United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to divide any lands subject to such Act classified for coal leasing into leasing tracts which will permit the mining of all coal which can be economically extracted from such tracts. Permits the Secretary to negotiate the sale at fair market value of Federal coal.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest loans available under the Small Business Act until October 1, 1982, for the relief of small business concerns affected by disasters occurring on or after October 1, 1978. Provides loans bearing interest at three percent for amounts not exceeding $55,000, for the repair or replacement of a principal residence or personal property. Makes the following disaster loans available under the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) loans bearing interest at three percent on amounts for the repair or replacement of property damaged or destroyed if the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; and (2) loans bearing interest at the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus not to exceed one percent if the applicant is able to obtain credit elsewhere. Stipulates that the total amount outstanding and committed to any one borrower shall not exceed $500,000. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State- chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Makes such sums as are appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $500 ($1,000 for married individuals filing jointly) of the interest earned on savings accounts in a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from a decedent's gross estate for purposes of the estate tax the value of real property used in farming. Excludes up to the first $250,000 of the value of the farm property and certain percentages of the value in excess of $250,000. Requires a percentage reduction of the amount of the exclusion for farm property in excess of $450,000.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Permits any use, including aerial application, of the pesticide mirex on fire ants or imported fire ants during the calendar years 1979 and 1980, notwithstanding provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to the contrary. Subjects such use to Environmental Protection Agency restrictions in effect on October 1, 1977 (excepting only period of use restrictions). Prohibits the Agency from altering the terms of any such restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax income of married individuals filing tax returns separate from their spouses at the same rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean, a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
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 · 9 April 1979
Flood Control Procedure Reform Act of 1979 - Establishes a flood control survey and engineering fund in the U.S. Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to use such fund for surveys or other planning of authorized flood control projects. Authorizes appropriations as necessary for such fund. Provides for the authorization of flood control projects by resolution of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to permit the Secretary to enter into agreements with States for water resources projects even if such agreements are contingent upon the State legislative appropriation process.
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 · 27 March 1979
Crude Oil Transportation Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to authorize the President to recommend the waiver of State laws (in addition to Federal laws as currently provided) to expedite the transportation of crude oil. Extends the period for the filing and consideration of application for proposed crude oil transportation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Crude Oil Transportation Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to authorize the President to recommend the waiver of State laws (in addition to Federal laws as currently provided) to expedite the transportation of crude oil. Extends the period for the filing and consideration of applications for proposed crude oil transportation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to specify those surgical procedures which can be safely and appropriately performed either in a hospital on an inpatient basis or on an ambulatory basis: (1) in a physician's office; or (2) in an ambulatory surgical center or hospital. Authorizes payment under the Medicare program for those ambulatory procedures not performed in a hospital. Directs the Secretary to establish with respect to each such surgical procedure an amount which is payable either to: (1) the physician for the excess costs in outfitting the physician's office to perform such procedures; or (2) the ambulatory surgical center for its services furnished in connection with such procedures. Stipulates that such amounts will be payable only upon assurances that the performance of such procedures will cost substantially less than the cost of performing such procedures on an inpatient basis in a hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Forestry Loan Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a pilot program of making, insuring, and guaranteeing loans that will provide periodic payments to eligible owners of private forest land. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns 5,000 acres or less of nonindustrial private forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood; provided, the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this Act to any one borrower to $300,000. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of the principal and interest on any loan made by specified kinds of banks and lending institutions. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years, allowing deferral of principal and interest payments as the Secretary deems appropriate. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1979 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; to (2) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate but prohibits limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President to increase or decrease meat imports in certain circumstances. Allows the President to suspend any proclamation concerning meat import limitations if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their representative shares of the United States market for meat articles during the respective period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by June 30, 1980.
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 · 26 February 1979
Social Security Refinancing Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to finance the payment of hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Establishes new employment and self-employment tax rates for the purpose of financing the old age, survivors and disability insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act).
