United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit or refund of crude oil windfall profit taxes to any qualified royalty owner for any portion of such tax paid in connection with qualified royalty production between February 29, 1980, and January 1, 1981. Limits such credit to $1,000. Provides for allocation of such credit among family members and among stockholders in qualified family farm corporations. Denies an income tax deduction where such credit or refund is allowable. Reduces the adjusted base price of crude oil for purposes of computing the windfall profit tax by .8 percent for fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1980
Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to revise the definition of "farm labor contractor" to: (1) broaden specified exclusions from such definition (thus broadening certain exemptions from coverage under such Act); and (2) exclude from such definition (and such coverage) any nonprofit or cooperative association of farmers, growers, or ranchers, duly incorporated under appropriate State laws, and operated solely for the mutual benefit of the members thereof, and any full-time or regular employee of such association or cooperative who engages in such activity solely for such employer. Adds other definitions relating to such revisions. Revises the definition of "agricultural employment" to specify that listed activities take place on a farm or ranch. Limits the definition of "migrant worker" to mean (among individuals engaged in agricultural employment on a farm or ranch on a seasonal or temporary basis) only those who cannot regularly return to their domicile each day after working hours, or who are transported from and to their domicile each workday by the person who recruits, solicits, hires, or furnishes such worker for agricultural employment on a farm or ranch owned or operated by another person.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Appellate Court Reorganization Act of 1980 - Divides the current United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit into the following two circuits: (1) the Fifth Circuit, composed of the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and consisting of 14 judges; and (2) the Eleventh Circuit, composed of the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the Canal Zone, and consisting of 12 judges. (The current Fifth Circuit consists of all six States and has 26 judges.) Makes this Act effective July 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1980
Authorizes the President to present a gold-plated medal, on behalf of the Congress, to those athletes selected through the Olympic trial process to be members of the United States Summer Olympic Team of 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be stricken 650 such medals with suitable emblems. Declares that such medals are national medals and that funds to carry out this Act shall be made available under the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1980
National Export Policy Act of 1980 - Title I: General Findings and Purposes - Sets forth congressional findings and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Export Financing - 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 annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months. Declares it to be the policy of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States should facilitate, particularly in the presence of foreign officially-supported export credit competition, exports to countries: (1) having insufficient access to international credit facilities; (2) demonstrating reasonable economic progress; and (3) offering adequate formal assurances of repayment (currently, must offer sufficient likelihood of repayment). Increases the aggregate amount of loans and contractual liability of guarantees and insurance which may be outstanding at any one time. Requires such activities to be carried out through the Export Expansion Facility. Provides for the capitalization of such facility. Establishes staggered ten-year terms of office for the Bank directors. Declares that the appropriate congressional committees should consider limitations on Bank activities when considering appropriations for international trade activities rather than when considering foreign assistance activities. Title III: Export-Related Tax Policy - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, if such persons qualify as bona fide residents for certain specified periods. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Waives the residency requirements to qualify for such exclusion for those required to leave a foreign country because of civil unrest, war, or similar adverse conditions precluding the normal conduct of business. Reduces from 17 to 11 months the foreign residency requirement with respect to the deduction for certain housing expenses of living abroad. Revises the formula for determining the base housing amount with regard to such deduction to make it 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14, step 1. Repeals similar deductions for cost-of-living differential, schooling expenses, home leave travel expenses, and residence in a hardship area. Provides that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to approve the duty-free entry of machinery, materials, and fuels to be used for the production of goods in a foreign trade zone if such goods are not subsequently entered into U.S. customs territory. Sets forth requirements before applications for such treatment will be approved. Makes such approval valid for six years. Requires the Foreign Trade Zones Board to include in its annual report to Congress a summary of activities and proposals to increase the use of foreign trade zones to expand U.S. exports. Makes banking organizations which have invested in an export trading company eligible for treatment as domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Includes the gross receipts from the export of services produced in the United States and from export trade services as qualified export receipts, in the case of a DISC which is an export trading company. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to develop and distribute information concerning the utilization of the DISC provisions. Makes export trading companies eligible for Subchapter S treatment if the shareholders of such companies are otherwise small business corporations. Exempts such companies from restrictions on the amount of foreign income they can receive and still be eligible for Subchapter S tax treatment. Title IV: Antitrust - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt the export trade, export trade activities, and methods of operation of certified export trade associations and export trading companies from the antitrust laws. Delays the effectiveness of any certificate upon the notification of the Secretary of Commerce by the Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of disagreement with the decision to issue a certificate. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by any association, company, or export trading company seeking certification under this Act and by the Secretary in issuing such certificates. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Authorizes the Attorney General or the FTC to bring an action to invalidate a certification. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the FTC, to publish guidelines for determining whether an association or export trading company will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations and export trading companies to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations and trading companies. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Requires that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association or trading company to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations. Directs the Attorney General to study whether: (1) U.S. business conduct to expand exports conflicts with basic antitrust principles; and (2) a more liberal enforcement policy for overseas activities would impede implementation of the antitrust laws. Requires the Attorney General to identify such conduct which would not warrant prosecution under the antitrust laws. Sets forth the procedures for describing such permissible conduct and disclosing such descriptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to intervene in such suits and to provide legal assistance to exporters. Prohibits prosecution under the antitrust laws of exporters who: (1) have notified the Attorney General of their intention to engage in such designated conduct; or (2) receive an approval, or no objection, from the Attorney General concerning proposed transactions. Requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to report to Congress concerning implementation of this section. Title V: Amendments to Other Laws that Hinder Exports - Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to change the name of such Act to the Business Practices and Records Act. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers of securities to keep their books and maintain a system of internal accounting controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Makes issuers liable for knowingly falsifying any books or for the intentionally wrongful maintenance or circumvention of the system of internal accounting controls. Requires only good faith efforts by issuers holding 50 percent or less of the equity capital to use their influence to cause transactions and dispositions of assets to be carried out consistent with such provisions. Repeals the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by issuers. Amends the Business Practices and Records Act to include issuers within the provisions specifying prohibited foreign corrupt practices by domestic concerns. Permits items of value to be given to foreigners in specified circumstances, including courtesy items, demonstration expenses, and payments lawful under the laws of the country of the intended recipient. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines specifying permissible conduct and arrangements associated with common types of export sales arrangements and business contracts and precautionary procedures creating a rebuttable presumption of compliance. Provides for the establishment of a Business Practices and Records Act Review Procedure to answer specific inquiries concerning enforcement of such Act. Requires the Attorney General to issue opinions regarding compliance. Makes such opinions final and binding on all parties if the conduct does not involve a violation. Requires annual reports to Congress by: (1) the Attorney General concerning actions taken pursuant to such Act; and (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning the reporting requirements. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should negotiate agreements establishing standards of conduct for international business practices, a resolution procedure, and rates of commissions. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Requires Congress to review the Business Practices and Records Act after receiving the President's report. Requires an export competitiveness impact statement from any issuing authority taking significant action which could affect adversely U.S. exports or the international competitive position of the United States and its exporters. Expresses the sense of Congress that export paperwork must be reduced to encourage export sales. Requires all agencies to minimize paperwork and reporting requirements. Title VI: Export Awareness and Export Promotion Programs - Export Trading Company Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote export trading companies and facilitate contacts between producers of exportable goods and export trading companies. Authorizes any banking organization to invest up to specified amounts in export trading companies upon notifying, but without obtaining the prior approval of, the appropriate Federal banking agency, if such investment does not cause an export trading company to become a subsidiary of such organization. Allows greater investment by Edge Act Corporations not engaged in banking. Permits any banking organization to invest beyond such limitations with the prior approval of the appropriate Federal banking agency. Requires prior notification of such agencies in specified circumstances. Sets forth further limitations on export trading companies and investments by banking organizations. Specifies factors to be taken into consideration by the banking agencies. Permits such agencies to impose conditions in approving applications to invest in export trading companies. Requires such agencies to report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning implementation of this Act and any recommendations. Provides for judicial review of denial orders in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Sets forth the grounds for disapproval. Provides for remand for further consideration by the banking agency. Directs the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration to give special weight to export-related benefits when considering applications for loans and guarantees by export trading companies. Directs the Export-Import Bank of the United States to provide loan guarantees to export trading companies or exporters to be secured by accounts receivable or inventories when adequate financing is not otherwise available and such guarantees will facilitate expansion of exports. Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to permit participating lending institutions to take actions on behalf of the Administrator with respect to deferred participation loans. Empowers the SBA, either directly or in cooperation with lending institutions, to extend credit for export purposes to enable small business concerns to develop foreign markets. Limits the extension of such credit to periods of 18 months or less. Sets a maximum of $750,000 which may be committed to any borrower from the business loan and investment revolving fund. Establishes within the Administration an Office of International Trade to promote sales opportunities for small business goods and services abroad. Requires such Office to: (1) provide small businesses with access to current and complete export information; (2) encourage greater small business participation in trade fairs, shows, missions, and other domestic and overseas export development activities of the Department of Commerce; and (3) assign full-time export development specialists to each Administration regional office. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified agencies, to establish an export promotion center in each of two regional offices of the Administration where field offices of the Department of Commerce and the Internal Revenue Service exist. Requires each such center to serve as a one-stop information center of Federal Government export assistance, financing programs available to small business, and other provisions of law governing exporting for small business. Requires: (1) a progress report on the implementation of such centers to the appropriate Congressional committees within six months of enactment of this Act; and (2) an evaluation, within two years after enactment, of the effectiveness of such centers in developing and expanding small business exports. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to qualified applicants to encourage the development and implementation of small business international marketing programs. Sets forth eligibility requirements for applicants. Prohibits the use of any Federal funds to directly underwrite any small business participation in foreign trade missions abroad. Requires each small business international marketing program to: (1) have a full-time staff director to manage program activities; (2) have access to export specialists to counsel and assist small business clients; and (3) establish an advisory board. Directs the Secretary to require, as a condition to any grant, that an additional amount equal to twice the amount of such grant be provided from sources other than the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to evaluate such programs to: (1) determine the impact of such programs on the small businesses assisted; (2) determine the amount of export sales generated by such businesses; and (3) make recommendations concerning continuation and/or expansion of the program. Requires the establishment of at least one small business international program within each region of the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the International Trade Administration, to maintain a central clearinghouse for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information between such programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with industrial corporations to develop foreign markets for their products. Requires the Secretary to direct specific market research for the products involved in foreign markets upon entering such agreements. Permits interested industrial corporations to submit a proposal incorporating specific marketing actions to the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a marketing agreement after approving any such proposal. Requires repayment of the Federal share of the costs by the entity entering into such an agreement. International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to, and contracts with, institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Requires higher education institutions to apply for such grants and contracts. Limits the amount of Federal assistance. Provides for an advisory board to consider the grants made, or contracts entered into, and to review programs established under this section. Directs each Federal agency and U.S. representative to any international organization to: (1) identify programs affecting the export of U.S. firms' services; (2) make available information concerning such programs; (3) establish programs to publicize export-related programs for services; and (4) modify those programs with an adverse effect on the export of services. Makes the Secretary of Commerce responsible for coordinating such programs. Directs the Department of Treasury to report to Congress concerning the feasibility of extending DISC treatment to the export of services. Title VII: Agricultural Exports - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to establish the Agricultural Export Credit Revolving Fund to be available for: (1) the export of, or aid in the development of, foreign markets for agricultural commodities; and (2) loans for the acquisition of facilities in foreign countries to improve the countries' capacities to handle agri-commodities exported from the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress annually concerning the export credit sales program. Abolishes such fund effective October 1, 1983. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the ratio of credit extended by the Export-Import Bank for agricultural exports in comparison with the total amount extended be at least equivalent to the value of agricultural exports in comparison with total value of exports. Specifies exceptions to this requirement. Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established. Title VIII: International Agreements - Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the multilateral trade agreement be strongly implemented; and (2) the efforts must continue to secure a freer world trading environment. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a special export subsidy program for agricultural commodities to neutralize the effects of foreign export subsidy programs. Specifies the circumstances required before such program may be implemented. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should enter negotiations for international codes of: (1) official export financing; (2) business conduct; (3) reciprocity of antitrust enforcement; and (4) fair trade in services. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the progress of such negotiations. Title IX: Government Support of Export Goals - Overseas Private Investment Corporation Act of 1980 - Establishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) as an independent agency. Sets forth the duties of OPIC. Provides for the capital of OPIC to be paid in through the appropriation process and through transfer from OPIC's earned income. Sets forth the structure of OPIC with a Board of Directors, a President of the Corporation, an Executive Vice President of the Corporation, other officers and staff, and consultants. Authorizes OPIC to issue insurance to eligible investors covering new or existing investments protecting against specified risks. Authorizes OPIC to make arrangements with foreign governments or multilateral organizations for sharing liabilities. Limits the insurance that may be issued to a single investor. Authorizes OPIC to issue guarantees of loans and other investments. Sets forth limitations on such guarantees. Authorizes OPIC to make direct loans to privately owned or mixed publicly and privately owned firms for projects sponsored by or significantly involving United States small business or cooperatives. Limits the circumstances under which OPIC may acquire stock in any other corporation. Authorizes OPIC to initiate and support the identification, assessment, and promotion of private investment opportunities, with specified exceptions. Authorizes