of the Senate) to study: (1) the effect of policies and procedures (including use of deductibles, coinsurance, cost- or risk-sharing, tax deductions and exclusions, and prepaid health plans) relating to payment of hospital services on (A) consumer and physician cost awareness and (B) the utilization and quality of hospital services; and (2) the desirability of increasing the use of such methods in federally funded and other health insurance programs. Directs the Task Force to submit such study and recommendation to the appropriate congressional committees within two years of its appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1979
Carryover Basis Simplification Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the estate tax rules for determining the basis of carryover basis property in the hands of an individual acquiring such property from a decedent. Defines "carryover basis property" as any property which is acquired from or passed from a decedent who died after December 31, 1979, and which is not specifically excluded from the category of carryover basis property under the provisions of this Act. Provides that the basis of carryover basis property acquired from a decedent shall be its adjusted basis for purposes of determining gain immediately before the death of the decedent (initial basis), increased by the sum of the minimum basis adjustment and the death tax adjustment for such property (as defined by this Act). Requires the allocation of such adjustments among the carryover basis properties for purposes of the estate tax. Exempts from classification as carryover basis property: (1) assets of an estate which have a fair market value of $175,000 or less (the estate tax exemption amount); (2) property which was acquired from a decedent and sold before the decedent's death; (3) income in respect of a decedent; and (4) life insurance proceeds. Permits the executor of an estate to elect to exclude from carryover basis property classification, tangible personal property which the decedent held as a capital asset and which has a fair market value of $25,000 or less. Provides for a "fresh start adjustment" for marketable securities to increase the adjusted basis of such securities to their fair market value on December 31, 1976. Provides for a similar adjustment to all other types of property. Permits only one fresh start adjustment for carryover basis property. Treats preferred stock which was issued and outstanding on December 31, 1976, as marketable securities for purposes of the adjustment. Sets the fair market value of such preferred stock at its stated redemption price on such date excluding any dividends in arrears. Permits the holding period, bases, and fair market values of various types of property to be determined on a class basis rather than on an individual item basis. Provides that the value of improvements to a decedent's principal residence which the decedent held for a period beginning after December 31, 1976, shall be deemed to be not less than $250. Sets the decedent's basis in carryover basis property at fair market value as of the date such property was acquired by the decedent where facts necessary to determine the decedent's basis immediately before death are unavailable. Sets forth procedures for a binding determination of the initial basis of carryover basis property. Permits an executor of an estate to request from the Secretary of the Treasury an audit of the initial basis of any carryover basis property shown on an estate tax return. Provides for judicial review of the Secretary's determination in Tax Court unless the Secretary and the executor have entered into an agreement as to the initial basis of any carryover basis property. Provides penalties for negligent or fraudulent overstatement of the initial basis of carryover basis property. Provides for carryover basis treatment of property received by a beneficiary in a distribution from an estate or trust, with adjustments for gain or loss recognized to the estate or trust on the distribution. Revises the method for computing the estate tax deduction from amounts includible in gross income as income in respect of a decedent. Provides for an adjustment to the basis of gifts made after December 31, 1976, based upon the net appreciation in value of all appreciated taxable gifts made by a donor during a particular calendar quarter after such date. Exempts gifts which are includible in the gross estate of the donor or which have been disposed of prior to the donor's death from such gift tax adjustment. Revises basis adjustment rules for generation-skipping transfers after June 11, 1976. Permits the application of capital loss deductions which are carried over from the decedent's last taxable year to the gross estate of such decedent. Restores capital gain tax treatment to the sale of inherited artwork. Revises rules for the extension of time for payment of estate tax where an estate consists largely of interests in a closely held business.
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 · 26 June 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to extend until October 1, 1982, the program of Federal payments to States for costs incurred in carrying out a State plan of services for disabled children who receive SSI benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Establishes uniform national weight and length limitation on the Interstate Highway Systems until the Secretary of Energy has certified to Congress that there are adequate amounts of middle distillate fuel to meet national requirements for home heating, agricultural production, transportation, and industrial uses.
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 · 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 · 4 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the investment tax credit property used by the the International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium, the International Maritime Satellite Organization, and any successor organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the definition of "special immigrant" aliens who have resided continuously in the United States for at least five years prior to applying for immigrant status and who are: (1) unmarried children (aged 16 to 25) of officers or employees of specified international organizations; (2) surviving spouses of such deceased officers and employees; and (3) retired officers or employees of such organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt an air carrier who sells aircraft to another air carrier from the investment tax credit recapture rules with respect to such aircraft, unless the aircraft ceases to be used exclusively to provide air transportation. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply to the sale or exchange of aircraft occurring after December 31, 1977, and before January 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to entitle households composed entirely of persons who are age 60 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act, to a medical expense deduction in the computation of household income which is equal to the actual cost of medical expenses. Removes the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction for such households.