United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should establish and actively pursue a national energy plan that emphasizes and demands the use of domestic coal as a means of displacing current foreign energy imports. Declares that the President should establish a task force to examine modifications in the implementation of the Clean Air Act that could increase coal use without violating national ambient air quality standards. Declares that the appropriate House committee should review current regulations of the Office of Surface Mining of the Department of the Interior to insure that such regulations conform with the original intent of Congress in passing the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977. States that the President should submit to Congress within 60 days of enactment of a plan which will achieve the goals of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Water Resources Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Water Resources Project Authorizations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers to proceed with the following projects subject to specified conditions: (1) flood control on Cazenovia Creek, New York; (2) flood control for the Rahway River Basin, New Jersey; (3) flood control for the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Basins, New York and the Byram River, Connecticut; (4) flood control in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (5)strip mining reclamation on Cabin Creek, West Virginia; (6) erosion control and flood protection for the Panama City Beaches, Florida; (7) navigation improvements in Savannah Harbor, Georgia; (8) navigation improvements in Greenville Harbor, Mississippi; (9) navigation improvements to Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi; (10) navigation improvements and beach erosion control at Lake Pontchartrain North Shore, Louisiana; (11) flood control of the Root River Basin, Minnesota; (12) flood control of the Des Moines River Basin, Iowa and Minnesota; (13) flood control on Wears Creek, Missouri; (14) light-draft navigation improvements to San Francisco Harbor, California; (15) navigation improvements to Tacoma Harbor, Washington; (16) flood control on the Chehalis River, Washington; (17) powerhouse construction at McNary Lock and Dam, Oregon and Washington; (18) flood control on the Little Wood River, Idaho; (19) navigation improvements to Kodiak Harbor, Alaska; (20) flood control on the Agana River, Guam; (21) flood control of the Schuylkill River Basin, Pennsylvania; (22) erosion control for Tangier Island, Virginia; (23) flood control on the Johns Creek Tributary and erosion control in the Nonconnah Creek Basin, Tennessee; (24) erosion protection of Cox's Park, Kentucky; (25) flood control on portions of the Big Sandy River, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, and the Cumberland River, Kentucky; (26) a channel in Umbrella Creek, Georgia, connecting it with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway; (27) removal of silt and other debris from the Martin Pena Canal, Puerto Rico; (28) dredging the Yazoo River, Mississippi; (29) a demonstration project to remove silt and other material from Lake George and a part of Deep River, Indiana; (30) flood control of the Zumbro River, and watershed plan for the South Zumbro Watershed, Minnesota; (31) a demonstration project to remove silt from Albert Lea Lake, Minnesota; (32) Cleveland Harbor improvements, Ohio; (33) navigation improvements for the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway; (34) relocate the water supply intake facility on the Missouri; (35) navigation improvements for Oakland Outer Harbor, California; and (36) flood control of the Susquehanna River Basin at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Title II: Water Resources Studies - Directs the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to submit feasibility reports to Congress on the following projects: (1) navigation improvements to Grays Harbor, Washington; (2) flood control on Red Bank and Fancher Creeks, California; (3) navigation improvements on the Sacramento River, California; (4) Ashtabula Harbor improvements, Ohio; (5) harbor improvements at Crescent City, California; (6) water treatment facilities and a regional water conveyance system from Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Oklahoma; (7) Englewood Lake water quality control, Oklahoma; (8) navigation improvements for Wilmington Harbor, North Carolina; (9) pumped storage facilities for the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake, Georgia; (10) lock and dam replacements at Grays Landing and Point Marion, Pennsylvania; (11) water treatment facilities and a regional water conveyance system from Kaw Lake, Oklahoma (also authorizes such construction to treat and convey water to still water); and (12) water supply for the New York metropolitan area. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1970 to extend the time the Secretary has to submit reports to Congress on the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation season extension. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to include San Francisco and Marvin counties in the investigation of flood and related problems along San Francisco Bay. Directs the Secretary to prepare feasibility reports for: (1) flood control of certain Mississippi River tributaries, Mississippi; (2) flood control of Saint Francis Lake, Arkansas; (3) river regulation for the Halifax River, Florida; (4) bank stabilization of the Illinois River, Illinois; (5) erosion control of the Kuskokwim River, Alaska; (6) flood control of the Kinnickinnic River, Wisconsin; (7) water storage needs in northeast Texas; (8) redevelopment of the hydroelectric capacity of Jackson Mills and Mines Fall Dams, New Hampshire; and (9) enlargement of the navigation projects for Galveston Harbor and Channel and Brazos Island Harbor, Texas. Provides for Federal reimbursement of local interest upon approval by Congress and the Chief of Engineers of the Texas navigation projects. Directs the Secretary to design a flood control project for Milton, Pennsylvania. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to extend the authorization of appropriations for feasibility reports of specific hydroelectric power installations having high potential for meeting regional power needs. Title III: Project Modifications - Modifies the following projects: (1) Caesar Creek, Ohio, flood control project to direct construction of a water supply system; (2) Theodore Ship Channel navigation project, Alabama, to provide for non-Federal contributions to the costs of spoil sites unless specified conditions are met; (3) Saginaw River flood protection project, Michigan, to direct the implementation of a nonstructural project for flood damage reduction and recreation on the Tittabawassee River; (4) East Fork Lake flood control project, Ohio, to provide for the construction of a water supply system; (5) Noyo, California harbor improvement to provide for non-Federal contributions to the costs of spoil sites unless specified conditions are met; (6) Lynnhaven Inlet and Bay, Virginia, navigation project to provide for Federal payment for specified remedial work; (7) Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, Virginia, navigation project to delete the local contribution requirement; (8) Ohio River Basin flood control project to authorize the reconstruction of specified bridges in Massillon, Ohio; (9) Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program to authorize the construction of a pumped-storage hydroelectric facility as part of the Fort Randall Dam project, South Dakota; (10) Stamford Harbor, Connecticut, navigation project to provide for non-Federal contributions to the costs of spoil sites, unless specified conditions exist; (11) Lavon Dam, Texas, flood control project to require Federal reimbursement for the cost of relocating a waterline, (12) Galveston Channel, Texas, navigation project to provide for a non- Federal contribution unless specified conditions exist; (13) Mamaroneck Harbor, New York, navigation project to set forth the Federal share of dredge material disposal costs; (14) Wenatchee, Washington, flood control project to authorize the acquisition of