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United States · Official source
805 records where Rep. Reuss, Henry S. [D-WI-5] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Appropriates additional funds for fiscal year 1981 for the National Institutes of Health to carry out lupus erythematosus research.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Food Security Act of 1980 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President, in order to carry out such policy, to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons for specified purposes. Permits stocks of wheat for such reserve to be acquired: (1) through purchases from producers or in the market, if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such purchases will not unduly disrupt the market; and (2) by designation by the Secretary of stocks of wheat acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the President to release such designated or acquired wheat reserve stocks to provide, on a donation or sale basis, emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the U.S. domestic wheat supply is so limited that quantities cannot be made available for disposition, except for humanitarian purposes, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Provides that up to 300,000 tons of wheat may be released from the reserve in any fiscal year for use under such Act in providing urgent humanitarian relief in developing countries which suffer major disasters (as determined by the President), in circumstances of unanticipated and exceptional need when the normal means of obtaining food assistance make timely programming impossible. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on wheat so released and its timely replenishment. Allows such wheat to be processed in the U.S. and shipped to the recipient country as wheat flour, when necessary. Requires that such wheat be made available under such Act, with specified provisions as to determinations of availability inapplicable thereto. Directs the Secretary to provide for reserve management as to location and class of wheat needed to meet emergencies, rotation to avoid spoilage and deterioration, and prompt equivalent replacement of removed quantities. Specifies that stocks of wheat shall not: (1) be considered a part of the total domestic supply (including carryover) for certain purposes; or (2) be subject to any quantitative export limitations under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the Secretary to utilize the funds and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act, except that any restrictions applicable to the acquisition, storage, or disposition of Corporation owned or controlled commodities shall not apply to wheat for or in the reserve. Requires that the Corporation be reimbursed for actual costs under such program. Declares final any determination by the President or the Secretary under this Act. Provides that: (1) this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1980; (2) the authorities of this Act shall expire on September 30, 1983; and (3) any wheat in the reserve when such authorities expire shall be distributed under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act in fiscal year 1984 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to define the term "metropolitan city" to specify that it shall not include any city whose population is included in the population of an urban county. Specifies for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983 that no data derived from the 1980 Decennial Census, except those relating to population and poverty, shall be taken into account for purposes of the allocation of funds to metropolitan areas. Prohibits, for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983, any revision to the criteria for establishing a metropolitan area or defining a central city of such an area published after January 1, 1980, to be taken into account for purposes of this title, except in the case of any area or city which would newly qualify as a metropolitan area or a central city of such an area. Specifies that, with respect to grants for State, tribal, and local community development programs, beginning in fiscal year 1981, the population of any unit of general local government which is included in that of an urban county shall be included in the population of such urban county for three program years beginning with the program year in which its population was first so included. Requires any county seeking qualification as an urban county, including any urban county seeking to continue such qualification, to notify each unit of general local government, which is included therein and is eligible to elect to have its population excluded from that of an urban county, of its opportunity to make such an election. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for the purpose of making grants to States and units of local government to help finance community development programs for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Authorizes funds for fiscal years 1980 through 1983 for the purpose of assisting severely distressed cities that require supplemental grant assistance in order to alleviate excessive deterioration through neighborhood reclamation and community revitalization. Limits amounts of appropriated funds which may be used to aid metropolitan cities, urban counties, and other units of local government within metropolitan areas to meet their hold-harmless needs. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to define the term "congregate housing" as residential property in which some or all of the dwelling units do not contain kitchen or bathroom facilities. Extends the rehabilitation loan program under such Act to include congregate housing and to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 for community and neighborhood development and conservation programs. Authorizes appropriations, through fiscal year 1982, for the neighborhood self-help development programs under the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to reimburse the Veterans Administration for properties transferred to urban homesteading programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such programs through fiscal year 1982. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into contracts for annual contributions under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for low-income housing projects in fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects under the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary to utilize amounts credited to the rental housing assistance fund for the sole purpose of carrying out assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects through September 30, 1982. Increases the allowable maximum amount for mortgage assistance payments under the National Housing Act. Authorizes appropriations for such mortgage assistance payments through October 1, 1981. Allows the Secretary, under the mortgage insurance program, to insure a mortgage involving a principal obligation which exceeds, by not more than 10 percent, the maximum limits, if such mortgage relates to a dwelling to be occupied by a physically handicapped person. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to require a public housing agency or nonprofit corporation applying for assistance to provide congregate services: (1) to elderly residents to consult with the Area Agency on Aging; and (2) to nonelderly handicapped residents to consult with the appropriate agency. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Extends for two years through September 30, 1982, the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure mortgages or loans under certain HUD mortgage or loan insurance programs under the National Housing Act and to set interest rates for insured mortgage loans. Extends until October 1, 1982, the authority of the Government National Mortgage Association to enter into new commitments to purchase mortgages under the interim mortgage purchase authority of the National Housing Act, as amended by the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations for research and demonstration housing projects through fiscal year 1981. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize appropriations to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Allows the President to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association to make payments to financial institutions for the purpose of subsidizing below market rate loans which are secured under the National Housing Act covering properties consisting of five or more dwelling units. Authorizes appropriations to make such payments through fiscal year 1982. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the mortgage purchase authority of the Government National Mortgage Association. Increases, by up to 20 percent, the amounts which may be insured under the National Housing Act for multifamily and institutional projects if such increase is necessary to account for the increased cost of the project due to the installation of a solar energy system. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary, in collecting or compromising claims or obligations under the mortgage insurance program, to contract with private business concerns or agencies for payment for services rendered by such concerns or agencies in assisting the Secretary in making such collection or compromise. Requires a mortgage, in order to be eligible for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act, to have a period of not less than 10 years to run beyond the maturity date of the mortgage. Makes mortgaged property located where concentrated housing, physical development, and public service activities are being or will be carried out in a coordinated manner, pursuant to a locally developed strategy for neighborhood improvement, conservation, or preservation, eligible for rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing insurance under the National Housing Act. Authorizes the Secretary, as an alternative to the acquisition of an insured mortgage to avoid foreclosure, to make all or part of the monthly payments due on an insured mortgage of a one to four family residence necessary to avoid default caused by circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control. Stipulates that such payments may be provided for a period of up to 18 months which may be extended for an additional 18 months at the discretion of the Secretary. Prohibits any such payments in the case of any mortgage with respect to which the Secretary has received a notice of default on or after August 2, 1984. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in consultation with the Small Business Administration, to provide for the participation by lower income persons and socially and economically disadvantaged firms in federally assisted projects. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, by March 15, of every other year beginning with calendar year 1981, to report to Congress concerning housing production goals for the current year and set forth general objectives for such activity during the next year. Declares that the land transferred by the city of Springfield, Illinois, to the United States Department of the Interior for the Lincoln Home National Historic Site shall be deemed to have been made in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act of 1961 and any other law and with any regulations or other requirements in implementation thereof. Title IV: Planning Assistance - Declares that the following are national policy objectives with respect to housing under the Housing Act of 1954: (1) the conservation and improvement of existing communities; (2) an increase in housing and employment opportunities and choices; and (3) the promotion of orderly and efficient growth and development of communities, regions, and States, taking into consideration the necessity of conserving energy. Declares that it is the purpose of this title to help achieve these objectives by: (1) encouraging the joint efforts of State and local governments and areawide planning organizations in developing State and areawide strategies; and (2) assuring that strategies developed pursuant to this section will lead to implementation activities by States, areawide planning organizations, and local governments. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to contract to make, and to make, grants approved in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section to: (1) States, for statewide activities; (2) States, for the provision of assistance to metropolitan areawide planning organizations, nonmetropolitan areawide planning organizations, units of general local government, counties other than urban counties, and any group of adjacent units of general local government having a total population of less than 50,000; (3) metropolitan areawide planning organizations; and (4) the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Specifies that such grants shall not exceed two-thirds of the estimated cost of the work for which the grant is made. Sets forth the information to be included in the applications for such grants and requires such applications to meet such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe by regulations. Requires such applications to set forth a strategy statement which identifies policies and programs over at least a three-year period which address the major issues and problems of the applicant's jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary to establish, by regulation, criteria for the evaluation and approval of strategy statements and applications for grants and for the awarding of such grants. Requires each State and other entity receiving assistance directly from the Secretary for actions or activities being carried out to submit to the Secretary, each year, a performance report concerning such actions and activities. Requires the Secretary, on an annual basis, to make such reviews and audits as may be necessary or appropriate to determine whether a recipient of funds has carried out actions and activities substantially as described in its application. Allows the Secretary to adjust, reduce, or withdraw grant funds, or take other action as appropriate in accordance with such reviews and audits. Specifies that a strategy statement approved by the Secretary shall remain in effect for a maximum of three years following the date of its approval.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to procure a bust or statute of Frederick Douglas, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Credit Union Savers Relief Act of 1980 - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to establish a maximum interest rate on loans to members of 12 percent per year inclusive of all finance charges. Authorizes the board of directors of each credit union to increase this rate to 15 percent in accordance with regulations promulgated by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Empowers the Board to increase the 15 percent maximum rate for a single, 18-month period if money market interest rates have risen over the preceding six months, and disintermediation threatening credit unions has occurred. Requires the Board to consult with the appropriate committees of the Congress, the Department of the Treasury, and the other Federal agencies regulating financial institutions before exercising such authority. States that required balances need not be considered when determining the interest rate on loans made by agent members of the National Credit Union Administration Central Liquidity Facility.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1980
Extends congratulations to the members of the United States Olympic team for their athletic performances in the XIII winter Olympic games and to Eric Heiden for his achievements in the speed skating events at the games.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation extending best wishes and expressing appreciation to Carl Vinson for his devotion to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should press for the immediate release of Andrei Sakharov from internal exile. Declares that Congress will continue to raise the issue of Sakharov's treatment until he is accorded his legal rights by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1980
Authorizes the expenditure of funds, not to exceed $2,710,287, for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs. Specifies that $19,000 of such funds are for the reimbursement of computer and computer-related services requested by such committee. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. Terminates the authorization granted by this resolution on January 3, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Congress that April 22, 1980, should be observed and celebrated as "Earth Day, 1980."
