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
Expresses the sense of Congress that (1) approval of the sale of commercial aircraft to Libya be reconsidered and (2) action on export licenses for such sale be postponed until Libya stops aiding Idi Amin in Uganda.
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
Entitles former spouses of members of the uniformed services who were married to such member for at least ten years to an annuity based upon a portion of such member's retired or retainer pay. Amends the Survivor Benefit Plan to make former spouses eligible to receive annuities under such Plan.
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
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to help developing countries alleviate their energy problems by improving their ability to use indigenous energy resources. Authorizes program assistance for: (1) research and development; (2) pilot projects to test new methods of energy production; and (3) the collection of information concerning indigenous resources and economic needs. Allocates portions of authorized funds for geological and geophysical surveys to locate potential oil, natural gas, and coal reserves, especially in developing countries which are not members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
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
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 · 7 March 1979
Self-Reliant Development and International Food Assistance Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to condition the use of agricultural commodities under this Act on: (1) the need within the recipient country for the particular commodities; and (2) policies and programs to benefit the poor. Authorizes the export of commodities to meet developmental purposes even if it results in inadequate domestic supplies. Permits the free on board value of the commodities to be applied by the recipient country against their repayment obligation under the Food for Development Program. Directs the President to: (1) give special consideration to increasing demand for food by expanding markets for local foodstuffs, as well as U.S. commodities; and (2) assure that credit sales and commodity distributions do not interfere with local food production or marketing. Provides for the use of indigenous institutions and workers to assure that food commodities are used effectively and where most needed.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Product Liability Partial Self-Insurance Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to any business enterprise engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, lease, or sale of any product for contributions to its product liability trust account and for amounts paid to a captive insurer (wholly or partially-owned by the taxpayer) for product liability insurance. Specifies the amount a taxpayer may deduct, based upon the ability of such taxpayer to obtain insurance through conventional channels. Disallows any deductions for product liability losses which do not exceed the sum of the total trust funds in the taxpayer's account at the beginning of the taxable year plus the amount of deductible payments made by the taxpayer to the account during such year. Imposes penalties for the improper use of product liability reserve funds. Treats amounts accumulated in the taxpayer's product liability trust account as amounts accumulated for reasonably anticipated business needs, for purposes of avoiding the accumulated earnings tax.
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 · 6 March 1979
Declares that the Senate should approve and the President should ratify the International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
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
Financial Sponsorship of Immigrants Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require any immigrant wishing to be admitted into the United States to have a five-year financial sponsorship statement at the time of application for admission. Authorizes the Attorney General to make exemptions to such requirement. Provides that the Attorney General or the sponsored immigrant may bring a civil suit against a sponsor who fails to make payments pursuant to a statement of sponsorship. Provides that a Federal, State, or political subdivision may bring a civil suit against a nonpaying sponsor for reimbursement of welfare payments.
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 title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require that aged, blind, or disabled aliens must have resided in the United States for five years preceding their application for benefits under such title. Exempts those aliens: (1) who are political refugees; (2) whom a support agreement, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, excuses; or (3) who have specified disabilities. Stipulates that such five-year requirement shall apply only to aliens applying for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Export Administration Act of 1979 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to repeal provisions concerning the control and monitoring of exports and the information to be provided exporters. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue validated, distribution, or general export licenses depending on the circumstances. Requires the Secretary to maintain a commodity control list of goods or technology subject to export control. Authorizes the President, through the Secretary, to restrict exports of goods or technology which would be detrimental to U.S. military security, by means of export licenses. Requires the Secretary to publicize the imposition of such control. Stipulates that U.S. policy concerning export controls and individual countries shall not be based exclusively on the country's Communist or non-Communist status, but shall take into account various factors. Directs the Secretary to maintain, as part of the commodity control list, a list of goods or technology subject to export control. Limits the Secretary's authority to issue validated and distribution licenses for goods and technology. Requires the Secretary to establish a system of automatic annual increases in the performance levels of goods and technology required to have validated and distribution licenses in order to remove restrictions on those goods and technologies which are no longer detrimental to U.S. military security. Requires the Secretary to appoint technical advisory committees to advise the Secretary concerning export controls under this Act at the request of a substantial segment of any industry. Directs the President to begin