OPIC to administer special projects to provide private technical, professional, or managerial assistance in the development of human resources, skills, technology, capital savings, and intermediate financial institutions and cooperatives. Authorizes OPIC to engage in other insurance, reinsurance, and risk sharing activities with other insurance companies, financial institutions, persons, or groups. Limits the amount of reinsurance of liabilities which OPIC may issue. Limits the amount of maximum contingent liability pursuant to insurance or guarantees issued under this Act which may be outstanding at any one time. Establishes the: (1) Direct Investment Fund as a revolving fund to be available for direct investments; and (2) Insurance Reserve and Guaranty Reserve to be available for discharging liabilities. Authorizes appropriations to the investment and guaranty fund in specified circumstances. Authorizes OPIC to issue obligations in specified circumstances in order to discharge liabilities. Requires that all revenues and income transferred to or earned by OPIC be available to carry out OPIC's purposes. Directs OPIC to determine that suitable arrangements exist for protecting OPIC's interests in connection with any insurance, guaranty, or reinsurance issued under this Act. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States for the full payment and performance of previous obligations. Sets forth conditions with respect to insurance, guaranty, and reinsurance coverage under this Act concerning fees, time limits, fraud, and settlement of disputes. Sets forth administrative provisions and duties applicable to OPIC. Requires OPIC to undertake to broaden the participation of United States small business, cooperatives, and other small investors in the development of small private enterprise in less developed friendly countries or areas. Directs OPIC to report annually to Congress concerning its operations. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to define "eligible investor" in terms of this Act with respect to housing guarantees. Repeals provisions: (1) prohibiting the transfer of OPIC funds between accounts; (2) authorizing the President to deny assistance to any less developed country which fails to enter into an agreement to institute the investment guaranty program; and (3) establishing OPIC. Stipulates that nothing in this part shall be construed as terminating any of OPIC's statutory authority. Requires the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees any necessary technical or conforming amendments. Declares that the potential for U.S. exports shall be a primary decisionmaking factor in considering which projects to include in U.S. foreign aid programs. Requires the Director of the International Development Cooperation Agency, (IDCA) to transfer the functions of the Office of Reimbursable Development from the Agency for International Development to an independent functional status within the IDCA. Declares that the Office of Management and Budget should assure that adequate budget allocations are made available to carry out the programs prescribed in this Act. Declares that the Department of Justice should do what it can to facilitate procedures for exporters. Declares that the Small Business Administration should: (1) be aware of the benefits of export to small business development; and (2) use every opportunity to provide information and assistance to potential exporters. Declares that the U.S. ability to export coal, nuclear power fuels, and other energy matters in a reliable manner should be a key consideration. Directs congressional committees to include in their reports the effect of the bill or resolution on the international competitiveness of the United States. Creates a National Export Council to: (1) serve as a national advisory body on matters relating to United States export trade: (2) act as a liaison among the communities represented by its membership; and (3) provide advice on Federal plans and actions that affect export promotion and development policies which have an impact on those communities represented by its membership. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to appoint commercial ministers, counselors, and attaches with the rank and privileges of other ministers, counselors, and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates, to: (1) provide trade and commercial services; (2) engage in the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) file semiannual reports to the Secretary on market, industrial, and commodity conditions in their districts and on the implementation of multilateral and bilateral trade agreements; and (4) maintain current data on the commercial standing and capacity of foreign firms within their districts. Provides for domestic assignment, office logistics, allowances and benefits of such ministers, counselors, and attaches. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with any recommendations concerning: (1) the organization of international trading and financing programs in the United States; (2) the effectiveness of foreign export promotion programs; and (3) the trade activities of specified Federal agencies. Expresses the sense of Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should review periodically the trade organization of the U.S. Government.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the seven-day period beginning October 5, 1980, as "National Port Week." Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on the conditions of U.S. public ports.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the windfall profit tax: (1) independent producer oil; and (2) royalty interests attributable to ownership of the property from which such oil is produced.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a certain portion of royalty owner oil production from the windfall profit tax. Limits the amount so exempted per quarter to ten barrels per day. Requires proportionate allocation of any production in excess of ten barrels per day between tier 1 oil, tier 2, and tier 3 oil, and within any tier on the basis of removal prices. Requires allocation of the ten barrel amount among royalty owners who are members of the same related group.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1980
Directs the President to utilize the forum of the Venice Economic Summit to urge the development of an International Code of Business Conduct. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should negotiate and report to Congress concerning agreements to establish standards of ethical and equitable conduct of international business and mechanisms to resolve problems. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to report to Congress concerning its recommendations regarding such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1980
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 6464 (Authorizing the Secretary of the Army to convey the Michigan Army Missile Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to the Michigan Job Development Authority in return for office buildings at the Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan).