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Authority Amendments of 1979 - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the specific dollar limitations on the original principal obligation of a mortgage which may be purchased by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act. Limits such purchasing authority to mortgages in an amount which would make a residence or project eligible for mortgage insurance under the applicable Federal insurance program. Permits such amounts to be raised by up to ten percent in high cost areas determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Limits the sales price of a principal residence covered by a mortgage which may be purchased under the emergency authority of the GNMA to 105 percent of such maximum mortgage amount which may be raised an additional 10 percent in high-cost areas. Eliminates the 7 1/2 percent interest rate limitation on mortgage loans eligible for purchase. Permits the Secretary to establish the maximum interest rate at a level consistent with market conditions provided it does not exceed the maximum rate on mortgages eligible for Federal insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate June 27, 1980, as "Helen Keller Day."
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 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. 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. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit Federal credit unions to offer share-draft accounts subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Terminates the authority conferred by this Act on April 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1979
Designates the third week of April of each year as "National Coin Week."
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Monetary Fund to consent to an increase in the U.S. quota in the Fund to the extent provided in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to permit the inclusion of a manufacturer's imported automobiles for model years 1980 through 1986 for purposes of determining such manufacturer's compliance with the average fuel economy standards required under this Act where the average fuel economy standard is dependent upon reasonably selected technology which is not within the ability of such manufacturer to develop.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Designates the third week of September of each year as "National Cystic Fibrosis Week."
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Sunset Review Act of 1979 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office, before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires, after a determination that all programs and tax expenditures are accurately classified, that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Directs the General Accounting Office to maintain and publish a supplement to the inventory. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on or before March 1 in the first session of each Congress beginning with the 98th Congress, to develop, adopt, and submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committees on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction or in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Requires the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for adoption. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report setting forth the committee's findings, recommendations, and justifications. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to give assistance to the appropriate Congressional committees. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any legislative committee to review programs or tax expenditures within its jurisdiction and to report legislation modifying, continuing, or terminating such programs or expenditures at such times and in such manner as it deems appropriate. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Designates the week beginning June 22, 1980, as "National Athletic Boosters Week."
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Redesignates the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington, D.C., as the FBI Building.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1979
National Energy Conservation Incentives Act - Title I: Amendments to Utility Program - Amends the residential energy conservation title of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to extend the definition of "residential building" to include: (1) any building used for residential occupancy which contains at least one dwelling unit; and (2) specified commercial buildings. Requires that each utility program under such title contain procedures authorizing utilities to reinspect buildings equipped with conservation measures to determine the extent to which such measures have been installed. Amends the requirements for approval of proposed residential energy conservation plans to require that contractors or suppliers of residential energy conservation measures seeking to be included on the list of approved contractors and suppliers provide one year warranties on materials and installation of such measures and express a willingness to defer receipt of payment for such measures sold or installed until the reinspection described above is completed. Requires that such list indicate such willingness on the part of such contractors and suppliers to allow such deferred payments. Requires that the list of lending institutions offering financial assistance for the purchase and installation of such conservation measures indicate the availability at each such institution of assistance provided under the Energy Conservation Bank Act. Amends the requirements under such title concerning accounting and payment of costs of operating a utility program under such Act. Authorizes public utilities to make loans or capital investment payments to residential building owner customers for the purchase and installation of residential energy conservation measures under specified conditions. Amends the accounting and payment of costs provisions of such title to provide for the financing of such loans and capital investment payments. Stipulates that neither the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, nor any other agency shall be barred from challenging anticompetitive acts or practices related to activities conducted under this Act, nor shall any person be deemed to have immunities or defenses to actions under the antitrust laws as a result of the provisions of this Act. Establishes effective dates for the issuance of regulations implementing the provisions of this Act by the Secretary of Energy, Governors or State regulatory agencies, and nonregulated utilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide assistance to States for the training of residential building inspectors undertaking inspections required by this Act and for the development of approved energy conservation methods and inspections. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 through 1982 to carry out this title. Title II: Financial Assistance Provided by the Energy Conservation Bank - Energy Conservation Bank Act - Establishes the Energy Conservation Bank in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance with respect to loans made to owners of existing commercial and residential buildings for the purchase and installation of energy conserving improvements in such buildings. Authorizes the Bank to provide such assistance in the form of payments to financial institutions and public utilities providing financing pursuant to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Sets forth criteria for providing such assistance and terms, conditions, and maximum amounts thereof. Establishes as part of the Bank an Advisory Committee to provide advice to the Board of Directors of the Bank on matters concerning energy conservation assistance. Directs the Bank to promote the program established by this Act and to coordinate its efforts with the Department of Energy. Directs the Board to issue an annual report to the Congress and the President discussing the operations of the Bank identifying problems encountered in the energy conservation industry, the Federal Government, and financial institutions concerning energy conservation, and making recommendations for improvement in the Bank's operations. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to permit the Bank to use personnel of such Department for the purpose of carrying out this Act. Establishes penalties for fraud and misrepresentation with respect to loans assisted under this Act. Authorizes the use of funds from the Energy Security Trust Fund to provide assistance under this title. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such funds available for each of the fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Title III: Secondary Financing - Requires that the Board direct the Bank to make commitments to purchase, to purchase and to service, sell, and otherwise deal in loans and advances of credit made under this Act and the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to residential building owners for the purchase of energy conserving improvements. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations to enable the Bank to carry out its functions. Exempts transactions authorized under this Act from State or local usury or loan insurance laws. Repeals specified provisions of the National Housing Act which authorize the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase energy conserving improvement loans. Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize such Corporation to purchase, make commitments to purchase, and to hold, deal with, sell, and otherwise dispose of mortgages or interest therein held by any public utility acting under a utility program pursuant to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the original proceeds of which are applied for in order to finance energy conserving improvements. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize such association to exercise powers similar to those granted to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation as described above. Title IV: Weatherization Program - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to limit the amount of any grant made under such Act to be used for administrative purposes. Amends such Act to increase the amount of payment which may be made to pay volunteers and trainees and public employment workers under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 available to work on weatherization projects in the event there are insufficient participants under such program. Requires the coordination of activities related to rehabilitation, weatherization, and code enforcement conducted by local governments including activities undertaken pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act and related to energy assistance programs for low- income families, including programs under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Amends such Act to repeal the provisions granting priority in the allocation of weatherization assistance funds to community action agencies serving an area eligible for emergency energy conservation assistance under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and procedures for weatherization programs under such Act in a manner designed to accomplish uniform results among all the States in any particular similar climatic area. Directs the President to appoint an energy conservation coordinator to assure that the Secretaries of Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Health, Education and Welfare, Defense, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, and other heads of agencies responsible for developing energy conservation standards reach a consensus on establishing criteria for issuing such standards. Directs the President to make annual reports to the Congress on the activities relating to coordination of Federal energy conservation programs. Makes technical amendments to the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Authorizes the President to present in the name of Congress an appropriate gold medal to the A. Philip Randolph Institute in recognition of A. Philip Randolph's lifelong advocacy of peaceful change on behalf of workers and minorities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to cause to be struck a gold medal with suitable emblems, device, and inscriptions and authorizes the appropriation of $15,000 for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
