United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Declares the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States and abroad. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of States and foreign countries which have not banned the manufacture, sale, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Permits taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns whether they wish to contribute any portion of their income tax refund or make any additional contribution to the support of either the arts or the humanities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to amend income tax return forms to provide a notice to taxpayers of their option to contribute. Authorizes the payment of 50 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the arts to the National Endowment for the Arts and 50 percent to State Art Agencies. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State agencies as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Authorizes the payment of 80 percent of taxpayer refunds or contributions designated for the humanities to the National Endowment for the Humanities and 20 percent to State Humanities Entities. Specifies purposes for which such funds may be used and imposes restrictions on the use of such funds for administrative purposes or for research projects. Treats payments of funds to State Humanities Entities as donations from private persons and not as Federal assistance. Prohibits any Endowment or agency to which funds are paid under this Act from requiring any applicant for funds to raise additional funds or meet any matching requirements. Prohibits the use of funds raised by this Act to make grants to any institutions which hold such funds for investment. Limits the amount of funds which any institution may receive under this Act according to a specified percentage of the institution's operating budget.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to: (1) make technical amendments; (2) repeal the bonding requirement for designated employees of the Plant Variety Protection Office; (3) extend the term of plant variety protection from 17 to 18 years; (4) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue corrected certificates of plant variety protection instead of the current certificates of correction; and (5) allow application of its provisions to the seeds, plants or transplants of okra, celery, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers, which are currently excluded from the protection of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Permits any Federal employee or Member of Congress who, at the time of retirement, does not elect a reduced annuity in order to provide a survivor annuity to a spouse or other person to make such an election within one year after retiring. Requires such employee to refund to the Government an amount equal to the amount such employee's annuity would have been reduced during the period from the date of retirement to the date of election plus interest.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Grants a Federal charter to the Gold Star Wives of America. Declares that the purpose of such corporation is to aid widows and children of persons who died in the service of their country.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse eecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principals. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Ainakchak National Monument; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (3) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (5) Kenai Fjords National Monument; Kobuk Valley National Monument; (7) Lake Clark National Monument; (8) Noatak National Monument; Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument; (10) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (11) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park; and (2) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; (2) Lake Clark National Preserve; and (3) Noatak National Preserve. Establishes and designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Park; (3) Cape Krusenstern National Park; (4) Denali National Park; (5) Gates of the Arctic National Park; the Arctic Wilderness; (6) Glacier Bay National Park; (7) Katmai National Park; (8) Kenai Fjords National Park; (9) Kobuk Valley National Park; (10) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (11) Noatak National Park; (12)Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park; and (13) Yukon-Charley National Park. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the nondesignated areas within the boundaries of the National Park System and report to the President and Congress on the suitability of all roadless areas for preservation as wilderness. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer all Alaska lands, waters, and interests in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds that were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to the applicable laws and regulations. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, with respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Monument and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Monument. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Copper River National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Iliamna National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (12) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; and (4) Kenai National Moose Range. Designates as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (to be known as Alaska Maritime Wilderness, Aleutian Islands Wilderness, Unimak Wilderness and Semidi Wilderness); (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge (to be known as Pavlof wilderness and Chiginagak Wilderness); (3) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (4) Becharof National Wildlife Monument; (5) Copper River National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (8) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (10) Kodiak National Wilderness Refuge; (11) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (14) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (15) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (16) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (17) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (to be known as Andreafsky Wilderness and Kisaralik Wilderness); and (18) Yukon Flats National Wildlife Monument (to be known as Hodzana Wilderness and White Mountain Wilderness). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review all areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System established or expanded by this Act as to their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Directs the President to advise Congress as to the Secretary of the Interior's recommendations. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation unit established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the major purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs 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. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon 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. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment of the bald eagle in the Chilkat River area in order to determine habitat use, dynamics of salmon runs on which the eagles feed, seasonal movement patterns, and effects on the eagle population of developments by man. Directs the Secretary to develop a proposal to conserve bald eagles and other wildlife in the region, insure compatible land uses, provide for land lease agreements to facilitate the proposal. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Designates as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Chugach National Forest, to be known as Nellie Juan Wilderness, College Fjord Wilderness, Red Peak Wilderness, and Tonki Cape Wilderness); (2) Admiralty Island National Monument; (3) Tongass National Forest, (to be known as Endicott Wilderness, Etolin Island Wilderness, Idaho Inlet Wilderness, Karta Wilderness, and King Salmon Capes Wilderness; (4) Misty Fjords National Monument; (5) Tongass National Forest, to be known as Petersburg Creek-Duncan Canal Wilderness, Prince of Wales Wilderness, Rocky Pass Wilderness, Russell Fjord Wilderness, Stikine- LeConte Wilderness, South Baranof Wilderness, Tebenkof Wilderness, Tracy-Arms-Ford Terror Wilderness, and West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the President and Congress in accordance with the Wilderness Act recommendations as to the suitability of the Western Prince William Sound for preservation as wilderness. Specifies that the provisions of this Act apply only to the lands within Alaska and nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to expand, diminish, or modify provisions of the Wilderness Act with respect to lands outside of Alaska. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act in accordance with the goal of restoring and maintaining anadromous fish production in the Tongass National Forest. Sets forth factors to be considered in allowing such activity. Directs that previously existing public use cabins within national forest wilderness may be permitted to continue subject to necessary restrictions deemed to preserve the wilderness character of the area. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to construct and maintain a limited number of new cabins and shelters. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit commercial fishery activities within national forest wilderness in accordance with principles of sound fisheries management. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act or the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, to be subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor form entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Stony, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak (including its major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Mulchatna, Stonu, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Porcupine, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Wind, Beaver Creek, Copper, Selawik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Holitna-Hoholitna, Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, Susitna. Sets forth time requirements for completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreements with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations to protect the quality and quantity of water in the Wulik River. Allows the Secretary to grant rights-of-way for oil and gas pipelines across the Iditarod Trail or a wild and scenic river when there exists no alternative route. Sets forth the requirements for obtaining a permit for an oil or gas pipeline. Title VI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, 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 owed or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares the first priority of this Act to be consumptive uses of fishing and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to do so, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to take certain administrative action if it is determined that the program or implementation is not in compliance with this Act. Gives the Secretary authority to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents. Sets forth procedures for hearings and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to temporarily close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits the appropriate Federal agency from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision or a Native Corporation may only by acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Directs the Secretary to authorize and permit temporary access by the State or a private landowner to any conservation system unit, the Alaskan National Petroleum Reserve, or public lands for the purposes of survey and geophysical study and adequate access State or privately owned land and valid mining claims. Removes certain restrictions from sections of the North Slope Haul Road. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to 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 centers. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Stipulates that a holder of a permit to use any conservation system shall be strictly liable for damage to any lands, fish, wildlife or other renewable resource, unless such damage was caused by an act of war or the negligence of the United States. Limits damages for such strict liability to $50,000,000 for any one incident. Exempts the State from strict liability. Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Title IX: Improvements in Administration of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each stockholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Includes provisions for: (1) the Secretary waiving the whole section requirement at the request of a Village Corporation in certain specified situations; (2) the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of the mineral estates; (3) the conveyance of title to the Federal or State Government or the proper municipal corporation to the surface estate for existing airport sites; and (4) the conveyance of fee title of existing cemetery and historical places to the appropriate Regional Corporation. Dissentitles 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. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to exempt from Federal, State, and local taxation the receipt of land or any interest pursuant to this Act to equalize the values of properties. Stipulates the manner to determine the taxable basis of such interests for the purpose of future taxable dispositions. Exempts from taxation real property interests conveyed pursuant to this Act to a Native individual or Native Corporation which are not developed or leased to third parties. 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 a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites. Authorizes the Secretary to withdraw twice the amount of unfulfilled entitlement where lands selected and conveyed to a Village Corporation is insufficient to fulfill the Corporation's entitlement. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent on the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a conservation system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska as of December 18, 1971 and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be alloted subject to a right or reentry for a 20-year period after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Sets forth fiscal year adjustments for appropriation of funds. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to each of the Native Group Corporations $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the population of each group, to be used for planning, development, and other authorized purposes. Subjects the decisions made by the Secretary under this title or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to judicial review only if an action is initiated before a court of competent jurisdiction within two years after the Secretary's decision has become final and after the party seeking review has exhausted any administrative appeal rights. Subjects the decisions made by a Village Corporation to reconvey land under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to judicial review only if the action is initiated before a court of competent jurisdiction within one year after the date of the filing of the map of the boundaries under applicable law.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain, in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by candidates for election to the House of Representatives seeking payments from such Account. Limits expenditures from personal funds which may be made by candidates meeting such eligibility requirements. Entitles eligible candidates to matching payments and sets forth the procedure for determining the amounts of these payments. Stipulates that the aggregate payments to all candidates in an election shall not exceed three times the maximum amount payable in matching funds. Suspends certain expenditure limitations on eligible candidates if any candidate not eligible to receive payments pursuant to this Act makes expenditures or receives contributions in excess of specified amounts. Sets forth the procedure for requesting matching payments. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the Secretary of the Treasury in maintaining the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Directs the Federal Elections Commission to conduct examinations and audits of the campaign accounts of ten percent of the eligible candidates. Provides for the participation of the Commission in judicial proceedings arising under this Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends rule XII of the Rules of House of Representatives to require that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct report a resolution calling for a vote on the expulsion of any Member who has been convicted of a crime for which a sentence of two years or more imprisonment may be imposed, if such conviction has become final.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives (Code of Official Conduct) to require that any Member who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to two or more years in prison and whose conviction is final shall refrain from participation in any business of the House until after the completion of all prison terms and payment of all fines resulting from such conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1978
