United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Omnibus Solar Energy Commercialization Act of 1979 - Establishes a national goal for the increased use of renewable energy resources as a part of the Nation's total energy supply in the year 2000. Defines the term "passive solar energy system" to mean space heating and cooling systems making the most efficient use of, or enhancing the use of, natural forces including solar insulation, winds, nighttime coolness, and cooling by radiation to the night sky, to heat or cool living space by the use of conductive, convective or radiant energy transfer. Describes several types of passive solar energy systems. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Energy to utilize State and local government organizations, Energy Extension Services, regional Solar Energy Research Centers, and other such entities in providing information services, training, education and other services to the public and to persons involved in the development and commercialization of solar energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information services to the public and to the entities listed above, including: (1) retrieval and dissemination of solar energy development and commercialization materials; (2) development of materials specifically designed to assist architects, builders, installers, manufacturers and others involved in solar energy development and commercialization; and (3) development of training and education programs specifically designed for such purposes. Directs Federal agency heads responsible for construction of new civilian Federal buildings to require the utilization of active and passive solar energy systems unless it is determined that such systems are not cost effective, according to a specified formula. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense a ten percent alcohol and gasoline mixture. Requires that the same alcohol-gasoline mixture be dispensed by retail gasoline supply outlets operated by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrators of the Alaska Power Administration, the Bonneville Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration to purchase power from proposed non-federally constructed generating facilities utilizing renewable energy resources. Authorizes such Administrators to construct and operate non-hydroelectric generating facilities, provided that the Administrator has made a public offer to purchase or guarantee the purchase of power from a comparable non-federally constructed facility and has received no offer from a non-Federal entity to construct such a facility. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Energy a Solar Energy Development Corporation with the same corporate powers given the Government National Mortgage Association. Sets forth the purposes of the Solar Corporation to provide financial initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy resources, including subsidies of long-term, low-interest loans. Sets forth terms and conditions of and limits on the amount of such loans. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to include within the definition of "weatherization materials" materials associated with passive and active solar energy systems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified individuals and groups interested in the problem of automobile theft when establishing such standards. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months of the enactment of this Act, to issue notices of rulemaking covering the unauthorized starting of a motor vehicle and the identification of major automobile components. Stipulates that proposed rules shall consider current technological developments in such areas. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires that a final rule shall become effective within two calendar years or before the introduction of two model years after such rule is issued. States that a Federal automobile security standard supercedes any State or local standard. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or vehicle part which has had such number removed unless: (1) the vehicle or part is owned by an innocent purchaser; or (2) the number is replaced according to applicable law. States that all provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and baggage shall apply to seizures and forfeitures of motor vehicles and vehicle parts. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting and Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on: (1) developments in the area of identification of off-highway vehicles and parts thereof; and (2) other specified measures to help prevent the theft of such vehicles and parts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Defense Production Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the President to allow the Department of Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority to guarantee loans for the purpose of expediting deliveries or services with respect to national defense contracts. Increases the maximum loan which any Federal agency may guarantee under such Act without the approval of Congress from $20,000,000 to $38,000,000. Requires notification to specified Congressional committees of any proposed obligation above such limit. Authorizes the agency involved to guarantee such a loan if neither House of Congress disapproves of such action within a specified time. Authorizes the President to provide loans to private business enterprises for the production of energy. Increases the ceiling for loans made to private enterprises pursuant to such Act from $25,000,000 to $48,000,000. Extends the President's power under such Act to purchase raw materials for the national defense through fiscal year 1995. Directs the President to attempt to achieve a national production goal of at least 500,000 barrels per day crude equivalent of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks within five years. Authorizes and directs the President to require fuel and chemical feedstock suppliers to provide synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks in any case where the President deems it practicable and necessary to meet national defense needs. Authorizes the President, in carrying out these objectives, to: (1) contract for purchases or commitments to purchase synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks which may be for Government use or resale; and (2) encourage the development and production of such synthetic fuels and feedstocks for national defense preparedness. Terminates the President's authority to enter into such contracts at the end of fiscal year 1995. Sets forth procedures for the awarding and performance of such contracts. Authorizes the President to organize corporations to meet the production goal for synthetic fuels and feedstocks as set forth in this Act. Sets forth Congressional oversight measures with respect to the formation of such corporations. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000,000 for synthetic fuel and feedstock contracts as authorized pursuant to this Act. Extends specified provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 1 May 1979