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 · 12 October 1979
Privacy of Electronic Fund Transfers Act of 1979 - Permits electronic fund transfer service providers to disclose information concerning such transfers only: (1) to Government authorities pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, a court order, or specified emergencies; (2) to financial institution employees solely to determine the contents and the correctness of an item which was debited or credited to an account maintained by such financial institution; or (3) with the specific authorization of the originator or addressee of the item. Authorizes the Attorney General to the United States or any State to seek a court order to acquire the record of an electronic fund transfer when such acquisition may provide evidence of a criminal offense which is a felony under Federal law or, with respect to such State authority, threatens serious injury to person or property and is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by the applicant for and the court issuing such court order. Permits the interception of an electronic fund transfer by a Federal or State investigative or law enforcement officer if: (1) an emergency exists with respect to life threatening criminal activities; and (2) there are grounds for a court order to authorize such interception. Requires an application for an order approving such interception within 48 hours. Authorizes Secret Service special agents to intercept such transfers in order to locate an individual if specified procedures are followed. Requires the court denying or issuing a court order pursuant to this Act to notify the person named in the order or application and in its discretion other parties to the intercepted transfers of specified information concerning such interception. Permits such notification to be delayed in specified circumstances. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Allows a person aggrieved by a violation of this Act to maintain a civil action for damages and equitable relief against the appropriate Governmental authorities. States that a good faith reliance on a court order issued pursuant to this Act or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 shall constitute a complete defense to any action brought under this Act. Prohibits the use of an item in any hearing or proceeding if such item was disclosed or intercepted in violation of this Act. States that a good faith reliance on a court order issued pursuant to this Act or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 shall constitute a complete defense to any action brought under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Fair Financial Information Practices Act of 1979 - Title I: To Amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act - Privacy Protection Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to revise the definition of consumer report to include those prepared in connection with insurance transactions, governmental benefits, and business transactions. Broadens the exemptions from such definition. Specifies those services or agencies that are not considered to be consumer reporting agencies. Sets forth the agencies and persons to whom a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report. Raises the amounts involved in transactions which make consumer credit reports exempt from the provision prohibiting the inclusion of specified information in such reports. Requires consumers to be notified prior to the procurement or preparation of an investigative consumer report on such consumer. Requires specified information be given to applicants for insurance concerning such reports. Directs persons who procure or cause to be prepared such reports to make a complete disclosure, at the request of the consumer, of the nature and scope of the investigation requested. Directs credit reporting agencies or independent authorization services to notify consumers of impermissible uses of consumer reports. Directs such agencies to assure that file items reflect good faith exercises by consumers of their rights. Prohibits such agencies from requiring a quota of reports. Requires regular reporters of consumer information to agencies to ensure the accuracy of their information. Describes the information that must be given to a requesting consumer. Permits such agencies or services to withhold: (1) third party medical information, if it discloses the same to a medical professional designated by the consumer; (2) identifying information of any noninstitutional source of information in specified circumstances; and (3) codes used to ensure the security of a reporting system. Requires disclosures be made during specified hours and by specified means depending on the circumstances. Directs such agencies or services to provide trained personnel to explain any information to the consumer. Revises the procedures to be followed by consumers or creditors disputing the accuracy or completeness of any item of information contained in a file. Establishes: (1) time limits for the consumer reporting agency to reinvestigate such disputes; and (2) notification requirements concerning the results of such reinvestigations. Requires consumer reports to be furnished free of charge to consumers notified of an adverse credit rating pursuant to this Act or the Fair Authorization Information Practices Act. Directs consumer reporting agencies furnishing a consumer report for employment purposes to transmit a copy of such report to the individual to whom it relates. Requires every investigative consumer report containing adverse information to be in writing. Requires users of consumer reports to disclose the address of any consumer reporting agency which prepared a report resulting in adverse action, as well as the reasons for such action. Prohibits agencies from using interviews to obtain information about a consumer in which the interviewer misrepresents the purpose of the interview or his or her identity. Sets forth the civil damages to which a consumer is entitled for willful noncompliance with this Act. Increases the criminal penalties for obtaining information under false pretenses and unauthorized disclosures. Provides criminal penalties for alterations of consumer reports. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to prepare a model summary of consumers' rights under this Title. Gives enforcement authority for this Title to the Federal Trade Commission. Provides for these amendments to take effect one year after enactment. Title II: Fair Credit Information Practices - Fair Credit Information Practices Act - Sets forth the persons to whom and the circumstances under which a creditor may disclose individually identifiable information collected or maintained in connection with a credit transaction. Requires creditors to notify consumers of their: (1) credit information collection and disclosure practices; and (2) use or disclosure of individually identifiable information for marketing purposes. Sets limits on a creditor's information collection practices. Requires consumers to be given specified information in the event of an adverse credit decision. Gives the consumer the right of access to credit information on which an adverse decision is based. Sets forth the procedure to be followed if a consumer disputes the accuracy or completeness of any item of information. Requires creditors to notify another creditor, consumer reporting agency, debt collector, or independent authorization service of any inaccurate information reported to such parties. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe regulations pertaining to notice and adverse credit decisions. Provides for the enforcement of this Act by the Federal Trade Commission unless otherwise specified. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires consumers to be served with a copy of any legal process requesting information pertaining to such consumer. Permits consumers to contest the disclosure of such information. Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to deem compliance with this Act as being in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Provides for this Act to take effect one year after enactment. Title III: Fair Authorization Information Practices - Fair Authorization Information Practices Act - Specifies the parties to whom individually identifiable information may be disclosed by an independent authorization service. Sets forth the duties of such services and their subscribers. Provides a procedure to be followed when a consumer disputes the accuracy or completeness of any item of information. Makes such services liable to consumers adversely affected as a result of inaccurate information or information obtained in violation of this Act which is maintained by such service. Provides for this Act to take effect one year after enactment. Title IV: Fair Debit Information Practices - Fair Debit Information Practices Act - Sets forth the circumstances and the persons to whom individually identifiable information maintained in connection with a depository service may be disclosed by a depository institution. Requires depository institutions to notify the customer, applying for the provision of any depository service, of information disclosure practices. Grants enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission, unless otherwise specified. Provides civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Permits depository institutions to disclose to a party to civil litigation information pertaining to a customer who is also party to the litigation, if such disclosure is pursuant to some compulsory legal process. Requires customers to be notified of such process if they are not parties to the proceeding. Permits such customers to contest the disclosure of the information. Provides for this Act to take effect one year after enactment. Title V: Fair Insurance Information Practices - Fair Insurance Information Practices - Fair Insurance Information Practices Act - Sets forth the circumstances and the persons to whom individually identifiable personal information may be disclosed by an insurance institution, agent, or support organization. Requires such institutions and agents to notify the insurance applicant or claimant of their information collection and disclosure practices prior to collecting personal information about an individual. Specifies the manner in which personal information may be collected. Requires insurance institutions, agents, or support organizations to make personal information in their control available to the individual concerned. Specifies the procedures to be followed. Permits specified information to be withheld from an individual in specified circumstances. Gives the individual concerned the right to have errors corrected and misrepresentations amended according to specified procedures. Requires insurance institutions or agents to notify individuals subject to an adverse underwriting decision of the reasons for such decision and the individual's rights. Sets forth circumstances in which the notice requirements do not apply. Declares that the individual's exercise of the rights under this Act shall not affect the individual's eligibility for insurance benefits. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the principal State insurance regulatory official to enforce this Act. Provides for this Act to take effect one year after enactment. Exempts personal information maintained by an insurance institution from the Privacy Act of 1974. Sets forth provisions concerning the disclosure of personal information by an insurance institution, agent, or support organization pursuant to some compulsory legal process.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 1, 1980, as "National Bicycling Day."