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that school authorities and college and university administrators should consider strengthening the study of foreign languages and cultures through appropriate actions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation extending best wishes and expressing appreciation to Carl Vinson for his devotion to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to prohibit "special activity" (as defined by this Act) abroad unless the President determines such activity to be important to national security, and reports to the House and Senate select intelligence committees regarding such activity. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to operations pursuant to a declaration of war, or under authority of the War Powers Resolution. Repeals a provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 requiring the President to report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding expenditures for Central Intelligence Agency operations.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation honoring the memory of Walt Disney on the 25th anniversary of his contribution to the American dream.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Provides for an exemption from the windfall profits tax for independent oil producers for an amount equal to 1,000 barrels of crude oil multiplied by the number of days in the taxable period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives and under the direction of the Committee on House Administration a Congressional Child Care Center to provide child care services for children of Senators, Representatives, and congressional employees. Requires all operating expenses of the Center to be recovered through the fees charged for child care services provided by the Center. Directs the chairman of the Committee on House Administration to appoint a nonpartisan advisory board to make recommendations to the Committee with respect to matters relating to the Center and to conduct semiannual reviews of the operations of the Center and submit a written report of each such review. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury a revolving fund within the contingent fund of the House of Representatives to be known as the Congressional Child Care Center Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Committee on House Administration to acquire such facilities as may be necessary for the operation of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate all military training of Iranian personnel pursuant to sales under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Sunset Review Act of 1979 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office, before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires, after a determination that all programs and tax expenditures are accurately classified, that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Directs the General Accounting Office to maintain and publish a supplement to the inventory. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on or before March 1 in the first session of each Congress beginning with the 98th Congress, to develop, adopt, and submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committees on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction or in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Requires the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for adoption. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report setting forth the committee's findings, recommendations, and justifications. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to give assistance to the appropriate Congressional committees. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any legislative committee to review programs or tax expenditures within its jurisdiction and to report legislation modifying, continuing, or terminating such programs or expenditures at such times and in such manner as it deems appropriate. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Lacey Act Amendments of 1979 - Prohibits any person from: (1) transporting, selling, or acquiring in any jurisdiction any fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law governing such jurisdiction; (2) making any false document concerning any fish or wildlife transported in interstate or foreign commerce; (3) assaulting or impeding any person enforcing this Act; or (4) attempting or causing any such offense: Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act and the administrative procedure regarding the assessment of civil penalties. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to suspend, modify, or cancel any Federal license or permit for hunting, fishing, importing, or exporting fish or wildlife, or operating a quarantine station for imported wildlife issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of this Act. Declares that all fish or wildlife transported, sold, or acquired in violation of this Act and all vehicles and equipment used in such offense shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to: (1) carry firearms; (2) make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds; (3) execute and serve warrants; (4) detain and inspect any vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States or U.S. waters; (5) inspect and demand documents relating to such a package; and (6) hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States for actions arising pursuant to enforcement of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, and Commerce to pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to criminal conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property for a violation of this Act. Subjects all fish or wildlife transported into a State for use in such State to laws governing fish or wildlife produced in such States. Permits States to make and enforce laws which are consistent with this Act. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law concerning commerce in fish and wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
National Historic Preservation Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Act known as the "National Historic Preservation Act of 1966" to officially entitle such Act the "National Historic Preservation Act." Declares under such Act, that it is the duty of the Federal Government, in cooperation with other nations, the States, local communities, and private organizations and individuals, to promote the preservation and conservation of the historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources of the United States and of the international community of Nations. Declares that the Federal Government shall give priority to preservation activities for the revitalization of urban areas, the conservation of agricultural areas, the creation of local employment opportunities, and the conservation of energy. Directs the Administrator for Historic Preservation appointed pursuant to this Act to establish and maintain a National Register of Historic Places at the national, State, or local level in accordance with procedures set forth in this Act. Requires that such properties shall: (1) be of national or world heritage significance; (2) involve a direct or indirect public investment; and (3) be legally dedicated to preservation. Directs the Administrator, not later than one year after his initial appointment, to establish an Inventory of Historic Resources on a State-by-State basis. Declares that those properties which are determined to meet the criteria of significance, but which lack the other requirements