United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Tax Rate Reduction Act of 1980 - Title I: Individual Tax Rates - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual income tax rates for calendar years 1981 through 1985, and permanently thereafter. Title II: Inflation Adjustments for Taxable Years Beginning After 1985 - Requires annual cost of living adjustments to income levels in each income tax bracket, beginning in calendar year 1985. Requires similar cost of living adjustments to the $1,000 personal tax exemption. Increases the minimum income levels at which a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return by providing that such levels shall be equal to the taxpayer's income tax exemption and zero bracket amount, adjusted for inflation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide homebuilders with an income tax credit for the construction of residences which incorporate a passive solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development, to prescribe regulations setting forth a solar construction credit table for purposes of determining the amount of the credit for which the incorporator of the solar energy system is eligible. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $2,000 for calendar years prior to 1986 and phases out the amount of the credit by $500 decrements until 1989 when such credit terminates. Defines "passive solar energy system" as a system which contains a solar collection area, an absorber, a storage mass, a heat distribution method, and heat regulation devices. Requires such system to be installed in a new residence after September 30, 1980 and before January 1, 1989.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Small Business Direct Expensing Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect to treat expenditures paid or incurred by him during the taxable year (not to exceed an aggregate of $10,000, or $5,000 in the case of a married person filing a separate return) for depreciable tangible property as expenses not chargeable to capital account (thus deductible as current business expenses). Limits such treatment to property purchased after December 31, 1980, for use in a trade or business. Disqualifies property acquired from a related person or another component member of the same controlled group of companies.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1980
Saturday Mail Delivery Act of 1980 - Requires the Postal Service to maintain the frequency of mail delivery service in effect on June 1, 1980 (six days each week).
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1980
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to halt immediately implementation of those regulations relating to clinical laboratory personnel published October 12, 1979, and published as corrected October 23, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exempt municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less, or counties with a population of 10,000 or less, or less than 20 persons per square mile and not within a metropolitan area, from specified prohibitions against open dumping of solid waste.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the use of tax-exempt industrial development bonds, issued as the obligation of a State, to finance railroad facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the windfall profit tax: (1) independent producer oil; and (2) royalty interests attributable to ownership of the property from which such oil is produced.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a certain portion of royalty owner oil production from the windfall profit tax. Limits the amount so exempted per quarter to ten barrels per day. Requires proportionate allocation of any production in excess of ten barrels per day between tier 1 oil, tier 2, and tier 3 oil, and within any tier on the basis of removal prices. Requires allocation of the ten barrel amount among royalty owners who are members of the same related group.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that U.S. foreign policy should reflect a national strategy of peace through strength with specified principles and goals.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to prohibit the President from taking action, pursuant to the President's authority to adjust the imports of articles which threaten national security, to impose import fees on petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States without specific authorization from Congress, effective March 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Requires that each State establish and maintain an approved workfare program as a condition of its eligibility for Federal payments or other assistance under the: (1) program of aid to families with dependent children under the Social Security Act; (2) food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1977; and (3) public housing and assisted housing programs under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Requires that such State workfare program shall require every State resident applying for or receiving aid under such Federal public assistance program to perform work in return for (and as a condition of his or her eligibility for) such aid. Directs the appropriate Federal agencies to promulgate guidelines for approval, supervision, and oversight of such State workfare programs. Exempts from required participation in such programs those who are: (1) under age 18 or over age 65; (2) disabled; (3) regularly employed for at least 40 hours a week; or (4) primarily responsible for the care of a child less than three years old (or for the care of a child more than two but less than six years old if suitable child care is not available at reasonable cost). Requires that each State workfare program must provide that if any individual who is required to participate in such program refuses to accept a bona fide offer of qualified employment or to perform qualified employment, in any month, neither such individual nor any other person in the family or household of which such individual is a member shall be eligible to receive any aid under such Federal public assistance programs for that month. Requires that State workfare programs include provision for job counseling, assistance in obtaining employment outside the program, and job search activities. Provides for: (1) Federal matching funds to cover administrative costs of such State programs; (2) Federal cut-offs of funds to State agencies for failure to comply with this Act; and (3) Federal agency reports to Congress on such State programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a land diversion payment program for the 1980 crop of feed grains to divert from production 12,000,000 metric tons of such grains. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for such payments, that feed grain producers devote to approved conservation uses not less than 15 percent of their 1980 crop planted acreage. Set forth a formula for determining the amount of such payments. Sets payment rates, for purposes of such formula, at not less than $1.25 per bushel for corn and at a fair and reasonable rate in relation to such corn rate, as determined by the Secretary, for all other feed grains. Directs the Secretary to establish a land diversion payment program for the 1980 crop of wheat to divert from production 4,000,000 metric tons of wheat. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for such payments, that wheat producers devote to approved conservation uses not less than ten percent of their 1980 crop planted acreage. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such payments. Sets payment rates, for purposes of such formula, at not less than $1.50 per bushel. Directs the Secretary to implement and administer a special grazing and hay program for the 1980 crop year. Sets payments rates for the 1980 crop of wheat under such program at not less than $0.50 per bushel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Animal Damage Control Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to carry out a program for controlling the damage caused by predators of livestock. Requires the Secretary, in conducting such program: (1) to use and permit the use of lethal and nonlethal animal control devices, methods, and chemical toxicants; (2) to undertake research activities concerning chemical toxicants and other nonlethal control techniques; (3) to use preventive control techniques to manage predator populations; and (4) to establish an ad hoc committee to review biennially the Secretary's animal damage control activities. Directs the Secretaries to submit annually a joint report on the development and implementation of such program to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Energy should: (1) impose a moratorium on gasoline allocations to retail outlets not in existence or in the process of being established as of the date of enactment of this Act; (2) revise the gasoline allocation regulations to provide simplicity, flexibility, and understandability, and to prevent unnecessary market disruptions; and (3) submit to the Congress a plan for reducing the number of pending cases and expediting future cases before it.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1980
Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; and (4) enter into specified agreements. Sets forth terms and conditions of agreements which must be met if the Secretary is to provide any technical or financial assistance, including loans, to a State agency, local government, or local nonprofit organization in carrying out works of improvement specified in an approved area plan. Permits the identification of groups or problems for special consideration in area plans. Declares that the authority of the Secretary under this Act shall be supplemental and not in lieu of any authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the program provided for in this Act and to report on such evaluation, with recommendations. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Swine Health Protection Act - Prohibits the feeding, or the permission to feed, of garbage to swine unless such garbage has been treated to kill disease organisms, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Agriculture, at a facility holding a valid permit issued by the Secretary (or the chief agricultural or animal health official of a State with an agreement with the Secretary). Exempts waste from ordinary household operations which is fed directly to swine on the same premises as the household from coverage as "garbage" under this Act. Requires persons operating a garbage-treatment facility who know such garbage is to be fed to swine to hold a valid permit issued under this Act. Provides for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of such permits. Requires that such facilities, to be issued such permits: (1) meet requirements prescribed by the Secretary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of any infectious or communicable disease of animals or poultry; and (2) be so constructed that swine are unable to enter the premises or have access to untreated garbage or material coming in contact with such garbage. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for general enforcement of this Act by the Attorney General, upon the request of the Secretary, in U.S. district courts. Provides for cooperative agreements with State agencies for coordination of enforcement, administration, and regulation under this Act and under State law. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to repeal or supercede any State law prohibiting the feeding of garbage to swine. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
Designates a specified road between Ekalaka and Alzada, Montana as a route on the Federal aid secondary system. Directs the Federal Government to provide 100 percent of the construction costs for such highway.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Rock Island Railroad Transition Act - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to continue directed service over any line of the Rock Island Railroad over which directed service was provided on February 6, 1980 for a period of 60 days. Permits the Commission to extend such service for an additional 30-day period over any line that is the subject of a bona fide offer of purchase. Permits the Commission to extend service for yet an additional 30-day period over any line to which there is a binding contract for purchase that has not been approved by the Commission and the bankruptcy court. Directs the Commission to expedite proceedings involving the Rock Island Railroad. Prohibits the stay of any order or decision of the Commission regarding such railroad. Permits the appeal of such decision to the bankruptcy court or to any other court. Requires final decision from such appeal within 60 days. Grants employees of the Rock Island Railroad the first right of hire by any other rail carrier for all but specified vacancies. Entitles employees who must move to secure such employment to moving expenses, closing costs, and reimbursement for losses incurred in canceling a lease. Entitles specified employees of the Rock Island Railroad to supplementary unemployment insurance for a specified period. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to prepare and maintain a list of separated employees to be made available to other rail carriers upon request. Entitles specified separated employees to receive from the Board expenses for training in qualified institutions for new career opportunities. States that any employee of the Rock Island Railroad who receives assistance under this Act shall not be eligible for the employee protection benefits otherwise available under the Bankruptcy Act or any applicable contract or agreement. Requires entitled employees to elect which benefits to receive by April 1, 1981. Requires the Board to establish procedures for applying for benefits, to publish a document for distribution by the Rock Island Railroad to all its employees detailing the rights of such employees pursuant to this Act, and to make semiannual reports to Congress describing its activities. Permits any State to purchase, lease, or operate a line of railroad, and to grant or loan funds to a rail career. Exempts the provisions of this Act from the provisions of the National Environmental Policy and the Energy Policy and Conservation Acts. Authorizes appropriations to effectuate the provisions of this Act. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to purchase specified redeemable preference shares or trustee certificates as necessary to facilitate the purchase of properties of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company by other railroads to be used for common carrier rail service up to a specified amount. Directs the Secretary to guarantee the payment of specified obligations of a public entity applicant if the proceeds of such obligations will be used to acquire or to rehabilitate and improve any line of the Rock Island Railroad up to a specified amount. Increases the obligations ceiling for guaranteeing such obligations. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to authorize appropriations to provide financial assistance for approved State rail freight assistance projects involving the provision of rail freight service by a State or its instrumentality over any line of railroad owned by such State or instrumentality. Terminates the period during which the provisions of the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act governing directed service on the Milwaukee Railroad shall supersede like provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Provides that Government life insurance shall be paid in accordance with any election of the insured. Stipulates that if at the time of death no such election has been made, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall notify the beneficiary who shall elect whether to receive payment in a lump sum or in installments. Directs the Administrator to notify all insured individuals have not made such election concerning the effect of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and announce, not later than March 1, 1980, a land diversion payment program for the 1980 crop of feed grains. Requires, as a condition of eligibility for such payments, that feed grain producers devote to approved conservation uses, not later than July 1, 1980, an amount of cropland equal to 20 percent of their 1980 crop planted acreage. Set forth a formula for determining the amount of such payments. Sets payment rates, for purposes of such formula, at $1.25 per bushel for corn and at a fair and reasonable rate in relation to such corn rate, as determined by the Secretary, for all other feed grains.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Urges the President to prohibit the exportation of fertilizer from the United States to the Soviet Union, until Soviet troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to set the loan level at 90 percent of the parity price for any specified agricultural commodities in which export sales have been suspended (presently such loan levels are set only when export sales are suspended due to short supplies). Stipulates that the loan level shall be at least the average market price for the 30 marketing days preceding the suspension of exports of such commodities for national security or foreign policy reasons.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Provides for an exemption from the windfall profits tax for independent oil producers for an amount equal to 1,000 barrels of crude oil multiplied by the number of days in the taxable period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 to exempt from the requirements of such Act independent construction contractors engaged by a mine operator for: (1) the construction, repair, or alteration of structures, private ways, or roads located on or next to the surface area of a mine; or (2) excavations or equipment installations attendant to such activities. Requires the operator of a mine at which such activities are undertaken to notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the type of activity and number of employees involved in such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the Chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board: (1) to provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusivity of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits' awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. States that in the case of such a claim resolved in court, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in such court within 30 days after such award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) convey by patent to Miles City, Montana, specified lands; and (2) nullify provisions limiting the use and prohibiting the transfer of lands previously conveyed to Miles City and Custer County. Requires any patent issued pursuant to such conveyances to contain a reservation to the United States of all mineral rights of such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Urges the President to report to Congress on the progress of negotiations entered into with Canada for a cooperative agreement concerning air quality and the prospects for concluding such an agreement. Urges the President to include in such an agreement a provision, in the case of unresolved disputes, for binding arbitration or giving citizens of each nation equal access to the remedies of both nations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1979
Limits the applicability of specified penalty provisions relating to failure to answer questions presented in the decennial and mid-decade census to questions approved for the particular census by a concurrent resolution passed by Congress. Prohibits compelling an answer to census questions which apply to persons or families or the farms they occupy, unless such questions have been so approved. Directs the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to study the effect of such removal of penalties upon the accuracy and completeness of responses to census questions; and (2) to report the results of such study to the appropriate committees of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to make indemnity payments to producers, growers, and processors of poultry, eggs, poultry or egg products, swine, swine products, livestock, livestock products, and animal feeds who suffer losses because of contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such payments. Authorizes the Secretary to use the funds and facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Alternative Energy Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to 50 percent the rate of the income tax credit for residential energy conservation expenditures and for renewable energy source expenditures. Increases the amount of renewable energy source expenditures eligible for the credit to $10,000. Eliminates the requirement that such expenditures be limited to the taxpayer's principal residence. Qualifies expenditures for the drilling of an onsite well drilled for any geothermal deposit for the renewable energy source tax credit. Qualifies renewable energy source property which is also a structural component of a building for the energy tax credit. Permits lessors, lessees, and builders who are not the original users of property to claim a residential energy credit. Permits taxpayers, upon application to the Secretary of the Treasury, to claim an immediate tax credit for the taxable year previous to the year in which energy conservation expenditures are made. Provides a residential energy credit for heat pumps which replace an electric resistance heating system. Extends the termination date of the residential energy tax credit to December 31, 2000. Increases the investment tax credit for: (1) hydroelectric and cogeneration energy property; (2) solar and wind energy property; (3) geothermal energy property; (4) biomass property; (5) ocean thermal energy conversion property; and (6) utilities. Makes the credit for such properties refundable. Repeals the exemption from excise tax for gasohol. Allows an income tax credit for the use of gasohol. Bases the amount of such credit on the volume of alcohol mixed with gasoline.