Comprehensive Anti-Inflation Act of 1979 - Title I: Coordination of Economic Policies - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 with the stated purpose of reducing the rate of inflation and keeping it within reasonable bounds. Directs the President to include in each annual Economic Report a set of economic and regulatory policies designed to combat inflation which set forth: (1) fiscal policy targets; and (2) specific programs to achieve price goals. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to include in its annual report to Congress an independent statement of its intended monetary policies for the year. Title II: Establishment of Guidelines - Requires the President to include in the Economic Report a set of guidelines to govern price increases and wage settlements. Authorizes the President to promote voluntary compliance with such guidelines. Prohibits the use of mandatory wage or price controls by the President. Requires the Council of Economic Advisors to seek the advice and concurrence of the Council on Wage and Price Stability in establishing economic policies and guidelines. Title III: Policies and Programs to Reduce Inflation - Directs the President, in order to achieve anti-inflation goals: (1) to consider reducing, or substituting for, taxes which significantly increase price levels; (2) to develop specific procedures to promote the promulgation of economically efficient and socially desirable regulations; (3) to deregulate industries over which the Federal Government has ratesetting authority; (4) to encourage the growth of productivity in both the private and public sectors; (5) to examine the use of tax incentives to hold cost increases to specified levels; (6) to strive to preserve agricultural production incentives and allow market forces to operate wherever possible; (7) to address the price implications of energy policies in the Economic Report; (8) to refrain from actions that abruptly raise energy prices unless ways are provided to offset the inflationary effects; (9) to seek ways to lower housing costs; (10) to set forth policies to limit the acceleration of health care costs; (11) to explore ways to increase competition in concentrated industries; and (12) to pursue negotiations for fair trade agreements with foreign nations. Requires the Council of Economic Advisors and the Department of the Treasury to study the use of tax incentives to induce compliance with the President's wage and price guidelines established by this Act and to submit their findings and recommendations to Congress. Authorizes the Council on Wage and Price Stability to: (1) require certain businesses to notify the Council of significant price changes; (2) monitor all major wage settlements; and (3) publish a report on any violation of such guidelines. Title IV: Congressional Review - Directs the Joint Economic Committee to hold special hearings to review the President's proposed economic policies and wage and price guidelines required under this Act and to submit its findings and recommendations to Congress. States that such guidelines shall become effective 30 days after submission unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution disapproving them.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Medicare Mental Illness Non-Discrimination Act - Makes findings that mental illness is more prevalent in elderly persons than in younger adults and that the social security coverage for mental illness is not on an equal basis with coverage for other types of illnesses. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the 190 day lifetime limit for in-patient psychiatric care; and (2) limit the amount which a provider of services may charge a Medicare patient for mental health care services to 20 percent of the amount customarily charged for such services.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
State and Local Government Cost Estimate Act of 1979 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to require the Congressional Budget Office, for every bill or resolution reported in the House or Senate, to prepare and submit (along with its regular estimate of the Federal cost involved) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out or complying with such bill or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Food Security Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons. Authorizes the President to release such stocks on a donation or concessional sale basis to provide emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the domestic supply of wheat in the United States is so limited that quantities cannot be made available except for urgent humanitarian purposes. Exempts such reserve stock from limitations which may be imposed pursuant to the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Export Administration Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Extends specified farm housing programs of the Farmers Home Administration under the Housing Act of 1949. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for: (1) loans and grants for the repair of or improvements to rural dwellings and financial assistance to provide low-rent housing for domestic farm labor; (2) research and study programs for buildings and repairs of farm dwellings and facilities; (3) loans and grants for mutual and self-help housing programs in rural areas and small towns; (4) the Self-Help Housing Land Development Fund; and (5) grants for the development of technical and supervisory assistance programs in rural areas with Federal, State, and local housing programs for low-income families. Increases the maximum obligations of the loans insured for housing for domestic farm labor. 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 using the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for housing and buildings on farms owned by low-or moderate-income families. Repeals the requirement that, in order for the Secretary of Agriculture to extend financial assistance, through the Farmers Home Administration, to specified owners of farms or real estate in rural areas for refinancing indebtedness, such indebtedness must be incurred at least five years prior to the application for assistance. Requires the Secretary to allocate assistance for housing to households which have incomes below the national median income. Authorizes the Secretary to make and insure loans for up to 100 percent of the units in multifamily rental or cooperative housing projects and related facilities for domestic farm labor, the elderly, and persons and families of low income in rural areas. 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. 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. Sets forth restrictions on the sale or disposition of such property. Allows the Secretary to provide up to 90 percent of the development costs of housing for migrant farmworkers while they are away from their residence. Authorizes the Secretary to provide rental assistance for 100 percent of the units in such housing whenever any loan or financial assistance is used exclusively for the development of newly constructed housing. Requires assurances from recipients of assistance under the Housing Act of 1949 that rural housing projects which are refinanced or prepaid will continue to be used for their original purposes and that no person occupying the housing shall be required to vacate because of such a transaction. Expands the authority of the Secretary to contract for services facilitating public and private nonprofit entities in providing technical and supervisory assistance to low-income individuals who are participating in mutual self-help housing in rural areas and small towns. Authorizes the Secretary to make and insure loans to residents in rural areas to assure that every occupied dwelling unit has a running potable water supply and a safe and sanitary waste disposal system. Establishes an Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity within the Department of Agriculture, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Food Security Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons. Authorizes the President to release such stocks on a donation or concessional sale basis to provide emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the domestic supply of wheat in the United States is so limited that quantities cannot be made available except for urgent humanitarian purposes. Exempts such reserve stock from limitations which may be imposed pursuant to the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Export Administration Act of 1969.