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 · 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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a period of 12 months, of federally required property. Defines "federally required property" as any depreciable property which the taxpayer uses in connection with his business plant or facility, the installation of which is required by Federal or State law.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Energy Productivity Act of 1979 - Title I: Residential Energy Conservation - Establishes the Residential Energy Conservation Office within the Department of Energy to accept applications for reimbursement of residential energy conservation improvement expenditures made in accordance with regulations issued by the Director of such office. Sets forth requirements for such applications and imposes limitations upon the amount of reimbursement to be made to approved applicants for energy conservation improvements to houses, apartment buildings, and hotels. Directs the Director to coordinate such reimbursement program with the energy audit program established under the National Energy Conservation Act and to promote the availability of such audits in connection with such reimbursement program. Authorizes the Director to use any available means of communication to advertise such residential energy conservation reimbursement program. Requires the Director to conduct an evaluation of such program to determine its effectiveness in promoting residential energy conservation and its cost effectiveness in terms of probable energy savings. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to audit the operations of the Residential Energy Conservation Office. Sets forth procedures for such audits. Authorizes appropriations for such residential energy conservation program. Requires sellers of energy conservation improvements to certify to purchasers that such improvements comply with regulations issued by the Director pursuant to this Act. Establishes criminal penalties for providing false information to the Director concerning any reimbursement application or improvement certification. Title II: Industrial Fuel Conservation - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loans to industrial firms to assist in paying engineering costs for industrial energy conservation projects. Sets forth criteria for issuing necessary regulations and terms and conditions for such loans. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1985. Authorizes appropriations for an accelerated energy productivity industrial research, development, and demonstration program. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations providing for an energy rebate to industrial firms implementing energy conservation projects approved by the Secretary. Sets the amount of such rebate at $15 for each barrel of crude oil equivalent of critical fuel saved in the full year following such project implementation. Requires that such rebate be structured to provide incentive for investment in permanent conservation equipment and production procedures. Authorizes appropriations for such rebate program. Title III: Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program - Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Energy a Commercial Property Energy Conservation Loan Program for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to owners, developers, or builders of commercial property for the purchase of energy conservation systems. Prohibits participation of Program personnel and agents in matters affecting their personal interest or the interests of any entity with which they are associated. Directs the General Accounting Office to periodically audit the financial transactions of the program. Establishes an advisory board to provide advice to the Secretary in carrying out such loan program. Sets forth membership requirements for such Board. Excludes owners, developers, or builders of structures eligible for grants pursuant to title III of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act from eligibility for such loans. Defines the term "energy conservation systems" for the purpose of determining eligibility for such loans and sets forth terms thereof. Provides that where a borrower has entered into agreements with his tenants allowing energy savings passthroughs, such borrower may pass through annual loan payments to his tenants as operating energy expenses. Establishes criminal penalties for making false statements or misrepresentations concerning loans made under such program. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to the President and to both Houses of Congress on the operation of such program, recommendations for improvements, and identification of problem areas. Directs the Secretary to promote such loan program by informing financial institutions and commercial property owners, developers, and builders of the benefits of such program. Permits the use of Department of Energy personnel on such program. Authorizes appropriations for such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.
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
Health Care for All Americans Act - Establishes a comprehensive "national health insurance system" (defined as the programs established by this Act and Medicare for the financing of health-care services). States the findings and purposes of this Act. Enumerates the rights of eligible individuals, providers, and insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Requires that such individuals and entities have their views considered with respect to actions under this Act affecting them. Gives such an individual the right to: (1) choose any participating provider with respect to a covered service; (2) the prompt and accurate making of decisions under this Act; (3) be heard on any grievance related to benefits under this Act; and (4) confidential treatment and use of information collected under this Act. Gives such a provider the right to: (1) decide whether or not to participate in the system; (2) the prompt and accurate payment for services; and (3) choose the mode and place of practice (with respect to a physician provider). Gives such an insurer and HMO the right to: (1) decide whether or not to participate in the system; and (2) carry on a supplemental health insurance business. Defines terms used in this Act. Title I: Eligibility, Entitlement, and Enrollment - Extends eligibility for the benefits of this Act to: (1) U.S. citizens; (2) aliens lawfully admitted or permanently residing in the U.S. under color of law, including refugees; (3) aliens admitted to the U.S. as employees of a foreign government or international organization which has entered into an agreement with the U.S.; and (4) aliens admitted as temporary visitors from a foreign government which has entered into such an agreement. Directs the National Health Board (established by this Act), after consultation with the Secretary of State, to recommend to the President that executive agreements be entered into: (1) with foreign governments and international organizations to make their employees and officers eligible for health benefits in return for a payment of the national community-rated premium plus an amount equal to what would otherwise be payable as the Medicare hospital insurance payroll tax, if such employees were so taxed; and (2) with foreign governments upon a determination that it is in the national interest to make nationals or citizens of such nations who visit the U.S. eligible for benefits in return for comparable treatment of U.S. citizens abroad. Entitles each eligible individual to: (1) enroll in a qualified plan offered by an insurer or HMO and to change enrollment during certain periods; (2) have payment made on such individual's behalf and not be charged any fee for basic covered services; and (3) be issued a health insurance enrollment card. Stipulates that such a card shall not identify the category or basis for the individual's enrollment. Requires enrollment information to be available and provided: (1) by employers to employees; (2) by or through the Board to Medicare-eligible individuals; (3) by the Secretaries of Defense, Transportation, Commerce, and HEW to active- duty uniformed service personnel under their jurisdiction; (4) by the Social Security Commissioner to Supplemental Security Income (SSI)- eligible individuals; (5) by managers of Federal and State institutions to residents; (6) by State welfare agencies to Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)-eligible persons; and (7) by or through State health boards to other individuals. Directs the Board to notify State health boards of the identity of eligible individuals who, in certain Federal information returns, have failed to indicate enrollment under a qualified plan. Requires providers to transmit to their respective health boards requests for payment for eligible persons who did not indicate enrollment at the time of receiving services. Directs State health boards to make special efforts to locate such persons and provide for their enrollment. Defines "first general open enrollment period", "general open enrollment period", and "special enrollment period" for purposes of the program. Stipulates that all members of a family (other than those who are Medicare or SSI-eligible or residents of a Federal or State institution) be enrolled at any time in only one qualified plan. Requires employers to offer qualified employees during specified enrollment periods the choice of enrollment under: (1) at least one plan offered by an insurer belonging to (A) the Blue Cross-Blue Shield consortium or (B) the commercial insurance consortium; and (2) at least one plan offered by an HMO belonging to (A) the individual group practice HMO consortium or (B) the prepaid group practice HMO consortium (if such a plan is available in the area in which the employees obtain health care services). Allows the employer to also offer enrollment in plans offered by a self-insurer. Requires an offer of enrollment to be made first to a collective bargaining representative or other employee representative designated under law. Requires each employee to elect a plan in accordance with procedures established by the Board. Directs the employer to enroll such employee in a plan in accordance with procedures in the absence of such an election. Requires any employer offering in conjunction with a qualified plan a plan with benefits supplemental to basic services to provide employees with written information regarding additional employee costs for such supplemental plan. Limits a family which is offered a choice of plans to enroll under only one qualified plan. Subjects an employer who knowingly fails to comply with these requirements to a civil penalty which may be assessed by the Board and collected by civil suit in a district court. Requires active-duty members of the uniformed services to enroll in a plan from among such health plans offered by or through the Department of Defense as the Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the Secretaries of HEW, Transportation, Commerce, and the Board, finds are consistent with the statutory requirements regarding uniformed services medical care and with policy requiring provision of basic and other covered health services to such members and their families. Requires Medicare-eligible individuals to enroll with the Board or a participating HMO in accordance with the Medicare program. Allows SSI-eligible individuals, residents of Federal or State institutions not otherwise enrolled, AFDC-eligible individuals, or other individuals not otherwise enrolled to enroll during specified periods in any qualified health plan available to such individuals. Provides for the mandatory enrollment of such individuals who fail to enroll in a plan, in accordance with regulations of the Board and rules and procedures of the State health boards. Title II: Benefits and Providers - Includes as basic covered services: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services (and inpatient mental health services up to (A) 150 consecutive days for Medicare-eligible individuals, or (B) 45 consecutive days for other eligible individuals, during certain periods of treatment as determined under Medicare); (2) physicians' services, including hospital-based physicians (and