United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize payment of a gratuity (equal to one year's salary at time of death) to the surviving dependents of officers or employees of the Central Intelligence Agency who die as a result of injuries sustained outside of the United States upon a determination by the Director of Central Intelligence that the death resulted from hostile or terrorist activity or occurred in connection with an intelligence activity having a substantial element of risk.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and prompt process for obtaining Federal, State, and local 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, including the subpoena power. Directs the Board to keep the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs and on Interstate and Foreign Commerce fully and currently informed concerning its activities, including the submission of an annual report. Stipulates that projects related to the production of nuclear energy or approved under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies of 1978 be excluded from coverage under this Act. Directs the Board to designate Priority Energy Projects and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the Board to provide the appropriate committees with a copy of such designation orders. Sets forth the criteria the Board must consider in making such designations, including: (1) the extent to which the energy project would reduce the Nation's dependence upon nonrenewable resources; (2) the magnitude of any economic and social impacts and costs associated with the project in relation to the impacts and costs of alternatives; (3) the extent to which the project would make use of renewable energy resources, or conserve energy; (4) the extent to which the project would contribute to the development of new production or conservation technologies and techniques; (5) adverse impacts on the environment and on competition; and other specified criteria. Directs the Board to notify the Governor of each State in which any portion of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project is proposed to be located. Permits such Governor to appoint a non-voting Member to the Board to participate in decisions concerning such project, including the Project Decision Schedule. Exempts priority energy project designations or refusals to make a designation, promulgation or revision of Project Decision Schedules, and Board actions relating to streamlining of procedures, from the impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to determine whether any Federal action relating to a 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 the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Requires the Council to designate a lead agency to assure compliance with NEPA whenever a major Federal action is involved. Authorizes the Board to require that one environmental impact statement be prepared and that such statement be used by all Federal agencies to satisfy NEPA with respect to such projects. Authorizes the Board to extend the time for certain deadlines. Requires each agency having authority to make any agency decision with respect to any part of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project to transmit to the Board: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required to be taken by such agency and by the applicant before such decision can be made and a summary of procedural requirements applicable to such actions; (2) a tentative schedule for completing such actions and making such decisions; and (3) a statement of administrative requirements to take such actions. Directs the Board to publish a Project Decision Schedule within 45 days of the transmittal of agency information. Stipulates that such schedule: (1) identify the order in which decisions which must be made by each agency are to be made; (2) identify the deadlines applicable to such decisions; (3) be consistent with the tentative schedules transmitted to the Board, unless the Board determines a different schedule is essential to expedite and coordinate agency review; and (4) be binding on the agency and on all other persons to which the Schedule applies. Permits the Board to modify any schedule applicable to any agency's decision or action subject to the Project Decision Schedule upon petition of such agency where the agency determines such modification will facilitate agency compliance with the Schedule. Permits affected agencies to consolidate proceedings related to actions and decisions subject to the Project Decision Schedule, if such streamlined procedures provide for effective participation by interested parties in such decisionmaking. Directs the Board to monitor compliance with the Schedule by all affected agencies and persons. Permits the Board to take such actions as it deems appropriate to bring any person or agency responsible for a project delay into compliance with the Schedule. Directs the Board, when any person responsible for filing or taking any other action on behalf of a Project refuses to take such action, to either revise such Project Decision Schedule or revoke the Priority Energy Project designation. Stipulates that, unless otherwise provided for, the other statutory obligations and authority of any independent regulatory agency remain unaffected by this Act. Authorizes the Board to bring an expedited enforcement action against any agency failing to or reasonably likely to fail to comply with a Project Decision Schedule in the appropriate United States district court. Directs such court to issue specified orders requiring compliance with such Schedule and to take any necessary measures, including citation and punishment of the responsible officials for contempt of court, for failure to meet any court-imposed deadlines. Authorizes the President to perform any action or make any decision required of an agency by court order in the event such agency fails to perform such action or make such decision. Authorizes the Board to order the temporary suspension of the application of any requirement of Federal, State, or local law enacted or promulgated after the commencement of construction of any facility which is part of a Priority Project where it is determined that such requirement could prevent timely completion or operation of such facility and that such temporary suspension would not create any significant public health or safety risks. Sets forth time limits on such suspension orders and exempts specified requirements from being suspended. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall expand or confer on the United States any right to acquire water rights nor alter any provisions of State law or interstate compact governing water use. States that Board action granting or denying designation orders or suspending Federal, State, or local requirements of law shall be subject to judicial review only for failure to comply with this Act or for constitutional violations. Provides for judicial review of other Board actions as specified. Requires that any reviewing court expedite and consolidate such review to the maximum extent practicable. Requires that any party seeking Supreme Court review of any judgment or order of a circuit court of appeals pursuant to this Act must file a petition for a writ of certiorari within 60 days of the decision of the lower court or such appeal shall be barred. Sets a 60-day time limit for the promulgation of regulations for carrying out this Act. Terminates the Board's authority seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report of its activities during such period. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the Congress a report evaluating the performance of the Board and setting forth findings and recommendations with respect to the program authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and succeeding fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Ida Nudel and allow her to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President to: (1) express U.S. opposition to the exile of Ida Nudel to Siberia; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law, particularly concerning human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that no U.S. company doing business in South Africa should not: (1) engage in unfair employment practices; (2) deny its employees the right to choose a representative organization; (3) maintain segregated facilities; or (4) pay unequal compensation for equal work. Expresses the sense of Congress that U.S. companies doing business in South Africa should: (1) recognize unions and permit collective bargaining; (2) train nonwhites for supervisory, administrative, and skilled jobs; and (3) try to improve housing, transportation, and health facilities for their nonwhite employees.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the excise tax on domestic or imported distilled spirits, wines, and beer for each proof gallon of the wine content of distilled spirits containing wine. Sets the amount of such credit at the excess of $10.50 over the rate of the additional tax on such wine which would be imposed but for its removal to bonded premises. Specifies the points in time for determining allowance of such credit for domestic and for imported distilled spirits containing wine. Excludes from such credit: (1) any substance which has been subject to distillation at a distilled spirits plant after receipt in bond; and (2) wine containing more than 24 percent of alcohol by volume.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Condemns the use of lethal chemical agents against the Hmong tribes people in Laos. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should: (1) take action to bring about the cessation of such poison gas attacks; (2) direct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Committee on Disarmament to place such warfare on the U.S. agenda and reach agreement with the Soviet Union on a general prohibition of chemical warfare; and (3) report to the Congress concerning actions taken.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Calls upon the President, with respect to Chile, to: (1) recall the U.S. Ambassador to Chile; (2) apply statutes limiting assistance to countries with terrorist governments or countries harboring terrorists; (3) prohibit deliveries of defense articles or services; (4) recall all military personnel; (5) prohibit the issuance of U.S. visas to Chilean military or intelligence personnel; (6) prohibit credits or loan guarantees to be granted by the Export-Import Bank; (7) prohibit the granting of export licenses; (8) order the immediate suspension of private bank loans; and (9) demand that Chilean rights be fully restored.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Simon Wiesenthal in recognition of his contribution to international justice through the documentation and location of war criminals from World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to: (1) determine whether a wrong was committed against American citizens and permanent resident aliens who were subjected to relocation or internment as a result of Executive Order Numbered 9066 and other associated Government acts; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies. Directs the Commission: (1) to hold public hearings in specified cities; and (2) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President. Terminates the Commission six months after such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of child's insurance benefits to an insured individual's stepchild after such child's natural parent and the insured individual are divorced, if such child is receiving support from another source. Applies such prohibition to a stepgrandchild of an insured individual if such grandchild's natural parent and the son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter of the insured individual are divorced.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to establish an Office of Private Education to be administered by the Assistant Secretary for Private Education. Terminates the Office of Non-Public Education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Dollar Bill Preservation Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit the cancellation, retirement, destruction, or removal from circulation of any dollar bill note, except where necessary to replace mutilated bills. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain the amount of dollar bills issued at the level outstanding on September 26, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury for the business related deduction.
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