Declares that time spent by civilian citizens and permanent residents of the United States in prisoner-of-war camps, internment centers, or similar places, on or after D December 7, 1941, shall be considered; (1) service in the active military or naval service for purposes of certain veterans' benefits; (2) military service during war for purposes of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937; (3) military service for purposes of Civil Service retirement; and (4) active service for purposes of Armed Forces retirement pay.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Expresses the concern of Congress for the safety of the residents of the South African black community known as "Crossroads." Urges the South African Government: (1) to reconsider its plan to destroy Crossroads; and (2) to recognize the right of the residents to continue to live in Crossroads.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1978
Sunset Program Reauthorization and Evaluation Act - Title I: Reauthorization of New Budget Authority - Requires Government programs to be evaluated pursuant to a specified schedule to determine whether each such program should be continued, terminated, or altered (reauthorization review). Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for a period of more than ten years. Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for any program for which there has not been conducted a reauthorization review. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in consulation with the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to compile a list of programs subject to a reauthorization date for which new budget authority was not authorized. Title II: Program Inventory - Requires the Comptroller General to compile an inventory of Federal programs including a description of such programs covering specified topics. Title III: Program Review and Evaluation - Requires each House of Congress to select from the programs scheduled for reauthorization review in any given year a number of programs for comprehensive reauthorization review. Requires the President and each congressional committee to recommend such programs. Title IV: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes an independent Citizen's Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to study the organization and operation of Federal agencies and to recommend ways to improve the efficiency and operations of such agencies. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by July 1, 1983, and terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of such report. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Comptroller General to furnish Congress with the results of prior audits and reviews of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires all agencies which are exempt from reauthorization review to submit a status report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Urges the President to communicate with the Soviet Union concerning its obligation in accordance with the Helsinki accords to allow Isaac Zlotver to emigrate from the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should parole into the United States the 15,000 Cambodian refugees, half to come in fiscal year 1979, and half in fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations (1) which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and (2) whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and status and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans, among other factors, upon certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
States that the Territory of American Samoa shall be represented in the United States Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedure for the election of such delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Declares that President Brezhnev of the Soviet Socialist Republics should authorize the release of Doctor Semyon Gluzman from prison and allow him and his family to emigrate to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Provides that where two or more Members of the House of Representatives pay the basic pay of an individual from the clerk-hire allowance of each such Member, such individual shall be considered to be on the payroll of only one such Member for purposes of determining the number of individuals employed by such Members under the clerk-hire allowance. Requires such Members to designate who shall be considered the employer for the month involved and to report such designation to the Office of Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private institutions to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within four years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 to extend to all units of the legislative branch of the Federal Government the prohibition of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in all personnel actions which now applies only to those units of the legislative branch having positions in the competitive civil service. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to include the United States and the legislative branch of the Federal Government as employers subject to the prohibition against unfair labor practices declared in that Act. Extends the coverage of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to the employees of any unit of the legislative branch of the Federal Government whether a unit has positions in the competitive civil service or not. Includes the United States and the legislative branch of the Federal Government within the definition of the term "employer" in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Applies the provisions of the Freedom Information Act and the Privacy Act to the legislative branch. Repeals the exemption of Congress from the social security taxing and benefit provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Comprehensive Family Planning Services, Research in Human Reproduction, and Prevention of Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit entities to assist: (1) in the establishment, maintenance and expansion of voluntary family planning projects which offer a broad range of family planning methods (including natural family planning methods) to all persons who need and desire them; (2) in the provision through such projects of comprehensive services appropriate to the needs of teenagers who are at risk of unwanted pregnancy; and (3) in the establishment and operation of demonstration projects aimed toward the alleviation of problems of infertility through counseling, referral, and medical services to persons who need and desire them. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit private entities and individuals: (1) to establish and maintain a network of community-based informational and educational services designed to help adolescents more fully understand the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy and childbearing; and (2) to assist in developing appropriate information and educational materials for dissemination to such community-based services. Requires the Secretary to annually report a plan for achieving the purposes set forth in this Act with particular emphasis on assistance to adolescents. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to carry out the programs specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations (1) which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and (2) whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and status and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans, among other factors, upon certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private institutions to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within four years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