lands if local interests agree to reimburse the United States; (15) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Georgia and Florida, to provide for non-Federal contributions unless specified conditions exist; (16) Sandridge Dam, New York, flood control project to authorize the construction of channel improvements along Ellicott Creek; (17) Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, flood protection project to authorize the construction of necessary protective features to locally constructed pumping stations; (18) Saint Francis Basin flood control project to provide for improvement of Fifteen Mile Bayou and Eight Mile Creek, Arkansas; (19) Yaquina Bay, Oregon, navigation project to provide for the protection of vehicular access to public use areas adjacent to the south jetty; and (20) Yazoo River, Mississippi, navigation project to stipulate that the entire cost of the Shepardstown Bridge alteration be borne by the United States. Modifies the following projects in New Jersey to require the Secretary to carry out the dredging required in connection with navigational improvements independently of all other aspects: (1) Great Egg Harbor Inlet and Peck Beach; (2) Carson Inlet and Ludlum Beach; (3) Townsend Inlet and Seven Mile Beach; (4) Hereford Inlet; and (5) Barnegat Inlet. Modifies the Willow Creek, Oregon, flood protection project substantially in accord with a 1974 special report of the Chief of Engineers. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to authorize the construction of a replacement lock to the Gallipolis Locks and Dam, Ohio. Modifies the following projects: (1) Barbers Point Harbor, Hawaii, navigation project to require a non-Federal contribution to construction costs; (2) Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii, improvement project to delete the requirement for an initial cash contribution from local interests; (3) Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, navigation project to extend the harbor navigation channel; (4) the dredging the financing of the sand bypassing facility as part of the Santa Cruz Harbor, California, navigation project; (5) East Saint Louis, Illinois, flood control project to provide drainage channels; (6) channel diversion project for the Colorado River to stipulate that the United States shall bear all expenses; (7) Winona, Minnesota, flood protection project to stipulate that certain bridge modifications shall be done at Federal expense; (8) Humboldt Harbor, California, navigation project to authorize the construction of shoreline protection works near Buhne Point, (9) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway navigation project regarding certain bridges in North Carolina and Virginia; (10) Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, water resources development project to direct the renovation and maintenance of recreation facilities; (11) Burlington Dam, North Dakota, project in accordance with proposed recommendations of the Chief of Engineers; (12) Corte Madera Creek flood control project, California, to direct the construction of the project in the vicinity of the Lagunitas Road Bridge; (13) Niobrara, Nebraska, relocation to relocate a highway through such town; (14) Teche-Vermilion Basin, Louisiana, improvement project to require the relocation of a bridge at Federal expense; (15) Heise-Roberts flood protection project, Idaho, to provide for operation and maintenance by the Chief of Engineers; (16) Jackson Hole Snake River, Wyoming, flood protection and levee project to provide for operation and maintenance by the Chief of Engineers; (17) Granger Dam project, Texas, to require the upgrading of specified Williamson County roads; (18) King Harbor navigation project, California, to stipulate that the United States shall bear the expenses of dredging and maintenance; (19) Lewisville Lake, Texas, to require the elevation of a road crossing Cottonwood Branch; and (20) Dardanelle lock and dam project, Arkansas, to replace the Cane Creek bridge. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorization of appropriations for dam repair on the Big Sandy River, Kentucky and West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain a clear channel on the Little Calumet River, Illinois, with non-Federal interests paying a portion of the costs of such maintenance. Provides for a modification of the agreement with Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana, concerning installment payments on the Lake Pontchartrain hurricane-flood protection project. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1970 to require non-Federal interests to contribute a portion of the costs of maintaining a clear channel on the North Branch of the Chicago River, Illinois. Authorizes the replacement and expansion of the existing industrial canal lock and connecting channels in the vicinity of Meraux, Louisiana. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1946 to provide that the conservation storage capacity of the Belton Reservoir, Texas, be available for water supply as well as irrigation. Modifies the following projects: (1) Cheatham lock and dam project to direct the paving of a portion of Cheatham County Road, Tennessee; (2) Libby Dam, Montana, to authorize the construction of a reregulating dam and the installation of power generating facilities; (3) Irondequoit Bay, New York, navigation project to delete the construction of a movable railroad bridge; (4) Sallotte River navigation project, North Carolina, to authorize the removal of a sand bar and maintain an access channel; (5) Masonboro Inlet, North Carolina, navigation project to authorize the correction of erosion problems at Wrightsville Beach; (6) Houston Ship Channel (Greens Bayou), Texas, navigation project to authorize necessary dredging operations; and (7) South Platte River Basin, Colorado, flood control project to authorize the reassignment of a portion of the storage space in the Chatfield Lake project for joint flood control and conservation purposes. Title IV: General Provisions - Requires the Secretary to submit a feasibility report to Congress on any water resources project whenever a study of such project is authorized. Sets forth the information to be included in such report. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to repeal the requirement that a water diversion structure for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission not conflict with the Secretary's report. Extends the authorization of appropriations for projects to remove drift and debris from publicly maintained commercial boat harbors. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorized appropriation for the streambank erosion prevention and control demonstration program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to any person or agency, upon request technical assistance to retard streambank erosion. Extends the national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1958 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the control of aquatic plant growths. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to States for removing obstructions and clearing channels. Increases: (1) the authorization of appropriations for such projects; and (2) the amount that may be spent on any one project. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to require the Secretary to include in water resources development project reports cost-benefit information concerning each of the following: (1) regional economic development; (2) environmental quality; (3) well-being of the people; and (4) national economic development. Declares the Port of Houston Authority bridge over Greens Bayou to be a lawful bridge. Authorizes the Secretary to renovate Federal quarters at Dalecarlia Reservoir in Washington, D.C. Directs the Secretary to undertake a program of river and harbor control. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transmit to Congress a list of bridges over U.S. navigable waters which have been constructed or removed. Directs the Secretary of the Army to compile laws relating to water resource development. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a copy of any rules or regulations relating to water resources development. Gives Congress veto power over such rules or regulations. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorization of appropriations for streambank protection works for Boone County, Kentucky. Exempts portions of the Great Miami River, Ohio, from specified limitations regarding navigable waters. Modifies the Lower Mississippi River flood control project to direct the construction of necessary measures to insure the stability of the Old River Control Complex, Louisiana. Directs the Secretary to study and recommend to Congress the extent of non-Federal cooperation that should be required for necessary dredged material retaining works. Stipulates that such costs shall be borne by the United States pending action on such recommendations, if not otherwise specified. Directs the Secretary to study and recommend criteria for determining Federal and non-Federal interests in flood protection. Stipulates the criteria to be used until legislation is enacted. Terminates the following authorizations: (1) Trexler Lake, Pennsylvania, flood control project; (2) Beargrass Creek Basin, Kentucky, flood control survey; and (3) a portion of the Nansemond River project, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the district which a State legislator represents shall be considered his home for purposes of the income tax deduction for travel and living expenses in connection with a trade or business. States the daily allowable living expenses for a legislator who is away from his home district shall be equal to the product of the number of legislative days (days which the legislature or a committee of such legislature is in session during the taxable year for which the legislator is physically present) times the daily per diem rate allowed to employees of the executive branch of the Federal Government while away from home.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Smaller Enterprise Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and small organizations. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule. Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any rule affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting and recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standards for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this Act in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to appoint Type Certification Boards comprised of individuals knowledgeable in the fields of aeronautics and aviation safety to participate in the aircraft type certification process.
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 · 21 June 1979
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed before the enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to allow the Department of Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority to guarantee loans for the purpose of expediting deliveries or services with respect to national defense contracts. Increases the maximum loan which any Federal agency may guarantee under such Act without the approval of Congress from $20,000,000 to $38,000,000. Requires notification to specified Congressional committees of any proposed obligation above such limit. Authorizes the agency involved to guarantee such a loan if neither House of Congress disapproves of such action within a specified time. Authorizes the President to provide loans to private business enterprises for the production of energy. Increases the ceiling for loans made to private enterprises pursuant to such Act from $25,000,000 to 48,000,000. Extends the President's power under such Act to purchase raw materials for the national defense through fiscal year 1995. Directs the President to attempt to achieve a national production goal of at least 500,000 barrels per day crude oil equivalent of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks within five years. Authorizes and directs the President to require fuel and chemical feedstock suppliers to provide synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks in any case where the President deems it practicable and necessary to meet national defense needs. Authorizes the President, in carrying out these objectives, to: (1) contract for purchases or commitments to purchase synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks which may be for Government use or resale; and (2) encourage the development and production of such synthetic fuels and feedstocks for national defense preparedness. Terminates the President's authority to enter into such contracts at the end of fiscal year 1995. Sets forth procedures for the awarding and performance of such contracts. Authorizes the President to organize corporations to meet the production goal for synthetic fuels and feedstocks as set forth in this Act. Sets forth Congressional oversight measures with respect to the formation of such corporations. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000,000 for synthetic fuel and feedstock contracts as authorized pursuant to this Act. Extends specified provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to plan and implement a demonstration project for the removal and disposal of debris and obsolete buildings in the vicinity of Fort Glenn on Umnak Island, Alaska. Stipulates that such project shall use local resources in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Motor Carrier Regulatory Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the findings of Congress that: (1) a safe, sound, competitive, and fuel efficient motor carrier system is vital to the maintenance of a strong national economy and defense system; (2) the objective of a motor carrier system serving the Nation as a whole can best be achieved through the plan of regulation adopted in 1935; and (3) the Interstate Commerce Commission must administer such regulatory system through the issuance of certificates and permits necessary to implement more effectively the standards of public convenience and necessity and of consistency with the public interest. Title II: Motor Carrier Entry - Requires the Commission, in determining whether to issue any certificate authorizing motor carrier transportation, to take specified factors into consideration including the degree of existing competition and fuel conservation with respect to an applicant's requested route authority. Prohibits the Commission from considering an applicant's level of proposed rates in making a determination regarding such requested route authority but directs the Commission to consider whether the level of rates of existing carriers is so high as to constitute an embargo of the traffic. Authorizes the Commission to require a carrier which is protesting a grant of operating authority to show that: (1) it is able to handle the traffic contained in the application; (2) it is willing to provide such service; and (3) it has either performed service or solicited business within the scope of the application. Stipulates that a contract carrier does not have to limit its operation to carriage for a particular industry or within a particular geographic area. Removes the requirement that the Commission, in deciding whether to grant a permit to a motor contract carrier, consider the number of shippers to be served by the carrier or the nature of the transportation to be provided. Stipulates that an application for conversion of motor contract carrier authority to motor common carrier authority must be filed with the Commission when the operations of the contract carrier in fact become common carriage. Stipulates that a person may not hold a certificate of a motor common carrier of property or a permit of a motor contract carrier of property if the person performing the transportation is doing so in the furtherance of a nontransportation primary business. Authorizes one corporation to provide transportation services for another corporation without a certificate or a permit under specified conditions. Directs the Commission to approve pooling and division of transportation or earnings agreements between common carriers without a hearing, unless it finds that the agreement is of major transportation importance or there is a substantial likelihood that the agreement will unduly restrain competition. Stipulates that, if the Commission finds that either of such factors exist, it shall conduct a hearing to determine if the agreement will