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit bank holding companies and their subsidiaries from selling insurance as principals, agents, or brokers, except: (1) where the insurance secures an extension of credit in the event of death or disability of the debtor; (2) any insurance activity in a community of less than 5,000 or which has inadequate insurance agency facilities; (3) any insurance activity approved prior to June 6, 1978; or (4) any insurance activity of a bank holding company with less than $50,000,000 in total assets.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
International Sugar Stabilization Act of 1979 - Title I: International Sugar Agreement, 1977 - Authorizes the President to implement the International Sugar Agreement by (1) regulating the entry of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization and (2) requiring records and reports concerning the entry of sugar. Establishes criminal penalties for violating such regulations. Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report on the Agreement. Title II: Import Restrictions on Sugar - Establishes 15.25 cents per pound, raw value, as the price objective for domestic sugar during the 1978 sugar supply year. Sets forth the formula for determining the price objective for succeeding years. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor the average daily price of sugar imports. Directs the Secretary to pay up to one-half cent per pound, raw value, to domestic producers and processors of sugar beets and sugarcane to assure a return of 15.75 cents per pound, raw value, during the 1978 sugar supply year (to be readjusted in succeeding years as the price objective is readjusted). Imposes a special import duty in the amount by which the average daily price for sugar imports is less than the price objective. Provides for the readjustment of such duties. Authorizes the President, on the recommendation of the Secretary, to: (1) impose special import duties on sugar-containing products; and (2) make any necessary adjustments in any special import duties. Requires the President to request an investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission to determine whether the entry of sugar-containing products is adversely affecting the achievement of the price objective before imposing any special import duty on such products unless it is an emergency. Requires the Secretary to impose quotas on sugar imports whenever the Secretary determines that the price objective will not be achieved by the special import duties alone. Directs the Secretary to periodically review and readjust such quotas. Prohibits the importation of more than 100 pounds of sugar annually into the Virgin Islands. Prohibits the exportation of certain sugar. Establishes penalties for violations of such regulations. Exempts certain sugar or sugar-containing products from this title. Specifies that certain sugar entered for subsequent export shall not be charged against any proclaimed quota. Authorizes the President to suspend the operation of this title in a national emergency. Provides penalties for violations of this section. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the President to proclaim special import duties and quotas on sugars, syrups, and molasses in order to carry out this Act. Terminates the authority under this title at the end of the 1982 sugar supply year. Title III: Farm Labor Provisions - Requires every producer of sugar beets and sugarcane to pay each employee a specified minimum wage. Requires producers to pay such wages for employees who cannot be located to the Secretary to be held for three years. Authorizes actions against producers failing to pay the specified wages in any Federal or State court. Authorizes the Secretary to supervise the payment of unpaid wages owing to any employees. Requires actions to be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrued. Prohibits any producer from discriminating against any employee who has participated in an investigation or proceeding under this title. Prohibits any producer from charging more than the reasonable costs of furnishing customary goods or services to employees. Requires producers to furnish workmen's compensation insurance to employees. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Vests jurisdiction for enforcing this Act in U.S. district courts. Requires all persons engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, transporting, or industrial use of sugar and other sweeteners to furnish the Secretary with necessary information. Prohibits officials engaged in the administration of this Act from investing or speculating in sugar. Establishes penalties for violating these regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct surveys and investigations to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct studies on the cost of producing sugar beets, sugarcane, sugar, and other sweeteners. Authorizes the Secretary to waive part of the interest and/or principal to encourage repayment of Commodity Credit Corporation loans with respect to the 1977 and 1978 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that: (1) it is necessary to immediately designate public lands in Alaska for inclusion in the National Park, National Wildlife Refuge, Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Forest, National Trails, and National Wilderness Preservation Systems; (2) intangible values shall be considered on an equal basis with quantifiable values, sound ecological principles shall be adhered to, and full public participation shall be encouraged in the planning, management, and administration of these conservation system units; (3) the public should have access to the public lands in Alaska, including access to those public lands which constitute conservation system units, consistent with the purposes for which those units are established; (4) those persons now dependent upon subsistence use of the public lands in Alaska should be enabled to continue in that lifestyle, to the extent possible, and within conservation system units, in a manner consistent with the purposes for which the units are established or expanded; and (5) in carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Federal Government, is to give continuing consideration to the interest of the State of Alaska and its subdivisions and the Native Corporations in maintaining a viable economy and providing employment for citizens of Alaska. Excludes land selections of the State of Alaska which have been tentatively approved under the Alaska Statehood Act, as well as certain other selections, from the definition of "public lands." Title II: National Park System - Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Monument and Aniakchak National Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Cape Krusenstern National Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Preserve; (5) Kenai Fjords National Park; (6) Kobuk Valley National Park; (7) Lake Clark National Park; (8) Noatak National Preserve; (9) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Wrangell-Saint Elias National Preserve; (10) Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve; and (11) Misty Fjords National Preserve. Expands and redesignates: (1) Mount McKinley National Park, by adding Mount McKinley National Preserve; (2) Glacier Bay National Monument, to be designated as Glacier Bay National Park; and (3) Katmai National Monument, to be designated as Katmai National Park and Katmai National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer the lands, waters, and interests so established, designated, or enlarged. Provides that certain valid Native selections are recognized and shall be honored and conveyed by the Secretary in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and this Act. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Defines the term "conserve," for the purposes of this Title, as the use of such methods and procedures necessary to insure the protection, maintenance, and management of fish, wildlife, and plants, their habitats and the ecological systems of which they form a constituent element. Defines "refuge" to mean any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System established by this Act, prior to the enactment of this Act, or following the enactment of this Act. Declares the major purposes of each refuge to be: (1) to conserve designated fish and wildlife as well as other fish and wildlife, and plants within the refuge; (2) to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and habitat; (3) to ensure water quality and water quantity within the refuge; and (4) to protect, maintain or enhance any special value of the refuge, as well as any other archaeological, cultural, ecological, geological, historical, paleontological, recreational, or scenic value of the refuge. Provides that each refuge shall be administered by the Secretary to achieve such purposes, and in accordance with the laws governing the administration of units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the laws governing the conservation and protection of fish and wildlife and plants, and this Act. Directs the Secretary to administer each refuge in such a way as to provide an opportunity for subsistence uses, to the extent that they are compatible with the major purposes of the refuge. Withdraws subject to valid existing rights all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the Federal mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development and hardrock mining under a leasing program. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan for each refuge. Sets forth the contents of such plans. Requires that the Secretary consult with the appropriate State agencies and Native Corporations, and hold public hearings, in preparing such plans. Provides that the Secretary shall publish notice of a proposed plan in the Federal Register, and make copies of the plan available to at each regional office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and provide opportunity for public views and comment on the plan. Establishes as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (13) Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates the significant fish and wildlife of each refuge. Designates the Izembek National Wildlife Range as a Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to permit timber harvesting and the use of rivers within wildlife refuges for transport of such timber so long as such activities are compatible with the major purposes of such refuges. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within or adjacent to a refuge. States that each such agreement shall provide that the land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon River, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Title IV: National Forest System - Provides for the expansion of (1) Tongass National Forest, and (2) Chugach National Forest, to be administered as specified by the Secretary of Agriculture. Establishes within the Chugach National Forest the Seward National Recreation Area. Withdraws from location, entry, and patent under Federal mining laws minerals in Federal lands within the Copper River addition to the Chugach National Forest, subject to valid existing rights. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit removal of leasable and nonleasable minerals from such lands in accordance with specified laws and upon a finding of no significant adverse effects therefrom. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Delta, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Unalakleet, Yukon (Ramparts section), Kisaralik, and Beaver Creek. Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Alatna, Alagnak, Aniakchak, Charley, Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Kayukuk, Mulchatna, Noatak, Salmon, Tmayguk and Tlikakila. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Ivishak, Kisaralik, and Wind. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for such rivers within one to four years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Colville, Copper (Iliamna), Copper, Etivluk-Nigu, Holitna-Hoholitna, Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kusikokwim (Middle), Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, Utukok, Nowitna (within the Nowitna Wildlife Refuge), Porcupine, Sheenjek (lower), and Kanektok. Sets forth time requirements for completion of such studies. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to authorize the Secretary to seek cooperative agreements with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining certain rivers newly designated as units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Amends such Act further to withdraw all public lands constituting the bed or bank, or are within an area two miles from the bank, of the river channel designated for study under this Title from entry, sale, or other disposition under Federal public land laws, and from all forms of appropriation, subject to valid existing rights, under Federal mineral leasing laws. Title VI: Designation of Wilderness and Wilderness Study Within Units or Additions to Units of the National Park, National Wildlife Refuge, and National Forest System - Designates certain lands in the following areas as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation system: (1) Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve; (2) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (3) Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Katmai National Park; (5) Kobuk Valley National Park; (6) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (7) Noatak National Preserve; (8) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve; and (9) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Directs the Secretary to review the nondesignated wilderness within the boundaries of such units and report to the President and the Congress his recommendations concerning all such units within four years after the date of enactment of this Act. Designates certain lands within the following areas as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, to be known as Alaska Maritime Wilderness, Aleutian Islands Wilderness, Unimak Wilderness, and Semidi Wilderness; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Range; (4) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (5) Kanuti