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Federal Automobile Mileage Reduction Act of 1979 - Directs the President to reduce the aggregate miles traveled by automobiles owned or leased for more than six months by Federal agencies according to a timetable which phases in a 20 percent reduction from the total miles traveled in fiscal year 1978 by fiscal year 1994. Requires the President to estimate what would have been the total miles traveled in fiscal year 1978 by an agency not in existence at that time in order to implement such reductions. Freezes the reimbursement for use of employee-owned vehicles by Federal agencies at the levels of fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the President to provide exemptions from such reductions: (1) for any executive agency during a national emergency or disaster; (2) for the United States Postal Service; or (3) for any executive agency for a single year, provided the total mileage traveled by such agency does not exceed the mileage traveled during the previous year. Requires the President to submit a written report to the Congress if such an exemption is made. Directs the President to promote the use of gasohol by executive agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Refers to the Chief Commissioner of the Court of Claims a bill for the relief of a named individual, for further proceedings in accordance with applicable law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
National Capital Transportation Amendments of 1979 - Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make additional contributions to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to partially finance the cost of construction of the Adopted, Regional System. Imposes limitations and conditions upon the use of such contributions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Eliminates the authorizations ceiling for both Federal and District of Columbia contributions to the System. Requires the Transit Authority to establish a sinking fund for the accumulation of assets for payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Transit Authority. Establishes the percentage of contributions to be made by the Secretary and the local participating governments to this fund. Authorizes additional appropriations for use by the Secretary to make additional contributions to meet the operating and maintenance costs of the rapid rail system of the Transit Authority. Prohibits the Secretary from making contributions for construction, operation, or maintenance of such system unless the local participating governments have provided for a dedicated source of revenue sufficient to meet that part of the system's operation and maintenance costs that it in excess of the revenues received from the operation of such system together with any amount contributed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act; (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia teachers' retirement and annuity fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to determine, in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices, the level percentage of payroll required to be paid into the Fund, considering length of participation in the retirement program and the present value of future benefits. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal Payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Provides for a reduction in Federal contributions to the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund should the costs of police officers and fire fighters' disability retirement prove excessive as determined by a specified formula. Sets forth the criteria for determining the percentage of disability for current employees who apply for disability retirement. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, the Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to: (1) eligibility for optional retirement; (2) eligibility for disability retirement; (3) amount of disability annuities; (4) suspension of disability annuities; (5) physical examination of disability annuitants; (6) amount of survivors annuities; (7) deferred annuities; and (8) interest on refunds and on deposits for prior service credit. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgment, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Directs the Board of Police and Fire Surgeons to submit to the Mayor recommendations for regulations to improve the administration of disability retirements. Places restrictions on retired police officers and fire fighters receiving an annuity under this Act while employed by the District of Columbia government. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the name beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant. Provides the termination of teachers' disability annuities based on excessive outside earned income. Places restrictions on retired teachers receiving an annuity under this Act while employed by the District of Columbia government.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an unlimited exclusion from gross income for disability payments received by persons who retired on or before October 1, 1976, and either retired on disability, or were entitled to retire on disability.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Comprehensive Anti-Inflation Act of 1979 - Title I: Coordination of Economic Policies - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 with the stated purpose of reducing the rate of inflation and keeping it within reasonable bounds. Directs the President to include in each annual Economic Report a set of economic and regulatory policies designed to combat inflation which set forth: (1) fiscal policy targets; and (2) specific programs to achieve price goals. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to include in its annual report to Congress an independent statement of its intended monetary policies for the year. Title II: Establishment of Guidelines - Requires the President to include in the Economic Report a set of guidelines to govern price increases and wage settlements. Authorizes the President to promote voluntary compliance with such guidelines. Prohibits the use of mandatory wage or price controls by the President. Requires the Council of Economic Advisors to seek the advice and concurrence of the Council on Wage and Price Stability in establishing economic policies and guidelines. Title III: Policies and Programs to Reduce Inflation - Directs the President, in order to achieve anti-inflation goals: (1) to consider reducing, or substituting for, taxes which significantly increase price levels; (2) to develop specific procedures to promote the promulgation of economically efficient and socially desirable regulations; (3) to deregulate industries over which the Federal Government has ratesetting authority; (4) to encourage the growth of productivity in both the private and public sectors; (5) to examine the use of tax incentives to hold cost increases to specified levels; (6) to strive to preserve agricultural production incentives and allow market forces to operate wherever possible; (7) to address the price implications of energy policies in the