be in the interest of better service to the public or of economy in operation. Exempts from the Commission's jurisdiction certain carriage of property by motor vehicle which is incidental to transportation by aircraft. Title III: Motor Carrier Rates - Prohibits the Commission from disapproving motor carrier rate bureau agreements unless it finds that such an agreement would violate or not be in furtherance of the national transportation policy. Exempts such approved agreements from the antitrust laws. Revises the voting processes within rate bureau meetings. Directs the Commission, in determining the reasonableness of motor property carrier rate levels, to approve and maintain revenue levels that are adequate to cover total operating expenses, including the operation of leased equipment, and depreciation based upon the replacement cost of useful equipment and facilities of current prices, plus a reasonable profit. Prohibits the Commission from suspending a motor carrier rate on the basis that it exceeds or is below a just and reasonable if: (1) the rate changes are not of general applicability to all or substantially all classes of traffic; (2) the rate change if filed within five years after the enactment of this Act; and (3) the rate increase or decrease is not more than seven percent annually. Grants the Commission the exclusive authority to prescribe an intrastate rate for a motor carrier of property if: (1) the carrier files a change in such a rate with the appropriate State authority; and (2) the State does not act finally on such proposed change within 120 days. Limits a State's power to assess or collect discriminatory taxes on motor carriers of property. Title IV: Expediting Motor Carrier Proceedings - Establishes time limitations for actions of the Commission regarding motor carriers of property proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to prescribe through lines and joint rates for motor carriers of property. Prohibits the Commission from requiring such a carrier, without its consent, to embrace in such a mandated route substantially less than the entire length of its route and of any intermediate carrier operated in conjunction and under a common management which lies between the termini of such proposed through route unless: (1) such inclusion of lines would make the through route unreasonably circuitous; or (2) the Commission finds that the through route proposed to be established is needed in order to provide adequate, more efficient, or more economic transportation. Requires carriers participating in a through route and joint rate to promptly pay rate divisions or make interline settlements. Allows the suspension or cancellation of such a route and rate under rules promulgated by the Commission in the event of undue delinquency in the settlement of such divisions or interline settlements.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Afro-American Museum Act - Establishes the Afro-American History and Culture Board which shall be responsible for the establishment of the National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture. Authorizes the museum to preserve, collect and display objects relating to the history and culture of Afro-Americans and to establish exhibits, curatorial services, library programs, archives programs, professional museum training programs and educational and extension services. Directs the Board to construct and operate the initial branch and headquarters of the museum in Wilberforce, Ohio, and to study the possibility of establishing other branches in different areas of the country.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to continue to designate certain highways on the Federal-aid primary system as mileage on part of the Interstate Highway System. Stipulates that, in the event that approval of a route on the Interstate System was withdrawn before November 6, 1978, the State involved shall not be required to refund to the Highway Trust Fund any sums paid to the State for intangible costs. Stipulates that in the case of interstate projects which are withdrawn on or after such date the State shall not be required to reimburse such Fund for the costs of construction items, materials, or rights-of-way if: (1) such items, materials, and rights-of-way were acquired before November 6, 1978; (2) by the withdrawal of approval date the Secretary of Transportation has not approved the project's environmental impact statement; and (3) such items, materials, or rights-of-way will be applied to an eligible transportation project, to a public conservation or recreation purpose, or to any other public purpose determined by the Secretary to be in the public interest under specified conditions. Includes as an eligible cost of construction any interest earned and payable on State or local government bonds which were issued for projects on January 1, 1978, on the Interstate Systems and which were converted to regularly funded projects after such date. Stipulates that any State's apportionment for Interstate System resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitation projects shall continue to be available for expenditure in that State for a period of two years after the fiscal year for which such sums were apportioned. Allows the Secretary to use funds previously earmarked for bridge replacement or repair programs costing over $10,000,000 for projects which cost less under specified circumstances. Increases the Federal share of the cost of training State and local highway department employees under the auspices of the National Highway Institute. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 to make the provision in such Act which prohibits highway signs solely using the metric system inapplicable to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the extent of outstanding bonded indebtedness for each State for the construction of roads prior to June 29, 1956, which have been incorporated into the Interstate System. Directs the Secretary to determine a method of allocating bonded indebtedness between those portions on the System which are toll free and those which are not. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to make technical corrections in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Act to designate the Commodity Credit Corporation as the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of wheat, feed grains, rice, and soybeans. Allows an exporter to enter into a sale for export of any such commodity only if it is purchased from the Corporation and such sale is approved by the Corporation. Prohibits any contract for sale of a commodity at less than its established price. Establishes a civil penalty for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting as the National Grain Board, to negotiate such export sales, to barter such commodities for other goods, to accept purchase bids from foreign purchasers, and to offer selling bids in the world market. Permits the Corporation to acquire commodities on the domestic market to meet the objectives of this Act, and to establish reserves to meet future export sales. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a revolving Export Sales Fund to receive revenues made by the Corporation in such sales in excess of costs. Allocates the moneys in such Fund for the making of deficiency payments under the Agricultural Act of 1949 with respect to the agricultural commodities concerned. Allocates ten percent of such Fund to establish and maintain a reserve to provide international famine relief assistance. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, at the beginning of each crop year, to increase the established price of an agricultural commodity, according to a specified formula, if any moneys in the Export Sales Fund are derived from such commodity. Directs the Secretary to establish a permanent advisory committee to advise the Secretary, the Corporation, and the National Grain Board. Requires the Corporation to make statistics and other information concerning export sales available to the public on a quarterly basis.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives certain information related to the current oil situation, including data on: (1) shortages, supplies, demand, and allocation of crude oil; and (2) refinery yield reductions and capacity utilization.