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
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend for 36 months the current ban on any action by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with regard to saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to increase the capital stock of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation from $200,000,000 to $500,000,000. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cancel, without consideration, receipts for payments for or on account of the stock of the Corporation outstanding on the date of enactment of this Act, and states that such receipts shall cease to be liabilities of the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint two policyholding active farmers, from different geographic areas of the United States, who are not otherwise employed by the Federal Government, to the Corporation's Board of Directors. Increases the maximum compensation of Board members not otherwise employed by the Government to no greater than the daily rate for GS-18. Removes State court jurisdiction and grants exclusive jurisdiction to Federal district courts of all suits brought by or against the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to conduct pilot projects relating to specified agriculture-related risks and losses. Authorizes the Board of Directors to use private insurance companies in the administration of the Federal crop insurance program. Requires the Corporation: (1) to offer other levels of yield coverage, other than the standard one, to be selected at the option of each producer; and (2) to offer insurance coverages to individual farmers based on the actual production history for the farm. Refuses coverage of losses due to the failure of the producer to follow approved conservation practices. Requires the Corporation to pay 30 percent of each producer's premium, as calculated on any coverage up to a maximum of 65 percent of the recorded or appraised average yield. Repeals: (1) the authority of the Secretary to appoint advisory committees; and (2) the requirement that the Corporation post a list of indemnities paid for farm losses at each county courthouse. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) reinsure insurers, including private insurance companies or pools of such companies, and any State, territorial, or local governmental entity, which insure producers of any agricultural commodity under an acceptable plan; and (2) offer separate protection against specific risks such as prevented planting, wildlife depredation, tree damage and disease, and insect infestation. Removes the $12,000,000 ceiling on annual appropriations. Grants the Corporation discretionary emergency borrowing authority. Expands crop insurance coverage to include tomatoes, grain sorghum, sunflowers, raisins, oranges, sweet corn, dry peas, freezing and canning peas, forage, apples, grapes, potatoes, and excluding livestock and stored grain. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to extend to the 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice the farm and prevented planting disaster payment programs effective for the 1978 and 1979 crops. Denies eligibility for such payments to anyone in any county in which Federal crop insurance is generally offered for the agricultural commodity concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to grant an additional allotment of funds for the construction of publicly owned waste treatment works to any State which has obligated 90 percent or more of the funds previously allotted to it for such purpose by March 31 of any fiscal year. Makes such additional funds available for the fiscal year for which such funds were authorized, and for the succeeding 12 months. Provides that any funds unobligated at the end of such period be allotted equally among the other States. Makes adjustments in the amount of additional funds allocated for a State where funds previously authorized proved inadequate. Authorizes appropriations for such additional funds. Sets the amount of funds authorized to be reserved each fiscal year to two percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for allotments to States under this program. Makes funds allotted to the States for fiscal year 1978 available for the next succeeding 24 months. Provides for the reallotment of funds not obligated at the end of such period to all States except those which failed to obligate any of the funds being reallotted. Stipulates that such reallotted funds be in addition to those otherwise allotted to such State for grants under this program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to authorize the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to carry out the purposes of such Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and submit to the Congress a five-year plan for carrying out the Administrator's authority under such Act. Specifies that the plan shall include: (1) the objectives of each program; (2) the relative priorities among the programs; (3) proposed annual levels of funding; and (4) a timetable of specific actions proposed. Specifies that a separate portion of the plan be devoted to noise control research. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on noise abatement technology and standards necessary to attenuate noise emitted by railroad equipment and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Amtrak Reorganization - Amtrak Reorganization Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to direct the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to issue preferred stock to the Federal Financing Bank to cover the purchase of capital equipment and facilities for which the Corporation is currently obligated against previously authorized guaranteed loan authority. Directs the Bank to accept such stock in full settlement of all the guaranteed loans which it made to the Corporation and which are outstanding. Directs the Bank to transfer such stock to the Secretary of the Treasury in full settlement of all obligations of the Bank to the Secretary in connection with the Bank's loans to the Corporation. Directs the Secretary, in return for