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 · 5 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to limit the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to designating positive control airspace and terminal control areas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Sets a cost-related cap on the fee which a blood bank may charge or collect with respect to its collection and distribution of blood. Prohibits a blood bank from: (1) conditioning the provision of blood to an entity on the donation or provision of blood by an individual; and (2) basing a reduction or elimination of a fee for the collection or distribution of blood on the donation or provision of blood by an individual. Sets forth enforcement procedures, including: (1) the right of an entity charged a fee in violation of this Act to treble damages in a State court (plus attorney's fees); (2) the availability of injunctive relief in a district court to blood donors; and (3) civil penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a provider of services, when furnishing blood to medicare recipients, from: (1) charging more than the processing fee paid by the provider for the blood; and (2) charging for the cost of the administration of the blood by the provider. Eliminates the deductible for the first three pints of whole blood furnished during any spell of illness.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the period from 24 to 36 months that funds allotted to a State for construction of treatment works shall remain available for obligation by the State.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Elderly and Handicapped Housing Act of 1979 - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to increase the debt limitation to $5,760,000,000 by October 1, 1981, on obligations issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in order to finance the loan program for housing and related facilities for the elderly and handicapped. Authorizes the Secretary to consider, in reviewing loan applications under such Act, the extent to which a project will: (1) stabilize or revitalize a community; (2) serve as relocation housing for displaced elderly and handicapped families; and (3) economically rehabilitate structures with architectural, historical, or cultural significance. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to inexperienced applicants, particularly members of minorities, in order to enable them to more fully participate in the loan program. Requires the Secretary to adjust the amount of monthly assistance payments, authorized by the United States Housing Act of 1937, extended to a project receiving a loan, to reflect any change in the interest rate between the date such assistance was reserved and the date of settlement on permanent financing for the project. Requires the Secretary to transmit a report to the Congress on means to reduce the costs of the loan program without unduly burdening sponsors or reducing its effectiveness.