National Center of Afro-American History and Culture Act - Establishes the National Afro-American History and Culture Commission which shall: (1) be responsible for the development of a definitive plan for the construction and operation of the National Center for Afro-American History and Culture; and (2) solicit subscriptions of funds from private sources to help meet costs of the construction, furnishing, and operation of the center, including the costs of acquiring works of art and artifacts. Allows the Commission to: (1) acquire by gift, purchase with appropriated or donated funds, transfer from any Federal or State agency, exchange, or otherwise acquire suitable land and interest in land in the vicinity of Wilberforce, Ohio, for the location of the headquarters of the center; (2) acquire appropriate works of art and any other real or personal property necessary for the establishment and operation of the center; and (3) sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property acquired and designate any proceeds from such disposal for the benefit of the center. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire by donation or purchase with donated or appropriated funds the Colonel Charles Young Home and adjacent lands in Wilberforce, Ohio, not to exceed 80 acres, which when acquired shall be known as the Wilberforce National Historic Site.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Title I: Meat Labeling and Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling as imported of any imported meat or meat product, which is capable for use as human food, or its container. Requires that such products: (1) meet the same health standards as domestically produced meat; and (2) be tested in the exporting country. Requires periodic tests of such products in the United States by the Department of Agriculture as well. Title II: Requirement of Certain Eating Establishments to Inform Customers that Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishment - Requires eating establishments serving imported meat to inform customers of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from ten to six the maximum number of operating crewmen of a fishing boat necessary to qualify such crewmen as employees for purposes of withholding and social security taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Entitles title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (as entitled by this Act) the Fair Housing Act. Amends such Act to define "handicap" as: (1) a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities; (2) a record of having such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment. Defines "aggrieved person" as any person who claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice or who believes that such person will be irrevocably injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur. Exempts from coverage under such Act a room or unit in an owner-occupied dwelling intended to be occupied by no more than four families living independently if such room or unit is sold or rented: (1) without the assistance of any real estate broker, agent, or salesman; and (2) without the publication or mailing of any advertisement or written notice indicating any preference or discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not preclude the use of attorneys, title companies, or other professional assistance to perfect or transfer title. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Makes it unlawful: (1) for an insurer against hazards to discriminate with regard to such insurance contracts; (2) to refuse to sell or rent (after the making of a bona fide offer) to a handicapped person unless such handicap would present a prospect occupant from conforming to specified non-discriminatory rules and practices; and (3) to discriminate against a handicapped person in the conditions of sale or rental, or in the provision of related services or facilities. Stipulates, with regard to such sales, rental, or related services, that discrimination shall include a refusal to: (1) permit reasonable modification to permit access to the premises; and (2) make reasonable accommodations in policies, services, or facilities to afford handicapped persons equal enjoyment of the premises. Stipulates, with regard to such sales and related services, that discrimination shall not include a refusal to: (1) make alterations at the expense of sellers, landlords, owners, or persons acting on their behalf; (2) modify generally applicable policies, services, or facilities where such modification would unreasonably inconvenience others; or (3) allow architectural modifications which materially alter the intended use of a building or its environs. Makes it unlawful for a State or local government employee or agency to impede the establishment of a dwelling specifically intended for handicapped persons, unless such dwelling: (1) would not comply with Federal, State, or local health or safety regulations; (2) would not comply with Federal or State program standards for services to the handicapped; or (3) would violate a land use plan or zoning ordinance. Makes it unlawful for any person whose business includes the making, buying, or insuring of loans, or selling, brokering, or appraising of real property, to discriminate in the availability or the conditions (amount, interest rate, duration) of such housing-related loans. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enforce the provisions of such Act upon receiving a written charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred, or upon the Secretary's initiative. Requires the Secretary to notify the party charged with a discriminatory practice within ten days of the filing of such charge. Grants the Secretary authority to subpena necessary information and witnesses, and to issue interrogatories. Establishes penalties of up to $1,000 or one year in prison for willfully failing to testify or produce records, intentionally giving misleading information, or willfully altering any documentary evidence. Directs the Secretary to refer a discriminatory housing charge made within the jurisdiction of a State or local agency to such agency if the agency is certified by the Secretary. Prohibits the certification of such agency unless the Secretary determines that the protections of substantive rights, procedures, remedies, and judicial review are equivalent to those under Federal law. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of efforts. Authorizes the Secretary, on the basis of a preliminary investigation, to refer a charge to the Attorney General in order to get appropriate preliminary relief pending final disposition of such charge. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that reasonable cause exists to believe a housing discrimination charge is true, to refer the matter to the Attorney General or to file an administrative complaint. Directs the Secretary to provide a copy of such investigation's findings to the parties involved. Sets forth hearing provisions, including: (1) notice of the complaint and opportunity for a hearing not less than 30 days after service of such complaint; (2) rescheduling of such hearing; (3) resolution of a complaint by conciliation; (4) respondent's right to file an answer and testify at such hearing; (5) an aggrieved party's right to intervene; (6) the authority of the person conducting such hearing to make findings of fact and conclusions of law, to issue a final order of relief, and to impose a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 (provides that no such final order shall affect a bona fide sale, rental, or encumbrance consummated before the issuance of such order); (7) the Secretary's authority to modify any such final order; (8) court of appeals judicial review within 60 days of entry of such order; and (9) a civil penalty of up to $1,000 a day for violation of an unreviewable (as set forth by this Act) final order of the Secretary. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General: (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action; and (2) to commence a civil action (a) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (b) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney and expert witness fees as part of a judicial or administrative award under this Act. Directs the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to report to the Congress not later than October 1, 1981, concerning: (1) the extent to which architectural barriers and other obstacles to accessibility of housing are operating to deny handicapped persons access to a reasonable housing choice in the private market; (2) the extent to which public, private, or cooperative public and private efforts have been undertaken to increase housing choice for the handicapped in the private market; and (3) the projected cost of retrofitting an adequate supply of existing housing units to make such units suitable for occupancy by handicapped persons. Authorizes appropriations for this Act, effective as of October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of January 21 through January 27, 1979, as "Junior Achievement Week" in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to the American enterprise system and service to youth.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Repeals the requirement, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that the amount of monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Illegal Alien Control Act of 1977 - Directs the Attorney General to establish a border patrol force of not less than 3,800 officers. Directs the Attorney General to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of: (1) establishing a system for issuing machine-readable identification cards to aliens entering the United States; and (2) utilizing the most current technology in electronic sensing devices in patrolling land borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from the definition of the term "immigrant" those persons entering the United States for a period of not more than one year to perform temporary services or labor if the Secretary of Labor has determined and certified to the Attorney General that there are not sufficient workers available at the aliens' destination who are willing and able to perform such services. Directs the Secretary to refer to employers who request such certification, workers in the number desired, able and qualified, and who agree to present themselves to commence employment on the date and for the period specified. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue social security cards for aliens who may be employed or receive public assistance in the United States. Specifies the information which an alien must provide when applying for a social security card. Requires the applicant to supply either proof of the individual's citizenship or alien status, or an affidavit that the individual was assigned a social security account number at least five years before the date of application for the card. Prohibits the employment or provision of public assistance to an individual specified in this Act unless such individual presents a social security card to the employer or agency and the employer or agency submits required information to the Secretary. Establishes a civil penalty for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits the employment or provision of public assistance to an alien whose status under the Immigration and Nationality Act does not permit such alien to work or receive public assistance. Establishes penalties for presenting a false social security card or providing fraudulent information in order to obtain employment or public assistance. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to prohibit the use of Federal financial aid to provide job training or employment opportunities to aliens who are not authorized to work or who are illegally in the United States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit income tax deductions for wages paid to aliens illegally working in the United States. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the Secretary of Labor, when adjudicating the petition of an alien for admission to perform skilled or unskilled labor, from considering the work experience gained by the alien in the United States during any time while in an immigration status in which employment was not authorized for the alien. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits and Medicaid benefits to illegal aliens. Adds border crossing cards, alien registration receipt cards, and other documents prescribed by regulation for entry into the United States to the list of documents the false making of which shall be punished by fine or imprisonment or both.