additional preferred stock to provide additional resources to the Corporation, as required for payment to vendors to liquidate obligations of the Corporation for capital equipment and facilities. Repeals the present program under which the Secretary guarantees loans of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1981, to develop and submit to the President and the Congress, a comprehensive plan for the improvement of all intercity rail passenger service in the basic system. Stipulates that such plan shall include: (1) a zero-based assessment of all operating practices and implementation of changes to achieve the minimum use of employees consistent with safe operation and adequate service; (2) a systematic program for optimizing the ratio of train size to passenger demand; (3) a systematic program for trip time reductions; (4) the establishment of training programs to achieve on-time departures and priorities for passenger trains over freight trains en route; (5) an adjustment of food and beverage pricing and purchasing to increase profitability; and (6) cooperative marketing campaigns between the Corporation and governmental entities having intercity rail passenger service as well as campaigns with specified Federal agencies. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1980, to establish a Regional Maintenance Plan to provide systematic preventive maintenance, a systemwide inventory of spare parts, and a method for the periodic evaluation of maintenance costs, time lags, and parts shortages. Directs the Corporation to establish a Performance Evaluation Center to conduct an ongoing review of railroad operations and to make recommendations for improving such operations. Grants the President of the Corporation the power to direct the conductor of any Amtrak train to report to the Center regarding any inadequacy of train operation. Repeals the Interstate Commerce Commission's authority to promulgate adequacy of service regulations for Amtrak trains. Exempts the Corporation from the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of obligations or liabilities with respect to the securities of others. Authorizes the Commission to establish through routes and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously the Commission could only establish such routes or fares with motor carriers). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law relating to pay periods or dates for payment of employees. Directs the Corporation to enter into a contract with rail carriers on an industrywide basis to establish rights for the operation of special or charter trains between specific routes and points anywhere in the Nation. Stipulates that a facility or service agreement between the Corporation and another railroad may include terms which provide an incentive for the achievement of a certain level of on-time performance by reducing the railroad's payments for failure to meet such level of performance. Stipulates that an application of a State or local agency for subsidized rail passenger service outside the basic system must be accompanied by a statement that the State or local share of the costs of such service shall be 20 percent of the solely related costs during the first year, 35 percent during the second, and 50 percent for each year thereafter. Requires that such an application include a statement that the State or local share of associated capital costs and maintenance costs shall be 20 percent. Requires the convening of Technical Assistance Panels to review such applications by the Corporation. Establishes the composition of such panels. Stipulates that such rail services may be operated by the Corporation or the applicant. Directs the Corporation to continue to operate rail passenger service over any long distance route which is recommended for discontinuance by the Secretary if the short term avoidable loss per passenger is below a certain level and the passenger mile per train mile ratio is above a specified level. Sets forth the level of reimbursement to the Corporation by other railroads for the free or reduced rate transportation for railroad employees if the Corporation and the railroad involved cannot agree on another basis of compensation. Prohibits the downgrading or disposal of railroad facilities utilized by the Corporation as of February 1, 1979, without the approval of the Secretary. Stipulates that if the Corporation does not object to such an action the Secretary shall approve the application for downgrading or disposal. Stipulates that in the event the Corporation does object the Secretary shall approve of the proposed action unless the Corporation agrees to pay the costs which the railroad could avoid if it was not required to maintain the facility in the condition requested by the Corporation. Sets forth considerations which the Corporation is to take into account in determining whether to pay such avoidable costs. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for specified costs of the Corporation for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Directs the Secretary to establish an Employee Compensation and Incentive Commission to evaluate the salary paid officers of Amtrak and to develop a program for improving Amtrak employee incentive and morale. Requires the Commission, by March 1, 1980, to submit its recommendations to the board of directors of the Corporation. Directs the board to report to the Congress within 90 days any action it plans to take to implement such recommendations. Directs the Commission to establish an Employee Incentive Program to provide recognition awards to individuals, labor organizations, or carriers in recognition of outstanding achievement in meeting the performance standards established by this Act or by the board. Directs the Commission to issue a new class of common stock to qualified employees in accordance with a specified schedule. Directs the Corporation to develop a Job Placement Program for employees who will be affected by the reduction in work force caused by the Secretary's recommendations for the restructuring of routes. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Carrier Coordination Committee to review and evaluate ways for improving cooperation between the Corporation and other carriers in achieving improvement in intercity rail passenger service. Requires the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress regarding its activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the payment of taxes by the Corporation to State and local governments and to make recommendations to Congress by January 1, 1980, regarding the advisability of relieving the Corporation of its obligation to make such payments. Amends the Amtrak Improvement Act of 1978 to authorize the Corporation to defer the Secretary's recommendations for the restructuring of certain routes. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to remove the time limitation during which railroad terminals must be converted into intermodal transportation terminals in order to receive Federal financial assistance for such a project and grants the Secretary the power to establish the time period during which such a conversion must be completed. Title II: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the United States Railway Association for fiscal year 1980 to carry out its administrative expenses under such Act. Requires the Association to submit quarterly reports to Congress regarding the proceedings before the special court to determine the valuation of the rail properties conveyed to the Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail) pursuant to such Act. Requires the Comptroller General to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the use of Federal funds in connection with such litigation. Directs the Association and the Attorney General to develop and submit to Congress a plan for the transfer of such litigation functions of the Association to an appropriate Federal agency by March 1, 1980. Directs the Association together with the Department of Transportation to develop and submit to Congress a plan to transfer the other functions of the Association to an appropriate Federal agency by such date. Sets forth procedures for the monitoring of contractors employed by the Association. Directs the special court established pursuant to such Act to include in its order a requirement that ConRail maintain medical and life insurance coverage for employees of railroads in reorganization. Stipulates that the Association shall have a direct claim, as a current expense of administering the estate of a railroad in reorganization, for loans forgiven by the Association pursuant to such Act. Title III: Office of Rail Public Counsel - Authorizes appropriations to the Office of Rail Public Counsel for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest loans available under the Small Business Act until October 1, 1982, for the relief of small business concerns affected by disasters occurring on or after October 1, 1978. Provides loans bearing interest at three percent for amounts not exceeding $55,000, for the repair or replacement of a principal residence or personal property. Makes the following disaster loans available under the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) loans bearing interest at three percent on amounts for the repair or replacement of property damaged or destroyed if the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; and (2) loans bearing interest at the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus not to exceed one percent if the applicant is able to obtain credit elsewhere. Stipulates that the total amount outstanding and committed to any one borrower shall not exceed $500,000. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State- chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Makes such sums as are appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amtrak Reorganization Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Goals, and Definitions - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to set forth goals for Amtrak with respect to: (1) improved on-time performance; (2) coverage of operating costs from revenue; and (3) improvement of State-subsidized service. Defines terms as used in this Act. Title II: Amtrak Management Improvement - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to submit to the Congress and the President, by January 1, 1981, a comprehensive plan for the improvement of all intercity rail passenger service provided in the basic system. Specifies assessments to be included in such plan. Directs the Corporation to establish an Employee Incentive Program to provide recognition awards to individuals, labor organizations, or carriers for outstanding achievements in meeting performance goals. Directs the Commission to establish an employee stock ownership plan. Directs the Corporation to establish a Regional Maintenance Plan by January 1, 1980, which shall include: (1) a systemwide inventory of spare parts; (2) the establishment of the necessary number of maintenance employees; (3) the establishment of a systematic preventive maintenance program; and (4) a method for the periodic evaluation of maintenance costs, time lags, and parts shortages with appropriate corrective actions. Directs the Corporation to establish a Performance Evaluation Center to conduct an ongoing review of Amtrak operations. Requires the Center to submit a report of its activities and recommendations every six months to the appropriate authorizing committees of both houses of Congress and to the Secretary of Transporation. Authorizes the President of the Corporation to require the conductor of any Amtrak train to report any inadequacy of train operation to the Center. Repeals the adequacy of service provisions of the Rail Passenger Service Act. Directs the Corporation, by July 1, 1979, to implement a Job Placement Program for employees who will be affected by the reduction in work force caused by the implementation of the Secretary's Route Restructuring Plan. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1980, to institute a Model Rehabilitation Program for employees sustaining major injuries within the scope of the Federal Employers' Liability Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Compensation Assessment Commission to evaluate the salary and wages paid to officers and employees of Amtrak and to recommend means to carry out the employee stock ownership plan required by this Act. Requires the Commissioner to submit its report to the Secretary and the Congress by July 1, 1980. Title III: Contract Carrier Incentives and Coordination - Directs the Corporation to enter into a contract with railroad carriers on an industrywide basis to establish rights for the operation of special or charter trains between specific points upon the provision of reasonable notice, not to exceed seven days, to the carriers involved in the operation of any special or charter trains. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Carrier Coordination Committee to review and evaluate ways for improving cooperation between the Corporation and carriers having a contract for regularly scheduled service with the Corporation to improve intercity rail passenger service. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to Congress on its activities. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1980, to institute a reduced fare schedule, on a space available basis, for: (1) persons 65 years of age or older; (2) government employees traveling on official business; and (3) railroad employees, retired railroad employees, and other persons eligible for reduced or free transportation prior to the enactment of this Act. Stipulates that agreements between the Corporation and a railroad may include terms for an incentive for the achievement of a certain level of on-time performance. Reduces such payments for failure to achieve on-time performance. Title IV: State Subsidy Programs - Directs the Secretary to convene a technical assistance panel to determine measures for reducing avoidable costs for rail service outside the basic system which is requested by a State or a group of States. Stipulates that if such service is approved the Corporation shall be reimbursed for 100 percent of the avoidable costs of providing such service together with a reasonable return on the value of Amtrak properties used for such service. Stipulates that 50 percent of such amount shall be provided by the requesting States and 50 percent shall be provided by such States from Federal financial assistance provided under this Act. Repeals the provision of the Rail Passenger Service Act which requires the Corporation to initiate at least one experimental route each year. Title V: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to entitle rail carriers which make improvements in their railroad tracks used by the Corporation to a tax credit. Entitles rail carriers to an additional ten percent tax credit for railroad energy property as defined in this Act. Title VI: Authorization for Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for the benefit of the Corporation for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Corporation to hire railroad police. Excludes the Corporation from the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of any obligation or liability in respect to the securities of others. Authorizes the Corporation to establish through rates and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously such arrangements could only be made with motor carriers). Stipulates that after October 1, 1979, all route additions or discontinuances to the basic system shall be made in accordance with the Route and Service Criteria. Authorizes any State, regional, or local agency to request the Secretary to convene a Regional Rail Utilization Panel to consider the commuter rail service needs of a particular State, region, or locality. Requires the Secretary to convene such a panel upon request. Directs the panel to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to such service including recommendations with respect to the appropriate party to provide such service.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax income of married individuals filing tax returns separate from their spouses at the same rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends existing Federal law to change the date for celebrating "National Safe Boating Week" to the week beginning June 1 (presently the week which includes July 4).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Solar Energy Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to certain CETA prime sponsors and other private nonprofit or public agencies, including community-based organizations, unions, and vocational education facilities, to provide employment and training programs in the fields of solar energy and energy conservation for persons who are: (1) unemployed or underemployed; or (2) in school and are ages 16 to 24, inclusive. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to promulgate guidelines for such programs. Allows Governors or prime sponsors, in order to carry out such programs and after consultation with community-based organizations and nonprofit groups, to: (1) enter into contracts with project applicants or employers organized for profit (with limitations on payments to such employers); or (2) operate such programs directly. Requires the Secretary, in awarding financial assistance under the provisions of this Act, to assure that: (1) each geographical section of the country is awarded a project; (2) sufficient natural resources and technology are available to ensure a successful project; and (3) areas which are poor in conventional energy sources are awarded financial assistance. Directs the Secretary to use up to 20 percent of such funds to support certain apprenticeship projects, including those in the solar and energy conservation aspects of traditional building trades and new trades. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for fiscal years 1980 through 1984. Limits to 25 percent the amount of such funds which may be used for administrative and other allowable costs incurred by groups conducting such projects. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the implementation of solar energy and energy conservation education and training programs in suitable Job Corps centers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Product and Professional Liability Insurance Tax Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify trusts established for the payment of product liability claims as tax-exempt organizations. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to such trusts, but limits the amount of such deduction to the reasonable cost to the taxpayer (but for such trust) for product liability insurance protection for the year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Domestic Oil Production Policy Act of 1979 - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act to exempt the first sale of new crude oil, and the first sale of market incentive crude oil, from regulation under such Act. Sets forth provisions for the establishment of a ceiling price on old crude oil. Exempts the first sale of tertiary crude oil from regulation under such Act. Exempts the first sale of: (1) deep stripper well crude oil; (2) stripper well crude oil; (3) high water cut crude oil; and (4) marginal offshore crude oil from regulation under such Act. Stipulates that to qualify for such exemptions a property must be producing crude oil at a maximum feasible rate throughout a 12-month qualifying period.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Department of Agriculture Restoration Act of 1979 - Transfers to the Secretary of Agriculture specified functions of the Department of Commerce (National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Office of Sea Grant of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in part), the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (the Bureau of Foods and the Bureau of Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration), and the Department of the Interior (the Bureau of Land Management, in part, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Division of Fisheries Research of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Office of Water Research and Technology). Vests such functions in the Secretary in order to permit him to coordinate, integrate, and administer programs conducive to: (1) increasing the production and improving the marketing and the quality of food, fiber, and forest products; and (2) improving the economic condition of families engaged in farming. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate any such function to any appropriate employee of the Department of Agriculture, but prohibits the establishment of any organizational unit within the Department for the sole purpose of carrying out one or more of such functions. Creates an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Domestic Agricultural Affairs to perform functions relating to the productive and marketing of food, fiber, and forest products in the United States and in its territories and possessions. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to create an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Science and Education.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Citizens' Postal Rate Relief Act of 1979 - Prohibits the postal rate for qualified mail matter from exceeding the minimum per piece rate for regular rate third-class bulk mail plus the difference between the rate for ordinary single-piece first-class mail and the discounted rate for such mail when presorted. Defines "qualified mail matter" as domestic letter mail of individuals which is sealed against inspection and subject to third-class bulk mail service standards.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to request the National Academy of Science to conduct a study regarding the desirability of developing a Federal policy for the determination of the potential carcinogenicity in man of chemicals tested primarily in nonhuman test systems through the standardization of certain tests.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Declares that Zimbabwe Rhodesia has (1) demonstrated its willingness to negotiate in good faith at an all parties conference and (2) approved a constitution transferring power to a black majority government. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President (1) should determine that Zimbabwe Rhodesia is in substantial compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978 and (2) should not enforce sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1979 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; to (2) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate but prohibits limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President to increase or decrease meat imports in certain circumstances. Allows the President to suspend any proclamation concerning meat import limitations if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their representative shares of the United States market for meat articles during the respective period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by June 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Directs the Postal Service to submit to Congress rather than to the Postal Rate Commission any proposed change in the nature of postal service which has nationwide impact. Requires any statement of proposed change so submitted to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels and postal finances. Provides that no proposed change in the level of postal services shall become effective unless neither House of Congress adopts a postal service resolution relating to or prohibiting such change during the first 60 days of continuous session of the Congress, following the submission of the proposed change by the Postal Service. Sets forth procedures for congressional consideration of such solutions.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Honest Budgeting Act of 1979 - Requires the fiscal operations of the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund, the Rural Telephone Bank, the United States Railway Association, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, and the Postal Service Fund to be included in the budget totals of the United States Government effective with the fiscal year 1983 budget.