United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Education Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend authorizations of appropriations to fiscal year 1980 for: (1) community services and continuing education programs; (2) special programs for the elderly; (3) college library programs, including research libraries; (4) developing institutions; (5) basic educational opportunity grants;(6) supplemental educational opportunity grants; (7) grants to States for student incentives; (8) special programs for students from low-income families; (9) Educational Information Centers; (10) veterans' cost-of-instruction payments to institutions of higher education; (11) direct student loans; (12) financial aid for administrators training; (13) teacher corps and teacher training programs; (14) acquisition of television and other equipment for improving classroom instruction; (15) grants and loans for construction and renovation of undergraduate academic facilities, and grants for graduate facilities; (16) annual interest subsidy grants for such construction and renovation; (17) graduate programs and fellowships; (18) community colleges; (19) law school clinical programs; and (20) State postsecondary education commissions. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend authorizations of appropriations to fiscal year 1980 for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. Amends the Middle Income Student Assistance Act to make such Act effective with respect to student enrollment on or after July 1, 1979 (presently August 1, 1979). Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: (1) provide that any excess basic educational opportunity grant funds for the academic year 1978-1979 shall remain available for such purpose through September 30, 1981, rather than used for other educational purposes; (2) provide that all eligible lenders shall be considered approved for purposes of Federal interest subsidies unless the Commissioner of Education promulgates required regulations by September 30, 1979; (3) remove limitations on special allowance payments; (4) authorize the Commissioner to collect defaulting direct student loans; and (5) include vocational schools within the definition of "institution of higher education".
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Filippo Mazzei, and in tribute to the millions of Americans of Italian descent who have played an important role in American history.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Oil and Gas Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the percentage depletion allowance for independent oil and gas producers and royalty owners. Repeals the tax treatment of intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells (except nonproductive wells) as currently deductible expenses. Requires that such costs be capitalized and amortized over a 120 month period. Excludes from gross income foreign oil and gas income. Defines such income as any amount derived from an oil or gas property located outside the United States to the extent that such amount constitutes gross income from property for purposes of the percentage depletion allowance. Requires the payment of income taxes at the corporate level on the foreign oil-related income of domestic corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Energy commission an independent audit of the crude oil and refined petroleum products held by or under the control of domestic oil companies and report the results of that audit to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Federal Government Productivity Data Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor through the Bureau of Labor Statistics to: (1) collect data on the productivity of Federal employees; (2) conduct comparison studies on the productivity of public and private sector employees; (3) study the feasibility of collecting data on productivity in the private sector in the areas of capital, materials, and energy; and (4) report to Congress concerning the results of such studies and any recommendations for improving Government functions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Research Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional ten percent investment tax credit for investment in research and experimental property. Denies such credit to taxpayers whose gross receipts were in excess of $250,000,000 for a taxable year, or whose research and experimental expenditures did not exceed 2.5 percent of the gross receipts for a taxable year. Extends the investment tax credit to buildings and structural components used in research and experimentation. Requires the recapture of credit amounts if investment property ceases to be used for research and experimental purposes. Allows the amortization of research and experimental property, based on a period of not less than 60 months.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
New Firm Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that net operating losses incurred by a corporation during its first three taxable years may be carried over to the next ten taxable years, for purposes of the income tax deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Patent Depreciation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that research and experimental expenditures in connection with a patent may be amortized for any period of not less than 60 months.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Research Promotion Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow businesses with gross receipts not in excess of $250,000,000 a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to ten percent of their research and experimental expenditures which exceed 2.5 percent of their gross receipts for the taxable year. Provides for carryovers and carrybacks of unused credits in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that certain restrictions on the issuance of nonimmigrant visas to alien doctors will not apply to doctors coming to practice at public hospitals or clinics in the Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Diabetes Research and Training Amendments and National Diabetes Advisory Board Extension Act of 1979 - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to redesignate the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases and the Advisory Council to such Institute as the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases and the National Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases Advisory Council. Establishes within the Advisory Council separate subcommittees on diabetes, arthritis, digestive diseases, and kidney diseases. Directs these subcommittees to: (1) review applications made to the Director of the Institute for research projects relating to such diseases and make recommendations to the Advisory Council; and (2) review and evaluate programs directed at such diseases. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Diabetes. Sets forth the duties of the Associate Director, including: (1) having primary responsibility for all diabetes-mellitus-related activities supported or conducted by the National Institutes of Health; (2) providing information to public and private agencies with respect to such activities; and (3) reporting and making recommendations to the Director of the National Institutes of Health with respect to other enumerated functions. Extends the authorization of appropriations for diabetes research and training centers in the following amounts: $14,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $17,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide from such amounts up to ten training stipends through each center in any fiscal year. Eliminates as an ex officio member of the National Diabetes Advisory Board the Secretary of Defense or his designee; adds as such a member the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or his designee. Revises the terms of appointed members of the Board. Directs the Board to amend the Diabetes Plan (formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act) as is necessary to insure its continuing relevance. Extends the current level of authorizations for the purposes of the Board ($300,000 per fiscal year) through fiscal year 1985. Extends the expiration date of the Board from September 30, 1980, to September 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the major oil companies should continue to provide supplies and other services to independent oil dealers so that such dealers may continue their summer fill-up programs of home heating oil.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Establishes the Legionville National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania to preserve and protect the site of the first United States military training camp. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands for such purpose and to administer such property pursuant to applicable law. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with appropriate public or private entities for the management, development, and interpretation of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Special Prosecution of Petroleum Pricing Violations Act of 1979 - Establishes an independent Office of Special Prosecution, to be headed by a Special Prosecutor appointed by the President, with exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of any provision of, or regulation promulgated under, the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to take necessary actions to perform such function, including specified activities, such as: (1) conducting civil and criminal litigation in any court; (2) instructing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other investigative agencies with respect to information and evidence; and (3) contesting the assertion of executive privilege. Directs the Special Prosecutor to report annually to the President and Congress. Sets forth an expedited review procedure with respect to motions challenging the validity of any provision of this Act. Terminates the Office three years after appointment of the Special Prosecutor.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to include in the definitions of the terms "United States" and "State" the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession over which the United States has jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to implement and administer a national recreational boating safety and facilities improvement program. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate funds to States for accepted State recreational boating safety and facilities improvement programs if sufficient State matching funds are available. Directs the Secretary to accept State programs that include: (1) an approved vessel numbering system; (2) a cooperative boating safety assistance program with the Coast Guard; (3) sufficient patrol to enforce applicable State laws; (4) boating safety education; (5) a State agency to implement or coordinate the program and report to the Secretary; and (6) facilities improvement. Sets forth formulas for the allocation of funds among the States. Establishes in the Treasury a National Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Fund from which the Secretary may allocate funds for accepted State programs. Authorizes appropriations for such State programs of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1984. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer certain amounts from the taxes received from special motor fuels and gasoline used in motorboats to the National Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Antarctic Preservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a plan for the establishment of a Historic and Natural Preserve to consist of such areas of the Antarctic Continent and surrounding waters as may be necessary to preserve outstanding geological, historical, and natural values. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Antarctic Historic and Natural Preserve subsequent to ratification by those interested nations deemed by him to be required to assure adequate protection of the resource. Authorizes the Secretary to commit personnel, funds, and other resources to establish, operate, and maintain facilities required for the protection of the preserve. Authorizes all Federal agencies to assist the Secretary in this endeavor. Prohibits the executive branch from taking any action contrary to the intent of this Act regarding the Antarctic Continent to a distance of 500 nautical miles from the mean annual projection of the Antarctic ice shelf. Requires the submission of annual progress reports to the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate.