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 · 22 March 1979
Nuclear Waste Management Demonstration Act of 1979 - Title I: Disposal of Nuclear Wastes at West Valley Project - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a nuclear waste management demonstration project at the Western New York Nuclear Service Center in West Valley, New York, by: (1) vitrifying the resident high level liquid nuclear wastes; (2) transporting such waste to a Federal repository; and (3) decommissioning and decontaminating the facilities. Grants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing authority over all activities undertaken in connection with the demonstration project. Provides that the project shall be completed within the ten-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides for annual reports to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to manage the spent fuel stored at the project site. Prohibits additional deposits to such storage. Directs the NRC, after consulting with officials of the State of New York, to submit to Congress within one year a plan to ensure the longterm security of the on-site federally licensed solid waste burial ground. Prohibits the delivery or storage at the service center of any additional radioactive wastes. Provides for annual payments to the town of Ashford and to the West Valley Central School District in Cattaraugus County, New York, beginning in the year the service center's licenses are terminated and continuing until the project is completed. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit to the NRC and to the Secretary recommendations respecting: (1) safety and environmental standards and criteria; (2) areas which should be restricted for safety reasons; and (3) areas which should be decommissioned and decontaminated. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title. Title II: Health Study - Directs the Secretary to monitor and study the health effects to the public resulting from the past operations of the reprocessing facilities at the service center. Directs the Secretary to conduct an epidemiological study to assess the health effects of low-level ionizing radiation on workers and members of the general public living within the vicinity of the service center. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amends the Occupational; Safety and Health Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Labor to prepare an economic impact analysis in connection with the promulgation of occupational safety and health standards.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Limits the amount of outside earned income which may be received by any Member of Congress in any calendar year to 15 percent of his or her annual aggregate salary. Prohibits any Member of Congress from accepting any honorarium in excess of $1,000 in value for an appearance or speech made or article written by such Member while serving in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Small Business Employee Ownership Act - Amends the Small Business Act to make employee-owned firms eligible for financial assistance under the business loan program. States that in the case of small business concerns using an employee stock ownership plan, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, all financial assistance shall be made to the trust created for employee ownership of stock (ESOT). Predicates such assistance on: (1) a guarantee by the company seeking assistance that it will repay all obligations incurred by the ESOT; (2) the written assurance of the trustee of the ESOT that all guaranteed loans will be used solely for the purchase of company stock; (3) a distribution arrangement which vests ownership of all stock with the employees no later than the expiration date of any assistance made available to acquire such stock; (4) a certified plan, meeting specified conditions, for the allocation of company stock among the employees; and (5) the satisfaction of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration that all loans to an ESOT will be used solely to finance the acquisition. Authorizes the extension of loan guarantees to employee organizations, including those using an ESOT, to finance the acquisition of the employee's workplace if it is a small business or a subsidiary which, if independently owned, would be a small business. States that such guarantees may be extended only if the small business or subsidiary would otherwise close, liquidate, relocate or sell out to a large business or if the owner agrees to the purchase by the employees. Limits the principal amount of any loan guaranteed under this Act to $500,000. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report periodically to the Congress on the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to extend loan guarantees directly to an owner of a business who is selling the business to employees under an installment contract provided specified conditions are met in the event of default. Makes a company with 51 percent of its stock allocated through an ESOT to one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the minority enterprise contract assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate a Coordinator of programs to be responsible for: (1) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (2) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (3) making recommendations to Congress with respect to modification of Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to assist the victims and their dependents. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of such programs no later than three years after enactment. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subjected to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of assistance to victims and their dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over; (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Intergovernmental Productivity Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 to authorize the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make grants to State and local governments to develop programs for improving the productivity of such governments. Sets forth grant application requirements which include providing assurance that such Federal funds will not replace State or local funding. Requires the application to be submitted for review to the State Governor, whose comments and recommendations shall accompany the application of the OPM. Authorizes the OPM to: (1) provide technical advice and assistance to such governments for improving productivity; and (2) make grants to organizations which represent or advise such governments to pay the costs of programs to improve government efficiency. Requires an equitable distribution of such grants among States and between State and local governments. Directs the Comptroller General to audit and report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities for fiscal year 1980. Specifies amounts authorized for programs concerning air quality, water quality, water supply, pesticides, solid waste, toxic substances, radiation, energy, program management and support, and interdisciplinary activities. Designates a portion of funds appropriated to EPA for program management and support for use for a study of non-nuclear hazardous waste disposal. Prohibits transfer of funds, above a specified amount, without prior written approval by the appropriate Congressional committees or the lapse of 30 legislative days after the transmittal to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate of a written report containing a full and complete statement concerning the nature and reason of the transfer. Prohibits the transfer of energy-related environmental protection projects from EPA to the Department of Energy and prohibits actions taken through administrative or budgetary means to diminish EPA's ability to initiate such projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a separately identifiable long-term environmental research and development program to be funded by a percentage of funds appropriated under this Act. Authorizes funds for grants concerning long-term environmental research programs at universities and other research institutions. Authorizes funds to