services for the treatment of mental illness and outpatient mental health services to the extent that expenses for such services do not exceed the fee-equivalent of 20 psychiatric visits per year, as determined under Medicare); (3) post-hospital extended care services up to 100 days during any spell of illness; (4) the following preventive health services: (A) basic immunizations; (B) pre-and post-natal maternal care; (C) well-child care (including periodic physical examinations, hearing and vision screening, and developmental screening and examinations) for persons up to the age of 18 years; and (D) such other services as the Board may add on a year-by-year basis after consultation with appropriate experts and a determination by the Board that such services will be cost-effective (but limits the expenditure for such additional preventive services to $500,000,000 for the first effective year (defined as the third year after the year of enactment) and for subsequent years an increase tied to the average annual rate of increase in the gross national product. Includes as additional basic services: (1) outpatient physical therapy services, outpatient speech pathology services; (2) health clinic services, including rural health clinic services; (3) home dialysis supplies; (4) tests and other diagnostic tests; (5) X-ray therapy; (6) durable medical equipment used in the patient's home; (7) ambulance service, to the extent provided by regulations; (8) prosthetic devices (other than dental), including lenses after cataract surgery and replacements; (9) leg, arm, back, and neck braces, and artificial legs, arms, and eyes, including replacements; (10) insulin and outpatient prescription drugs for treatment of chronic conditions (but for Medicare-eligible individuals only to the extent provided under such program); (11) one audiological examination per individual per year and the provision of one hearing aid per individual for any three-year period; and (12) mental health day care services to the extent of two days for each day of inpatient mental health services permitted by this program. Excludes as basic services: (1) items and services for which payment may not be made under Medicare; and (2) for other than Medicare-eligible individuals payment for (A) orthopedic shoes or other supportive devices for the feet, (B) certain physician services described under Medicare, and (C) certain inpatient hospital services described under Medicare. Authorizes the Board, after consultation with the Commission on Health-Care Benefits and the Commission on Quality of Health Care (established by this Act), to exclude payment for an item or service under a plan under this program and Medicare on the basis of cost-effectiveness, notwithstanding any other provision. Makes specified provisions of title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act applicable to basic services provided under qualified plans to the same extent as they apply under Medicare. Authorizes the Board, after consultation with the Commissions on Health-Care Benefits and Quality of Health Care, to establish a list of high-risk, high-cost, elective, or overutilized items or services for which payment may be made only if one or more of the following conditions are met: (1) the provider is board-certified in the relevant specialty; (2) the diagnosis and recommended service are supported by a second opinion or specific objective findings; (3) the provider-institution is adequately equipped and staffed; (4) the specialist or institution is providing care upon referral by a primary-care physician; or (5) the provider has demonstrated through statistical services that it provides high-quality services and properly uses appropriate methods and technologies. Title III: Financing and Planning - Part A, Budget and Planning Process - Specifies the annual timetable for the budget process for the national health insurance system as follows: (1) by January 15th proposed annual State budgets are to be prepared by the State Health Boards, in accordance with regulations and after consultation with specified interests, and submitted to the Board; (2) the Board shall transmit for inclusion without change in the Budget presented by the President an estimate of the anticipated Federal expenditures related to the appropriate Annual Budgets; (3) by March 1st a comprehensive Annual Budget is to be prepared and adopted by the Board and transmitted to the President, Congress, the States, and the public; (4) the Congressional Budget Office shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees as soon as practicable after receipt of the Annual Budget an analysis of its impact on the Federal Budget; (5) by July 1st the annual State budgets are to be adopted by the State Health Boards, taking into consideration the State Health Care Improvement Plan mandated by this Act, and transmitted to the Board; and (6) on the following January 1st the budget year begins. Specifies the contents of the Annual Budget and annual State Budgets, including enumerated items in the following categories: (1) anticipated expenditures; (2) anticipated revenues; (3) separate schedules, including Medicare and other public programs; (4) premium rates, including the national community-rated and group-rated premium amounts and national premium rate; and (5) five-year projections. Places the following limitations on expenditures under this program: (1) total anticipated expenditures for a year may not exceed the amount of the estimated expenditures by more than the average annual rate of increase in the gross national product for the three-year period ending with the year before the year in which the Annual Budget is adopted; (2) the amounts budgeted for covered health-care services for the U.S. and for any State are the maximum amounts that may be expended for such services (except for costs associated with uniformed service members); (3) a State Health Board may not provide for total expenditures for items covered in the budget in excess of those contained in the Annual Budget with respect to the State; (4) the total anticipated expenditures for the U.S. and for any State for the provision of basic services within a category of services or of providers are the maximum amounts that may be expended for such purposes (within percentage variations that the Board may permit); and (5) the percentage increase in the anticipated expenditures per capita for covered health-care services over the actual expenditures for such services for the previous year are limited according to specified formulas. Directs the Board, in consultation with the President's Commission on the Health of Americans, to prepare and annually revise, before the adoption of each Annual Budget, a National Health Care Improvement Plan which describes: (1) needs over a five-year period relating to the accessibility, quality, and cost of health care; (2) the effect of the provisions of this program on meeting such needs; and (3) recommendations. Directs the Governor of each State to prepare and annually revise a State Health Care Improvement Plan in accordance with Board standards and guidelines which describes: (1) needs over a five-year period relating to the accessibility, quality, and cost of health care; and (2) specific actions for meeting such needs. Requires such State Plan to include to the extent appropriate the objectives of: (1) the State health plan in effect under title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development); (2) the State medical assistance plan in effect under Medicaid; and (3) any plan submitted by the State to receive assistance under the Public Health Service Act and the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Title III - Part B, Payments to Providers - Provides for payment to providers as follows: (1) insurers and HMOs shall make payments to providers furnishing services to (A) their respective enrollees and (B) individuals not enrolled at the time of services but who are subsequently enrolled; (2) the Board shall make payments to providers furnishing services to a Medicare-eligible individual who is not enrolled in a plan offered by a HMO: and (3) the Secretary of Defense shall pay for services furnished to a member of the uniformed services on active duty. Requires each insurer or HMO to provide for payments of such allocated portion of the approved prospective budget (required under this Act) of the provider as reflects, in accordance with Board regulations, the proportion of the costs in the budget used to provide such services to such enrollees. Prohibits payment for expenditures by an institutional provider for covered services it furnishes to the extent such expenditures are not included in such approved prospective budget. Requires Board regulations to provide for methods of cost apportionment among insurers and HMOs in accordance with specified criteria. Allows such methods to include apportionment based on: (1) the number of treatments of particular conditions or diagnoses; (2) the relative value of the health-care services furnished (with respect to indices of relative values to be established by the Board); or (3) the number of admissions, patient days, diagnoses, or other easily determinable factor that may fairly allocate costs. Allows a State health board, when regulations provide for more than one apportionment method, to select and require the use of one such method. Requires each institutional provider in a State with an approved prospective budget to transmit annually to the State Health Board an experience report which shows the differences between the actual expenditures and services provided by the provider and those allowed for in its approved prospective budget. Directs the State Health Board to provide for: (1) the retention by the provider of one-half of savings produced by actions which lowered expenditures below those predicted; and (2) adjustments, to the extent appropriate, in the amounts of payments made by insurers and HMOs or in the prospective budget for the following year to correct unintended differences in the amount or source of payments to a provider. Provides for payment to a provider, other than an institutional provider (defined as including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, community health centers and clinics, and, to the extent provided by the National Health Board, HMOs), for covered services (other than drugs, hearing aids, durable medical equipment, or laboratory services) in accordance with the lowest of: (1) the fee charged by the provider; (2) the fee agreed upon between the provider and the insurer or HMO; or (3) the applicable maximum fee schedule for the service (established by this Act). Allows the National Health Board, upon the recommendation of a State Health Board, to increase the payment to a physician provider on an individual basis to recognize performance of unusual merit by such physician. Allows such a provider to elect to be paid on a salary or fee-for-time basis if the total amount payable in a year is not greater than the total amount payable for the equivalent amount of services as computed by the applicable maximum fee schedule. Provides for payment to a provider for: (1) durable medical equipment and laboratory services in accordance with the lowest of: (A) the charge for such service; (B) the charge agreed upon between the provider and the insurer or HMO; or (C) the maximum reasonable cost for such service; and (2) drugs and hearing aids in accordance with the lowest of: (A) the provider's fee charged for dispensing the drug or hearing aid; (B) the charge agreed upon between the provider and the insurer or HMO; or (C) the highest fee permitted under the applicable fee schedule. Provides for payment to a provider for other covered services in accordance with the lowest of: (1) the charge for the service; (2) the charge agreed upon between the provider and the insurer or HMO; or (3) the maximum reasonable cost of the service, as established by the State Health Boards in accordance with national guidelines and standards. Allows the National Health Board to permit experimental or demonstration methods of reimbursement which will further the purposes of this Act. Provides for periodic review of reimbursement methods. Sets forth procedures with respect to the budget limitations, including the following: (1) monitoring by the