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Urges the President to convene an international conference to negotiate an agreement protecting the press and international observers during civil wars or other hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Employees Incentive Ownership Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove restrictions on the use of restricted stock options and to eliminate the exercise of such stock options as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Declares eventual population stabilization to be a national goal. States that it is the continuing policy of Government to use all practicable means to stabilize the nation's population voluntarily at a level consistent with a high standard of living relative to available resources at the earliest possible time. Creates in the Executive Office of the President an Office of Population Policy (Office) to: (1) submit to the President and Congress studies on the current conditions and trends in changes affecting population; (2) review legislation and Government regulations to determine the extent to which they contribute to the population policy set forth in this Act; (3) recommend national policies to plan for population changes and to promote population stabilization; and (4) document, define, and analyze changes in the nation's population. Sets forth the powers of the Director of the Office who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Requires the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States to be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in this Act. Directs each Federal agency to: (1) develop methods to ensure that population changes and the goal of population stabilization are considered in decisionmaking; (2) make available information which is useful to population planning; (3) assist the Office; (4) review its statutory authority; regulations, and current policies and procedures to determine whether they comply with the policies of this Act; and (5) propose to Congress and the President such measures as may be necessary to bring the agency into compliance. Requires the President to transmit to Congress annually a National Population Change and Planning Report. Specifies that such report set forth: (1) the status and trends of population changes; (2) the adequacy of available natural resources for fulfilling national requirements considering current and foreseeable population change; (3) a review of all legislation, regulations, programs, and activities affecting planning for population change and stabilization; and (4) a program for remedying the deficiencies of such legislation, regulations, programs, and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Repeals provisions permitting the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys representing veterans' claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration (VA). Provides for judicial review of certain administrative decisions made by the Administrator. Applies the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all VA rules, regulations, and determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Authorizes the President to establish a special advisory commission to plan and implement a 500th anniversary commemoration and celebration during the week of October 12, 1992, in honor of Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the Americas. Directs the President to designate such week to honor Columbus' contribution to the development of Western civilization through his discovery of the Americas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Defines "appropriate manager" as a person whose management authority extends to informing Federal agencies and a business entity's personnel about serious dangers associated with a particular product or business practice. Makes it a Federal crime for an appropriate manager to knowingly fail to inform the appropriate Federal agency in writing, and to warn affected employees in writing, within 30 days after discovering in the course of business that a serious danger is associated with a product or business practice.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1979
Educational Testing Act of 1979 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) ensure that test subjects and persons using test results are aware of the uses and limitations of standardized tests in postsecondary education admissions; (2) make test-related information available to the public; (3) protect the public interest by promoting more knowledge about the use of standardized test results and by promoting greater accuracy in the administration and interpretation of such tests; and (4) encourage the use of multiple criteria in the grant or denial of any significant educational benefit. Requires each testing agency to provide to a test subject information concerning: (1) the purposes of the test; (2) the subject matters and the areas of skill or knowledge being tested; (3) interpretation and use of the results; (4) the form in which the scores will be reported; (5) any promises made by a testing agency with regard to accuracy, forwarding, and privacy of information of such scores; (6) the property interest of a test subject in such scores, and their storage, disposal, or future use; (7) the time period for mailing such scores to a test subject and designated recipients; (8) special services to accommodate handicapped test subjects; and (9) notice of the information rights and review procedure available to a test subject. Requires a testing agency to notify a test subject and designated recipients if the scores will be delayed ten days or more. Requires a testing agency to provide to the Commissioner of Education information concerning any study or statistical report pertaining to a test which it prepares or for which it provides data. Stipulates that such information shall be considered records for public information purposes. Directs the Commissioner to report to the Congress with regard to such information within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires a testing agency (with regard to any tests administered to 5,000 or more subjects nationally over a testing year) to file with the Commissioner: (1) a copy of all test questions used in determining such test's raw score; (2) the corresponding correct answers; and (3) all rules for transferring raw scores into the scores as reported to a test subject and designated recipients. Stipulates that such information shall be considered records for public information purposes. Requires a testing agency, upon request, to send to a test subject: (1) a copy of the test questions used to determine the raw score; (2) such test subject's answer sheet, along with the corresponding correct answers; and (3) a statement of the raw score if such request is made within 90 days of the release of the