National Wildlife Range; (6) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, to be known as Andreafsky Wilderness; (10) Admiralty Island Wilderness; (11) Coronation Island Wilderness; (12) Endicott Island Wilderness; (13) Maurille Islands Wilderness; (14) Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness; (15) Russell Fjord Wilderness; (16) South Baranof Wilderness; (17) South Prince of Wales Wilderness; (18) Stikine-LeConte Wilderness; (19) Tebenkof Bay Wilderness; (20) Tracy-Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness; (21) Warren Island Wilderness; and (22) West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness. Directs the Secretary to review, as to suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness, certain other areas within the conservation system units. Sets forth provisions regarding exchanges of timber rights with shareholders of corporations formed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act made necessary by the wilderness designations under this title. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review for possible wilderness preservation Nellie Juan-College Fjord Study Area. Designates specified lands within the Tongass National Forest as special management areas. Sets forth rules for managing such areas including a prohibition on sale of timber on national forest system lands within such areas for ten years after enactment. Authorizes a waiver of such prohibition after ten years, upon a finding by the Secretary of Agriculture that such timber must be sold to maintain the timber supply to dependent industry. Establishes the National Forest Timber Utilization Program. Authorizes the Secretary to improve access to timber resources in the Tongass National Forest and to provide loans to national forest materials' purchasers for equipment purchases and new technology implementation to assist in utilizing wood products not otherwise usable. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts from National Forest Fund receipts for the purposes of such program. Sets forth special provisions regarding the management of such wilderness areas. Stipulates that such provisions are enacted in recognition of the unique conditions in Alaska, and are not to be applied to lands outside of Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting timber on other national forest lands. Title VII: Subsistence Management and Use - Declares it is the policy of Congress that, consistent with sound management principles, utilization of public lands in Alaska is to cause the least possible adverse impact on subsistence-dependent rural residents. Gives preference to the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence purposes over the taking on such lands of fish and wildlife for other purposes. Directs the Secretary of Interior to establish not less than five subsistence resource regions. Requires that there be sufficient number and boundaries of such regions to assure that regional differences in subsistence uses are adequately accommodated. Provides for the establishment of regional and local advisory councils in each such region. Sets forth the function of such councils, including the review, evaluation, and recommendation of regulations, policies, management plans, guidelines and other matters relating to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the region. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils with respect to fish and wildlife management in such areas unless other specified factors exist. Directs the Secretary to forego the above-mentioned duties in the event the State undertakes an equivalent subsistence management program within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to monitor the State subsistence management program and its implementation, and sets forth enforcement procedures to insure State compliance with such program. Directs the Secretary and the Governor to establish a subsistence resources commission for each national park or monument permitting authorized subsistence uses to recommend changes in the subsistence management program when necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations and other appropriate persons and organizations in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Sets forth procedures for Federal agency evaluation of the impact of land use decisions on subsistence uses on lands under the primary jurisdiction of such agencies. Prohibits withdrawals, reservations, leases, permits, or other uses, occupancies, or dispositions of such lands without specified notice to and hearings with appropriate councils, committees and the public. Authorizes research on fish and wildlife and subsistence uses on the public lands, to be undertaken by the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. Imposes reporting requirements on the Secretary relating to the monitoring and other activities authorized under this title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe such regulations as are necessary for carrying out their responsibilities under this title. Closes all national parks and monuments in Alaska to the taking of wildlife except for subsistence uses to the extent permitted by this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Title is intended to alter the authority of the Secretary to designate areas and establishment periods for the taking of fish and wildlife for reasons of public safety, administration, or to assure the continued viability of a particular fish or wildlife population. Authorizes the Secretary to close temporarily public lands (including those within any conservation system unit) to subsistence uses if necessary for reasons of public safety or administration, or to assure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Title VIII: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain Village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Permits Native Corporations to utilize an expedited conveyance procedure, and sets forth such procedure. Requires Native Corporations choosing to utilize such procedure to file with the Secretary lists of their conveyance priorities. Sets forth administrative provisions concerning: (1) easements on core township lands, other lands, and acquisition of future easements; (2) status of certain lease offers; (3) extension of the moratorium on State taxation of undeveloped and unimproved lands; (4) Alaska Native allotments; and (5) State selection and conveyances. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, and Native and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this Title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Provides for judicial review of decisions of the Secretary under this title or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act if: (1) such action is initiated before a court of competent jurisdiction within two years of the day the Secretary's decision becomes final, or the date of enactment of this Act (whichever is later); and (2) the party seeking such review has exhausted any administrative appeal rights. Title IX: Transportation and Utility Systems In and Across, and Access Into, Conservation System Units - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only pursuant to this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) systems for the transportation of water; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of other liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined product produced therefrom; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of Transportation, the Interior, and Agriculture, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, to jointly prepare and publish a consolidated application form for a right-of-way to occupy, use or traverse any conservation system unit in Alaska, or the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska for each such transportation or utility system, within one year of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for the consideration and processing of such applications. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (or the Secretary of Agriculture, when a unit of the National Forest is involved), and the Secretary of Transportation, together with the head of the appropriate regulatory agency, to jointly prepare any required environmental impact statement. Provides for appeal of denials of such applications to the President, and subsequently, in the appropriate Federal court. Requires that certain approved applications be submitted to the President for his recommendations, and then submitted to the Congress for approval. Directs the appropriate Secretary to issue such right- of-way upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives approving the application. Provides that, except for rights-of-way issued pursuant to a joint resolution of Congress, no right-of-way shall be issued unless the need for it has been identified in a study conducted by the State in consultation with the Secretaries of Transportation, the Interior, and Agriculture, and the Alaska Land Use Council. Permits the use of snowmobiles, motorboats, airplanes which may land on snow, ice, or water or on designated sites, and nonmotorized surface transportation methods, on conservation system units, National Recreation Areas, National Conservation Areas, and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Provides for temporary access to such areas, as well as certain other lands to permit the State, or private landowner access for survey, geophysical, exploratory, or other temporary, non-harmful uses. Insures access to inholdings within such areas and lands for economic and other purposes. Removes certain restrictions on the North Slope Haul Road as long as the State keeps the road closed to the public. Stipulates that nothing in this Title shall be construed to adversely affect any valid existing right of access. Title X: Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Land Use Council, composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Department of Transportation, and the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, Environmental Conservation, Transportation, and Community and Regional Affairs. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days notice of such meetings in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, other Federal agencies, the State and local governments, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including transportation planning, land use designation, fish and wildlife management, tourism, agricultural development, coastal zone management, and preservation of cultural and historical resources. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless it is extended by Congress. Provides that Federal participation in the Joint Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission for Alaska shall cease 90 days following the date of enactment or the appointment of the Federal Cochairman of the Council, whichever is later. Directs the Council to establish a committee of land-use advisors, made up of representatives of commercial and industrial land users in Alaska, recreational land users, wilderness users, environmental groups, Alaska Natives, local governments, and other citizens. Establishes a Federal Coordination Committee, composed of the Secretaries (or their designees) of Agriculture, Energy, the Interior, and Transportation, the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Federal and State Cochairman of the Council. Requires that such Committee meet at least once every four months, in order to coordinate those programs and functions of their respective agencies which affect the administration of lands and resources in Alaska. Provides for the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive and systematic cooperative management plan, agreed to by the United States and the State, for the Bristol Bay Cooperative Region. Sets forth provisions to be included in such plan. Declares that such plan shall take effect upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives, if the State has given force and effect to the plan under State law. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare such plan if the State does not participate in the preparation. Withdraws all Federal lands within such region, other than land within conservation system units, from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws of the United States, on the date of enactment of this Act. Places such lands under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, pending adoption of such plan, unless the State does not give force and effect under State law within the prescribed period. Title XI: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with that party's consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Authorizes the Secretary to exchange lands or interests in lands with specified Native Groups and Corporations, as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, other municipalities and corporations or individuals, the State of Alaska, or any Federal agency. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Krusenstern National Preserve, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Monument and Preserve, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Secretary to establish an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to establish such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish such a center in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Sets forth provisions relating to program planning, construction, operation and administration of such center. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1978, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearing requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law. Requires that a map and legal description of each conservation system unit be filed with the appropriate committees of the Congress, and be available in the Alaska and Washington, D.C. offices of the Federal land managing offices. Stipulates that the boundaries of areas added to the National Park, National Wildlife Refuge and National Forest Systems in coastal areas shall not extend seaward beyond the mean high tide line to include State-owned lands without State approval and compliance with the notice and reporting requirements of this Act. Sets forth requirements for the submission to Congress of environmental impact statements and reports on major Federal actions in the units. Withdraws lands within the recreation areas, from location, entry and patent under Federal mining laws, subject to valid existing rights. Authorizes the Secretary to permit removal of minerals upon a finding that no significant adverse impact would result, and to issue regulations to that effect. Provides that National Preserves in Alaska are to be administered as units of the National Park System except that hunting and fishing will be permitted therein as regulated. Stipulates that sport hunting shall be permitted in designated wilderness areas within National Preserves, subject to reasonable regulation. Directs the Secretary to review all lands within National Parks, National Monuments, and units of the National Wildlife Refuge System as to their suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness and to report his findings to the President. Allows assistance and technical expertise to be provided by the Secretary to a Native Corporation or group in order to preserve, display, and interpret cultural resources. Title XII: Miscellaneous - Permits the State of Alaska to donate mineral interests, as well as surface estate lands, to the Klondike Gold Rusk National Historical Park. Provides for the continued use, operation, and maintenance of: (1) existing air and water navigation aids and existing facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research, where they are located within the conservation system units; and (2) existing facilities for national defense purposes, and related air and water navigation aids, within or adjacent to conservation system units. Permits the establishment, operation, and maintenance within any conservation system unit of new air and water navigation aids and related facilities, facilities for national defense purposes and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring. Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Exempts lands in Alaska from specified provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Provides that the Secretary may recommend to the Congress the inclusion of certain areas in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Enunciates the Secretary's duty of reviewing the wilderness values and recommending appropriate designations in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title XIII: Minerals, Assessments, Exploration, Development, and Extraction on Conservation System Units - Sets forth procedures for handling applications for oil or gas leases for lands within a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System which are not also part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in Alaska. Directs the President to transmit to Congress annually, beginning not later than October 1, 1981, all pertinent public information relating to minerals in Alaska gathered by specified Federal agencies, and to prepare and submit a study on the advisability of private mineral development activities in conservation system units. Authorizes the President to recommend to Congress that mineral development activities be permitted in specified areas in which such activities are otherwise prohibited by this Act, and permits such recommendation to take effect upon approval of both Houses of Congress. Directs the Secretary to conduct a Federal North Slope Lands Study Program to determine the potential for oil and gas development of such lands, any adverse effects on wildlife from such development, and the national interest in preserving and protecting such lands and the wildlife living thereon. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congressional committees a plan for the exploration of oil and gas on the non-wilderness portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Range. Exempts such exploration program from the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits production of oil and gas derived from such lands until authorized by Congress. Sets forth specific directives as to the conduct of the wilderness, wildlife resources, and transportation portions of the north slope lands study. Directs the Secretary to establish an oil and gas leasing program on Federal lands in Alaska not subject to such study. Title XIV: Amendments to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Related Provisions - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each stockholder. Makes further provisions for permissable restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Provides for the taxation of revenues or proceeds derived from real property interests and capital gain or loss on subsequent sale or disposition of land received pursuant to this Act. Makes further provisions regarding Federal income taxation with respect to exclusions from income, status of Native Corporations, and deductions, arising from selections and conveyance of lands pursuant to this Act. Includes provisions for: (1) the selection of land by a Village Corporation where the lands selected and conveyed are insufficient to fulfill the Corporation's entitlements; (2) the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of the mineral estate; and (3) the conveyance of fee title of existing cemetery and historical places to appropriate Regional Corporations. Disentitles any Regional Corporation which asserts a claim with the Secretary to certain subsurface estate of lands selected under such Act which are in a Wildlife Refuge, to any in lieu surface or subsurface estate. Requires that any such claim must be asserted within 180 days after enactment. Provides for reconveyances of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Stipulates that all funds received from certain uses of lands withdrawn for selection by a Corportion shall be deposited in an escrow account until lands selected have been conveyed to the receiving corporation and that such proceeds shall be paid, together with interest accrued, to the appropriate Corporation or individual upon such conveyance. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement of such Act which requires that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover "wildland." Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to shareholders of such Corporation to provide homesites. Title XV: National Conservation Areas - Establishes the following areas as national conservation areas for the purposes of protecting such lands within the framework of a multiple use program and for the maintenance of environmental quality: (1) Baird Mountains National Conservation Area; (2) Chandalar National Conservation Area; and (3) Steese National Conservation Area. Directs the Secretary, through the Bureau of Land Management, to administer such areas and to develop a land use plan for each such area. Permits mineral development in such areas where consistent with land use plans. Subjects such mining to reasonable regulations consistent with the protection of scenic, scientific, cultural, and other resources of the area. Establishes the White Mountain National Recreation Area.
