United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the physically handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add a new Rule XLIX to require that remarks made by Members on the floor must be related to governmental matters to be printed in the Congressional Record. Exempts remarks on the death of a present or former Federal official from such standard.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of social security taxation. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or if he does, such place of business is not provided, or provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for service performed by an individual who qualifies as an independent contractor under the standards established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
National Educational Opportunities Act of 1979 - States the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) establish a national policy on equal educational opportunities based on the implementation of quality education with equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of race, color, or national origin; (2) provide an experimental mechanism for States and their local educational systems to implement such national policy; (3) support experimental efforts to reduce achievement disparities between racial and socio-economic groups in the schools; and (4) facilitate, where possible, a reduction in the concentration of children from low-income and minority groups in certain schools primarily by means other than busing. Requires a State wishing to receive funds under this Act to submit a desegregation plan and an implementation plan. Sets forth the guidelines and requirements for such implementation plan, including: (1) the creation of a State advisory council and local advisory committees; (2) an intradistrict and interdistrict transfer plan; (3) an intradistrict and interdistrict cooperation plan; and (4) a compensatory education program. Requires such implementation to be submitted to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare by January 31, 1980. Requires the Secretary to provide notice to applicants 30 days before a final selection is made. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980-1984.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for home health care services under part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such title. Eliminates confinement to home as a requirement for receiving home health care services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides that Vietnam veterans eligible for specified veterans' educational benefits may use up to 12 months of such benefits for employment assistance payments to non-Federal Government employers hiring such veterans. Establishes eligibility requirements and guidelines for participating veterans and employers. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - Authorizes the Veterans' Administration to provide outpatient mental health services to Vietnam veterans with emotional or psychological civilian readjustment problems. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a program of treatment for Vietnam-era veterans or members of their immediate families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Provides that any individual eligible for treatment in either the readjustment or alcohol drug program may elect to have such treatment at any community health center providing such services under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Directs the Administrator to reimburse such centers for such treatment. Authorizes an employee of the General Accounting Office assigned to duty in a Veterans' Administration health facility to act as ombudsman for the patients of such facility. Title III: GI Bill Education Assistance - Extends the ten year delimiting period for veterans' educational assistance eligibility to January 1, 1985, for veterans discharged before December 31, 1969. Removes the requirement of State matching funds for veterans' accelerated payment of educational assistance allowances. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States for administrative expenses for the start- up costs veterans' home loan programs. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to make a comprehensive study of United States laws providing benefits to veterans and their dependents, with particular attention to the needs of Vietnam veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to add a new "Title II: Port Safety Planning and Improvement", to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to make grants to municipalities and public agencies for the development and implementation of port safety plans to protect deep-draft ports from fires, explosions, or other damage. Prescribes the minimum requirements for each such plan. Limits the total funds obligated for such grants and the amount of obligated funds available in any one fiscal year. Provides that no grant may exceed two-thirds of the cost of development of each such plan and 50 percent of the cost of implementing each such plan. Stipulates that no more than ten percent or less than one percent of such funds be allocated for a single port, with certain exceptions. States that no municipality is eligible to receive more than three grants. Declares that no grants may be made for development of a plan after September 30, 1982, and no grant may be made for implementation of a plan after September 30, 1985. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress or whether the cost of providing port safety services could be paid for through the collection of user fees. Requires each municipality or public agency to keep records on the amount and disposition of such grants. Permits the Secretary and Comptroller General of the United States to have access to such records for the purposes of audit and examination. Authorizes appropriations through 1985 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the administration of such program within six months after the end of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to take whatever steps are necessary, including research and development, to promulgate standards for an airborne collision avoidance system for all United States aircraft, both civil and military, to improve aviation safety. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such regulations within one year. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to such system which the Secretary shall include in such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to restate the purpose of such Act to be to assist interested countries in meeting basic living needs, strengthening development programs, furthering a spirit of voluntary action, and promoting a better understanding by and of the American people. Creates the Peace Corps as a government corporation, with authority for operations vested in a presidentially appointed Board of Directors. Establishes in the Peace Corps an Advisory Council to evaluate Corps policies and programs. Directs the Peace Corps to encourage host governments to establish advisory councils to advise Peace Corps Country Directors and host country government officials on Corps operating procedures. Requires the Board (formerly the President) to appoint the Director of the Peace Corps. Directs the Corps to coordinate programs with other volunteer and development organizations. Repeals specified provisions of the Peace Corps Act which empower the President and Secretary of State to carry out such Act. Increases from $125 to $150 the readjustment allowance for Peace Corps volunteers. Prohibits the assignment of volunteers to the clerical staffs of Peace Corps representatives abroad. Prohibits volunteers from serving more than five years in any ten-year period without personal approval from the Director. Requires the Corps to encourage volunteers to continue their contributions to good will and development by assisting in the readjustment of, and utilization of skills developed by, former volunteers. Includes spouses living with volunteers as eligible to receive living and other allowances, health care, language training, and other benefits. Eliminates the position of "volunteer leaders" from the Peace Corps and makes conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Domestic Volunteers Service Act of 1973 to eliminate one of the two Associate Directors of ACTION.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Objects to the waiver of the Congressional oversight provisions of the Arms Export Control Act by the President. Requests that the military assistance to Yemen be delayed to give Congress time to fulfill its oversight functions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate a Coordinator of programs to be responsible for: (1) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (2) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (3) making recommendations to Congress with respect to modification of Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to assist the victims and their dependents. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of such programs no later than three years after enactment. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subjected to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of assistance to victims and their dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Establishes the Channel Islands Marine National Park in the State of California, and includes in such park San Miguel and Prince Islands, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands and surrounding waters. Terminates authority for the Channel Islands National Monument. Sets forth provisions for the acquisition of land for such park. Directs the Secretary of Interior to direct and develop, in cooperation with the State of California, a marine resources study report, including an inventory of all species in the park and recommendations for the protection of marine resources. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of California for the management of those lands and waters within and adjacent to the national park which are owned by the State of California.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Establishes a Federal-State program to permit teachers to perform out-of-State educational service without loss of retirement benefits for such service. Entitles a qualified State retirement system which credits a teacher for out-of-State service, to Federal aid of 50 percent of the total cost to the system of such out-of-State credit. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet in order to qualify for Federal aid under this program. Limits the amount of the Federal aid to a State retirement system to provide not more than ten years of out-of-State service credit. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make a grant to each qualified State retirement system of an amount equal to two percent of such system's Federal aid received under this Act for the costs of administration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that a consumer or retailer who files an appropriate action in State or Federal court shall be entitled to collect from a retailer or distributor who wrongly withholds prompt payment of the refund value of a beverage container under the provisions of this Act: (1) the amount of the refund value; (2) the amount of any damages resulting in failure to make payment; (3) court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; and (4) $10.00 for each beverage container for which the retailer or distributor failed to make payment. Imposes civil fines on such retailer or distributor who fails to make payment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor and report to Congress on: (1) the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers; (2) any additional net costs incurred by retailers as a result of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress annually on: (1) the impact of this Act on conservation, recycling of waste products, and the economy; and (2) the potential role of refundable beverage container redemption centers. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance and information to States, distributors, retailers, consumers, and to manufacturers of beverage containers as necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Elephant Protection Act of 1979 - Directs the President to propose to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species that all trade in elephant products be suspended until large and healthy elephant populations have been reestablished and are biologically stable. Prohibits the importation into or exportation from the United States of elephant products. Prohibits the possession, transportation, or sale of such products. Provides for administration of this Act by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for scientific purposes or to enhance elephant propagation. Prescribes the conditions for granting of such permits. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Preempts any incompatible State laws.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1979 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; to (2) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate but prohibits limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President to increase or decrease meat imports in certain circumstances. Allows the President to suspend any proclamation concerning meat import limitations if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their representative shares of the United States market for meat articles during the respective period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by June 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over; (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Alcohol Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal or biomass for primary use as a substitute for fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct that any regulations which require a gasoline station to offer unleaded gasoline be amended to require the sale of a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol. Provides that such requirement shall apply only if it is determined that supplies of such a blend are reasonably available to filling stations. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take cooperative action to facilitate expanded production and distribution of alcohol for use as a motor vehicle fuel and fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, upon receiving information that a foreign country or instrumentality is engaged in an unfair trade practice with respect to certain goods, to inquire into such practice to determine whether an investigation is warranted. Directs the Special Representative to investigate such practice if the inquiry shows the need for an investigation. Requires the Special Representative to make public any determinations within 150 days after publishing notice of the investigation. Requires the Special Representative to provide for appropriate public hearings. Directs the Special Representative to provide for the presentation of views or for a public hearing after the President takes expedited action in the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Makes it unlawful for any person, knowingly or intentionally, to possess, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or unlawfully import, on board a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a controlled substance as defined in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Makes it unlawful for a citizen of the United States to engage in such activities on any vessel. Prohibits any person on any vessel, within or without the United States, to attempt or conspire to import or transport a controlled substance into the United States or to attempt or conspire to facilitate the import or transport of such a substance (except as provided by certain Federal law). Makes it unlawful to transfer a controlled substance from any vessel to a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, either within the territorial seas of the United States or on the high seas. Stipulates that any person who violates this Act shall be sentenced in the same manner as a person would be sentenced for possession of a controlled substance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) to exempt only the renting of space within a single family dwelling unit by the occupant of such unit to any other person from the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Prohibits insurers against hazards from discriminating in housing insurance contracts. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Prohibits discrimination in housing finance because of the national origins of people residing in the vicinity of the dwelling involved. Prohibits discrimination in the buying of debts secured by real property. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the administrative authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Revises the procedures for enforcing the fair housing antidiscrimination provisions of the Act. Permits the Secretary to enforce the provisions upon receiving a charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or upon the Secretary's initiative. Permits the Secretary to refer charges to certified State or local agencies to take action. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of their efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to order preliminary relief in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures to be followed when the Secretary has an administrative hearing on a complaint. 