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 · 31 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow homeowners a nonrefundable income tax credit for expenses paid or incurred to make alterations to their residences for the purpose of making such residences more accessible to, and usable by, a handicapped individual who is either the taxpayer, his spouse, or a dependent of the taxpayer. Limits the amount of such credit, for each such handicapped individual, to the lesser of $1,000 or an amount which, when added to previous year's credits, does not exceed $5,000. Reduces the amount of such credit by one-half of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000 ($35,000 in the case of married individuals filing jointly). Defines "handicapped individual" as any individual who has a medically identifiable mental or physical impairment which can be expected to result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, and which substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual. Requires the handicapped individual to live in the principal residence for which the alterations are made for not less than a nine month period during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose upon producers of domestic crude oil an excise tax on the windfall profits from oil removed from the premises during each taxable period. Sets the rate of such tax at 85 percent of the windfall profit on each barrel of taxable crude oil. Defines "windfall profit" as the excess of the removal price of a barrel of crude oil (amount for which barrel is sold) over the sum of the adjusted base price of such barrel (the base price, plus the base price multiplied by a cost of living adjustment for the calendar quarter in which the crude oil is removed from the premises) and the amount by which any severance tax imposed with respect to such barrel exceeds the severance tax which would have been imposed if the barrel had been extracted and sold on March 31, 1979, at the base price. Specifies base prices for three tiers or types of crude oil subject to the 1979 energy regulations. Provides that the windfall profit on any barrel of crude oil shall not exceed the net income attributable to such barrel. Requires oil producers to maintain such records with respect to oil production as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Specifies that windfall profit tax returns must be filed not later than the last day of the second month following the close of the taxable period. Requires the purchaser of taxable crude oil to furnish to the individual responsible for the payment of the windfall profits tax a monthly statement containing information with respect to: (1) the amount of taxable crude oil purchased during such month; (2) the removal price of such oil; (3) the base price and the adjusted base price of such oil; (4) the amount of such taxpayer's liability for tax; and (5) other information which the Secretary may require. Imposes fines and criminal penalties for willful failure to provide such information. Requires each partnership, estate, and trust producing domestic crude oil for any taxable period to furnish to each partner or beneficiary a written statement showing: (1) the name of such partner or beneficiary; (2) information received by the partnership, trust, or estate from the purchaser of crude oil; and (3) each partner's or beneficiary's share from the sale of crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) coal production, distribution, and utilization; (2) energy policy; (3) energy regulation and conservation; (4) energy related aspects of deepwater ports; (5) energy development; (6) hydroelectric power; (7) uranium mining and production; (8) conservation, development, and use of naval petroleum and oil shale reserves; (9) oil and gas production and distribution; and (10) solar energy systems. Declares that the committee shall have the special oversight function of reviewing and studying on a continuing basis, all laws, programs and government activities relating to nuclear energy and nonmilitary nuclear energy and research and development, including the disposal of nuclear waste.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Establishes a Joint Select Committee to Investigate Oil and Gasoline Production and Pricing to: (1) review the availability, production, marketing, and pricing of oil to determine the extent of the oil and gasoline shortage; and (2) propose a national petroleum energy policy. Sets forth the requirements for appointment to the joint select committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Small Community Library Services Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to provide funds to any county submitting an application (as set forth in this Act) for the purposes of providing library facilities and services, or constructing or expanding libraries, in small communities. Defines "small community" to be: (1) any city or village of less than 50,000 people; and (2) any city of between 50,000-70,000 people if the adjacent areas of that city have a population density of not more than 100 persons per square mile.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek the establishment of an international food cartel made up of the major food exporting countries which would negotiate with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries for reasonable oil prices.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Omnibus Solar Energy Commercialization Act of 1979 - Establishes a national goal for the increased use of renewable energy resources as a part of the Nation's total energy supply in the year 2000. Defines the term "passive solar energy system" to mean space heating and cooling systems making the most efficient use of, or enhancing the use of, natural forces including solar insulation, winds, nighttime coolness, and cooling by radiation to the night sky, to heat or cool living space by the use of conductive, convective or radiant energy transfer. Describes several types of passive solar energy systems. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Energy to utilize State and local government organizations, Energy Extension Services, regional Solar Energy Research Centers, and other such entities in providing information services, training, education and other services to the public and to persons involved in the development and commercialization of solar energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information services to the public and to the entities listed above, including: (1) retrieval and dissemination of solar energy development and commercialization materials; (2) development of materials specifically designed to assist architects, builders, installers, manufacturers and others involved in solar energy development and commercialization; and (3) development of training and education programs specifically designed for such purposes. Directs Federal agency heads responsible for construction of new civilian Federal buildings to require the utilization of active and passive solar energy systems unless it is determined that such systems are not cost effective, according to a specified formula. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense a ten percent alcohol and gasoline mixture. Requires that the same alcohol-gasoline mixture be dispensed by retail gasoline supply outlets operated by Federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrators of the Alaska Power Administration, the Bonneville Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration to purchase power from proposed non-federally constructed generating facilities utilizing renewable energy resources. Authorizes such Administrators to construct and operate non-hydroelectric generating facilities, provided that the Administrator has made a public offer to purchase or guarantee the purchase of power from a comparable non-federally constructed facility and has received no offer from a non-Federal entity to construct such a facility. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Energy a Solar Energy Development Corporation with the same corporate powers given the Government National Mortgage Association. Sets forth the purposes of the Solar Corporation to provide financial initiatives to promote the use of renewable energy resources, including subsidies of long-term, low-interest loans. Sets forth terms and conditions of and limits on the amount of such loans. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to include within the definition of "weatherization materials" materials associated with passive and active solar energy systems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified individuals and groups interested in the problem of automobile theft when establishing such standards. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months of the enactment of this Act, to issue notices of rulemaking covering the unauthorized starting of a motor vehicle and the identification of major automobile components. Stipulates that proposed rules shall consider current technological developments in such areas. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires that a final rule shall become effective within two calendar years or before the introduction of two model years after such rule is issued. States that a Federal automobile security standard supercedes any State or local standard. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or vehicle part which has had such number removed unless: (1) the vehicle or part is owned by an innocent purchaser; or (2) the number is replaced according to applicable law. States that all provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and baggage shall apply to seizures and forfeitures of motor vehicles and vehicle parts. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting and Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on: (1) developments in the area of identification of off-highway vehicles and parts thereof; and (2) other specified measures to help prevent the theft of such vehicles and parts.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Oil Industry Tax Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the percentage depletion allowance for independent oil and gas producers and royalty owners. Repeals the tax treatment of intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells (except nonproductive wells) as currently deductible expenses. Requires such costs to be capitalized and amortized over a 168 month period. Disallows an income tax credit for foreign taxes paid by domestic corporations on foreign oil related income. Treats such taxes as royalties for which a deduction or exclusion from foreign source income would be allowed. Requires the payment of income taxes at the corporate level on the foreign oil-related income of domestic corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to entitle households composed entirely of persons who are age 60 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act, to a medical expense deduction in the computation of household income which is equal to the actual cost of medical expenses. Removes the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction for such households.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to create the following additional categories of beneficiaries eligible to receive public safety officers' death benefits: (1) one individual designated by the officer; (2) parents of such officer who are not dependents; and (3) brothers or sisters of such officer.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Federal Gasohol Purchase Act - Directs each Federal agency and department to issue regulations which grant preferences in bulk and retail purchases of gasoline by such agency or department to suppliers or bidders who offer gasohol in lieu of ordinary gasoline provided the cost of such gasohol does not exceed 115 percent of the cost of ordinary gasoline. Establishes procedures for Federal agencies in implementing such fuel purchases. Defines the term "gasohol" to mean a motor fuel consisting of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent methanol or ethanol which is suitable for use by itself or in combination with other fuels as a motor fuel and which is not refined from petroleum and which does not use any petroleum fuel as a heat source for the process of manufacture.