for inclusion in the National Register, shall be designated as eligible for inclusion on the Register. Makes such Inventory available to all Federal, State, and local government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning nondisclosure to the public of any property location where such disclosure would be likely to endanger the property. States that properties included in such inventory and designated as eligible properties shall be treated as certified historic structures under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the Administrator finds that such treatment would not further the purposes of this Act. Declares that such properties shall be entitled to financial assistance in accordance with provisions of such Act. Directs the Administrator to review, during the one-year period following enactment of this Act, all properties included in the National Register under prior authority of law. Requires the Administrator to include each property designated as "National Historic Landmarks" under prior authority and each property which meets the requirements of this Act in the National Register. Provides that those properties included in the Register under prior authority, but which do not meet all the requirements under this Act shall be designated in the Inventory as "eligible properties." Allows any State or local government carrying out an approved program under this Act or any Federal agency to nominate a property for inclusion in the Register or for inclusion in the Inventory as an eligible property. Requires such information to be included in the Register, as appropriate, unless the Administrator disapproves such nomination within 30 days of its receipt. Allows the Administrator to accept a nomination from any person, if the property nominated is located in a State or political subdivision where there is no approved program. Requires the Administrator to determine the eligibility or inclusion of such property in the Register. Allows the Administrator on his own motion or at the request of any person, to include any property on the Inventory and designate such property as eligible if he determines such property to meet the requirements of this Act. Declares that a property shall be considered of national significance when: (1) the Congress so designates a property; (2) a property is included in the National Park System as a historical unit; or (3) the Administrator determines the property to be of national significance. States that a property shall be considered to be of World Heritage significance when it is included in the World Heritage list maintained in accordance with the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Declares that a property shall be considered a public investment if government agency fund expenditures directly or indirectly contribute substantially to the preservation of such property, or if a Federal income tax deduction or similar State or local measure is taken with respect to the amortization of amounts spent for rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. Provides that a property shall be treated as legally dedicated to preservation when: (1) an easement, or other property interest, requiring preservation of significant features of such property for not less than 30 years is held by any person or government entity or is otherwise legally binding on the owner; (2) such property is under public ownership and managed for preservation; or (3) any State or local law provides for the designation or preservation of such property. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish and administer grant-in-aid programs to States and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and programs of direct grants, loans or loan guarantees for historic preservation. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States, upon application, for programs approved under this Act. Prohibits such grants from paying more than 50 percent of the costs of such programs. Provides that the remaining 50 percent shall be contributed by non-Federal sources, and of such percentage not more than 25 percent may be contributed in the form of property or services, or both. Requires the Administrator, upon approval of such programs, to evaluate such programs every four years to determine whether or not such programs are in compliance with the requirements of this Act. Requires the Administrator to conduct periodic fiscal audits of the recipients of Federal grants. States that State and local governments may assume the responsibility for financial and compliance audits of Federal grants received by them and other persons or organizations and their subgrantees. Declares that the Federal Government shall be responsible for audits which deal with economy, efficiency, and program results and for assuring that such financial and compliance audits are conducted under generally accepted audit standards. Directs State and local governments receiving grants to set forth in writing criteria by which they judge whether they are meeting program requirements, to be available for use by the auditors. Directs the Administrator to reimburse State and local governments for actual expenses incurred in conducting such audits. Sets forth the following requirements for approval of State programs: (1) designation by the Governor of a State historic preservation officer; (2) transfer of not less than 50 percent of the grants received to political subdivisions of the State having preservation programs; (3) provision of financial mechanisms for the development of properties on the National Register or in the Inventory of Historic Resources; (4) provision of mechanisms for the acquisition, acceptance of donations, and dedication of fee title in applicable properties; (5) provisions for relocation assistance to persons or businesses affected within the historic district; (6) giving priority to projects that will conserve energy, are labor intensive, or will further urban revitalization or agricultural conservation; (7) provision of a professional acceptable mechanism for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties within the State; and (8) otherwise carrying out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth restrictions for grants made under this Act for the improvement of properties. Prohibits grants made under this Act for the improvement of properties. Prohibits grants made for any single property to exceed $50,000. Prohibits any grant to any State in any fiscal year to exceed ten percent of such funds to carry out a comprehensive statewide survey of historic resources. Requires that no more than 15 percent of such grant be used for improvement of government buildings used for governmental purposes. Sets forth procedures for the allocation by States of grants to political subdivisions. Allows the Administrator to allocate funds to any political subdivision of any State that does not have an approved program within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for approval of State historic preservation programs in effect under prior authority of law. Sets forth conditions for grants and loans that may be made by the Administrator for: (1) the preservation of properties of national or world heritage significance; (2) demonstration projects to preserve any eligible property or property on the National Register; (3) the training and development of skilled labor in trades and crafts and in curation relating to historic preservation; and (4) Indian tribes for the preservation of historic properties. Provides that any such loans made by the