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Agriculture Inflation Protection Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the established price for the 1979 crop of wheat to $3.72 per bushel, whenever a set-aside is in effect for such crop, and to set the established price for the 1980 crop at the same level, adjusted upward to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index. Directs the Secretary to increase the established price for the 1979 crop of corn, under similar conditions, to $2.30 per bushel, and to set the established price for the 1980 crop similarly as for the 1980 crop of wheat. Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to require the Secretary to proclaim a national program acreage for feed grains no later than October 15 (currently November 15) of each year for crops harvested in the next succeeding year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Small Business Paperwork Reduction and Penalty Equalization Amendments Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to relieve an employer of his obligation to furnish his employees whose employment is terminated before the close of the calendar year with a written statement of their wages and withholding, unless such employees request, in writing, a statement within 30 days from the date of their termination. Requires the employer to furnish such information within 30 days of receipt of an employee's request. Reduces the penalty imposed upon an employer for failure to provide such information. Reduces penalties imposed upon a tax-exempt organization, a trust, or the manager of a tax-exempt organization for failure to file required tax returns. Reduces penalties imposed upon a private foundation for its failure to file required annual reports. Relieves income tax preparers from liability for an underpayment of estimated tax by an individual or corporation. Defines "negligent or intentional disregard of rules and regulations" and "willful neglect" for purposes of determining the liability of an income tax preparer for an understatement of taxpayer liability.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Extends through fiscal year 1984 the entitlement periods for the authorization of appropriations under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total expenditures in any fiscal year shall not exceed the net amount of revenue received by the Government in that year. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war declared by Congress or by a concurrent resolution passed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress. Stipulates that any unanticipated deficit in any fiscal year shall be considered an expenditure for the succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Congress to provide an appropriate increase in the level of total receipts if the amount of such deficit exceeds two percent of the total expenditures for the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Congress to apportion any deficit over the four following fiscal years or, by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, to include such deficit in the debts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Repeals the requirement, under the Social Security Amendments of 1977, that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives as monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow handicapped individuals an income tax deduction for expenses incurred in commuting between their residence and their principal place of employment.
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 Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to prepare and publish in the Federal Register an economic impact analysis of all proposed and final rules subject to the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Shale Oil Production Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to $3 for each barrel of shale oil produced by the taxpayer during the taxable year, plus the production credit carryovers and carrybacks for that year. Reduces the standard $3 per barrel credit proportionately by: (1) the amount of Federal grant funds, if any, used by the taxpayer in the production of shale oil; and (2) the amount by which the adjusted reference price (average daily market price per barrel during the preceding calendar year for certain Arabian light crude oil) exceeds $20.50. Authorizes the President to adjust the amount of the credit (but not higher than $3) when such action is in the national interest. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for the credit, that the shale oil be produced within the United States or its possessions. Sets forth rules for the Secretary of Energy in computing the adjusted reference price. Requires the Secretary to publish the adjusted reference price, and an explanation of the method and data used in computing it, if such price exceeds $20 per barrel.
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 · 1 February 1979
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rulemaking include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rulemaking, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rulemaking sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rulemaking under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rulemaking before July 1, 1984. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-eight Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish a National Digestive Diseases Education and Information Clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information respecting digestive diseases and to serve as a national educational resource for patients with digestive diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to medical schools for education and training programs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of digestive diseases. Establishes a 24-member part-time National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board to advise on the coordination of Federal agencies' efforts in the implementation of the long- range plan of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, among other specified functions. Terminates such Board on September 30, 1982.
![Official portrait of Rep. Madigan, Edward R. [R-IL-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000041_200.jpg)