United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979
Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to limit the rights and powers of foreign banks to the authority to accept demand deposits and make commercial loans. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit corporations organized for the purpose of engaging in international financial operations (Edge Act corporations) from establishing any branch or agency in the United States.
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 · 7 May 1979
Eurocurrency Market Control Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to require the Federal Reserve Board to establish reserve requirements on certain Eurocurrency liabilities and other transactions of foreign branches and agencies of member and nonmember banks, Federal or State branches and agencies of foreign banks operating within the United States, and certain corporations (Edge Act corporations) engaging in international or foreign banking or financial operations. Stipulates that such reserve ratios for deposits shall not be less than ten percent nor more than 22 percent. Stipulates that such reserve ratios shall be reduced by 75 percent during the first calendar year, 50 percent during the second calendar year, and 25 percent during the third calendar year. States that such reductions shall take effect upon the determination by the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board that countries representing 75 percent of all foreign-denominated deposits within banks and other financial institutions in their jurisdiction have agreed to adopt comparable reserve requirements on Eurocurrency liabilities and other transactions. Requires the Chairman to report to the appropriate committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives one year after the date of enactment of this Act on the progress of efforts to have major banking countries establish reserve requirements and not later than ten days after a determination that the required percentage of countries have agreed to adopt reserve requirements. Prohibits the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board from approving the establishment of any specially designated international banking facility or special exemptions from interest rate regulations and reserve requirements prior to December 31, 1980. Directs the Board of Governors to report to the Congress as to the advisability of the adoption of such proposals and on the role of United States banks and other financial institutions in the Eurocurrency market and in foreign exchange markets. Lists information such report shall give emphasis to including, but not limited to, the implications for the Federal Reserve Board (as lender of last resort) of Eurocurrency activity, foreign exchange trading, and any speculative activity of United States banks and other financial institutions and the advisability of them maintaining unhedged, speculative positions in foreign currency markets. Requires the Federal Reserve Board to submit to the Congress one year after enactment of this Act specific recommendations for changes in legislation or regulations to: (1) prohibit transfer of any asset across national borders for the purpose of minimizing tax liability within any national jurisdiction; (2) limit banks and other financial institutions from holding "uncovered" contracts to buy and sell foreign exchange to a fixed percentage of capital for each national currency in which they deal; and (3) limit the responsibility of the Federal Reserve Board as lender of last resort in the event that a bank violates any rule or regulation the Board may establish.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend and authorize appropriations for the rehabilitation loan program through fiscal year 1980. Extends the intergovernmental program of comprehensive planning for the acquisition of sites for and construction of public buildings under the Housing Act of 1954 through fiscal year 1980. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorization of appropriations for grant and supplemental grant assistance to State and local community development programs. Provides for a pro rata distribution of funds among programs to meet all basic grant and hold-harmless entitlement needs in the event of a funding deficiency in fiscal year 1980. Removes statutory restrictions based on census statistics defining the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to waive procedural requirements in awarding grants. Stipulates that in addition to the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 environmental protection measures must be carried out in order for the Secretary to release funds to applicants for projects. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize appropriations for annual contributions to low-income housing projects and operating services through fiscal year 1980. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize appropriations for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects through fiscal year 1980. Requires the utilization of amounts in the reserve fund created from excess rental charges by owners of housing projects receiving interest reduction payments under the National Housing Act. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to set forth: (1) new limits on the percentage of a family's income which may be required as rent for low-income housing; (2) criteria for tenant selection; (3) requirements for the maintenance of the low-income character of certain assisted housing projects; and (4) provisions for the distribution of unexpended operating subsidies. Directs the Secretary in making rent supplement assistance available under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to give priority to individuals or families who are occupying substandard housing or are involuntarily displaced at the time they are seeking housing assistance. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary in making homeownership assistance payments to lower income mortgagees, to give preference to assisting low-income families in acquiring a condominium unit or membership in a cooperative association. Provides for displaced tenants in HUD-owned projects. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the following mortgage insurance programs of the Federal Housing Administration: (1) housing renovation and modernization; (2) general insurance authorization; (3) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (4) membership in cooperative associations for lower income families; (5) rental housing for low-income families; (6) coinsurance mortgages; (7) experimental housing; (8) armed services housing; (9) group practice facilities and medical practice facilities; (10) new communities; and (11) crime and riot reinsurance. Permits the Secretary to insure, on a permanent basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization through fiscal year 1980. Extends the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance program through fiscal year 1980. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary, as an alternative to the acquisition of an insured mortgage to avoid foreclosure, to make all or part of the monthly payments due on an insured mortgage of a one-to four-family residence necessary to avoid default caused by circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control. Stipulates that all payments shall be secured by a lien on the property and by such other obligation as the Secretary may require. Stipulates that such payments may be provided for a period of up to 18 months. Allows payments to be discontinued at any time because the mortgagor's financial circumstances have changed, the payments are no longer necessary, or the prospect of payments and repayments is no longer reasonable. Terminates the authority to make such payments on September 30, 1981. Authorizes appropriations for research and demonstration housing projects through fiscal year 1980. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize appropriations, without limitation, to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Extends the authority of the Secretary to issue obligations to finance housing programs for the elderly and handicapped under the Housing Act of 1959. Extends the authority of the Secretary to insure mortgages under the National Housing Act by including dwellings covered by a consumer protection or warranty plan. Authorizes the appropriation of a specified amount to carry out the activities of the National Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to study the relative risks of loss connected with the classes of mortgages insured under the National Housing Act. States that such study is for the purpose of determining the advisability of reducing related mortgage insurance premiums. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) exempt insured loans, mortgages, or advances from State usury laws; and (2) increase Federal Housing Administration mortgage limits for insurance eligibility. Increases to 75 percent in any geographical area the amount of: (1) rental housing insurance; (2) cooperative housing insurance; (3) rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing insurance; (4) moderate income and displaced family housing insurance; (5) housing for the elderly mortgage insurance; and (6) multifamily condominium mortgage insurance. Increases the limit on loans for mobile homes and lots with respect to credit insurance of financial institutions. Allows the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase a mortgage with an original principal obligation that exceeds the otherwise applicable maximum amount per dwelling unit if the mortgage is a moderate income and displaced family housing insured mortgage and at least 20 percent of the units covered by such mortgage are assisted under contracts authorized by the United States Housing Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Allows up to ten percent of the assistance available under the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to be used for uncertified projects demonstrating innovative means of assisting in neighborhood conservation and revitalization. Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to permit securities sold, issued, or guaranteed by the Corporation to be lawful investments and accepted as security for all fiduciary trusts and public funds. Title IV: Interstate Land Sales - Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to outline specified exemptions from the provisions of such Act including provisions requiring registration and disclosure of the sale or lease of lots in subdivisions of specified size. Sets forth requirements relating to the sale or lease of lots if a mobile home is to be erected as a primary residence. Makes it unlawful for any developer or agent to deceive or in any way defraud a purchaser or lessee of a lot. Provides for civil relief by a purchaser or lessee for any such unlawful act. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to certify as equivalent to the Federal law any State land sale disclosure law which is substantially equivalent to the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure law. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a cease and desist order to any agent or developer believed to be engaging in any unlawful act or practice. Sets forth criminal penalties for any willful violation of this Act. Allows any State attorney general to bring a civil action as parens patriae on behalf of individuals residing in such State, in any appropriate United State district court. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress biennially a report on the administration of this Act and its impact upon the land development industry and purchasers and lessees of undeveloped land. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for farm and rural housing programs as follows: (1) loans to provide occupant owned, rental, and cooperative housing for low-and moderate-income families; (2) insured loans for housing for domestic farm labor; (3) notes and other obligations for loan funds; (4) loans and grants for repairs or improvements of rural dwellings; (5) financial assistance to provide low-rent housing for domestic farm labor; (6) technical services and research for new buildings and repairs; (7) escrow accounts for taxes, insurance, and other expenses; (8) grants and loans for the development of technical and supervisory assistance programs in rural areas with Federal, State, and local housing program for low-income families; and (9) mutual self-help housing programs in rural areas and small towns. Authorizes such sums as may be required to provide safe, sanitary housing for low-income families, to conduct economic surveys for a sound mortgage market, and to reimburse the Rural Housing Insurance Fund. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to insure loans which provide rental and cooperative housing for the elderly or others of low-and moderate-incomes and to insure and make loans for housing and buildings on farms owned by low or moderate income families. Stipulates that the Secretary shall determine the rate of interest on occupant owned, rental, and cooperative housing loans. Defines the terms "persons and families of low income" for purposes of this Act. Provides for the repayment and refinancing of loans for housing for the elderly and families of low income and for domestic farm labor. Permits the Secretary to make or insure loans for 40 percent of the units in multifamily cooperative or rental housing projects. Authorizes the Secretary to assist in providing technical assistance and counseling to recipients who are delinquent with the repayment of any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under the Housing Act of 1949 and to those who need assistance in financial management, home maintenance, and related matters. Includes among the administrative powers of the Secretary the authority to repair and rehabilitate property pledged or mortgaged under the Housing Act of 1949 and purchased by the Secretary at any foreclosure. Makes provisions for the payment by the Secretary out of the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for the correction of, or compensation to homeowners for significant construction defects in certain newly constructed, assisted homes. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to allow the Secretary to make loans for the acquisition and development of land for use as sites on which residential structures will be built without regard to whether such structures will be eligible for assistance under any Federal, State, or local law. Stipulates that such loans shall bear interest at a rate equal to the market rate for comparable loans, as determined by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Open House Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to: (1) direct each standing committee to establish a subcommittee on oversight; (2) direct standing committees to develop an oversight agenda and timetable; (3) direct representatives of the membership of the Committee on Government Operations to meet with majority and minority Members of each House committee to coordinate all of the oversight activities of the House; (4) require the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to file a written report containing its findings and recommendations for action on each investigation it undertakes; (5) allow the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to undertake investigations by direction of the House on adoption of a resolution; (6) limit the number of subcommittees that may be established by standing committees to at least four but no more than six (excluding the Committee on Appropriations); (7) require the maintenance of complete public records of all committee action; (8) prohibit proxy votes in committees and subcommittees; (9) provide for open committee meetings unless such meetings are closed by a rollcall vote of a majority of committee Members; (10) permit any committee Member to demand a rollcall vote on any question in committee; (11) require an affirmative rollcall vote of a majority of committee Members to report a measure or recommendation to the House; and (12) require the maintenance of complete public records of all conference committee actions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Competitive Export Financing Act of 1979 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report to Congress as to whether any increase in its commitment authority or ceiling levels is necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the rate of deficiency payments, under the price support program for feed grains, on a varying State by State basis instead of the current uniform national basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Requires the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company to continue specified freight service for a period of 90 days unless: (1) any discontinuance or abandonment is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no affected State (or local or regional or transportation authority) opposes such action. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide such financial assistance as may be required to maintain the existing level of service by such railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit the employment of blind persons, or persons with impaired sight, at less than the applicable minimum wage under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Stipulates that the payment of retired or retainer pay which would otherwise be made to a member of the armed forces shall be paid by the Secretary concerned to another person to the extent provided for in the terms of any court decree of divorce, annulment, or legal separation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse ecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principles. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; and (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (2) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (3) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (4) Kenal Fjords National Monument; (5) Kobuk Valley National Monument; (6) Lake Clark National Monument; (7) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (8) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Aniakchak National Monument by the addition of 160,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Aniakchak National Park and National Preserve; (2) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park and National Preserve; (3) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Noatak National Monument by the addition of 660,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Noatak National Preserve; and (5) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument by the addition of 1,230,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; and (2) Lake Clark National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer lands, waters, and interests of all National Park System units in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds which were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to laws and regulations applicable to fish and wildlife protection. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, within respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Requires the Secretary to recognize and convey valid Native selections or nominations of land within boundaries of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Prohibits the charging of fees for admission to any unit of the National Park System located in Alaska. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (10) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kenai National Moose Range; and (5) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation units established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs that the area of the Iliamna watershed be managed for the primary purposes of watershed protection and fish production. Prohibits the Secretary from conveying any lands in such area to the State of Alaska, unless the State devises a plan for the protection of management of the watershed and fishery resources of such area. Provides that nothing in this title shall limit the Secretary's responsibility with respect to the exploration of oil reserves under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976. Prohibits the Secretary from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law with respect to designed or redesignated units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within the refuge. States that land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon and Tanna Rivers, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Directs that such lands as are added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands to: (1) Goldbelt, Inc., representing the Natives of Juneau with respect to their land entitlements under the Alaska Natives Claims Settlement Act; and (2) S.E. Alaska, Inc. Exempts such conveyances from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the taking of fish and wildlife in national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument as conservation system units. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations with respect to mining activities on national forest lands in Alaska in order to protect water quality in such areas. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit any land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, from being subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor from entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Selawik, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak and Charley (including their major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Mulchatna, Noatak, Stony, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Colville, Porcupine, Beaver Creek, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Selawik, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, and Susitna. Sets forth requirement for the completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreement with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under the United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits to oil and gas pipelines to cross areas designated as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas in Alaska, if the Secretary determines that no feasible alternative route exists. Title VI: National Wilderness Preservation System - Designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Denali National Park and Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (5) Glacier Bay National Park; (6) Katmai National Park; (7) Kenai Fjords National Park; (8) Kobuk Valley National Park; (9) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (10) Noatak National Preserve; (11) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and National Preserve; and (12) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Wilderness Reservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Sulawik National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (14) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (15) Afognak Island. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Forest System certain lands in Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest as a wilderness area and to report his findings to the President and the Congress within three years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas in Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. Provides for the maintenance of existing public use cabins located in national forest wilderness areas and the construction of a limited number of new cabins for the protection of the public health and safety. Directs the Secretary to review nondesignated wilderness areas and to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of designating such areas as wilderness areas. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares that the first priority consumptive use of public land resources under this Act shall be the taking of fish and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Authorizes the States to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence uses in a manner consistent with the policies and requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to exercise its authority to regulate subsistence uses, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to monitor State regulation of the subsistence preference granted under this title and to advise the States and Congress of his findings and recommendations. Directs the local and regional advisory councils established by this title to notify the Secretary if any such council determines that the State has not adequately provided for a system of subsistence preference in the region or locality which such council represents. Directs the Secretary to review the determinations of any council and advise the State of his findings. Directs the Secretary to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents if he determines that the States has failed to comply with directives from the Secretary regarding improvements in the subsistence preference program and that such failure endangers the fish or wildlife population in an area or the ability of rural residents to satisfy their subsistence needs. Sets forth procedures for hearing and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits Federal agencies from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife resources and subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision, or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres, to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and plan for centers in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the conservation system units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife. Authorizes the issuance of permits to certain sport hunting guide services and nonsubsistence trappers to continue the taking of wildlife in connection with their business for a period not to exceed ten years from the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that a termination of such privilege would result in serious economic hardship for such individuals. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title IX: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each shareholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. Provides for the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of a mineral estate. Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites and for the reconveyance of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Places restrictions on the conveyance to Regional Corporations of lands which are located in a wildlife refuge. Permits a Regional Corporation which is precluded from receiving title to protected lands to file a claim to certain other lands designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Provides that the 20 year moratorium on the payment of State and local real property taxes on land conveyed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall begin with the vesting of title in such lands. Provides that the moratorium shall not apply to land which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover wildland. Provides for the selection of additional lands by a Village Corporation which has not fulfilled its entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a National Park system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be allotted subject to a right of reentry for a specified 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Requires that payments under such Act shall be deposited into the Alaska Native Fund on the first day of the fiscal year for which the monies are appropriated, and shall be distributed at the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to certified Native Group Corporations an amount not more than $100,000 or less than $50,000 for planning, development, or other authorized purposes. Provides for a two year statute of limitation for the filing of any appeal from a decision of the Secretary under this title or under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the granting of easements on such lands. Provides for the relinquishment of all claims by the United States to submerged lands under a nonnavigable meanderable stream or a lake having a surface area of 160 acres or more which is adjacent to land which is conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of this Act. Provides that such submerged lands shall not be charged toward the acreage entitlement of any Native Corporation. Retains in Federal ownership submerged lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Lists specified lands of: (1) Nana/Cook Inlet Regional Corporation, the Ahtna Regional Corporation, and the Bering Straits Regional Corporation to be withdrawn for selection, and (2) the Doyon Regional Corporation to be exchanged for lands relinquished. Requires the Hodzana River area to be managed as a study area by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with Doyon, Limited. Lists lands, previously selected by Doyon, Limited which such corporation may identify in partial satisfaction of its entitlement under such Act. Provides for the settlement of certain claims and litigation to implement such Act under the unique circumstances of the Native Village of Eklutna. Directs the Secretary to convey the surface and subsurface estates of specified lands on Afognak Island to Koniag, Incorporated. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with specified Native Corporations for boundaries and prices of certain areas of the Pribilof Islands group to be included in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a relinquishment of all right, title, and interest of such Corporation in specified Alaskan lands. Directs the Secretary to make specified conveyances of land pursuant to the Cook Inlet Village Settlement. Grants final approval to all tentative approvals of the State of Alaska land selections pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act. Vests title in all such lands in the State as of the date of tentative approval. Directs the Secretary to convey public lands selected by the Chugach Regional Corporation from certain lands within the Chugach National Forest. Directs the Secretary to study the land ownership and use patterns in the Chugach region in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, Chugach Natives, Inc., and the State of Alaska (if the State chooses to participate). Title X: Transportation and Utility Systems - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only as provided by this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) water transportation systems; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of their liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined produce produced from such sources; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for the transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to prepare and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for a right-of-way for a transportation or utility system subject to this title. Requires any Federal agency which receives an application for a right-of-way to notify the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of the application that such application is either complete or that more information is required. Sets forth filing requirements for environmental impact statements required to be filed with an application for a right-of-way. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to coordinate their procedures for processing applications for rights-of-way for transportation or utility systems which require the approval of more than one agency. Sets forth procedures for the consideration, processing, and approval of applications for rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to submit his recommendation for the approval or disapproval of an application to Congress. Provides that such application shall be deemed approved only upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Title XI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, Native, and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title XII: Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, and Production - States as the purpose of this title the furtherance of exploration, development, and production, through private enterprise with appropriate environmental safeguards, of oil and gas resources on certain public lands in Alaska. Provides that this title shall apply to: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management. Provides that exploration, development, and production of oil and gas on lands to which this title applies shall be conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 except to the extent otherwise provided by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the exploration for oil and gas resources which is conducted pursuant to a plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the holder of any permit issued by the Secretary to disclose to the Secretary any information obtained as a result of any exploration activities. Requires the Secretary to maintain the confidentiality of such information until the permittee acquires a lease for the lands on which the permit data was acquired or at such time as the data ceases to hold proprietary value, but in no case longer than ten years. Directs the Secretary to study such information and to consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from lands subject to this title. Directs the Secretary to encourage the State to undertake studies on lands associated with lands subject to this title. Provides that leases shall be issued only by competitive bidding with respect to the following lands: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management and are determined by the Secretary to be within an area favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas. Requires the development and production of oil or gas on leased lands to be carried out in accordance with a development and production plan approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to suspend or cancel such leases if he determines that operations under such lease pose environmental threats to the land. Requires the Secretary to issue a permit for oil and gas exploration on public lands within six months of a request if the applicant is not required to file an environmental impact statement, or three months after the filing of such a statement if such a statement is required. Requires the Secretary to include in reports required under the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 information with respect to oil and gas development activities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the consideration and issuance of exploration permits to applicants for public lands within the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, including public lands within the Teshekpuk and Utukok National Wildlife Refuges within 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a schedule of proposed lease sales covering such land and to hold the first lease sale on such lands within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas on nonwilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be carried out according to the provisions of this title, except for lands that have been withdrawn from such use under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for issuance of exploration permits and for lease sales of lands subject to the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
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 · 10 April 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at lease 500 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1986 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into such contracts and make such grants as may be necessary or appropriate for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with appropriate Federal agencies to carry out projects and activities with respect to Federal facilities as may be appropriate for the demonstration of wind energy systems which are suitable and effective for use in such facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received by a mutual or cooperative electric company from nonmember electric companies for providing electric energy to such nonmember companies shall not be taken into account in determining the tax-exempt status of the mutual or cooperative electric company. Provides that income received by a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company for services to customers of rural telephone or electric companies, and income received from the rental or sale of communications or power facilities, shall not be subject to the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize rural hospitals of fewer than 100 beds which have been granted a certificate of need for the provision of long-term care services to enter into agreements with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act), providing that their inpatient hospital facilities may be used to furnish services which if furnished by a skilled nursing facility would constitute post hospital extended care services. Authorizes, pursuant to such agreements, payment to be made for skilled nursing services and intermediate care services furnished by a hospital. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such agreements on a demonstration basis with hospitals having between 100 and 150 beds if such hospitals meet the other requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow certain aliens applying as immigrants to be given preference visas as children of United States citizens provided such an alien: (1) requests such treatment; (2) was born after 1950 in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand; (3) was fathered by an American serviceman; and (4) provides a guarantee of financial support. Stipulates that such guarantee must: (1) be signed by a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who is at least 21 years old; and (2) provide that such signing sponsor will provide necessary financial support for five years. Allows the Attorney General to enforce such guarantee against the sponsor in a civil suit unless such sponsor dies or is adjudicated bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