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Amends the Clean Water Act of 1977 to extend from 18 months to 42 months the moratorium on recovery of treatment works construction costs attributable to industrial users.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to sublet a portion of the Union Station Concourse to the Secretary of Transportation for operation as a rail passenger terminal. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to construct a parking structure for buses and 1400 cars. Directs the Washington Terminal Company to cease construction of the new railroad passenger facility beneath the parking structure. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use funds received from operating the National Visitor Center to pay the costs of such Center. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation: (1) to use funds received through operation of the sublet space to pay the costs of such space; and (2) to spend appropriated funds for rail passenger operations without regard to the matching funds requirement of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976. Stipulates that every contract for the facility to be bid competitively on a fixed-price basis. Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Interior to furnish steam from the Capitol Powerplant to Union Station. Authorizes the Secretary to construct connections to such Powerplant. Increases the authorization of appropriation for adequate visitor facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and revise the existing national airport system plan to provide for the development of public-use airports in the United States. Stipulates that such plan shall include the type and estimated cost of eligible airport development considered by the Secretary to be necessary to provide a safe and efficient system of public-use airports to anticipate and meet the needs of civil aeronautics, to meet requirements in support of the national defense, and to meet the needs of the postal service. Directs the Department of Defense to make military airports and airport facilities available for civil use to the extent feasible. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a single method for measuring airport generated noise. Makes airport noise assessment plans and noise impact abatement plans eligible for funding as airport planning projects under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport development and planning in the form of project-grants or block- grants. Sets forth the aggregate funding level for such grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Authorizes appropriations out of such fund for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for: (1) the establishment of air navigation facilities; (2) airport research engineering and development, and demonstration projects; (3) training State and local government employees to carry out the purposes of this Act; (4) costs of services provided under international agreements relating to the joint financing of air navigation services; (5) costs incurred by the Secretary in administering this title; and (6) costs incurred in operating and maintaining the national airspace system in a safe and efficient condition. Sets forth the method for apportioning the funds made available under this title. Sets forth conditions which must be met to be eligible to receive funding under this Act. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in the development of airport plans and programs which are formulated on the basis of overall transportation needs and coordinated with other transportation planning with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land-use and access plans and overall social, economic, environmental, system performance, and energy conservation goals and objectives. Sets forth procedures for the submission of project-grant and block grant airport development applications and requirements which must be satisfied to approve such applications. Requires a sponsor of an airport project to hold public hearings where the project-grant application involves the location of an airport, and airport runway, or a major runway extension. Stipulates that such a grant shall not be made unless the Governor of the State in which the project is to be located certifies in writing to the Secretary that there is a reasonable assurance that the project will be located, designed, constructed, and operated so as to comply with applicable air and water quality implementation plans. Subjects block-grant airport development project applications for States to the same conditions and requirements as those for project-grant applications. Authorizes the Secretary to approve standards (other than standards for safety of approaches) established by a State for airport development at public-use airports which are not primary airports. Authorizes the Secretary, in connection with any project under this Act, to require the project sponsor to certify that all of the statutory and administrative requirements imposed by this Act will be complied with. Stipulates that the United States share of allowable project costs for a project approved under this Act shall not exceed 80 percent of its cost. Establishes lower percentages for such projects under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, as allowable costs of an airport development project, terminal development in nonrevenue producing public-use areas which are directly related to the movement of passengers and baggage. Stipulates that construction work on projects funded under this Act shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Secretary and shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Stipulates that contracts in excess of $2,000 for such construction projects shall include provisions establishing minimum rates of wages to be predetermined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires that construction contracts for airport development projects grant employment preferences to Vietnam and disabled veterans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in the event that a public airport project will require the use of Federal lands, to request the head of the Federal agency or department controlling such lands to transfer the necessary property interests to the public agency sponsoring the project or which owns or controls the airport involved. Requires the head of such an agency or department to notify the Secretary within four months of its decision with respect to such a request. Exempts from such requests lands under the administration of the National Park Service, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System or similar areas under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, or within any national forest or Indian reservation. Sets forth criminal penalties for fraudulent acts committed with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping and auditing requirements with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act or regulations thereunder. Directs the Secretary to take affirmative action to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with funds received from any grant made under this title. Repeals the provisions of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 pertaining to airport development projects and funding. Title II: Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax of six percent on the sale of new aircraft, new aircraft parts, and new avionics for use in noncommercial aviation. Stipulates that a lease of such an article shall be considered a sale for purposes of such tax. Exempts from such tax any article for export or for shipment to a possession of the United States. Terminates such tax on October 1, 1990. Imposes a tax of ten percent of the retail sale price of fuel used in noncommercial aviation (previously such tax rate was seven cents on each gallon of such fuel). Terminates such tax on October 1, 1990. Postpones the reduction of the tax on the transportation of persons and property by air which is scheduled to go into effect on June 30, 1980 until September 30, 1990. Sets forth the tax on the use of civil aircraft for the period from July 1, 1990, to September 30, 1990. Amends the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970 to stipulate that funds received from the tax on noncommercial aircraft and avionics established by this Act shall be placed in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to set forth restrictions on obligations incurred by the Secretary of Transportation for airport development grants after September 30, 1980. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to stipulate that any landing area or navigation facility which has received Federal funds shall be available for public use on fair and reasonable terms and without discrimination. Sets forth administrative adjudicatory procedures with respect to complaints alleging such discrimination. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a system for limiting the number of aircraft operations reservations at any airport to insure the safety of aircraft, the efficient utilization of navigable airspace, or the control of congestion in the airspace in the vicinity of the airport.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend the effective period of ceiling prices established by the President and applicable to any first sale of crude oil produced in the United States. Extends the President's authority under such Act to December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
National Agricultural Bargaining Act - Repeals the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 and establishes an agricultural bargaining policy substantially identical but expanded. Enumerates the unfair practices a handler of agricultural products is forbidden to commit under existing law, and adds a list of unfair practices an association of producers may not commit, including: (1) refusal to bargain in good faith with a handler over prices, terms of sale, and compensation for products produced under contract; (2) coercing or intimidating a handler to breach or terminate marketing contracts and association membership agreements; (3) circulating false reports about an association's or handler's finances, management, or activities; and (4) conspiracy to commit an unfair practice. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to accredit an association for bargaining if it meets specified requirements. Defines good faith bargaining for the purposes of this Act and specifies the conditions and procedure for the accreditation of producer associations. Requires each accredited association to submit an annual report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to notify any association of the ways in which he believes it has ceased to maintain accreditation standards, and to allow it a reasonable time to answer or correct the deficiencies noted. Provides a procedure for revocation of accreditation. Provides for the assignment of association dues and fees. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide mediation services when bargaining between a handler and an association reaches an impasse; and (2) establish a procedure for compulsory and binding arbitration whenever such an impasse will result in a serious interruption in the flow of products to consumers, or will cause substantial economic hardship to the producers or handlers involved in the bargaining. Provides an administrative procedure for processing charges of unfair practices, but authorizes the Secretary to institute inquiries on his own motion, and to commence a civil action for injunctive and other relief. Specifies the Secretary's investigative powers. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for the violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from issuing any rule, regulation, or order relating to specified aspects of the control of navigable airspace.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to include the provision of services and investments to people, distressed cities, and remote areas in Appalachia within the purposes of such Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out such Act. Authorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission to lease office space through September 30, 1983. Increases the total mileage authorized for the Appalachian development highway system. Authorizes appropriations for such system through fiscal year 1985. Increases the Federal share authorized to be paid to a State constructing a segment of a development highway. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to the States for demonstration projects designed to meet the human services needs of the region. Permits funding for reclaiming strip-mined areas to be used for economic development purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants for the acquisition of housing project sites. Repeals the percentage limitation on such grants. Authorizes the Commission to make grants for: (1) aiding State and local governments in programs of business-related technical assistance; and (2) establishing non-Federal revolving funds to be used for business, agricultural, and forestry enterprise development loans. Provides for supplements to Federal grant-in-aid programs authorized by this Act on or before October 1, 1983. Exempts specified road construction programs from such supplemental grants. Permits the financing under this Act for industrial and commercial facilities, but exempts the financing of the costs to private for profit establishments for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations to carry this Act through September 30, 1983. Stipulates that this Act shall terminate October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of social security taxation. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or if he does, such place of business is not provided, or provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for service performed by an individual who qualifies as an independent contractor under the standards established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Natural Gas Pricing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 to reduce the wellhead ceiling price for new natural gas and certain natural gas produced from the Outer Continental Shelf. Creates an annual inflation adjustment factor for such natural gas price. Reduces the wellhead ceiling price for natural gas produced from new, onshore production wells. Reduces the wellhead ceiling price for natural gas produced from stripper wells. Creates an annual inflation adjustment factor for such natural gas price. Repeals the ceiling price increase provisions in such Act relating to natural gas produced from the above wells. Extends for two years certain provisions relating to: (1) future production ceiling prices on new, onshore production wells of 5,000 feet or less; (2) price ceilings in existing intrastate contracts containing indefinite price increase provisions; (3) the elimination of price controls; (4) standby price control authority; and (5) reports to the Congress. Extends the period for the decontrol of certain high-cost natural gas prices.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Alcohol Fuel Additive Act of 1979 - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and carry out research leading to and culminating in the commercialization of alcohol derived from sweet sorghum or other hydrocarbon-containing agricultural crops. Establishes a National Advisory Committee to assist the Secretary in carrying out such duties. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a bank of all pertinent research data of production of alcohol from sweet sorghums or other hydrocarbon-containing crops. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative projects with foreign governments. Authorizes the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress an annual report on the status of work underway under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
World War I Pension Act of 1979 - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any pension already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a $5,000 exclusion from gross income for any amount received as an annuity, pension, or other retirement benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce, between October 1, 1979, and July 1, 1980, the excise tax on the air transportation of persons to six percent. Reduces the tax on transportation of property to three percent. Reduces the $3 tax on the use of international travel facilities to $1.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Repeals the requirement, under the Social Security Amendments of 1977, that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives as monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