implement the air quality study authorized by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. Authorizes funds for grants to public agencies for projects demonstrating new or improved methods or technologies for providing public drinking water and for projects investigating and demonstrating health and conservation implications of reclamation, recycling and use of wastewater for drinking. Authorizes appropriations for use by the National Bureau of Standards for research in the area of environmental measurement and for development of specifications for recovered materials. Requires the Administrator to make available to the appropriate Congressional committees all reports relevant to the agency's program of research, development, and demonstration. Authorizes the Administrator to allow outside groups or individuals to use special EPA research and test facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Alcohol Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal or biomass for primary use as a substitute for fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct that any regulations which require a gasoline station to offer unleaded gasoline be amended to require the sale of a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol. Provides that such requirement shall apply only if it is determined that supplies of such a blend are reasonably available to filling stations. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take cooperative action to facilitate expanded production and distribution of alcohol for use as a motor vehicle fuel and fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Regional Energy Development Act of 1979 - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation. Defines "Northeastern States" as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, not an agency or establishment of the United States, to be known as the Energy Corporation of the Northeast. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State subscribes for State stock, contributes initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enacts supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the energy needs of the Northeast. Allows the Corporation to assist projects by loans, guarantees, or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of ten percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging the credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Stipulates that such obligations are not tax exempt. Prohibits purchase of such obligations by the United States. Establishes an administrative expense fund in the U.S. Treasury to provide for the administrative expense payments with respect to guaranteed obligations. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income, and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Establishes the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site through the acquisition of the former home and office of Frederick Law Olmsted in Brookline, Massachusetts. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer such property.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
National Ski Patrol System Recognition Act of 1979 - Grants a Federal charter to the National Ski Patrol System. Declares that the purpose of such corporation shall be to promote public safety in skiing.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and startup and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans upon, among other factors, certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to increase from $50,000,000 to $100,000,000 the amount of a proposed loan to a Communist nation that must be reviewed by the President. Prohibits the Export-Import Bank from having more than $2,000,000,000 in outstanding loans or guarantees to Communist nations. Repeals the provision requiring the Board of Directors of the Bank to approve loans or guarantees in excess of $25,000,000 to the Soviet Union for energy related exports. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to determine whether a foreign nation seeking most-favored-nation treatment is permitting its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate. Authorizes the President to grant a waiver of provisions prohibiting most-favored-nation status, credits, and commercial agreements to countries denying freedom of emigration for: (1) one year to countries not previously granted a waiver; or (2) five years to countries previously granted a waiver. Stipulates that either House may disapprove such waiver within 60 days. Authorizes the President to recommend to the Congress a five-year extension (presently one year extension) of the waiver of provisions prohibiting most-favored-nation status, credits, and commercial agreements to countries denying freedom of emigration. Repeals the limitation on credit to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to examine the use of the AM radio broadcasting band and to assign such spectrum and distribute licenses so as to ensure that each community, regardless of size, is provided with the maximum local full-time radio broadcasting service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize payments to States for the cost of emergency shelter or services provided to an individual in danger of physical or mental injury, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow admission to the House floor to clerks of committees when business from their committees is under consideration, and to not more than one person from a Member's staff when that Member has a bill or an amendment under consideration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that provisions of such Act shall not apply to stone mining or sand and gravel mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend to January 3, 1981 (or to the enactment, if earlier, of any law changing the conditions under which a food additive shall not be deemed safe) of the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is prohibited from taking specified actions restricting the continued use of saccharin as a food, drug, or cosmetic. Declares void of all legal force or effect any such prohibited action which the Secretary may have taken after the expiration of the initial 18-month prohibition period.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Excludes from the Federal law limiting and restricting the corporate powers of national banking associations to deal in and underwrite investment securities, specified dealings in and underwriting of all other nongeneral obligations issued or guaranteed by or on behalf of a State or any political subdivision thereof or agency of a State or any political subdivision thereof (except special assessment obligations and industrial revenue bonds) which are at the time eligible for purchase by a national bank for its own account, subject to specified limitations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit an annual report to the Congress showing the extent to which the business of underwriting and dealing in State and local obligations is being carried on by commercial banks as compared with other banking institutions with a view to determining the effect of the amendment made by the first section of this Act on the institutional distribution of such business.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of the Army when determining whether a flood protection project is needed, to evaluate the economic impact on the local economic area if flood protection is not provided. Sets forth the considerations to be included in such evaluation, including potential economic losses, impact on the social well-being of the people, and enhancement of local economic activity. Requires the Water Resources Council to study and report to Congress regarding other factors that should be considered. Amends the provision authorizing the Secretary of the Army to receive contributions from States and their political subdivisions for authorized flood control projects to provide interested non-federal parties the opportunity to contribute the amount of costs which exceed the benefits of the project as determined by the Secretary.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lundine, Stanley N. [D-NY-34]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000516_200.jpg)