States the findings of Congress with respect to the utility of regulations issued by Federal financial regulatory agencies. Requires regulations issued by Federal financial regulatory agencies to insure that: (1) the need for and purpose of such regulations are clearly established; (2) meaningful alternatives to the issuance of regulations are considered; (3) compliance costs, paperwork, and other costs are kept at a minimal level; (4) conflicts, duplications and inconsistencies between regulations are avoided; (5) opportunities for comment by interested parties are made available; and (6) the language of such regulations is clear and simple. Directs Federal financial regulatory agencies to establish a program which assures periodic review of existing regulations. Requires all Federal financial regulatory agencies to submit reports outlining their progress in implementing financial regulation simplification to the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Terminates the provisions of this Act five years after its effective date.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Nitrite Moratorium and Research Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting commerce, prior to April 1, 1982, in any food by reason of the carcinogenic or other toxic effect of the nitrite added to that food, if: (1) addition of such nitrite was permitted under applicable Federal Act on April 1, 1979; and (2) the quantity of such nitrite is within the tolerances in effect on April, 1, 1979, or within such tolerances as may thereafter be established, for the purpose of preventing botulism. Prohibits either Secretary from prohibiting commerce on or after April 1, 1982, in any food to which nitrite has been added unless the addition of such nitrite: (1) is shown not to be safe; or (2) if not shown to be safe, is shown not to be necessary to protect against botulism. Extends the period of such moratorium until such time as an alternative anti-toxin becomes available. Requires each Secretary to make an annual review of all regulations issued under this Act in order to determine progress toward making available effective and feasible alternative means for preventing botulism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives with respect to the Secretary of Transportation's recommendations designating the basic route system for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation as submitted to the Congress on January 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add a new Rule XLIX to require that remarks made by Members on the floor must be related to governmental matters to be printed in the Congressional Record. Exempts remarks on the death of a present or former Federal official from such standard.
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
Limits to Government Act of 1979 - Declares that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to: (1) reduce Federal expenditures to no more than 20 percent of the gross national product, except in times of war or other national emergency; (2) annually review existing tax rates and make any reductions necessary to promote optimum employment of human and material resources; and (3) provide for a balanced budget no later than 1982. Title I: Amendments to the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 - Specifies that Federal expenditures for any fiscal year shall not exceed 20 percent of the estimated gross national product or exceed the estimated receipts of the Government for such year. Requires the President to state in the Budget: (1) the relative priorities of estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations; and (2) the tax proposals necessary to reduce Government receipts to no more than 20 percent of the estimated gross national product. Title II: Amendments to Congressional Budget Act of 1974 - Sets forth a new procedure for the development of the budget under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Requires that the House of Representatives and the Senate each adopt concurrent resolutions on spending as well as concurrent resolutions on the budget. Sets forth a timetable for the congressional budget process for each fiscal year. States that the level of outlays in the concurrent spending resolution shall establish a spending ceiling for the subsequent concurrent budget resolution. Stipulates that the concurrent budget resolution cannot be acted upon until the adoption of the concurrent spending resolution. Requires the Committee on the Budget of each House to report the first concurrent resolution on spending to their respective House by March 15. Stipulates that such shall set forth: (1) the level of total budget outlays and the total new budget authority; (2) the surplus or the deficit in the budget; (3) the amount, if any, by which outlays or revenues exceed 20 percent of the estimated gross national product; (4) the amount by which the recommended level of Federal revenues exceed 20 percent of the gross national product; (5) the recommended level of Federal revenues; (6) the appropriate level of the public debt; and (7) the year in which the goals for reducing unemployment as set forth in the Employment Act of 1946 should be achieved. Requires that the first concurrent resolution on the budget contain an estimate of budget outlays and an appropriate level of new budget authority for each major functional category, for contingencies, and for undistributed intragovernmental transactions. Prescribes that in the process of considering, developing, and acting on the first concurrent spending resolution and the first concurrent budget resolution the Committee on the Budget of each House shall receive the views and estimates of other committees and joint committees and hold hearings and receive testimony. Requires that the Congressional Budget Office submit reports to the Budget Committees for purposes of the first spending resolution as well as the first budget resolution. Requires the Congress to adopt a second concurrent spending resolution and a second, concurrent budget resolution. States that such second concurrent resolutions shall reaffirm or revise the most recently agreed to concurrent resolutions. Requires a three-fifths majority of the Members voting (a quorum being present) for the adoption of the first concurrent spending resolution if outlays exceed either recommended revenues or 20 percent of the estimated fiscal year gross national product. Allows the second concurrent budget resolution to increase the aggregate level of outlays as specified in the first concurrent spending resolution, but only by a three-fifths majority vote of both Houses. Limits in the House of Representatives: (1) general debate on any concurrent spending resolution or concurrent budget resolution to five hours; (2) debate on the conference report of any concurrent spending resolution to two hours; and (3) debate on the conference report of any concurrent budget resolution to three hours. Title III: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Defines "concurrent resolution on spending" and "concurrent resolution on the budget" for purposes of this Act. Makes the effective date of this Act December 31, 1980.