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 · 28 February 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reductions will be made from the benefits to which a person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Act to Combat International Terrorism - Directs the President to report biannually to Congress regarding acts of international terrorism and to submit lists of countries supporting international terrorism. Specifies the sanctions to be imposed against such countries, which includes: (1) no foreign assistance other than disaster assistance; (2) no sales of defense articles or services; and (3) denying export licenses for defense articles or services or for goods with potential military application, if the President determines such denial would reduce the support of the particular country for terrorist actions. Permits the President to suspend application of such sanctions in the interests of national security after consulting with the appropriate congressional committees. Authorizes the President to exercise other sanctions, including the suspension of air services between the United States and the country supporting terrorist activities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to restrict operations at those foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to a standard level of effectiveness. Requires the Federal Aviation Administration Administrator to include in the Administrator's report to Congress assessments of the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical aviation assistance to foreign governments. Amends the provisions of Federal law which relate to the manufacture of explosive materials to require such manufacturers to add an identification taggant and a detection taggant to the explosive materials. Prohibits the distribution, importation, or sale of explosive materials without such taggants. Sets forth the time periods in which such requirements must be met. Specifies penalties for violations of these provisions. Amends the provisions of title 18 of the U.S. Code that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service, and for communicating false information which results in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies criminal penalties for threatening to commit air piracy, and placing a loaded firearm in baggage on board an aircraft. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective cooperation in combating international terrorism. Specifies agreements which should receive high priority.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 - Title I: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a single system of measuring noise and the impact of noise on individuals to be used to measure noise at airports and their surrounding areas and to establish land uses for such areas which are compatible with such noise levels. Allows airport operators to submit noise impact maps to the Secretary setting forth the noncompatible uses in each area of the map, a description of the projected aircraft operations during 1985, and the ways in which such operations will affect such map. Requires the revision of such maps when changes in airports operations would create any new noncompatible use in areas surrounding an airport. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to qualified airports for noise compatibility planning. Defines "noise compatibility planning" as the preparation of noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs under this Act. Sets forth limitations regarding the amounts which may be obligated through such grant program. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1980 and thereafter to carry out such grant program. Stipulates that noise compatibility programs be filed with the Secretary. Sets forth factors under which the Secretary may disapprove noise compatibility programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of an approved program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to operators of airports for projects to carry out a noise compatibility program developed prior to the enactment of this Act or the promulgation of its implementing regulations under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate up to $75,000,000 out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal year 1980 to carry out approved noise compatibility programs. Requires the Secretary to prepare noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs for specified airports near the District of Columbia. Limits suits for damages resulting from airport noise by individuals acquiring property in an area surrounding an airport for which a noise impact map has been submitted. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the effectiveness of airport noise compatibility planning and programs which were funded pursuant to this Act. Title II: Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to increase specified appropriations authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1980. Increases the Federal share for specified airport development projects under such Act. Requires the approval of local authorities before the Secretary may approve any airport development project involving the construction of any runway where any general aviation airport is located astride two counties within a single State. Title III: Directs the Secretary to require foreign aircraft operating in the United States to meet specified noise standards if the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) does not adopt noise standards which are the same as or substantially similar to the noise standards prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations issued by the Secretary which were in effect on January 1, 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to provide waivers from the noise regulations in effect on January 1, 1977, where the operator has made a good faith effort to comply with such regulations for such a period as the Secretary determines to be reasonable to permit compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a waiver for the operation of aircraft which do not meet such noise standards beyond January 1, 1985, if the operator has a plan or contract for the replacement of such aircraft by a specified date. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board to require aircraft operators to impose a specified noise abatement surcharge on domestic or international flights which shall be retained and utilized by an aircraft operator until its fleet is in compliance with applicable Federal noise abatement regulations. Authorizes the Board to modify such surcharge under specified circumstances. Terminates all noise abatement charges 60 months after the enactment of this Act. Title IV: Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the implementation of collision avoidance systems in the national air traffic control system.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total expenditures in any fiscal year shall not exceed the net amount of revenue received by the Government in that year. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war declared by Congress or by a concurrent resolution passed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress. Stipulates that any unanticipated deficit in any fiscal year shall be considered an expenditure for the succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Congress to provide an appropriate increase in the level of total receipts if the amount of such deficit exceeds two percent of the total expenditures for the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Congress to apportion any deficit over the four following fiscal years or, by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, to include such deficit in the debts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend the authorizations of appropriations to September 30, 1982, for: (1) grants for the operation of health projects; (2) grants for public works and development facilities; (3) public works and development facility loans; (4) the redevelopment area loan program; (5) technical assistance and economic development planning; (6) supplemental and basic grants; (7) economic development districts; (8) Indian economic development; (9) supplements to Federal grant programs; and (10) special economic development and adjustment assistance. Permits the termination or modification, prior to September 30, 1982, (formerly 1979) of a designated redevelopment area only at the request of the local governing body.