United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Protection of Americans Abroad Act - Directs the President, if U.S. property abroad is illegally intruded upon or any Federal employee assigned abroad is illegally detained or attacked by foreign nationals, to determine whether: (1) such nationals were agents of the government; (2) their government sanctioned such actions; or (3) their government failed to respond to a U.S. request for assistance in preventing or terminating such actions. Requires the President, if an affirmative determination is made, to: (1) terminate diplomatic relations with such country as deemed appropriate; (2) terminate all U.S. military and economic assistance to such country; and (3) prohibit the transfer of such country's property and assets within U.S. jurisdiction. Provides for the removal of such sanctions if such country: (1) restores U.S. property and employees to the custody of the United States; and (2) makes adequate restitution. Authorizes the President to impose a fine to be paid out of such country's assets within U.S. jurisdiction for each day U.S. property or employees are illegally held by foreign nationals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Irrigation Water Conservation Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for equipment which conserves irrigation water an additional ten percent investment tax credit and an election to depreciate such equipment based on a useful life of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe-Rhodesia upon the appointment and arrival of a British Governor in Salisbury.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the categories of deportable aliens foreign students: (1) who knowingly participated in a political demonstration resulting in, or intending to result in, injury or damage to another's person or property; or (2) whose government engages in or permits hostile actions against United States citizens or property, including the seizure of United States Embassy or Consulate buildings and the taking of hostages.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Attorney General should: (1) immediately revoke all student visas held by Iranians who have engaged in activities prejudicial to the public interest of the United States; (2) deny all future student visas to Iranians; and (3) deport immediately all Iranians who are in the United States illegally.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979
Individual Savings and Investment Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual amounts contributed to a rollover account meeting the requirements of this Act. Defines such rollover account as a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his beneficiaries. Requires such a trust: (1) to accept only cash or stock or securities of a domestic corporation contributed by such individual only; (2) to be a bank or other person satisfactory to the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) to invest trust funds in stock or securities of a domestic corporation or hold them in interest-bearing bank deposits; (4) to make the interest of the individual nonforfeitable in the balance of such rollover account; (5) to permit the individual to elect, no more often than each taxable year, whether such rollover account shall be discretionary (with investment determined by the trustee) or self-directed (with investment directed by the individual). Requires the trustee of a rollover fund to establish on its books, without segregation of assets, an ordinary income fund, a capital gain fund, and a capital fund. Specifies the contents of each fund. Requires inclusion of any amount paid or distributed from the account in the individual's gross income for the taxable year in which such payment or distribution is made. Requires any such payment or distribution from the account to be treated as made: first, from the ordinary income fund; second, from the capital gain fund; and third, from the capital fund. Prohibits treatment of any payment or distribution as being made from a particular fund until the balance of any fund which precedes it in priority has been exhausted. Sets forth rules for the treatment of losses, security pledges, and transfers of account incident to divorce. Limits the number of rollover accounts which an individual may maintain to one at a time. Requires the trustee of such an account to keep appropriate records and to file annual returns with the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any gain from the sale of land to the United States, a State, or a tax-exempt conservation authority to be used for fish and wildlife conservation or preservation as a natural area.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove dollar limitations on the allowable amount of the income tax deduction for moving expenses incurred in connection with the sale or purchase of a residence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1979
Appropriates sums necessary to continue any Federal purpose or function which is not funded on the first day of any fiscal year if such purpose or function was funded during the previous fiscal year. Stipulates that the level of funding may not exceed that applicable on the last day of the previous fiscal year. Declares that such continuing appropriations shall remain available for one fiscal year or: (1) the enactment of an appropriation for such purpose or function; or (2) the enactment of a general appropriation for the applicable department or agency without providing for such purpose or function. Makes such continuing appropriations available without regard to certain time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments required by law. States that while such continuing appropriations are available they shall cover all expenditures related to such purpose or function. Charges expenditures made under this Act to the applicable fund or authorization once legislation is enacted providing such an account.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Pay Continuity Act of 1979 - Appropriates the funds necessary to pay the salaries of employees of the executive branch of Government, Members of Congress, and members of the uniformed services during any period when such funds are not available because the legislation making appropriations to the Government entity responsible for paying such individuals has not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and prompt process for obtaining Federal, State, and local approval of nonnuclear energy facilities which are determined to be in the national interest. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the President to establish an Energy Mobilization Board to be composed of members appointed by the President. Sets forth the general duties and powers of such Board, including the subpoena power. Directs the Board to keep the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs and on Interstate and Foreign Commerce fully and currently informed concerning its activities, including the submission of an annual report. Stipulates that projects related to the production of nuclear energy or approved under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies of 1978 be excluded from coverage under this Act. Directs the Board to designate Priority Energy Projects and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the Board to provide the appropriate committees with a copy of such designation orders. Sets forth the criteria the Board must consider in making such designations, including: (1) the extent to which the energy project would reduce the Nation's dependence upon nonrenewable resources; (2) the magnitude of any economic and social impacts and costs associated with the project in relation to the impacts and costs of alternatives; (3) the extent to which the project would make use of renewable energy resources, or conserve energy; (4) the extent to which the project would contribute to the development of new production or conservation technologies and techniques; (5) adverse impacts on the environment and on competition; and other specified criteria. Directs the Board to notify the Governor of each State in which any portion of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project is proposed to be located. Permits such Governor to appoint a non-voting Member to the Board to participate in decisions concerning such project, including the Project Decision Schedule. Exempts priority energy project designations or refusals to make a designation, promulgation or revision of Project Decision Schedules, and Board actions relating to streamlining of procedures, from the impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to determine whether any Federal action relating to a Priority Energy Project, after it has been so designated and prior to establishing the Project Schedule, will be a "major Federal action" for purposes of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Requires the Council to designate a lead agency to assure compliance with NEPA whenever a major Federal action is involved. Authorizes the Board to require that one environmental impact statement be prepared and that such statement be used by all Federal agencies to satisfy NEPA with respect to such projects. Authorizes the Board to extend the time for certain deadlines. Requires each agency having authority to make any agency decision with respect to any part of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project to transmit to the Board: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required to be taken by such agency and by the applicant before such decision can be made and a summary of procedural requirements applicable to such actions; (2) a tentative schedule for completing such actions and making such decisions; and (3) a statement of administrative requirements to take such actions. Directs the Board to publish a Project Decision Schedule within 45 days of the transmittal of agency information. Stipulates that such schedule: (1) identify the order in which decisions which must be made by each agency are to be made; (2) identify the deadlines applicable to such decisions; (3) be consistent with the tentative schedules transmitted to the Board, unless the Board determines a different schedule is essential to expedite and coordinate agency review; and (4) be binding on the agency and on all other persons to which the Schedule applies. Permits the Board to modify any schedule applicable to any agency's decision or action subject to the Project Decision Schedule upon petition of such agency where the agency determines such modification will facilitate agency compliance with the Schedule. Permits affected agencies to consolidate proceedings related to actions and decisions subject to the Project Decision Schedule, if such streamlined procedures provide for effective participation by interested parties in such decisionmaking. Directs the Board to monitor compliance with the Schedule by all affected agencies and persons. Permits the Board to take such actions as it deems appropriate to bring any person or agency responsible for a project delay into compliance with the Schedule. Directs the Board, when any person responsible for filing or taking any other action on behalf of a Project refuses to take such action, to either revise such Project Decision Schedule or revoke the Priority Energy Project designation. Stipulates that, unless otherwise provided for, the other statutory obligations and authority of any independent regulatory agency remain unaffected by this Act. Authorizes the Board to bring an expedited enforcement action against any agency failing to or reasonably likely to fail to comply with a Project Decision Schedule in the appropriate United States district court. Directs such court to issue specified orders requiring compliance with such Schedule and to take any necessary measures, including citation and punishment of the responsible officials for contempt of court, for failure to meet any court-imposed deadlines. Authorizes the President to perform any action or make any decision required of an agency by court order in the event such agency fails to perform such action or make such decision. Authorizes the Board to order the temporary suspension of the application of any requirement of Federal, State, or local law enacted or promulgated after the commencement of construction of any facility which is part of a Priority Project where it is determined that such requirement could prevent timely completion or operation of such facility and that such temporary suspension would not create any significant public health or safety risks. Sets forth time limits on such suspension orders and exempts specified requirements from being suspended. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall expand or confer on the United States any right to acquire water rights nor alter any provisions of State law or interstate compact governing water use. States that Board action granting or denying designation orders or suspending Federal, State, or local requirements of law shall be subject to judicial review only for failure to comply with this Act or for constitutional violations. Provides for judicial review of other Board actions as specified. Requires that any reviewing court expedite and consolidate such review to the maximum extent practicable. Requires that any party seeking Supreme Court review of any judgment or order of a circuit court of appeals pursuant to this Act must file a petition for a writ of certiorari within 60 days of the decision of the lower court or such appeal shall be barred. Sets a 60-day time limit for the promulgation of regulations for carrying out this Act. Terminates the Board's authority seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report of its activities during such period. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the Congress a report evaluating the performance of the Board and setting forth findings and recommendations with respect to the program authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and succeeding fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Requests the President to: (1) publicly condemn Vietnam for violations of the human rights of the people of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos; and (2) request a session of the United Nations General Assembly to impose sanctions on Vietnam for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Rural Cooperative Business Income Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received by a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company for services to customers or rural telephone or electric companies, and income received from the rental or sale of communications or power facilities, shall not be subject to the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits to any individual for any month in which such individual is confined in a penal institution. Stipulates that benefits withheld from such individuals shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the same wages and self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the residential energy credit solar energy property which is installed in a residence for the purpose of producing electricity.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to include the production of electrical energy from solar energy as a residential energy conservation measure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to provide for the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems for the production of electrical energy for use in residential housing units.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
National Publications Act of 1979 - Abolishes the Joint Committee on Printing and the Government Printing Office. Establishes the National Publications Agency (NPA) as in independent establishment in the executive branch to provide for public printing services and the distribution of public documents. Creates within the NPA a ten member National Publications Commission composed of seven voting members and three nonvoting members. Grants such Commission overall responsibility for NPA policies and operations. Lists the duties of the Commission which include: (1) providing for appropriate use of private commercial sources for public printing services and the distribution of documents; (2) prescribing indexing and bibliographic standards for public documents; (3) furnishing supplies manufactured by NPA to other Government entities; and (4) fixing standards for materials used to produce public documents. Provides for the appointment of the voting members of the Commission by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the composition, administrative procedures, and compensation of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and specified committees of Congress any regulations it may prescribe to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that such regulations shall take effect within ten legislative days after submission unless the President issues an Executive order or either committee adopts a resolution disapproving them. Authorizes the Chairman of the Commission to appoint and fix the pay of necessary staff personnel without regard to existing provisions governing appointments in the competitive service or classification and pay rates under the General Schedule. Directs the Chairman, with the Commission's approval, to appoint a Director of Administration of the NPA to be responsible for administrative and support services common to more than one component of the NPA. Authorizes the Director to employ necessary personnel including special police officers. Requires labor-management relations in the NPA to be based on principles of collective bargaining contained in existing Federal law relating to private sector employees. Declares that the provisions of title 5 of the United States Code (Government Organization and Employees) affecting the terms and conditions of Government employment, with specified exceptions, shall apply to NPA employees who are represented by a labor organization. Requires that unresolved collective bargaining matters be referred to binding arbitration whenever an impasse occurs. Provides for selection of an arbitrator. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by the arbitrator to resolve the impasse. Establishes the NPA revolving fund in the United States Treasury. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the activities of the NPA at least once every three years beginning in fiscal year in 1982. Sets forth restrictions pertaining to: (1) the procurement of property by the Chairman; and (2) the procurement of public printing services by the Director of Production Services. Requires Commission regulations governing such procurement to: (1) promote competition; (2) provide opportunities for small business participation in NPA contracts; (3) permit contractors to use subcontractors in the performance of a contract; and (4) limit the duration of any procurement contract to five years. Requires the Commission to submit any budget requests concurrently to the President, or the Office of Management and Budget, and to Congress. Creates within the NPA a position for a Director of Production Services who shall be appointed by the Chairman with the approval of the Commission. Makes the Director responsible for the provision of public printing services in the NPA. Requires that all public printing services for the Government be provided