State Health Boards, the consortia (all the clearinghouses certified under this Act with respect to the financing of covered services), insurers, and HMOs of payment made to providers; (2) reporting by insurers and each consortium of excessive payments; (3) investigation and corrective actions by the State Health Boards; (4) shifting of funds among categories of services or providers and use of contingency funds for excess expenditures due to unforeseen circumstances; (5) modification of reimbursement methods; (6) additional certifications by State Health Boards of the need for particular services; and (7) requiring insurers and HMOs to make payments for services during certain periods. Allows philanthropic contributions and supplemental payments by State and local governments to finance services additional to those reimbursed under this Act. Stipulates that capital expenditures assisted by such assistance shall not be recognized by a State Health Board in its review of prospective budgets and maximum fee schedules. Requires each institutional provider to submit to the State Health Board its proposed prospective budget for the subsequent year which covers all medical services (not merely covered services) and includes the following: (1) anticipated costs, broken down by schedules for specified costs; (2) the proportion of such costs associated with covered services; and (3) anticipated revenues, broken down by source with respect to each class of items of anticipated costs. Authorizes the National Health Board to require accompanying documentation relating to specified factors for purposes of review. Specifies the manner in which certain costs shall be treated in such prospective budgets, including the following provisions: (1) the costs of all physicians' services under contract with the provider shall be included and the amount budgeted for such services shall be reasonable in relation to the cost of obtaining such services on a salaried or other basis, whichever is less; (2) the total cost of wages and fringe-benefits for nonsupervisory employees shall be included and shall reflect any existing collective-bargaining agreement; (3) the costs of furnishing basic services to ineligible individuals shall be included if no other reimbursement is obtainable by the provider; (4) depreciation costs shall not be included, except for certain capital costs, debt repayments, and costs associated with the closing of a facility; and (5) a reasonable rate of return on equity capital with respect to certain proprietary institutions shall be included. Directs the National Health Board, after appropriate consultation, to establish guidelines respecting review and approval by State Health Boards of proposed prospective budgets of institutional providers. Requires such guidelines to include: (1) standards to determine which budgets and budgetary elements may be approved without individual scrutiny; and (2) the detailed review of a random sample. Specifies standards which may be included with respect to providers of inpatient services. Requires the guidelines to provide for the collection and reporting of data in such uniform manner as the Board may set. Establishes procedures for the review and approval of prospective budgets by the State Health Boards, including the following provisions: (1) each review shall be made public and shall (A) assess whether changes in services or capital expenditures conform to the current plan of the health systems agency in the area (mandated under title XV of the Public Health Service Act) and the most recent State Health Care Improvement Plan; (B) review the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of provider services, taking into consideration any relevant findings of professional standards review organizations (PSROs) and of any national provider accreditation organization for that category of provider; (2) a provider shall be given the opportunity to comment on any pending disapproval; (3) the State Health Board shall consider any timely recommendations submitted by consumer groups, the provider, and employee organizations, including negotiated recommendations; (4) a State Health Board may delegate its review functions to an independent entity; and (5) such budgets may not provide for any capital acquisition or expenditure unless the provider has participated in a planning process in accordance with regulations. Requires a State Health Board to approve a budget without modification, taking into account the following factors: (1) total limits on anticipated expenditures; (2) the health systems agency plan; (3) demographic factors; (4) the impact of inflation on budget costs; (5) the effects of any approved capital expenditure or reduction, service modification plans, or future wage increases; and (6) certain other efficiency and cost-effectiveness objectives. Requires resubmission of a budget to the State Health Board if a modification is required for excess expenditures. Disallows payments to an institutional provider for covered services not included in its approved prospective budget. Requires each State Health Board to develop maximum fee schedules for covered services (other than durable medical equipment and laboratory services) after opportunity for negotiations with participating providers. Directs the National Health Board to develop guidelines for such schedules which: (1) establish the relative value of particular services, taking into account specified factors; (2) provide for geographical variations in fees, taking into consideration certain criteria; (3) set the maximum fee for a service which can be provided by two or more categories of health personnel at the lowest of the maximum fees authorized for such categories; and (4) include a formula for allowing annual changes in such schedules. Requires payment for the provision of: (1) durable medical equipment and laboratory services to be the lower of (A) the charge, or (B) the reasonable cost of the equipment or service; and (2) drugs and hearing aids to be the lower of (A) the charge, or (B) the reasonable cost of the drug or aid, plus a reasonable professional fee. Directs the National Health Board to establish guidelines for the reasonable cost of durable medical equipment, laboratory services, drugs, and hearing aids which shall be the lowest cost at which any such item of comparable quality is (or could be made) generally available in an accessible area. Provides for the computation of the professional fee with respect to drugs and hearing aids. Outlines procedures for the use of negotiations to determine the amounts of payments to providers. Directs the National Health Board to establish criteria for the selection of the negotiating groups for each of the following groups of providers: (1) hospitals; (2) skilled nursing facilities; (3) home health care agencies; (4) other institutional providers, including community health centers, migrant health centers, and health clinics; (5) physicians; (6) other non-institutional providers, such as pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists; and (7) hospital employees. Sets forth requirements for representation within such groups. Requires that the selection guidelines by the National Health Board shall provide for: (1) differences in the sizes of the various negotiating groups; (2) proportional representation for each type of health-care provider; (3) three-year terms for each representative; and (4) nomination and election methods. Provides that such negotiations shall concern: (1) limitations with respect to payments made to institutional providers on the basis of approved prospective budgets; (2) maximum-fee schedules; (3) reasonable cost levels with respect to durable medical equipment, laboratory services, drugs, and hearing aids; and (4) other cost control methods. Allows a State Health Board to incorporate within its annual State budget the provision of any agreement reached as the result of such negotiations which would keep expenditures within the budgetary limits. Title III- Part C, Determining Amounts of Premiums and Incentive Payments and Benefits - Directs the National Health Board to establish, in conjunction with the adoption of the Annual Budget and after negotiations with consortia, participating insurers, and HMOs: (1) a national community-rated premium; and (2) a national premium rate. Requires the national community-rated premium to be set so that, if such amount were paid by the members of each family enrolled through an employer plan, the total premiums paid would equal the anticipated expenditures under the Annual Budget, including payments to providers for basic services and administrative costs, but excluding administrative costs for the National and State Health Boards, PSROs, contingency funding, and the costs of covered services to persons who are Medicare-, SSI-, AFDC-eligible residents of Federal or State institutions, or members of the uniformed services on active duty. Requires that the national premium rate be set so that the sum of all wage-related and non-wage related premiums, the government payment for unpaid private premiums, and the voluntary premiums under international agreements equals the anticipated expenditures for covered services to Medicare- eligible, SSI-eligible, and AFC-eligible individuals, and residents of Federal and State institutions. Directs the Board to establish a group-related premium for SSI-eligible individuals and for residents of Federal and State institutions who are enrolled in a qualified plan. Requires that: (1) such premium be set so that the total amounts paid on behalf of such individuals equals the expenditures for furnishing care to such persons; and (2) such premium be adjusted annually to reflect the actual cost experience with respect to such expenditures. Provides that the national community-rated premium and the national premium rate are to apply as the State community-rated premium and the premium rate for each State, unless a State is able to provide for reduced premiums by negotiating a lower level of approved expenditures than would otherwise be provided for in the national budget. Requires each State to establish a group-rated premium for AFDC-eligible individuals and residents of State institutions. Requires that such premium: (1) be set so that the total amounts paid on behalf of such individuals equals the expenditures for furnishing care to such persons; and (2) be adjusted annually to reflect the actual cost experience with respect to such expenditures. Permits a participating insurer or HMO to offer eligible individuals (other than Medicare eligibles) an incentive to enroll in a qualified plan by providing additional services or by paying dividends or cash rebates on premiums. Permits an HMO to offer such incentives to Medicare-eligible persons. Sets forth requirements with respect to such dividend and cash rebates, including that: (1) in the case of employed enrollees, they be divided between the employees and employer in accordance with Board procedures; and (2) they not be treated as taxable income to individuals or income under federally-assisted welfare programs, nor reduce any credit relating to a limit on the amount of private premium payments. Sets a limit on the amount of premiums paid with respect to members of a family unit as employees and by members of the family unit. Provides for a refund to families of amounts in excess of such limit. Title III-Part D, Payment and Collection of Premiums - Requires each employer to pay to the applicable consortium on behalf of each employee for each payroll period an amount equal to the product of the wages paid during such period and the applicable State premium rate. Permits an employer (subject to any collective-bargaining agreement) to require employees to pay up to 35 percent of such amount. Requires an employer to pay any voluntary contributions such employee may wish to have made on his behalf. Permits an employer to obtain certification from the Board as an impacted employer and so qualify for: (1) a payment from the Board if such employer is a State employer or nonprofit employer; or (2) a tax credit with respect to other employers. Specifies the formula for determining such payment or credit. Defines terms for the purposes of this section. Requires all persons (with specified exceptions) to pay to the applicable consortium an