National Parks and Recreation Act - Title I: Development Ceiling Increases - Makes specific increases in the limitations on funds for development within 35 units of the National Park System and affiliated areas. Title II: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Raises the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands within five units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enlarge the boundaries of 18 units of the National Park System and authorizes appropriations of specified amounts for acquisition of lands by reason of such revisions. Redesignates the City of Refuge National Historical Park as the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Deeds a lot on Black Hammock Island, Florida, to the National Park Foundation, to be sold at fair market value. Adds lands to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Pennsylvania. Revises the boundaries of: (1) Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming; (2) Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, North Dakota and Montana; (3) Boston National Historical Park; (4) Gateway National Recreation Area, New York, to add Sailors Snug Harbor; (5) Petersburg National Battlefield, Virginia, to add Eppes Manor; (6) Sequoia National Park, California, to add Mineral King Valley; (7) Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, Ohio; (8) Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; (9) Golden Gate National Recreation Area; (10) Point Reyes National Seashore; (11) Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland; (12) Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park; (13) Virgin Islands National Park, to include Hassel Island; and (14) Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument. Title IV: Wilderness - Designates 14 areas as wilderness areas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and submit to Congress a wilderness management plan for each wilderness unit in the National Park System. Title V: Establishment of New Areas and Additions to National Trails System - Provides for the establishment of Guam National Seashore War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam; Pine Barrens Area, New Jersey; Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, Pennsylvania; San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas; Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York; Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii; American Memorial Park, Saipan; Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, Texas; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California. Provides for the establishment of the San Antonio Missions Advisory Commission, the Kaloko-Honokohau, an advisory commission, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Commission. Establishes the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Utah; the Overmountain Men Victory Trail, Tennessee to South Carolina; the Continental Divide Trail, Montana to New Mexico; and the North Country National Scenic Trail, New York to North Dakota. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire and upgrade Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Directs the Secretary to provide for the preservation of the former Presidential yacht Sequoia. Provides for a study of the desirability of establishing segments of the Ridgelands east of San Francisco Bay as a unit of the National Park System. Amends the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972 to direct the Corporation to request the Council of the District of Columbia to close any street in the development area, and if title to the street is not in the Corporation, to convey it to the Corporation. Permits the Corporation to transfer title to real property to the United States or the District of Columbia . Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for the preservation of historical and archaeological data. Empowers the Secretary to establish a historic site to commemorate each former President and Speaker of the House of Representatives serving during the twentieth century. Authorizes appropriations for studies and management planning of areas suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. Provides for a study of the Oak Creek Canyon, Yauapi, and Soldier Wash-Mormon Canyon areas in Arizona for inclusion in the park system. States it is the policy of Congress that wilderness, wildlife conservation, and park and recreation values of United States property be conserved, enhanced, and developed. Provides that the Secretary, the Administrator of General Services, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall establish a system to permit full and early opportunity for studies of the suitability of Federal real property for implementation of the congressional policy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide 50 percent matching grants to local governments in urban and insular areas for rehabilitation and development of recreation areas and facilities. Sets grant requirements. Changes the date of the map referencing the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Title VII: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Amendments - Adds eight segments of rivers to those designated as wild and scenic rivers. Adds 17 rivers to those designated for study for potential inclusion in the wild and scenic rivers system. Increases authorizations of appropriations for five specified rivers. Makes technical amendments to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, for inclusion in the Independence Historical Park in that city.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area, in Minnesota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the areas. Directs the Secretary to restrict motorboat usage on specified lakes and rivers within the wilderness. Permits certain owners of commercially operated resorts to require the Secretary to purchase their interests. Permits such owners to retain a limited area for personal use. Directs affected owners to offer the Secretary the right of first refusal to purchase specified lands. Directs the Secretary to terminate, within a year, the timber sale contracts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Provides for compensation for the termination of such contracts. Establishes procedures for the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area. Prohibits mining in the wilderness and recreation areas and provides for the acquisition of any mining or mineral rights therein. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the State of Minnesota in the administration of the areas covered by this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall effect rights established by the treaties of the United States. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive management plan concerning the areas. Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreational Area Advisory Commission to assist and advise the Secretary concerning the management of the areas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1978
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule XLVIII to require any Member, committee, officer, agency, or organization of the House of Representatives which receives (1) any publication provided at Government expense and made available for distribution to constituents in excess of a specified amount; (2) any shipping trunks provided by the Clerk; (3) any plants provided by the Botanic Gardens; or (4) any picture frames provided by the Architect of the Capitol, to provide reimbursement for the value of such items.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations (1) which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and (2) whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and status and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans, among other factors, upon certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.