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Consumers' Energy Hearings Act of 1979 - Requires that at least one hearing held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on any rule, regulation, or order which would result in a significant increase of gas or electricity rates be held, upon application by any interested party, in the State or region affected by such rule, regulation, or rule.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Taxpayer Relief Amendments to Panama Treaty Legislation - Specifies that all expenses incurred implementing the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 shall be treated as an expense of the Panama Canal Commission. Prohibits payments to Panama out of U.S. Treasury revenues. Requires the Panama Canal Company to pay its cash assets to the U.S. Treasury to be applied against its debt. Directs the Commission to continue repaying its debt to the United States. Amends the Panama Canal Code to require the Commission to pay: (1) all canal operating revenues to the U.S. Treasury; and (2) the payments required under the Treaty to Panama only with express congressional authorization. Directs the General Accounting Office to monitor all costs incurred by the Commission and report annually to Congress on the differences in costs to the U.S. taxpayer. Prohibits unless expressly authorized by Congress: (1) the use of U.S. funds to implement the Treaty; (2) the transfer of U.S. property in the Canal Zone to Panama; and (3) the cessation of the Panama Canal Company and the Canal Zone Government.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to examine the use of the AM radio broadcasting band and to assign such spectrum and distribute licenses so as to ensure that each community, regardless of size, is provided with the maximum local full-time radio broadcasting service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Authorizes the expenditure of funds not to exceed $1,900,000 for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. States that the authorization granted by this resolution shall expire on January 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Small Business Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct each Federal department, agency, and instrumentality engaged in rulemaking to prepare a written analysis of whether it is legal, feasible, and desirable to exempt small businesses (or classes thereof) from a rule or whether the agency should promulgate a rule with lesser compliance standards for small businesses. Sets forth information which must be present in such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that provisions of such Act shall not apply to stone mining or sand and gravel mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Title I: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Labor to reconsider any denial of adjustment assistance for workers separated from employment up to 18 months before a petition for such assistance was granted. Authorizes workers separated from employment between October 31, 1974, and November 1, 1977, who previously did not file a petition for certification of eligibility for adjustment assistance, to file such a petition for consideration by the Secretary. Authorizes the filing of such petitions by the Secretary on behalf of any group of workers, as well as by a group of workers or their representative. Requires the Secretary to certify a group of workers as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance if: (1) sales or production at their place of employment decrease or threaten to decrease due to increased imports; or (2) (a) at least 25 percent of the total sales or production of their firm consists of providing articles or services to an import-impacted firm, and (b) a significant number of workers have been or may be separated due to a decrease or threatened decrease of sales or production of articles or services for such an import-impacted firm. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide information to the Secretary of Commerce regarding petitions for adjustment assistance filed by workers when the workers' firm has also filed for such assistance. Stipulates that no adjustment assistance shall be provided a worker until sales or production at the worker's firm have decreased absolutely. Provides for trade readjustment allowances to be made to workers who: (1) had been employed at least 26 weeks in the year prior to separation or 40 weeks in the two years prior to separation; and (2) were part of a group certified as eligible for such assistance. Extends the time during which certain workers can continue to receive readjustment allowances. Directs the Secretary to establish experimental training programs for workers displaced by import competition. Requires the Secretary to report with recommendations to Congress by March 1, 1982, concerning the effectiveness of such training programs. Authorizes appropriations for such programs through fiscal year 1981. Increases the job search allowances and relocation allowances provided adversely affected workers. Revises the conditions for such allowances. Title II: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance to Firms - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to certify firms, whose sales or production decrease or threaten to decrease due to increased imports, as eligible for adjustment assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to certify as eligible for such assistance those firms where at least 25 percent of their sales go to an import-impacted firm and significant numbers of workers have been or may be separated due to a decrease or threatened decrease of sales or production of articles or services for such an import-impacted firm. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to share information provided by firms petitioning for certification with the Secretary of Labor. Prohibits any assistance to firms until sales or production have decreased absolutely. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide technical assistance to firms preparing proposals for adjustment assistance. Increases the proportion of the cost the Secretary will bear for technical assistance furnished to firms through private individuals, firms, or institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to contract to pay to, or on behalf of, a borrower an amount to reduce the interest such borrower must pay on financial assistance loans guaranteed pursuant to this Act. Revises the conditions for financial assistance to adversely affected firms. Title III: General Provisions - Establishes a Commerce-Labor Adjustment Action Committee to coordinate the economic adjustment responsibilities of the Departments of Commerce and Labor and other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to unions and employee organizations concerning the design of an effective program of trade adjustment assistance for workers. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) make grants for industry-wide programs designed to improve economic efficiency; and (2) study those industries threatened by import competition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Prohibits the use of any funds of the United States to implement the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 unless expressly authorized by Congress. Prohibits the transfer to Panama of any real property interest of the United States in the Canal Zone unless expressly authorized by Congress. Requires an Act of Congress before the Panama Canal Company or the Canal Zone Government shall cease to exist.
![Official portrait of Rep. Harsha, William H. [R-OH-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000281_200.jpg)