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 · 8 May 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean, a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to temporarily suspend the duty on products (other than watches or movements) of the insular possessions: (1) which contain foreign materials valued at between 50 and 70 percent of the total product value; and (2) which are not designated import sensitive. Establishes a ceiling on the quantity of articles which qualify for such duty-free treatment. Permits any interested party to submit a request to the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations: (1) that the aforementioned articles be designated as import sensitive; or (2) that such designation be removed. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the economic effect of these amendments on the insular possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Amends title II of the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (Community Mental Health Centers) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, to provide financial and technical assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations for rape prevention and treatment services, including training programs in counseling techniques, direct treatment, community education, transportation cost, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Gasohol Marketing Freedom Act of 1979 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit the termination of a gasoline dealer's franchise due to its selling, consigning, or distributing gasohol, and prohibits any reprisals or discrimination against retailers or distributors of gasohol because of such sale, consignment, or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the total cost of heating oil purchased by such individuals for use in a residence for residential purposes. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $200 for the taxable year. Reduces the amount of such credit by one percent of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $15,000. Provides for the termination of the credit for taxable years ending after December 31, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Directs the Postmaster General to issue four commemorative postage stamps to honor leaders of the American labor movement. Stipulates that one such stamp shall honor Walter Philip Reuther and each of the three remaining stamps shall honor another labor leader as designated by the Postmaster General.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Title I: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1980 of such sums as may be necessary for certain assistance programs for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior equal to 50 percent of sums necessary to satisfy all adjudicated claims and final awards made before the enactment of this Act by the Micronesian Claims Commission. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide, for the people of specified atolls in the Marshall Islands, a program of medical care and treatment and environmental research and monitoring for any injury, illness, or condition which may have been the result of the United States nuclear weapons testing program at or near such atolls. Authorizes appropriations for such program. Requires the express approval of Congress before any Federal program not terminated for all recipients may cease to apply to such Territory either before or after the termination of the trusteeship. Title II: Northern Mariana Islands - Requires that the salary and expenses of the government comptroller for the Northern Mariana Islands be paid from funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for a health care services grant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Subjects such grant to the approval of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to administer and enforce, by hiring and training Islands residents, a local territorial income tax and customs duties, without cost to such Islands government and with proceeds covered into the Treasury of Islands. Amends the Covenant to establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America to stipulate that United States income tax laws will not come into force in the Northern Mariana Islands as a local territorial income tax until January 1, 1982. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for the development, maintenance, and operation of the American Memorial Park, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, but not to exceed $3,000,000 for development. Title III: Guam - Amends the Organic Act of Guam to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to administer and enforce (by hiring and training Guam residents and without cost to the Guam government) the collection of: (1) all customs duties derived from Guam and the Guam territorial income tax; and (2) certain other taxes the proceeds of which are covered into the Guam treasury and any tax imposed by local law (upon the request of the Governor of Guam until the legislature of Guam seeks discontinuance of such enforcement). Requires that all amounts heretofore withheld from the Guam treasury (from sums collected as such duties and taxes) as interest on specified Federal assistance be credited as reimbursement payments by Guam on the principal amount advanced by the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, upon certain findings, to extend for 30 years the time limitation on guarantees for purchase by the Federal Financing Bank of bonds or other obligations of the Guam Power Authority. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, under certain conditions, to deduct interest payments due from such Authority from duties and taxes collected and paid to the government of Guam, with such government to receive payments of principal and interest from such Authority. Title IV: Virgin Islands - Extends for ten years the time limitation on Federal commitments to guarantee the issuance of certain bonds and other obligations issued by the Virgin Islands government. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to administer and enforce (by hiring and training Islands residents and without cost to the government of the Islands) the collection of: (1) all customs duties derived from such Islands and the United States income tax, the proceeds of which are to be covered into the treasury of the Islands; and (2) certain other taxes which are also to be covered into such treasury, with such Secretary's enforcement to be at the request of the Governor of the Islands until the legislature of the Islands requests discontinuance. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to transfer to the Virgin Islands Government title to all property in the Virgin Islands which may have been acquired by the United States from Denmark under a specified convention. Excludes from such transfer certain lands and property already reserved or retained by the United States. Title V: American Samoa - Requires the salary and expenses of the government comptroller of American Samoa to be paid from funds to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the request of the Governor of American Samoa, to administer and enforce the collection of all customs duties derived from American Samoa, without cost to its government and by making every effort to employ and train its residents to carry out such activities. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Directs the Department of the Interior, in administering grants to any Insular Area: (1) to consolidate such grants for any fiscal year or years; and (2) to waive, in its discretion, certain matching funds and written report requirements for grants. Stipulates that authorizations of appropriations by this Act and appropriations pursuant to this Act for any fiscal year shall carry over for appropriation or expenditure in succeeding fiscal years. Permits, to the extent practicable, Federal agencies and instrumentalities to make available their services, facilities, and equipment to the governments of the territories and possessions of the United States and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands on a reimbursable basis or, if otherwise authorized by law, without reimbursement.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to make specific amount changes in the limitations on funds for development within DeSoto National Memorial and Pecos National Monument. Increases the authorization of appropriations, from $166,000 to $265,000, for the acquisition of lands within the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate and publish notice of these acquisitions. Changes the date of the maps referencing the Point Reyes National Seashore. Directs the Secretary to accept and manage any land and improvements within or adjacent to the seashore which are donated by the State of California or its subdivisions. Removes the exclusion of specified lands from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Authorizes the acquisition of lands for Ebey's Landing National Reserves with appropriated, as well as donated, funds. Amends the National Trails System Act to include North Country Scenic Trail. Permits the National Academy of Sciences to retain title to a certain property while used as a memorial to Albert Einstein. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to terminate the Upper Delaware Citizens Advisory Council ten years after the date of its establishment. Provides for the appointment of additional members to the Delta Region Preservation Commission. Provides for termination of the Commission ten years from the date of approval of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from charging entrance or admission fees in excess of January 1, 1979, levels or in National Park System units where such fees were not in effect as of such date. Amends such Act to designate a portion of the Birch River in West Virginia as a river to be studied for potential addition to the national wild and scenic river system. Entitles the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge in California to those protections accorded the Point Reyes National Seashore. Amends the Act of October 27, 1972, to change the date of the maps referring to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Increases the authorization of appropriations, from $61,610,000 to $71,610,000, for the acquisition of lands within such recreation area. Reduces the development ceiling from $58,000,000 to $48,000,000. Directs the Secretary to acquire by donation or purchase a suitable collection of whaling artifacts and associated items for preservation and display at the National Maritime Museum located within such recreation area. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for such purchase. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend the availability of appropriations from the special account for the acquisition of lands and waters within areas for public use and recreation administered by the Secretary to those areas and authorizations enacted prior to the convening of the Ninety-sixth Congress. Exempts those funds allotted for the acquisition of land, waters, or interests in same for the National Park System, recreation areas, and National Forest System from statutory ceilings enacted prior to the convening of the Ninety-sixth Congress. Permits the Secretary to make minor changes to boundaries or appropriations relating to such Federal lands which boundaries were established subsequent to January 1, 1965. Authorizes the purchase of such lands with appropriated funds. Amends the Act of August 18, 1970, to eliminate the printing of certain newly submitted identical reports if adequate supplies of previously printed identical reports remain available. Directs the Secretary to submit annually a comprehensive "National Park System Plan" to the designated congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate an annual "State of the Parks" report. Directs that the annual report be printed as a House document and shall cease to be prepared and submitted after the fifth submission. Revises the boundaries of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in North Carolina. Directs that the maps and descriptions of such historical site shall be published by the Secretary within 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides for the acquisition and disposal of lands within such boundaries. Amends the Act of October 21, 1976, to increase the authorization of appropriations, from $13,000,000 to $23,700,000, for the acquisition of lands, aquatic lands, or interests therein for Olympic National Park. Makes authorizations of appropriations under this Act effective in fiscal year 1980.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, Austin J. [D-PA-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001088_200.jpg)