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits to any individual for any month in which such individual is confined in a penal institution. Stipulates that benefits withheld from such individuals shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the same wages and self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Bread Labeling Act - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to require that every loaf of bread in packaged form distributed in interstate or foreign commerce shall bear a label specifying (in cents per pound) the cost to the manufacturer of the farm product ingredients of the bread. Permits the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of Agriculture, to seek an injunction or restraining order in the appropriate U.S. district court for violations of the labeling requirements imposed by this Act. Provides for civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include the acquisition of band instruments for the use of children and teachers in elementary and secondary schools for such uses as the school administration considers desirable among those purposes for which the Commissioner of Education is directed to carry out a program of making grants to States for libraries and learning resources.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 with respect to permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Montana. Amends the Public Rangeland Improvement Act of 1978 to charge a fee for domestic livestock grazing in the Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Amends the Department of Transportation Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to reallocate appropriations for rail service assistance solely to States which require supplementary assistance to mitigate the effect caused by the filing of large-scale abandonments by railroads in liquidation or reorganization under the Bankruptcy Act. Sets forth the factors to be considered in such reallocation, including the amount of mileage in the State for which the application for abandonment or discontinuance has been filed and the relationship between such mileage and the total rail mileage in such State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the method of valuing farms for estate tax purposes to provide that if there is no comparable land from which the average annual gross rental may be determined but there is comparable land from which the average net share rental may be determined, then the existing valuation formula shall be applied by substituting "average net share rental" for "average gross cash rental. Defines net share rental as the excess of: (1) the value of the produce received by the lessor under a lease of the land on which such produce is grown, over (2) the cash operating expenses of growing such produce which, under the lease, are paid by the lessor.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to disregard self-employment income received from the sale of certain agricultural or horticultural commodities, for the purpose of determining benefits based on income under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Title I: Purposes and Definitions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and prompt process for Federal approval of nonnuclear energy facilities which are determined to be in the national interest. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the President to establish an Energy Mobilization Board to be composed of members appointed by the President. Sets forth the general duties and powers of such Board. Stipulates that any action by the Board in designating a priority energy project shall not be considered as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to determine whether any Federal action relating to the Priority Energy Project, after it has been so designated and prior to establishing the Project Schedule, will be a "major Federal action" for purposes of compliance with NEPA. Directs the Board to designate Priority Energy Projects, based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall prohibit any agency from making a negative determination with regard to such projects if it is within the agency's authority to do so, and provides that in the event a negative decision is rendered, the Priority Energy Project designation shall be terminated. Limits to 24 the number of Priority Energy Projects to be designated in any one year. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Board to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority project created or threatened by any State or local government. Authorizes waivers of Federal, State, or local law upon the Board's determination that any Federal, State, or local time requirement for agency action is unreasonable and would impede the making of any agency decision. Specifies the procedure for obtaining such waivers. Title III: Judicial Review and Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits judicial review to cases of absolute necessity involving alleged denial of rights under the United States Constitution or violations of statutory jurisdiction, authority, limitations, or rights. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions taken pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the district court of the district in which the Priority Energy Project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket, to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the district court pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters. Terminates the Board's authority to designate priority projects seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat property which is placed in service after December 31, 1982, as energy property, for purposes of the investment tax credit, if such property qualifies as energy property and if the taxpayer is affirmatively committed on that date to its construction, reconstruction, erection, or acquisition. Defines "affirmative commitment" as: (1) the completion of detailed engineering studies and the application for construction permits of licenses with local authorities; (2) the entry into a written, binding contract for the commencement of construction, reconstruction, or erection, or for the acquisition of the property; or (3) the placement of purchase orders for the acquisition of at least 50 percent of the total cost of all items of permanent equipment necessary for the construction, reconstruction, or erection of the property.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Appropriates $513,000,000 to the Administrator of General Services for fiscal year 1980 for purchasing silver for stock piling under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Marlenee, Ron [R-MT-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000139_200.jpg)