test score to the subject. Authorizes a fee to be charged to cover the costs of providing a test subject with such information. Prohibits test scores from being disclosed by a testing agency to any person, institution, or governmental agency unless specifically designated as a recipient by a test subject. Authorizes previous scores to be released to any currently designated recipient. Requires a testing agency to report specified cost-related information to the Commissioner to ensure that such tests are being offered at a reasonable cost. Requires additional cost-related information to be submitted if a separate fee is charged for admissions data assembly or score reporting services (as defined by this Act). Provides a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation of this Act by a test agency. Defines "standardized test" to mean a test affecting or distributed through interstate commerce (exclusive of one used by an individual institution for its own purposes or one used for non-admissions or credit-examination purposes): (1) used for postsecondary admissions; or (2) used for preliminary preparation for such postsecondary admissions tests.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Limousine Limitation Act of 1979 - Prohibits the purchase, hiring, or operation by the Government of a motor vehicle of a type not generally available on the date of the enactment of this Act in motorpools of the Federal Government. Prohibits the employment of chauffeurs and the use of Government motor vehicles for transporting any Government official between his dwellings and his place of employment. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) medical officers on outpatient medical service; (2) an employee engaged in fieldwork; (3) the President and Vice President; (4) the head of each executive department; (5) the Chief Justice of the United States; (6) specified officers of Congress; and (7) the U.S. Representative of the United Nations. Prohibits the issuance of a Government motor vehicle for the exclusive use of any official or employee not mentioned in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for amounts paid or incurred for television subtitle equipment for use by hearing-impaired individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Postmaster General and the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should give favorable consideration to the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Americans of Italian descent and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Philip Mazzei on December 25, 1980, or as soon as possible thereafter. States that the Postmaster General and the Committee should honor other foreign-born contributors to the revolutionary cause, from countries which have not yet been commemorated, prior to the conclusion of the American Bicentennial celebration in 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to establish within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) a program to advance the state of automotive research and technology. Requires such program to achieve one or more of the following goals: (1) preservation and enhancement of personal mobility at reasonable cost; (2) reduction of the Nation's dependence on foreign oil; (3) increased motor vehicle safety; (4) reduction of motor vehicle environmental effects; (5) improvement of motor vehicle reliability; (6) conservation of scarce resources; and (7) enhancement of the international competitive position of the Nation's automotive products. Charges NASA with the overall responsibility for planning and managing activities designed to achieve the goals set forth by this Act. Denies the Administrator of NASA any power to promulgate any regulations concerning the commercial development or use of the automotive products resulting from the research and development programs provided for by this Act. Requires the President to transmit annual reports to Congress setting forth a description of the activities of all Federal agencies in the field of automotive research and technology development and an evaluation of the progress of such agencies in reaching the goals established by this Act. Establishes a Motor Vehicle and Fuels Coordination Committee to advise the Administrator of NASA and the Secretary of Energy on matters relating the conduct of the program of automotive research and technology development and of programs within the Department of Energy to develop alternative fuels for use by motor vehicles. Transfers to the Administrator of NASA: (1) all automotive research and technology development programs currently being conducted by other Federal agencies; (2) all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretaries of Energy and Transportation, and any other officer or employee of the United States which relate to automotive research and technology; and (3) so much of the costs and funding as are allocable to the programs which are transferred to the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to assure that small business concerns will have realistic and adequate opportunities to participate in the automotive research and development programs established by this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress with respect to all activities relating to the research programs established pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Smaller Enterprise Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and small organizations. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule. Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any rule affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting and recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standards for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this Act in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who have attained age 62 an income tax credit for the amount by which their property taxes and utility bills for their principal residences have increased since such individuals reached age 62 or purchased their home, whichever occurred later.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to establish a ninth Regional Fishery Management Council, the California Pacific Council, which shall consist of the State of California and have authority over the fisheries in the Pacific Ocean seaward of such State.
![Official portrait of Rep. Panetta, Leon [D-CA-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000047_200.jpg)