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 · 20 March 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides that Vietnam veterans eligible for specified veterans' educational benefits may use up to 12 months of such benefits for employment assistance payments to non-Federal Government employers hiring such veterans. Establishes eligibility requirements and guidelines for participating veterans and employers. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - Authorizes the Veterans' Administration to provide outpatient mental health services to Vietnam veterans with emotional or psychological civilian readjustment problems. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a program of treatment for Vietnam-era veterans or members of their immediate families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Provides that any individual eligible for treatment in either the readjustment or alcohol drug program may elect to have such treatment at any community health center providing such services under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Directs the Administrator to reimburse such centers for such treatment. Authorizes an employee of the General Accounting Office assigned to duty in a Veterans' Administration health facility to act as ombudsman for the patients of such facility. Title III: GI Bill Education Assistance - Extends the ten year delimiting period for veterans' educational assistance eligibility to January 1, 1985, for veterans discharged before December 31, 1969. Removes the requirement of State matching funds for veterans' accelerated payment of educational assistance allowances. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States for administrative expenses for the start- up costs veterans' home loan programs. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to make a comprehensive study of United States laws providing benefits to veterans and their dependents, with particular attention to the needs of Vietnam veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Modifies the flood control project for Davenport, Iowa, to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to take measures to preserve Nahant Marsh.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Modifies a flood protection project on the Mississippi River to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to increase the flood protection at Muscatine, Iowa. Flood control Rivers
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 · 8 March 1979
Declares that a specified provision concerning length of active duty service and level of pay grade shall not apply in determining the eligibility of a named individual member of the Armed Forces for selection for law school training.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Directs the Postal Service to submit to Congress rather than to the Postal Rate Commission any proposed change in the nature of postal service which has nationwide impact. Requires any statement of proposed change so submitted to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels and postal finances. Provides that no proposed change in the level of postal services shall become effective unless neither House of Congress adopts a postal service resolution relating to or prohibiting such change during the first 60 days of continuous session of the Congress, following the submission of the proposed change by the Postal Service. Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of such solutions.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Congressional Districting Act of 1979 - Specifies that each State entitled to more than one Representative in the 98th or any subsequent Congress shall establish a number of districts equal to the number of Representatives to which that State is entitled. Declares that no district shall differ substantially in population size from another. Requires a five-member redistricting commission to be established in such State which shall conduct public hearings with respect to the boundaries of districts and prepare and submit to the Federal Election Commission a plan for redistricting to be published in the Federal Register. Sets forth judicial procedures to insure compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to administer and distribute funds to each State for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Revenue Act of 1978 to provide that the credit or refund permitted with respect to the investment tax credit for single purpose agricultural or horticultural structures shall be allowed without regard to the statute of limitations or any rule of law (including res judicata) which may apply to taxable years to which the credit applies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Department of Agriculture Restoration Act of 1979 - Transfers to the Secretary of Agriculture specified functions of the Department of Commerce (National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Office of Sea Grant of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in part), the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (the Bureau of Foods and the Bureau of Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration), and the Department of the Interior (the Bureau of Land Management, in part, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Division of Fisheries Research of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Office of Water Research and Technology). Vests such functions in the Secretary in order to permit him to coordinate, integrate, and administer programs conducive to: (1) increasing the production and improving the marketing and the quality of food, fiber, and forest products; and (2) improving the economic condition of families engaged in farming. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate any such function to any appropriate employee of the Department of Agriculture, but prohibits the establishment of any organizational unit within the Department for the sole purpose of carrying out one or more of such functions. Creates an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Domestic Agricultural Affairs to perform functions relating to the productive and marketing of food, fiber, and forest products in the United States and in its territories and possessions. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to create an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Science and Education.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require that aged, blind, or disabled aliens must have resided in the United States for five years preceding their application for benefits under such title. Exempts those aliens: (1) who are political refugees; (2) whom a support agreement, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, excuses; or (3) who have specified disabilities. Stipulates that such five-year requirement shall apply only to aliens applying for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to exempt employees who are members of religious faiths which oppose participation in the social security program from coverage under such program granting to such employees a refund of social security taxes. Exempts employers engaged in farming and their employees in cases where both are members of faiths which oppose participation in the social security system. Extends the exemption from social security taxes to self employed members of religious groups who are opposed to participation in the social security program, but not opposed to participation in private insurance plans.