negotiations for treaties controlling exports of goods and technology detrimental to the security interests of the treaty parties. Authorizes the President, through the Secretary, to restrict export of goods or technology necessary: (1) to further significantly U.S. foreign policy or international responsibilities; or (2) to encourage other countries to prevent the use of their territories or resources to aid international terrorism, by means of export licenses. Sets forth the criteria for such controls. Requires consultation with the industry concerned and with Congress (giving Congress an opportunity to veto such control) before imposing such controls. Requires the President to first attempt to secure the objectives of this Act through diplomatic means. Excludes goods and technology which would help meet basic human needs from such controls. Sets forth the procedure for processing validated and distribution export license applications. Prohibits the disclosure of confidential information other than to Congress. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress concerning the administration of this Act. Authorizes the President and the Secretary to issue any necessary rules and regulations. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Terminates authority under this Act on September 30, 1983. Makes certain technical amendments to conform to the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
United States Taiwan Relations Act - Express U.S. policy with regard to Taiwan. Title I: Promotion of Security in the Western Pacific - Declares that the United States will make available defense articles and services to Taiwan for its defense against armed attack. Requires the President to inform Congress of any threat to Taiwan's security. Title II: Maintenance of Commercial and Other Relations - Stipulates that the absence of diplomatic relations with or recognition of Taiwan shall not affect U.S. laws relating to Taiwan. Provides for dealings between the United States and Taiwan through a presidentially-designated nongovernmental entity. Stipulates that the designated entity shall be treated as a Federal agency, to the extent specified by the President. Authorizes the President to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to Taiwan's instrumentality upon Taiwan's extension of the same to the U.S. entity. Provides for the separation from government service for a specified period of Federal employees accepting employment with the designated entity. Sets forth provisions concerning the reemployment, benefits, salaries, and services performed by such employees.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Department of Education Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be: (1) to strengthen the Federal commitment ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every American; (2) to support more effectively States, localities and public and private institutions in carrying out their responsibilities for education; (3) to promote improvements in the quality and usefulness of education through federally supported research, evaluation, and the sharing of information; (4) to improve the management and efficiency of Federal education activities; (5) to increase the accountability of Federal education programs to the President, the Congress, and the public; (6) to encourage the involvement of the public, parents, and students in Federal education programs; (7) to improve the coordination of Federal education programs; and (8) to prohibit Federal control of education. Title II: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education. Establishes within such Department: (1) a position of Under Secretary of Education; (2) six Assistant Secretary positions; (3) an Office for Civil Rights headed by an Assistant Secretary; (4) an Office of Postsecondary Education headed by an Assistant Secretary; (5) an Office of Elementary and Secondary Education headed by an Assistant Secretary; (6) an Office of Educational Research and Improvement headed by an Assistant Secretary; (7) an office to administer functions relating to the education of overseas dependents of Department of Defense personnel; (8) a General Counsel; (9) an Office of Inspector General; (10) an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education to provide an educational forum and to promote better intergovernmental relations; and (11) an Interdepartmental Education Coordinating Committee to assure effective coordination of Federal educational programs and practices. Title III: Transfers - Transfers from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) educational functions and offices vested in: (1) the Assistant Secretary for Education; (2) the Education Division; (3) the Office for Civil Rights; (4) any statutory advisory committee or authority giving advice primarily concerning functions transferred under this Act; (5) the Institute of Museum Services; (6) the Advisory Council on Education Statistics; (7) the Federal Education Data Acquisition Council; and (8) certain functions of the Office of Inspector General. Transfers from HEW educational functions vested in the Secretary under: (1) the General Education Provisions Act; (2) the Emergency School Aid Act; (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965; (4) the Education Amendments of 1978; (5) the Act of August 30, 1898; (6) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (7) the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act; (8) the Environmental Education Act; (9) the National Defense Education Act of 1958; (10) the Education of the Handicapped Act; (11) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act; (12) the Vocational Education Act of 1963; (13) certain provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; (14) certain parts of the Public Health Service Act regarding student aid; (15) the Model Secondary School for the Deaf Act; (16) certain telecommunications grants under the Communications Act of 1934; and (17) certain provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Transfers from HEW educational functions relating to Gallaudet College, Howard University, the American Printing House for the Blind, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Transfers to the Department of Education from the Departments of: (1) Labor, certain functions regarding migrant and seasonal farmworker employment and training programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) Defense, the administration and operation of overseas dependents schools under the Defense Dependents' Education Act of 1978; (3) Justice, the student loan and grant programs known as the law enforcement education program and the law enforcement intern program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968; and (4) Housing and Urban Development, the administration of college housing loans under the Housing Act of 1950. Transfers to the Department of Education specified science education programs of the National Science Foundation. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to appoint and fix the salaries for the Department's employees in accordance with the Civil Service laws. Allows certain higher level appointments to be made by the Secretary without Civil Service Commission approval if the individual so appointed is transferred to the Department in connection with a transfer of functions under this Act. Grants rulemaking authority to the Secretary. Requires such rules to be in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) employ experts and consultants; (2) enter into contracts with public agencies and private persons and organizations; (3) provide technical advice to participants or potential participants in Departmental programs; (4) establish, maintain, alter, or discontinue field offices; (5) acquire and maintain schools, laboratories, and related facilities; (6) provide and maintain various facilities for employees and their dependents at remote locations; (7) utilize, with their consent, Federal, State, or foreign facilities; (8) acquire necessary copyrights and patents; (9) accept and utilize gifts and requests of real and personal property; (10) establish a working capital fund for administrative expenses; and (11) transfer funds within the Department. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning the Department's activities. Stipulates that such report include a statement of goals and priorities and an assessment of progress. Authorizes the appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and additional functions that may be vested in the Department, to remain available until expended. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointment - Directs that this Act shall take effect 180 days after the Secretary of Education takes office. Allows the President to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by candidates for election to the House of Representatives seeking payments from such Account. Limits expenditures from personal funds which may be made by candidates meeting such eligibility requirements. Entitles eligible candidates to specified matching payments. Limits the aggregate payments which may be made to all candidates in an election. Suspends certain expenditure limitations on eligible candidates if any candidate not eligible to receive payments pursuant to this Act makes expenditures or receives contributions in excess of specified amounts. Sets forth the procedure for requesting matching payments. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the Secretary of the Treasury in maintaining the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Directs the Federal Elections Commission to conduct examinations and audits of the campaign accounts of eligible candidates. Provides for the participation of the Commission in judicial proceedings arising under this Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to limit the tax credit for a taxable year for political contributions to candidates for Congress to $10 for each candidate ($20 in the case of a joint return).
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a special, nonrefundable income tax credit for political contributions to candidates for Congress in the district in which the taxpayer lives. Limits the amount of such credit to $10 ($20 for joint returns) for each candidate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and startup and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans upon, among other factors, certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) should enter into negotiations to secure the withdrawal of Soviet personnel and the release of political prisoners from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; (2) should instruct the U.S. delegation to present the illegal Soviet actions in such countries at the preparatory meeting of the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; and (3) should gain the cooperation of other nations in achieving such objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Repeals the requirement, under the Social Security Amendments of 1977, that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives as monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Federal Bicycle and Physical Fitness Facilities Act - Requires the head of each Federal department and agency to provide safe bicycle parking facilities at all buildings under the jurisdiction of such department or agency within one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Refers to the Chief Commissioner of the Court of Claims, a bill which directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay an unspecified sum to a named individual in satisfaction of specified claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to prepare and publish in the Federal Register an economic impact analysis of all proposed and final rules subject to the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act of 1979 - Requires organizations which expend more than $2,500 per quarter year or which employ at least one individual who spends all or part of each of 13 days or more per quarter year for lobbying purposes to register with the Comptroller General and to update annually such registration. Requires the identification of any such person retained for such lobbying purposes. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditures over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) the identification of retainees of an organization or certain employees making lobbying communications and the disclosure of certain expenditures; (3) a description of the issues for which such an organization has lobbied; (4) the identification of the means of communicating an advertisement intended to solicit over 500 people; (5) known business contacts with the person whom such organization is attempting to influence; and (6) the disclosure of any lobbying communication made on the floor of either House of Congress. Requires that the final quarterly report identify by amount each organization which contributed $3,000 or more to the reporting organization. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Makes it the duty of the Attorney General to investigate alleged violations of any provision of this Act or regulations promulgated thereunder. Requires the Attorney General to attempt to correct any violation by informal methods of conference or conciliation. Authorizes the Attorney General to institute civil or criminal actions in appropriate circumstances. Grants to the United States district courts jurisdiction for actions brought under this Act. Directs the Comptroller General to transmit reports to the President and each House of the Congress no later than March 31 of each year concerning activities under this Act. Provides a Congressional veto of rules and regulations promulgated by the Comptroller General pursuant to this Act. Makes any person or organization who knowingly fails to comply with the registration, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements of this Act, or regulations promulgated thereto, subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each such violation. Provides criminal penalties of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, for knowing and willful violations of this Act, and for knowingly and willfully making misstatements or omitting material facts. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act and specified provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives with respect to the Secretary of Transportation's recommendations designating the basic route system for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to examine the use of the AM radio broadcasting band and to assign such spectrum and distribute licenses so as to ensure that each community, regardless of size, is provided with the maximum local full-time radio broadcasting service.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Zero-Based Paperwork Act of 1979 - Requires a biennial justification for the continued use of any form used to solicit information from private sources and State and local government agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Small Business Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct each Federal department, agency, and instrumentality engaged in rulemaking to prepare a written analysis of whether it is legal, feasible, and desirable to exempt small businesses (or classes thereof) from a rule or whether the agency should promulgate a rule with lesser compliance standards for small businesses. Sets forth information which must be present in such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize payments to States for the cost of emergency shelter or services provided to an individual in danger of physical or mental injury, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
States that if the Secretary of Commerce revises the criteria for determining standard metropolitan statistical areas, Federal agencies shall collect data on, and provide benefits to, such revised areas to the same extent as such services were performed for standard areas prior to such revision.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend to permanently and totally disabled individuals the one time $100,000 exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Requires the Department of Commerce to submit to Congress, within 90 days after the enactment of this Act, a report on the effects on the United States economy of the implementation of the Department's proposed rule to revise the definition of a standard metropolitan statistical area. Prohibits the Department from implementing such rule until such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require Federal agencies which are about to dispose of surplus real property to first offer such property for sale to the person or entity which either: (1) transferred the property to the Federal Government; or (2) leased the property for any period within an interval preceding the date of the proposed disposal established by regulation of the Administrator of General Services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Directs the President to inform Congress of any dangers to Taiwan. Declares the policy of the United States to safeguard its interest and meet any dangers to Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Expresses congressional concern that Mexico be given full consideration as a major source for imported oil and natural gas in the formulation of our national and international energy policies. Encourages the President to agree to cooperate with Mexico on common concerns, including the mutually beneficial development of Mexico's oil and natural gas reserves.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Surplus School Conservation Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local agencies to convert closed school buildings for educational and social purposes. Stipulates that no more than ten percent of such grants shall go to local agencies in any particular State.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to provide that a declaration of a state of emergency is effective as of the date on which the emergency or major disaster commenced.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to direct that any adjustments in the rate of pay for Members of Congress shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress in which they are approved.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require House of Representatives committee reports on proposed legislation of a public character to contain statements estimating the reporting and recordkeeping requirements imposed on individuals, private industry, and State and local governments as a result of the enactment of such legislation. Prohibits the House of Representative from considering any legislation reported in the House unless it contains such a statement. Declares that the requirements of this Act shall be considered as part of the rules of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Solar Energy Bank Act - Establishes a Government corporation in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Sets forth requirements for loan eligibility concerning the term and amount of the loan and necessary warranties for the solar energy systems covered by such loan. Prohibits conflicts of interest on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Establishes a seven-member Advisory Board to make annual reports to Congress and the President on the operation of the program established by this Act. Prohibits subsidy payments under this Act to any person who has received other Federal assistance for purchase and/or installation of energy systems similar to the solar systems assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to exclude cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pease, Donald J. [D-OH-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000170_200.jpg)