Economic Report; (8) to refrain from actions that abruptly raise energy prices unless ways are provided to offset the inflationary effects; (9) to seek ways to lower housing costs; (10) to set forth policies to limit the acceleration of health care costs; (11) to explore ways to increase competition in concentrated industries; and (12) to pursue negotiations for fair trade agreements with foreign nations. Requires the Council of Economic Advisors and the Department of the Treasury to study the use of tax incentives to induce compliance with the President's wage and price guidelines established by this Act and to submit their findings and recommendations to Congress. Authorizes the Council on Wage and Price Stability to: (1) require certain businesses to notify the Council of significant price changes; (2) monitor all major wage settlements; and (3) publish a report on any violation of such guidelines. Title IV: Congressional Review - Directs the Joint Economic Committee to hold special hearings to review the President's proposed economic policies and wage and price guidelines required under this Act and to submit its findings and recommendations to Congress. States that such guidelines shall become effective 30 days after submission unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution disapproving them.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Federal Aviation Administration to prepare and implement comprehensive aircraft noise abatement plans at airports operated by the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse ecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principles. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; and (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (2) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (3) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (4) Kenal Fjords National Monument; (5) Kobuk Valley National Monument; (6) Lake Clark National Monument; (7) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (8) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Aniakchak National Monument by the addition of 160,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Aniakchak National Park and National Preserve; (2) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park and National Preserve; (3) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Noatak National Monument by the addition of 660,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Noatak National Preserve; and (5) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument by the addition of 1,230,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; and (2) Lake Clark National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer lands, waters, and interests of all National Park System units in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds which were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to laws and regulations applicable to fish and wildlife protection. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, within respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Requires the Secretary to recognize and convey valid Native selections or nominations of land within boundaries of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Prohibits the charging of fees for admission to any unit of the National Park System located in Alaska. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (10) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kenai National Moose Range; and (5) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation units established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs that the area of the Iliamna watershed be managed for the primary purposes of watershed protection and fish production. Prohibits the Secretary from conveying any lands in such area to the State of Alaska, unless the State devises a plan for the protection of management of the watershed and fishery resources of such area. Provides that nothing in this title shall limit the Secretary's responsibility with respect to the exploration of oil reserves under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976. Prohibits the Secretary from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law with respect to designed or redesignated units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within the refuge. States that land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon and Tanna Rivers, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Directs that such lands as are added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands to: (1) Goldbelt, Inc., representing the Natives of Juneau with respect to their land entitlements under the Alaska Natives Claims Settlement Act; and (2) S.E. Alaska, Inc. Exempts such conveyances from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the taking of fish and wildlife in national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument as conservation system units. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations with respect to mining activities on national forest lands in Alaska in order to protect water quality in such areas. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit any land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, from being subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor from entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Selawik, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak and Charley (including their major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Mulchatna, Noatak, Stony, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Colville, Porcupine, Beaver Creek, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Selawik, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, and Susitna. Sets forth requirement for the completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreement with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under the United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits to oil and gas pipelines to cross areas designated as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas in Alaska, if the Secretary determines that no feasible alternative route exists. Title VI: National Wilderness Preservation System - Designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Denali National Park and Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (5) Glacier Bay National Park; (6) Katmai National Park; (7) Kenai Fjords National Park; (8) Kobuk Valley National Park; (9) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (10) Noatak National Preserve; (11) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and National Preserve; and (12) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Wilderness Reservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Sulawik National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (14) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (15) Afognak Island. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Forest System certain lands in Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest as a wilderness area and to report his findings to the President and the Congress within three years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas in Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. Provides for the maintenance of existing public use cabins located in national forest wilderness areas and the construction of a limited number of new cabins for the protection of the public health and safety. Directs the Secretary to review nondesignated wilderness areas and to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of designating such areas as wilderness areas. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares that the first priority consumptive use of public land resources under this Act shall be the taking of fish and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Authorizes the States to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence uses in a manner consistent with the policies and requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to exercise its authority to regulate subsistence uses, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to monitor State regulation of the subsistence preference granted under this title and to advise the States and Congress of his findings and recommendations. Directs the local and regional advisory councils established by this title to notify the Secretary if any such council determines that the State has not adequately provided for a system of subsistence preference in the region or locality which such council represents. Directs the Secretary to review the determinations of any council and advise the State of his findings. Directs the Secretary to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents if he determines that the States has failed to comply with directives from the Secretary regarding improvements in the subsistence preference program and that such failure endangers the fish or wildlife population in an area or the ability of rural residents to satisfy their subsistence needs. Sets forth procedures for hearing and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits Federal agencies from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife resources and subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision, or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres, to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and plan for centers in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the conservation system units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife. Authorizes the issuance of permits to certain sport hunting guide services and nonsubsistence trappers to continue the taking of wildlife in connection with their business for a period not to exceed ten years from the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that a termination of such privilege would result in serious economic hardship for such individuals. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title IX: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each shareholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. Provides for the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of a mineral estate. Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites and for the reconveyance of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Places restrictions on the conveyance to Regional Corporations of lands which are located in a wildlife refuge. Permits a Regional Corporation which is precluded from receiving title to protected lands to file a claim to certain other lands designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Provides that the 20 year moratorium on the payment of State and local real property taxes on land conveyed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall begin with the vesting of title in such lands. Provides that the moratorium shall not apply to land which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover wildland. Provides for the selection of additional lands by a Village Corporation which has not fulfilled its entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a National Park system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be allotted subject to a right of reentry for a specified 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Requires that payments under such Act shall be deposited into the Alaska Native Fund on the first day of the fiscal year for which the monies are appropriated, and shall be distributed at the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to certified Native Group Corporations an amount not more than $100,000 or less than $50,000 for planning, development, or other authorized purposes. Provides for a two year statute of limitation for the filing of any appeal from a decision of the Secretary under this title or under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the granting of easements on such lands. Provides for the relinquishment of all claims by the United States to submerged lands under a nonnavigable meanderable stream or a lake having a surface area of 160 acres or more which is adjacent to land which is conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of this Act. Provides that such submerged lands shall not be charged toward the acreage entitlement of any Native Corporation. Retains in Federal ownership submerged lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Lists specified lands of: (1) Nana/Cook Inlet Regional Corporation, the Ahtna Regional Corporation, and the Bering Straits Regional Corporation to be withdrawn for selection, and (2) the Doyon Regional Corporation to be exchanged for lands relinquished. Requires the Hodzana River area to be managed as a study area by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with Doyon, Limited. Lists lands, previously selected by Doyon, Limited which such corporation may identify in partial satisfaction of its entitlement under such Act. Provides for the settlement of certain claims and litigation to implement such Act under the unique circumstances of the Native Village of Eklutna. Directs the Secretary to convey the surface and subsurface estates of specified lands on Afognak Island to Koniag, Incorporated. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with specified Native Corporations for boundaries and prices of certain areas of the Pribilof Islands group to be included in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a relinquishment of all right, title, and interest of such Corporation in specified Alaskan lands. Directs the Secretary to make specified conveyances of land pursuant to the Cook Inlet Village Settlement. Grants final approval to all tentative approvals of the State of Alaska land selections pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act. Vests title in all such lands in the State as of the date of tentative approval. Directs the Secretary to convey public lands selected by the Chugach Regional Corporation from certain lands within the Chugach National Forest. Directs the Secretary to study the land ownership and use patterns in the Chugach region in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, Chugach Natives, Inc., and the State of Alaska (if the State chooses to participate). Title X: Transportation and Utility Systems - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only as provided by this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) water transportation systems; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of their liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined produce produced from such sources; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for the transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to prepare and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for a right-of-way for a transportation or utility system subject to this title. Requires any Federal agency which receives an application for a right-of-way to notify the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of the application that such application is either complete or that more information is required. Sets forth filing requirements for environmental impact statements required to be filed with an application for a right-of-way. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to coordinate their procedures for processing applications for rights-of-way for transportation or utility systems which require the approval of more than one agency. Sets forth procedures for the consideration, processing, and approval of applications for rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to submit his recommendation for the approval or disapproval of an application to Congress. Provides that such application shall be deemed approved only upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Title XI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, Native, and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title XII: Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, and Production - States as the purpose of this title the furtherance of exploration, development, and production, through private enterprise with appropriate environmental safeguards, of oil and gas resources on certain public lands in Alaska. Provides that this title shall apply to: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management. Provides that exploration, development, and production of oil and gas on lands to which this title applies shall be conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 except to the extent otherwise provided by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the exploration for oil and gas resources which is conducted pursuant to a plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the holder of any permit issued by the Secretary to disclose to the Secretary any information obtained as a result of any exploration activities. Requires the Secretary to maintain the confidentiality of such information until the permittee acquires a lease for the lands on which the permit data was acquired or at such time as the data ceases to hold proprietary value, but in no case longer than ten years. Directs the Secretary to study such information and to consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from lands subject to this title. Directs the Secretary to encourage the State to undertake studies on lands associated with lands subject to this title. Provides that leases shall be issued only by competitive bidding with respect to the following lands: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management and are determined by the Secretary to be within an area favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas. Requires the development and production of oil or gas on leased lands to be carried out in accordance with a development and production plan approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to suspend or cancel such leases if he determines that operations under such lease pose environmental threats to the land. Requires the Secretary to issue a permit for oil and gas exploration on public lands within six months of a request if the applicant is not required to file an environmental impact statement, or three months after the filing of such a statement if such a statement is required. Requires the Secretary to include in reports required under the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 information with respect to oil and gas development activities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the consideration and issuance of exploration permits to applicants for public lands within the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, including public lands within the Teshekpuk and Utukok National Wildlife Refuges within 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a schedule of proposed lease sales covering such land and to hold the first lease sale on such lands within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas on nonwilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be carried out according to the provisions of this title, except for lands that have been withdrawn from such use under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for issuance of exploration permits and for lease sales of lands subject to the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act; (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited; (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia teachers' retirement and annuity fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; (2) assets transferred from the District of Columbia Judicial Retirement and Survivors Annuity Fund; (3) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act; and (4) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other monies, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to determine, in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices, the level percentage of payroll required to be paid into the Fund, considering length of participation in the retirement program and the present value of future benefits. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund respectively. Provides for a reduction in Federal contributions to the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund should the costs of police officers and fire fighters' disability retirement prove excessive as determined by a specified formula. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to the Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefit. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, and Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded except as provided in this Act. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes In Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to: (1) eligibility for optional retirement; (2) eligibility for disability retirement; (3) amount of disability annuities; (4) suspension of disability annuities; (5) physical examination of disability annuitants; (6) amount of survivors annuities; (7) deferred annuities; and (8) interest on refunds and on deposits for prior service credit. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Fire Fighters' Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgment, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the named beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant. Provides for the termination of teachers' disability annuities based on excessive outside earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Congressional Energy Conservation Act of 1979 - Requires the payment of parking fees by Members of Congress and congressional employees who use congressional parking facilities for the purpose of encouraging the people of the United States to conserve petroleum. Stipulates that such fees shall be set at rates determined jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Repeals the requirement, under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that the amount of monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Disability Insurance Amendments of 1979 - Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the maximum amount of monthly benefits payable under such title on the basis of wages and self-employment income to the smaller of: (1) 80 percent of an individual's average indexed monthly earnings; or (2) 150 percent of an individual's primary insurance amount. Amends the procedure for computing the primary insurance amount of an individual by stipulating that in determining the number of benefit computation years one year of low earnings shall be dropped for every five working years. Limits the maximum number of years which may be dropped to five. Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to develop and carry out experiments and demonstration projects designed to compare various methods of treating the work activity of disabled beneficiaries under title II, including reductions in benefits based on earnings designed to encourage disabled beneficiaries to work. Requires the Commissioner to report to Congress on such projects. Excludes from an individual's earnings, in determining whether an individual can engage in gainful activity, an amount equal to the cost of any attendant care services, medical devices, and similar items and services necessary to enable such individual to work, whether or not such assistance is needed to enable such individual to carry out such individual's normal daily functions. Provides "trial work periods" for disabled widows and widowers. Provides, in the case of children, widows, and widowers, that the period of time to which such individuals are entitled to disability insurance benefit payments may extend to the 15th month following the end of an individual's "trial work period." Entitles individuals who have had "trial work periods" to hospital insurance benefits under title XVIII (Medicare) for a period of 24 months following such period where such individuals have had disability benefits under title II terminated due to work. Eliminates the requirement that the 24 months which an individual must be disabled in order to qualify for hospital insurance benefits under the Medicare program be consecutive. Requires States wishing to make disability determinations to notify the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in writing of such desire. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations specifying performance standards and administrative procedures to be followed in making disability determinations. Directs the Secretary to make such findings if a State fails to make determinations in accordance with such regulations. Requires the Secretary to review specified percentages of disability determinations made by States so that at least 80 percent of such determinations are reviewed after fiscal year 1981. Requires the Secretary to provide specified information on which a decision concerning the rights of an applicant for title II benefits may be made. Limits the occasions on which a court may reward to the Secretary a case concerning eligibility for OASDI benefits for the taking of additional evidence to those cases in which it can be shown that there is material new evidence and that there was good cause for the failure to incorporate such evidence into the record in a prior proceeding. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report recommending the establishment of appropriate time limitations governing decisions on claims for OASDI benefits. Authorizes the transfer from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund of such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the general fund in the U.S. Treasury for the Federal share and the State for twice the State share of the costs of vocational rehabilitation services furnished certain disabled individuals under a State plan for vocational rehabilitation services which result in their performance of substantial gainful activity. Directs the Secretary to study alternative methods of financing vocational rehabilitation services to disabled beneficiaries under title II to the end that maximum savings will result to the Trust Funds. Authorizes the continuation of disability insurance benefit payments to an individual whose impairment has ceased if such individual is participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program and the Commissioner of Social Security determines that the completion of such program, or its continuation for a specified period, will increase the likelihood that such individual may be permanently removed from the disability benefit rolls. Requires, in any case in which an individual is determined to be under a disability, unless such disability is found to be permanent, that the case be reviewed for the purposes of continuing eligibility at least once every three years.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that a consumer or retailer who files an appropriate action in State or Federal court shall be entitled to collect from a retailer or distributor who wrongly withholds prompt payment of the refund value of a beverage container under the provisions of this Act: (1) the amount of the refund value; (2) the amount of any damages resulting in failure to make payment; (3) court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; and (4) $10.00 for each beverage container for which the retailer or distributor failed to make payment. Imposes civil fines on such retailer or distributor who fails to make payment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor and report to Congress on: (1) the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers; (2) any additional net costs incurred by retailers as a result of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress annually on: (1) the impact of this Act on conservation, recycling of waste products, and the economy; and (2) the potential role of refundable beverage container redemption centers. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance and information to States, distributors, retailers, consumers, and to manufacturers of beverage containers as necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to a named individual, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain real property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Foreign Service Retirement Amendments of 1979 - Repeals the mandatory retirement provisions applicable to certain Foreign Service personnel, including career ambassadors, participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, and Foreign Service information officers. States that the amendments made by this Act shall only apply with respect to service on or after February 22, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fisher, Joesph L. [D-VA-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000151_200.jpg)