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Department of Education Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be: (1) to strengthen the Federal commitment ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every American; (2) to support more effectively States, localities and public and private institutions in carrying out their responsibilities for education; (3) to promote improvements in the quality and usefulness of education through federally supported research, evaluation, and the sharing of information; (4) to improve the management and efficiency of Federal education activities; (5) to increase the accountability of Federal education programs to the President, the Congress, and the public; (6) to encourage the involvement of the public, parents, and students in Federal education programs; (7) to improve the coordination of Federal education programs; and (8) to prohibit Federal control of education. Title II: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education. Establishes within such Department: (1) a position of Under Secretary of Education; (2) six Assistant Secretary positions; (3) an Office for Civil Rights headed by an Assistant Secretary; (4) an Office of Postsecondary Education headed by an Assistant Secretary; (5) an Office of Elementary and Secondary Education headed by an Assistant Secretary; (6) an Office of Educational Research and Improvement headed by an Assistant Secretary; (7) an office to administer functions relating to the education of overseas dependents of Department of Defense personnel; (8) a General Counsel; (9) an Office of Inspector General; (10) an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education to provide an educational forum and to promote better intergovernmental relations; and (11) an Interdepartmental Education Coordinating Committee to assure effective coordination of Federal educational programs and practices. Title III: Transfers - Transfers from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) educational functions and offices vested in: (1) the Assistant Secretary for Education; (2) the Education Division; (3) the Office for Civil Rights; (4) any statutory advisory committee or authority giving advice primarily concerning functions transferred under this Act; (5) the Institute of Museum Services; (6) the Advisory Council on Education Statistics; (7) the Federal Education Data Acquisition Council; and (8) certain functions of the Office of Inspector General. Transfers from HEW educational functions vested in the Secretary under: (1) the General Education Provisions Act; (2) the Emergency School Aid Act; (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965; (4) the Education Amendments of 1978; (5) the Act of August 30, 1898; (6) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (7) the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act; (8) the Environmental Education Act; (9) the National Defense Education Act of 1958; (10) the Education of the Handicapped Act; (11) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act; (12) the Vocational Education Act of 1963; (13) certain provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; (14) certain parts of the Public Health Service Act regarding student aid; (15) the Model Secondary School for the Deaf Act; (16) certain telecommunications grants under the Communications Act of 1934; and (17) certain provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Transfers from HEW educational functions relating to Gallaudet College, Howard University, the American Printing House for the Blind, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Transfers to the Department of Education from the Departments of: (1) Labor, certain functions regarding migrant and seasonal farmworker employment and training programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) Defense, the administration and operation of overseas dependents schools under the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978; (3) Justice, the student loan and grant programs known as the law enforcement education program and the law enforcement intern program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968; and (4) Housing and Urban Development, the administration of college housing loans under the Housing Act of 1950. Transfers to the Department of Education specified science education programs of the National Science Foundation. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to appoint and fix the salaries for the Department's employees in accordance with the Civil Service laws. Allows certain higher level appointments to be made by the Secretary without Civil Service Commission approval if the individual so appointed is transferred to the Department in connection with a transfer of functions under this Act. Grants rulemaking authority to the Secretary. Requires such rules to be in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) employ experts and consultants; (2) enter into contracts with public agencies and private persons and organizations; (3) provide technical advice to participants or potential participants in Departmental programs; (4) establish, maintain, alter, or discontinue field offices; (5) acquire and maintain schools, laboratories, and related facilities; (6) provide and maintain various facilities for employees and their dependents at remote locations; (7) utilize, with their consent, Federal, State, or foreign facilities; (8) acquire necessary copyrights and patents; (9) accept and utilize gifts and requests of real and personal property; (10) establish a working capital fund for administrative expenses; and (11) transfer funds within the Department. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning the Department's activities. Stipulates that such report include a statement of goals and priorities and an assessment of progress. Authorizes the appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and additional functions that may be vested in the Department, to remain available until expended. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointment - Directs that this Act shall take effect 180 days after the Secretary of Education takes office. Allows the President to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1979 - Requires any Government procurement contract to which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily to remain open for bidding for at least 30 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 20 percent participation by small business concerns within each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Regulatory Reform Act of 1979 - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1987. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
![Official portrait of Rep. Leach, James A. [R-IA-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000169_200.jpg)