amount equal to the product of one-half the State premium rate and the amount of non-wage-related income of such persons' family units. Requires such persons to file quarterly information returns in accordance with Board regulations. Authorizes the Board to impose a collection surcharge for untimely payments. Prescribes the payment procedure for premiums under executive agreements. Requires: (1) the Board to make monthly premium payments to consortia on behalf of SSI-eligible individuals and residents of Federal institutions; and (2) each State to make monthly premium payments to consortia on behalf of AFDC-eligible individuals and residents of State institutions. Sets forth rules regarding Government compensation to consortia for certain uncollected premiums and an assessment against State or local governments which fail to make a required employer payment. Title III-Part E Distribution of Premiums - Requires the consortia to: (1) compute for each capitation individual an amount equal to the average anticipated expenditure in the State budget for the individual, including certain administrative costs and funds for the contingency fund, but excluding the administrative costs of the State health board; and (2) report such amounts to the Board for review. Requires each consortium to adjust capitation amounts to reflect for a specific capitation individual: (1) the relative actual costs of providing covered services in the area of such person's residency; and (2) the actuarial risk associated with the individual's characteristics. Requires that such risk adjustment be made to eliminate financial incentives for insurers or HMOs to practice risk selection or experience rating. Requires that the total of capitation amounts and adjusted capitation amounts for enrollees in a State be equal to the total expenditures in the State budget for the provision and administration of covered services, excluding State health board administrative expenses. Requires each consortium to apportion to its members an adjusted capitation amount for each capitation individual and a group-rated premium for each group-rated individual. Requires these amounts to be paid to members in installments consistent with Board guidelines. Directs the Board to provide supplementary payments from the Health Resources Distribution Fund to participating HMOs in operation for less than five years. Requires consortia to provide, in accordance with Board guidelines, for redistribution of collected premiums to assure that each consortium is provided an adjusted capitation amount for each capitation individual, and a group-rated premium for each group-rated individual. Directs each consortium to maintain a contingency fund for expenditures for unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of insurers or HMOs. Authorizes the Board, in any year when premiums collected are less than amounts provided in the annual budget, to guarantee the principle and interest of loans issued by the consortia to assure adequate revenues. Sets forth requirements with respect to such loans. Directs the Board, in any year when premiums collected are greater than provided for in the annual budget, to provide for the consortia to distribute such excess funds, including appropriate adjustments in subsequent national and State budgets. Title IV: Administration-Part A, National Health Board and State Health Boards Establishes an independent, five-member National Health Board, to be appointed by the President, to (among other specific functions): (1) establish commissions, bureaus, divisions, offices, and other entities required by this Act or deemed appropriate; (2) perform the functions of a participating insurer, HMO, or consortium with respect to any area or group of insurers for which there is no certified insurer or consortium; (3) perform the functions of a State health board with respect to any State in which such a board has not been established; (4) establish administrative procedures with respect to consumer and provider appeals from State health board decisions; (5) be responsible for the general implementation of this Act; and (6) study and evaluate on a continuing basis the operation of this Act. Transfers to the Board all functions of the Secretary of HEW relating to specified provisions of: (1) the Social Security Act (including Maternal and Child Health Services, Professional Standards Review Organizations, Medicaid, and Medicare); (2) the Public Health Service Act (but excluding, among other provisions, certain provisions of title III (Administration), title IV (National Research Institutes), title V (Miscellaneous), title X (Population Research), and title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems); (3) the Community Mental Health Centers Act; (4) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970; (5) the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972; and (6) the provision of health care services to Indians (PL 94-437). Requires the Board to have: (1) an Ombudsman, to investigate complaints about program operation; (2) an advocate, to assist consumers in determining and protecting their rights to services; and (3) an inspector general, to direct the auditing and investigative activities of the Board. Directs the Board to establish the following Commissions: (1) Commission on Benefits, to review and make recommendations with respect to the provision of basic covered services under qualified plans and determine their cost and effectiveness in improving public health; (2) Commission on Quality, to review and make recommendations with respect to the quality of health services provided under this Act; (3) Commission on Access, to review and make recommendations with respect to the utilization of covered services by the different categories of eligible individuals; and (4) Commission on Health Care Organization, to review and make recommendations with respect to the cost and effectiveness of methods for the delivery of services. Requires at least one-half of the members of each Commission to be consumers or representatives of consumers and to include appropriate representation of health care providers and other participants. Establishes: (1) a nine-member Commission on the Health of Americans, to be appointed by the President, to conduct an ongoing review of the health status of the U.S. population and to review a broad range of proposals for improving such health status, including research, environmental programs, highway safety, public health programs, and personal health services programs; and (2) under the direction of the National Health Board, a National Institutes of Health Care Research which shall be composed of (A) an Institute of Health Statistics, (B) an Institute of Health Services Research, and (C) an Institute of Health Technology Evaluation. Transfers to such Institutes certain functions of the Secretary under the Public Health Service Act. Requires each State to charter as a public corporation a State health insurance corporation in accordance with Board guidelines. Directs each State health board (that is, the board of directors of the State corporation) to establish an ombudsman, an advocate, and such advisory commissions as are appropriate to carry out its functions. Delineates the duties of such boards. Title IV - Part B, Participating Insurers, Health Maintenance Organizations, and Consortia - Directs the Board to certify an insurer or HMO when certain conditions are met, including a participation agreement between the Board and the insurer or HMO containing specified provisions. Requires the insurer or HMO to: (1) become a member of the appropriate consortium; (2) offer enrollment in at least one qualified health plan which provides basic services without a charge other than the premium; (3) accept during open enrollment all eligible persons in the order they apply without restriction, up to its capacity (but permits the Board to provide for enrollment limits to reflect needs for cost-effective services and for special characteristics of self-insurers); (4) issue an enrollment card for each enrolled person; (5) pay participating providers in amounts no greater than permitted under this Act; (6) report to the State health board and its consortium on payments made and expenses incurred; (7) maintain and afford access to records by the consortium, State health boards, and the Board and provide confidential treatment of individually-identifiable records; (8) offer any rebates or other benefits to all enrollees on the same basis; (9) establish hearing procedures for an enrollee or provider who is dissatisfied with respect to certain services or payments; and (10) comply with other reasonable regulations respecting marketing and customer service practices which the Board establishes. Directs the Board to agree that, in return for agreed-upon services and understandings, the insurer or HMO is to be paid by its consortium for each enrollee in a qualified plan. Requires the Board to certify in each State one consortium for each of the following types of insurers or HMOS: (1) a Blue Cross-Blue Shield consortium, representing nonprofit State-chartered medical/hospital service corporations; (2) a commercial insurance carrier consortium, representing profit-making commercial insurers not directly furnishing health care services; (3) a prepaid group practice HMO consortium; (4) an individual practice association HMO consortium; and (5) a self-insurer consortium. Permits an insurer or HMO to serve as a member of a different consortium with the approval of the Board and the consortium. Sets forth requirements with respect to these consortia including: (1) a participation agreement between the Board and the consortium containing specified provisions; (2) that the consortium provide for premium collection and reallocation and pay members for each enrollee; (3)that a contingency fund be maintained; (4) that certain information be reported regularly to the Board; (5) that the consortium negotiate with provider groups in establishing prospective budgets and maximum fee schedules in areas where its members offer plans; (6) that certain review procedures be established for dissatisfied enrollees and providers; and (7) that other regulations be followed. Establishes as a defense in any civil or criminal antitrust action brought with respect to actions by a participating insurer or HMO or consortium that such actions were taken in the course of performing duties required under agreements entered into under this Act. Directs the Board, after consultation with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission, to prescribe standards and procedures for the conduct of insurers, HMOs, and consortia which is consistent with the promotion of competition. Directs the Board to investigate complaints by a participating insurer or HMO that another participating organization has engaged in anticompetitive activity. Title V: Health Care Improvement Program - Directs the National Health Board to establish a program to improve the distribution of health care resources in the United States in order to promote the improvement in the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of services provided under this Act. Establishes in the Treasury the Health Resources Distribution Fund. Directs the Board to make grants to the State health boards from the Fund for projects to achieve the purposes of the program, including: (1) the conversion or closure of health care facilities; (2) the provision of health care services in health manpower shortage areas; (3) renovations of institutional health care facilities; (4) HMO and other delivery systems; (5) educational programs for health professionals to meet projected needs; and (6) continuing professional education programs. Requires that the Board allocate an amount to each State health board based on the State's needs as reflected in the National Health Care Improvement Plan. Requires that each State health board provide for a program for the education of consumers concerning health and their rights and privileges under this Act. Directs the Board to: (1) study the impact of this Act on, and means of improving, the Medicaid programs, and report appropriate recommendations to Congress within five years of enactment; (2) provide for the development and demonstration of methods to improve (A) the coordination of services