through the NPA. Directs the NPA to prescribe regulations allowing a Government entity to have printing services performed by a private person or in an authorized field printing plant of a Government entity under specified conditions. Requires materials which are printed as permanent public documents or at Government expense, to bear notice of such information. Establishes within the NPA the position of Director of Distribution Services to be responsible for the maintenance, distribution, and international exchange of public documents. Requires that public documents be distributed through the NPA unless the Director deems another method of distribution to be in the public interest. Declares that the price of a document shall not be less than the cost of production and distribution of such document, except under specified conditions. Requires the Director of Distribution Services to: (1) maintain an index of public documents; (2) prepare a catalog listing recent documents; (3) make available all documents to depository libraries; and (4) provide reference services to such libraries with respect to such documents. Authorizes each Member of Congress to designate two libraries within the Member's congressional district for the deposit of public documents. Permits the head of each Government agency to designate a depository library within the agency. Designates specified libraries as depository libraries. Requires any free public document to disclose certain information concerning its availability. Authorizes the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate to regulate public printing services and the distribution of public documents for Congress. Directs the NPA to prepare the Congressional Record, the Congressional Directory, and specified congressional documents. Directs the head of each Government entity to designate one employee as an information resources manager to: (1) coordinate public printing services and the distribution of documents for such entity; (2) certify the legality and necessity of a requested public printing service; (3) furnish the Director of Distribution Services with information concerning the publications of such entity; and (4) oversee compliance with this Act. Prohibits the Director of Production Services from providing public printing services without receiving a certification of the need and legality of such service from an information resources manager. Eliminates existing provisions of Federal law governing the public printing of particular reports and documents. Sets forth provisions concerning the transfer of functions, funds, and personnel of the Government Printing Office and the Joint Committee on Printing to the NPA and, with respect to oversight functions of such committee, to appropriate congressional committees. Directs the National Publications Commission to prescribe comprehensive regulations relating to the functions of the NPA. Makes technical and conforming amendments. States that this Act shall take effect on January 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Congressional Pay Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to repeal the automatic cost-of-living pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Limits the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leader of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the Speaker of the House to the rate payable for such positions for October 1, 1979. Requires the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress during the 97th Congress to be adjusted, effective January 3, 1981, by the overall average percentage adjustments which took effect during the calendar years 1979 and 1980. Requires that any such adjustment of pay shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress during which which such rates of pay were recommended and approved. Prohibits any congressional employee from being paid at a rate in excess of the pay rate payable for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Motor Vehicle Regulatory Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to: (1) establish average fuel economy standards for model years 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984; (2) eliminate the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe or modify such standards; (3) eliminate the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Administration to prescribe rules for the calculation of average fuel economy; and (4) permit credits earned for exceeding the required fuel economy levels for any given model year to be used to offset any penalties such manufacturer may have incurred for the three consecutive model years prior to such year. Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from requiring that any passenger car be equipped with any automatic device or mechanism which enables such car to meet any frontal crash protection requirements prescribed by the Secretary. Amends the Clean Air Act to modify emission standards for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured after model year 1979. Establishes a national primary ambient air quality standard with respect to ozone. Permits the Administrator to submit to Congress for approval by June 30, 1985 a proposed national primary ambient air quality standard to take effect on September 30, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $250 ($500 in the case of a joint return) of interest income earned on a savings account in a financial institution. Specifies that such exclusion shall take effect in 1983 and provides for the exclusion of gradually increasing amounts of interest for taxable years beginning in 1980 through 1982. Excludes estates and trusts from eligibility for the tax exclusion. Increases the amount of the tax exclusion for dividends received by individuals to $150 in 1981, $200 in 1982, and $250 thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the total amount of money expended by the United States in any fiscal year from exceeding the total amount of revenue received by the United States during such fiscal year, except in time of war declared by the Congress. Allows the suspension of this Amendment by a joint resolution approved by a vote of three-fifths of the Members of each House of the Congress and approved and signed by the President, or by a vote of two-thirds of the Members of each House of the Congress. Requires tax rates to be reduced to offset the effects of inflation. Establishes a procedure for the approval of bills or joint resolutions affecting taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to include within the definition of the term "contribution" the value of volunteer services which are provided on behalf of a candidate or political committee by a corporation, a labor organization, or a committee or organization affiliated with such corporation or labor organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the increase of total budget outlays of the United States Government during any fiscal year to a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the gross national product during the previous calendar year. Stipulates that if the inflation rate exceeds three percent annually the increase in total outlays shall be reduced by one-fourth the difference between the inflation rate and three percent. Requires any surplus in total revenues received by the Government to be used to reduce the public debt. Allows the limit on total outlays to be changed by a three-quarters vote of both Houses of Congress, or to meet an emergency declared by the President. Continues Federal aid programs to States and local governments for a period of six years. Prohibits Congress authorizing any United States agency from requiring that a State or local government engage in additional or expanded activities without compensation equal to the additional costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax exclusion from personal income earned abroad by an individual performing qualified charitable services for a tax-exempt employer created or organized in the United States. Limits such exclusion to an amount not to exceed a figure computed on a daily basis at an annual rate of $20,000. Sets a formula for the maximum amount of exclusion for an individual who performs such charitable services and also performs other services while residing in a camp located in a hardship area.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should communicate U.S. insistence that the Soviet Union remove its troops from Cuba. Stipulates that ratification of the SALT II Treaty be suspended until such troops are removed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to stipulate that an automobile manufacturer's failure to comply with any average fuel economy standard shall not be deemed "unlawful conduct" under such Act unless the Secretary of Transportation has determined that: (1) any credits which the manufacturer may have received for exceeding such standards in any model year do not fully offset any penalty for failure to achieve such standards; and (2) the time for which such credits could be earned to offset such a penalty has expired. Allows such a credit to be used to offset any penalty which may have been assessed against the manufacturer in the three consecutive years prior to the model year in which the manufacturer exceeds such a standard.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Energy Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Title I: Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow nonrefundable income tax credit for the sum of the following energy production credits: (1) the nonconventional fuel production credit; (2) the credit for electricity produced from waste conversion processes; (3) the energy-saving car credit; (4) the solar home builders credit; (5) the energy patent income credit; and (6) the credit for alternate substances used as fuel. Establishes the amount of the credit for nonconventional fuel production at $3 per barrel of such fuel produced by the taxpayer. Defines "nonconventional fuel production at $3 per barrel of such fuel produced by the taxpayer. Defines "nonconventional fuel" as oil produced from shale or tar sands, synthetic oil or gasohol, and crude oil produced through the use of a steam recovery process. Sets the amount of the credit for electricity produced from waste conversion processes at five percent of the sum of income received from the sale of electricity, gaseous fuel, or steam produced as a result of such processes, plus the value of any such energy used by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Establishes the amount of the energy-saving car credit at ten percent of the cost of an automobile which has a fuel economy of at least 30 miles to a gallon or which is powered by a rechargeable battery or by a steam engine. Sets the amount of the credit for the sale of a solar home by the original seller at ten percent of its sale price, up to $8,000. Provides for a ten percent credit with respect to the excess cost of any alternate substances (other than oil or natural gas) which the taxpayer uses as fuel in connection with his trade or business. Permits a taxpayer to claim a tax credit or deduction for certain amounts of income received in connection with an energy patent held by the taxpayer. Limits income eligible for the credit to that income which is attributable to not more than two such patents. Extends the termination date of the energy tax credit to December 31, 1995. Increases to 20 percent the amount of the energy tax credit for equipment used to modify existing energy facilities to use alternate fuels. Allows a 20 percent energy tax credit for energy properties which produce alcohol for use as a fuel at a rate of at least 4,200 gallons per day. Allows the amortization of nonconventional fuel (within the meaning of this Act) producing facilities based on a period of 60 months. Title II: Other Provisions - Terminates the Department of Energy after January 1, 1984. Terminates any Federal law administered by such Department at any time after the date of enactment of this Act and before January 1, 1984. Exempts individuals from bond requirements in connection with the operation of a plant producing alcohol for use as fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Food Additive Safety Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem any food additive safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare: (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days after such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive or its proposed use. Authorize the Secretary to include in any food additive regulation a labelling requirement to identify the additive and its degree of risk. Prohibits the Secretary from denying a petition for a food additive regulation solely on the basis of evidence of tumors developed in test animals where the dosage levels used on such animals exceeds one hundred times the reasonably expected maximum human consumption of such additive. Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 to 36 months the period following enactment during which restrictions may not be imposed on the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing it.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should, with regard to the 1980 summer Olympics: (1) permit full participation by athletes, spectators, and journalists; (2) issue visas, admission tickets, and hotel reservations on a nondiscriminatory basis; (3) not interfere with news coverage; and (4) not prevent or punish its citizens for communicating with participants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Employees Incentive Ownership Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove restrictions on the use of restricted stock options and to eliminate the exercise of such stock options as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates for 1979 and to make permanent reductions for succeeding years. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to individual income tax brackets and to the amount of the personal exemption. Provides that the amount of the personal exemption and the zero bracket amount applicable to a taxpayer shall determine whether such taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Title II: Capital Cost Recovery - Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Title III: Reduction of Payroll Taxes and Long-Range Financial Strengthening of the Social Security System - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the special increases in the contribution and benefit base, for purposes of determining amount of tax liability, for 1979 through 1981. Limits contribution and benefit bases to a maximum $22,900 in 1979 and 1980. Makes reductions in the social security tax rate and sets forth the tax rate through year 2010. Provides for the partial funding of title XVIII (Medicare), part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of the Social Security Act from general revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the definitional section. Changes the organizational structure of the political committees by eliminating the requirement that every committee have a chairman. Vests in the treasurer of each committee exclusive authority to authorize disbursements. Extends to ten days the time during which any person who receives a contribution for a political committee must forward to the treasurer of such committee certain information regarding the contribution. Revises the recordkeeping procedures to be followed by the treasurer with respect to contributions received by or on behalf of a political committee. Requires each candidate for Federal office (other than the office of Vice President) to authorize his or her principal campaign committee, together with any other political committees, to receive all contributions and make all expenditures on such candidate's behalf. Stipulates that no political committee which supports or has supported more than one candidate may be designated as an authorized committee. Requires that each designation, report, or statement of receipts received or disbursements made by an authorized committee be filed with the candidate's principal campaign committee. Directs each principal campaign committee to compile and file such reports in accordance with procedures set forth in this title. Requires each authorized campaign committee to file a statement of organization no later than ten days after designation. Requires all other committees to file such statement no later than ten days after becoming a political committee. Revises the content of the organization statement. Stipulates that a political committee may terminate only upon the filing of a written statement stating that it will no longer receive or disburse funds, and that such committee has no outstanding debts. Revises the section of the Act relating to the reporting of receipts and expenditures to require that each treasurer of a political committee file reports of receipts and disbursements with the Federal Elections Commission. Eliminates the requirement that each candidate must file such reports with the Commission. Revises the procedures for reporting data on receipts and expenditures by principal campaign committees, other political committees, and individuals. Amends Title III of the Act to strike out the sections dealing with: (1) regulation of campaign advertising; (2) preservation of financial reports; (3) reporting of pledges; (4) reports to the President; (5) use of the frank; and (6) penalties for violation of the Act. Requires any individual who at the time of his or her appointment to the Federal Election Commission is engaged in any other business, vocation, or employment to terminate or liquidate such activity no later than 90 days (previously one year) after such appointment. Prohibits any member of the Commission from delegating to any person his or her vote or any decisionmaking authority or duty vested in the Commission. Revises the procedures for the issuance of advisory opinions by the Commission. Sets forth revised enforcement procedures. Sets forth revised requirements relating to the filing of campaign expenditure and disbursement statements with State officers. Limits the amount of honorariums a person may accept while such person is an elected or appointed officer or employee of any branch of the Federal Government. Requires any communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for Federal office, or soliciting any contributions for such candidate, to clearly state who financed the communication and that it was authorized by the political committee of such candidate. Prohibits any individual who sells space in a newspaper or magazine to a candidate from charging any amount for such space that exceeds the amount charged for comparable use of such space for other purposes. Sets forth amendments and technical changes to specified Federal laws. Increases to $3,000,000 (presently, $2,000,000) the aggregate amount of payments to which a national committee of a major party is entitled with respect to any presidential nominating convention.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Entitles nonprofit service clubs to the reduced postage rates for third-class mail currently in effect for the mail matter of qualified nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Prohibits any instrumentality of the United States from withholding Government contracts or applying any other sanction to enforce voluntary wage-price guidelines.