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 fees. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals to determine the validity of the Secretary's final orders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to examine the use of the AM radio broadcasting band and to assign such spectrum and distribute licenses so as to ensure that each community, regardless of size, is provided with the maximum local full-time radio broadcasting service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Military Health Care System Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, in each geographic region, to appoint a civilian as the military health care administrator for such region to: (1) coordinate the budgeting, planning, programming, and evaluation of all activities of the military health care system within the region; (2) coordinate the allocation of all resources of such system in the region; and (3) designate a catchment area for each major medical facility in the region. Requires such administrators to consult with each other and with health systems agencies to coordinate common health planning and resource allocation in the area. Stipulates that each member of the armed forces who is on active duty and each member of a uniformed service on active duty (upon the member's request) shall be enrolled in the military health care system. Authorizes the enrollment of members or former members of the uniformed services who are entitled to retired or retainer pay and their dependents into such system. Entitles such individuals to medical or dental care at uniformed services medical facilities on a space or staff available basis except that no such enrollee may be denied or limited in treatment at a major military health care facility by reason of the lack of capability of the medical or dental staff at the facility. Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue identification cards to enrollees identifying: (1) the nature of that person's entitlement to medical or dental benefits; and (2) the catchment area of the major military health care facility in which that person resides. Directs each such major facility to establish a program to provide all primary care services for enrollees residing in the facility's catchment area and to provide or arrange for the provision of all other necessary medical or dental care that such a person may require. Sets forth requirements which the Secretary of Defense is to follow in developing the budgets for medical and dental care for each of the military departments. Directs the Secretary to take steps to enable military health care facilities to maximize the efficient training and use of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and similar practitioners at such facilities. Authorizes the officer or surgeon in charge of a military health care facility to permit private practitioners to provide care for enrollees at such facility. Sets forth the method of paying private physicians performing such services. Entitles military medical professionals to special incentive payments. Stipulates that funds for such payments shall be taken from any budgetary excess of the major military health care facility to which the individual is assigned. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for assessing the performance of military medical professionals in controlling the cost of medical and dental care at the facility to which they are assigned. Directs the Secretary to provide for the recovery of payments for the provision of military medical or dental care from any third-party insurer of the individual receiving such care.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Requires that whoever uses or carriers a firearm during the commission of any felony which may be prosecuted in a United States court shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such offense, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of five years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of eight years imprisonment. Stipulates that the imposition of any term of imprisonment under this section: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include parole.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Small Business Employee Ownership Act - Amends the Small Business Act to make employee-owned firms eligible for financial assistance under the business loan program. States that in the case of small business concerns using an employee stock ownership plan, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, all financial assistance shall be made to the trust created for employee ownership of stock (ESOT). Predicates such assistance on: (1) a guarantee by the company seeking assistance that it will repay all obligations incurred by the ESOT; (2) the written assurance of the trustee of the ESOT that all guaranteed loans will be used solely for the purchase of company stock; (3) a distribution arrangement which vests ownership of all stock with the employees no later than the expiration date of any assistance made available to acquire such stock; and (4) a certified plan, meeting specified conditions, for the allocation of company stock among the employees. Authorizes the extension of loan guarantees to employee organizations, including those using an ESOT, to finance the acquisition of the employee's workplace if it is a small business or a subsidiary which, if independently owned, would be a small business. States that such guarantees may be extended only if the small business or subsidiary would otherwise close, liquidate, relocate or sell out to a large business or if the owner agrees to the purchase by the employees. Requires an employee organization to compile a feasibility study and plan containing specified provisions in order to be eligible for such guarantees. Limits the principal amount of any loan guaranteed under this Act to $1,000,000. Authorizes $10,000 loans to conduct feasibility studies which will be considered grants if the loan application is denied. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report periodically to the Congress on the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to extend loan guarantees directly to an owner of a business who is selling the business to employees under an installment contract provided specified conditions are met in the event of default. Makes a company with 51 percent of its stock allocated through an ESOT to one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the minority enterprise contract assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Amends the program of medical and dental care for members and certain former members of the uniformed services and for their dependents to include former spouses of members of the uniformed services. Establishes length of marriage and other requirements of eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Army to pay to each person who served as a Philippine Scout between December 6, 1941, and December 31, 1946, or the survivors of such an individual the difference between the basic pay received by such an individual and the pay received by other members of the Army of corresponding grades and length of service. Requires that the retired pay of such individuals be computed using the rate of basic pay applicable to other members of the Army of corresponding grades and length of service.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1979 - Requires any Government procurement contract to which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily to remain open for bidding for at least 30 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 20 percent participation by small business concerns within each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Social Security Refinancing Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to finance the payment of hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Establishes new employment and self-employment tax rates for the purpose of financing the old age, survivors and disability insurance program (title II of the Social Security Act).
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Defense Readiness and Mobilization Capability to investigate and report on defense readiness and mobilization capability, including an analysis of: (1) the kind and extent of threats to the national defense; and (2) the quality and quantity of manpower, material, transportation, budgetary, and programmatic resources needed at present, and able to be mobilized in the future. Sets forth the requirements for appointment to the joint select committee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Franchise Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
![Official portrait of Rep. Panetta, Leon [D-CA-16]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000047_200.jpg)