Administrator shall be at an interest rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury guided by applicable provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loan guarantees for any project approved by the State historic preservation officer, or the chief elected official of any State that does not have an approved program. Sets forth conditions for loans and loan guarantees made by the Administrator in consultation with the Secretary of Treasury. Authorizes the Administrator to deem any portion of any record, material, or data received in connection with any financial application as privileged or confidential within the meaning of applicable law. Establishes as an independent agency a Historic Preservation Agency to be under the direction of the Administrator for Historic Preservation, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the President to establish an Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to be composed of the following members: (1) the Secretary of the Interior and the Architect of the Capitol; (2) four agency heads (other than the Department of the Interior) whose activities affect historic preservation; (3) representatives of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and four professionals in the fields of history, architecture, archeology, urban planning, or related disciplines; (4) three State governors or mayors; and (5) three at large members of the general public. Sets forth requirements and procedures to be followed in the operation of the Council. Authorizes the Council to conduct hearings and make determinations and recommendations with respect to the protection of historic properties. Requires the Council, when transmitting legislative recommendations, testimony, or comments on legislation to the President or the Office of Management and Budget, to concurrently transmit such copies thereof to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Sets forth the duties of the Administrator including: (1) advising the President and the Congress on matters relating to historic preservation; (2) encouraging public interest and participation in historic preservation; (3) conducting studies relating to historic preservation and the effects of tax policies on such preservation; (4) assisting State and local governments in drafting appropriate legislation; (5) providing training and education in the field of historic preservation; and (6) maintaining the historic register, surveys, and records of the agency. Requires the Administrator to submit an annual comprehensive report of his activities and the results of his studies to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the Administrator to accept donations and bequests of money and real and personal property, and to use such donations in accordance with provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator, consistent with the provisions of this Act, to institute a program of education and training relating to historic preservation for Federal agencies, State and local governments, private organizations and individuals, and other nations and international organizations connected with the World Heritage Convention. Directs the Administrator to increase the awareness of historic resources and preservation among the student population of the United States, to develop mechanisms to give the public a greater knowledge of historic resources in the cultural heritage of the United States, and to establish a program for training and development of skilled labor in trades and crafts relating to historic preservation. Requires the Administrator to review the policies and programs of Federal agencies whose activities are under the purview of this Act. Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines relative to archaeological and historical data for Federal agencies consistent with provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator, within one year after his appointment, to establish, jointly with the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense, and the Administrator of the General Services Administration, standards for the management and preservation of federally owned historic properties. Directs the Administrator to review and approve the plans of transferees of surplus federally owned properties eligible for or on the National Register to ensure historic preservation in the rehabilitation of such properties. Requires all Federal agencies administering any program of Federal assistance to any State or local government or under which any Federal approval is required to coordinate such program with the purposes of this Act. Requires such agencies to submit proposals to the Administrator, within 180 days after his appointment, relative to their preservation activities. Directs the Administrator to designate National Historic Landmarks and World Heritage properties and to submit such designations to the appropriate World Heritage properties and to submit such designations to the appropriate congressional committees 30 days after such designations become effective. Directs the Administrator to encourage and coordinate United States participation in the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and other international historic preservation activities in cooperation with the Secretaries of the Interior and State, and the Smithsonian Institution. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to nominate historic properties to the World Heritage Committee on behalf of the United States. Requires such nominations to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees 60 days prior to the intended action. Authorizes the participation of the United States as a member of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. Authorizes the appropriation of the sums necessary for United States membership in the Centre for fiscal years 1979 through 1989. Directs the Administrator to establish a program to encourage tourism by people of other nations to historic properties of the United States, reflecting the diverse, ethnic and cultural heritages of the citizens of the United States. Requires each Federal agency to notify the Administrator 45 days prior to any undertaking outside the United States that may affect a property on the World Heritage list or which has been nominated for inclusion on such list. Requires the head of each Federal agency to designate a Preservation Officer responsible for coordinating the agency's activities under this Act. Requires each agency having jurisdiction or control over properties on the National Register to submit property management plans to the Administrator for comment within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and investigate properties included in the National Register which are under the jurisdiction or control of Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to recommend to the President the transfer of administrative jurisdiction or control of such properties to him as a unit of the National Park System. Requires such recommendation to be concurrently submitted to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the concurrence of the Administrator, to accept gifts or donations of less than fee interests in any properties in the National Register, where such acceptance will facilitate the preservation of such property. Authorizes each Federal agency having authority for management of any real property, with the concurrence of the Administrator, to lease or exchange with any person or organization the management of properties on the National Register. Requires the proceeds of such leases to be retained by the agency to defray the expenses with respect to such properties, and the surplus proceeds to be deposited in the United States Treasury. Allows the heads of such agencies to enter into contracts for the management of such properties. Directs all Federal agencies to cooperate with purchasers and transferees of eligible property or property included in the National Register in the development of plans for uses of such property comparable with preservation and conservation objectives without imposing unreasonable economic burdens on public or private interests. Requires each Federal agency having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or federally assisted undertaking in any State to survey the affected area to determine the effect of such undertaking on the protection of historic properties. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations or guidelines, as appropriate, under which Federal programs or undertakings may be exempted from the requirements of this Act. Authorizes all Federal agencies to expend appropriated funds for purposes of this Act. Requires each Federal agency to provide the Administrator a 45-day comment period with respect to any program or policy that may affect historic properties. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes a Historic Preservation Fund in the Treasury of the United States to be funded from revenues payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or the Act of June 4, 1920, or both. States that not less than two-thirds of appropriated funds shall be available for other grants or loans and for the Administrator to carry out his duties under this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish regulations to insure maximum public participation in all activities of the Administrator, the Council, other Federal agencies, States, and units of local governments in carrying out requirements under this Act. Declares that grants made under this Act may not be used to satisfy requirements of other provisions of law requiring matching by State or local funds nor shall they be treated as taxable income for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Grants attorney fees to any person who prevails in any civil action brought in any United States district court against any Federal agency to enforce the requirement relating to the protection of historic properties in connection with the action of a Federal agency. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an annual preservation awards program under which he makes awards to Federal, State, or local government officers or employees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the preservation of historic resources. Allows the President to award any citizen of the United States recommended for such award by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for carrying out the awards program. Authorizes the Administrator to delegate to any State having an approved program under this Act the authority to carry out responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to such approved program. Transfers the provisions of various Acts relating to historic preservation responsibilities from the Secretary of the Interior to the Administrator for Historic Preservation. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an order to postpone for 60 days any action undertaken, or being undertaken, by any Federal agency, or agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, or by any other person if such action may adversely affect any property included in the National Register. Directs the Administrator, during the period, to endeavor to develop an acceptable preservation plan for the affected property, or to exercise his emergency acquisition authority provided under this Act. Provides procedures for the assessment of civil penalties for violations of such orders, and for judicial review in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or any other district in which such person resides. Provides procedures for administrative hearings for the assessment of civil penalties. Establishes the Pension Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as a national historic site to be named the "National Center for the Building Arts." Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration to transfer such building and lands to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to administer the management of the Center in accordance with provisions of this Act and other Acts generally applicable to units of the National Park System. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with the National Building Arts Foundation relating to management of such Center. Appropriates $15,000,000 to be used for the renovation of the Center. Establishes a National Building Arts Foundation and specifies programs it shall carry out relating to the building arts. Directs the Foundation to coordinate its activities with other public and private organizations and individuals in order to avoid duplication of efforts relating to the functions of the Foundation. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Foundation and provides for the funding of the Foundation. Directs the General Accounting Office to review and audit regularly the accounts of the Foundation to determine the ability of the Foundation to pay for the functions of the Center. Requires the Foundation to submit annually a report to the appropriate congressional committees containing a statement of its activities pursuant to this Act and a proposal for its programs during the succeeding four years. Provides emergency acquisition procedures for the Administrator for any properties eligible for or in the National Register where such properties are threatened with demolition or impairment. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress and the Buildings Arts Foundation, to report within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, to the President and the Congress on preserving and conserving the intangible elements of our cultural heritage. Requires the report to include recommendations for legislative and administrative action by the Federal Government relating to such heritage. Directs the Administrator for the Historic Preservation Agency to submit the following reports: (1) to the President and the Congress within eight years on the operation of the Historic Preservation Fund; (2) to the Congress within 90 days of his appointment on his study of the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation; (3) to the President and Congress within one year of his appointment on recommendations with respect to Federal tax laws relating to historic preservation; and (4) to the President and the Congress within two years of enactment of this Act on recommmendations for the creation of a National System of Cultural Parks. Amends the Pennsylvania Development Corporation Act to require any historic property demolition, or other rehabilitation, to be in accordance with applicable Federal and District of Columbia laws.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Dollar Bill Preservation Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit the cancellation, retirement, destruction, or removal from circulation of any dollar bill note, except where necessary to replace mutilated bills. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain the amount of dollar bills issued at the level outstanding on September 26, 1979.
![Official portrait of Rep. Long, Gillis W. [D-LA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000417_200.jpg)