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 Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from prescribing rules to permit increased duplication of radio broadcasting station assignments on class I-A clear channels.
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
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rulemaking include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rulemaking, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rulemaking sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rulemaking under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rulemaking before July 1, 1984. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-eight Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Small Business Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit recognition on the gain from the sale or exchange of an unincorporated trade or business prior to the time that the taxpayer attains age 55 by providing that such gain shall be recognized only to the extent that it exceeds the cost of reinvesting in replacement property for another small business venture. Provides for the taxation of such gain, after age 55, as ordinary income according to the ten year averaging rules applicable to lump sum distributions from employee benefit plans. Increases the additional first year depreciation allowance for small businesses. Permits a taxpayer election to amortize over a 36 month period expenses for depreciable property which is acquired to put a small business in compliance with Federal regulations and which does not have any economic usefulness for the business. Exempts domestic international sales corporations (DISC) which have adjusted taxable income of $1,000,000 or less from the limitations on deferral of base period export gross receipts which are applicable to larger corporations. Permits businesses with gross receipts of less than $1,000,000 to elect the cash method of accounting in reporting income. Allows a refund to employers of their proportionate share of excess social security payments made on behalf of employees who were employed by two or more employers during the taxable year. Permits an income tax credit of $5 for each form or document which a small business is required to file pursuant to Federal law.
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
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1978 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; (2) to the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year (as estimated) and the preceding calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President to increase or decrease meat imports in certain circumstances. Allows the President to suspend any proclamation concerning meat import limitations if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their respective shares of the United States market for meat articles during the representative period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by December 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities, specified dealings in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof or agency of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the amendment made by the first section of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Requires that whoever uses a firearm during the commission of a felony over which a Federal court has original and exclusive jurisdiction, or whoever carries a firearm during the commission of such felony if an element of such felony is the use or threat of violence, shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the care of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Entitles veterans meeting specified service requirements to 54 instead of 45 months of educational assistance. Eliminates the time limitation within which educational assistance must be used. Restores unused educational assistance benefits to veterans of World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Removes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States and the Federal district courts over any case arising out of any State statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, which relates to voluntary prayers in public schools and public buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Establishes a National Agricultural Cost of Production Board to review, and advise the Secretary of Agriculture concerning, the adequacy and accuracy of the cost-of-production formulas used by the Department of Agriculture in connection with the administration of its price support programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1978 - Requires the Secretary of Energy, before investigating any site for construction of a radioactive waste storage facility, to notify each chamber of the concerned State legislature and publish notice of such investigation in the Federal Register. Requires notice to State legislatures of decisions and contracts for the construction of such facilities. Allows a 120-day period for disapproval of construction by the affected State's legislature or by statewide referendum.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Internal Security to investigate and report on Communist and other subversive activities affecting the internal security of the United States, including activities intended to overthrow or alter the form of government in the United States by unlawful means or which incite or employ violence or any unlawful means to obstruct the lawful authority of the government.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income a corporate stock distribution to a stockholder based upon the reinvestment of stock dividends in the corporation by such stockholder pursuant to his election to participate in a qualified dividend reinvestment plan, as defined in this Act. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,500 per year. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a distribution made by a corporation which purchases its common stock within one year of such distribution shall not be deemed a distribution pursuant to a qualified dividend reinvestment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction of up to $1,500 for household expenses to any taxpayer who maintains a household in which a dependent aged 65 or over resides.
![Official portrait of Rep. Huckaby, Thomas J. (Jerry) [D-LA-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000901_200.jpg)