by different providers, (B) the provision of services, and (C) peer review and control of utilization and quality in the provision of drugs, laboratory services, and other services under this Act and Medicare; (3) provide for demonstration projects to evaluate the feasibility of providing hospice services as part of basic covered health- care services; (4) provide for an analysis of provider malpractice and the provision of malpractice insurance, and report recommendations to Congress within two years of enactment. Directs the Board to provide for the conduct of a demonstration project in the organization, delivery, and financing of personal care services to groups likely to require such services. Requires that the Board make grants for establishing and maintaining programs to provide personal care services for a substantial population of persons residing in their homes who would otherwise be required to reside in an institution providing personal care services. Sets forth requirements with respect to such program. Directs the Board to transmit to Congress a comprehensive report with appropriate recommendations within five years of enactment. Title VI- Effective Dates, Transition Provisions, Amendments - Part A, Effective Dates and Transition Provisions - Sets forth effective dates for provisions of this Act. Provides for a special national premium rate for the period between October 1 and December 31 of the year before the first effective year. Directs the Board to establish for localities within each State maximum fee schedules applicable to services reimbursed under Medicare Part B for the period between July 1 and January 1 of the first effective year. Requires the Board to establish regulations, guidelines, standards, and procedures providing for the orderly administration of the Act, and to report to Congress within 18 months of enactment its progress in establishing implementation procedures. Directs the General Accounting Office to report to Congress within 18 months of enactment on the Board's progress. Provides that this Act does not alter or affect any contractual or other nonstatutory obligation of an employer to pay for or provide health services to present or former employees if the effect shifts the obligation in any part to such persons. Sets forth provisions relating to transfer of functions. Title VI: - Part B, Medicare-Related Amendments - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) to conform such Act with the Health Care for All Americans Act. Eliminates the prohibition against Federal supervision or control over the practice of medicine and the compensation of employees and officers of health care providers. Includes the following changes among those relating to eligibility: (1) broadens Medicare entitlement to include citizens of the U.S., persons legally admitted for permanent residence, and certain other persons aged 65 and over; (2) deletes the 24-month waiting period for eligibility for the disabled; and (3) entitles individuals to enroll in a participating HMO. Changes Medicare Part B from a voluntary insurance program to an entitlement program financed by premium payments and Federal funds. Includes the following among the changes relating to the scope of benefits: (1) deletes the limitation on inpatient hospital days; (2) adds mental health day care services; (3) replaces the existing limitation on inpatient psychiatric hospital services with a 150 consecutive day limit for Medicare purposes and a 45-consecutive-day limit for purposes of the Health Care for All Americans Act. Limits payment for outpatient psychiatric services and services related to the diagnosis or treatment of mental illness to an annual amount equal to 20 times the fee set forth in the maximum fee schedule for a psychiatrist's visit. Limits to $100 payment for certain outpatient therapy services in the therapist's office or beneficiary's home. Conforms coverage for end-stage renal disease with the provisions of the Health Care for All Americans Act. Includes the following among the changes relating to exclusions from coverage: (1) extends the applicability of exclusions to the Health Care for All Americans Act; (2) stipulates that preventive services are not excluded; (3) excludes hearing aids and related examinations only if they exceed one every three years, and one per individual; (4) eliminates the exclusion relating to orthopedic shoes; (5) permits the waiver, under certain conditions of the foot care exclusions for persons with diabetes mellitus; and (6) adds a new exclusion for insulin or outpatient prescription drugs for chronic conditions exceeding maximum amounts established by the Board. Makes technical and conforming amendments to Medicare Parts A and B relating to: (1) requirements for certification and requests for payment; (2) agreements with participating providers; (3) the use of State agencies to determine compliance with conditions of participation; (4) PSROs; and (5) payments to HMOs. Requires providers prescribing outpatient prescription drugs to use only generic or other names and specify such amounts as the Board may provide to insure quality and efficiency. Makes certain revisions with respect to payments to institutional and other providers and the administration of benefits. Repeals the deductible and coinsurance provision of the Medicare Part A program and the existing definition of "reasonable cost". Expands the definition of employment subject to the Medicare hospital insurance tax to include employment with Federal, State, and local governments, service performed for charitable organizations, service performed by certain employee representatives, certain students, and other organizations. Repeals provisions relating to the establishment of the Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council. Applies certain procedural provisions of title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) to Medicare and to the Health Care for All Americans Act. Amends title XIX of the Social Security Act (Medicaid) to establish a new arrangement for the determination of the Federal Medicaid payment, by which payment is to be equal to "excess State payments" according to a specified formula. Increases the Federal share of certain State Medicaid expenditures, including: (1) the training and compensation of skilled professional personnel (from 75 to 90 percent); (2) operation of management information systems (from 75 to 90 percent); and (3) general administration (from 50 to 90 percent). Establishes certain additional State Medicaid plan requirements including that States: (1) continue to provide services (other than those covered under the Health Care for All Americans Act) in the amount, duration, and scope as were covered by the States in the quarter before the first effective year of the program; (2) pay premiums on behalf of AFDC-eligible recipients; and (3) reimburse providers in a manner consistent with methods established by the Board. Requires any State not having a Medicaid program to enter into an agreement with the Board by which the State agrees to pay premiums on behalf of AFDC-eligible recipients and receives financial assistance from the Board. Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (General Provisions and PSROs) to: (1) extend the provisions for uniform reporting and disclosure of ownership and related information to the Health Care for All Americans Act; and (2) repeal the provisions relating to limitations on capital expenditures and programs for determining the qualifications of certain health care personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the present deduction for health insurance payments. Permits a deduction for amounts of medical expense not compensated for by insurance, in excess of three percent of adjusted gross income. Adds a new excess health insurance credit for impacted employers. Establishes special rules for computing such credit with respect to controlled groups of corporations and employees of partnerships and proprietorships which are under common control. Amends title XIII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Maintenance Organizations) to make conforming and certain other revisions with respect to the organization and operation of HMOs.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
National Employment Priorities Act of 1979 - Requires a business concern to give notice, with an economic impact statement, to the Secretary of Labor and to affected employees, labor organizations, and local governments whenever such business concern intends a change of operations at an establishment which will result in an employment loss in any 18-month period of the lesser of 100, or of 15 percent, of the employees at such establishment. Requires, with exceptions, that such notice be given within specified periods of time (varying according to the number of employees affected) before such business concern reduces the weekly wages or suspends or terminates the employment of any employee in connection with such change. Directs the Secretary to investigate and hold public hearings on specified matters related to such change upon receipt of a written request for such investigation from an affected labor organization or from at least ten percent of the employees at such establishment. Requires such request to be made within 60 days of receipt of notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and hold closed hearings on such matters, without regard to whether such notice is given, upon: (1) a determination that such investigation would serve the purpose of this Act; or (2) a request from at least 50 percent of such employees. Empowers the Secretary to issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence in such investigations. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a report of such investigation. Makes employees who accept employment with such business concerns, with knowledge that such notice has been given, ineligible for specified assistance under this Act. Requires such business concerns to give written statements of employment status to employees whose weekly wages are lowered by a specified amount or who are suspended or terminated. Stipulates that an employee will be deemed to suffer an employment loss if a business concern fails to: (1) give such a statement of employment status to an employee; or (2) include in such statement an assurance of increased wages or reinstatement. Requires a business concern which gives such assurance, yet fails to prevent such employment loss, to pay such employee a lump sum in a specified amount in addition to other required payments. Requires a business concern, for a 52-week period following an employment loss, to make payments: (1) to the employee in a weekly income maintenance payment equal to 85 percent of such employees's wage rate or 100 percent of such rate while such employee participates in specified training programs; and (2) to specified employment benefit plans for such employees. Sets forth conditions under which such payments may be reduced or limited. Stipulates that such payments are not to be deemed wages for all other purposes, including specified employee benefit plans. Requires such business concerns to pay moving expenses for employees who resume employment with the same business concerns within three years. Requires such business concerns to continue weekly income maintenance payments to employees between 53 and 61 years of age when the 52 week payment period expires. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such business concerns for such continued payments. Directs the Secretary to make transitional assistance payments to employees upon their request whenever a business concern fails to make such payments. Provides that the amount of such payments shall then be owed, with interest, to the United States by such business concern. Makes a business concern which transfers ownership or control of an establishment to avoid liability for transitional assistance payments liable to the United States for a specified amount if the owning or controlling business concern fails to provide such assistance. Requires such business concerns to offer employees, who suffer an employment loss, any available employment, with equivalent wages and benefits, at any establishment of such business concerns for a three-year period after such employment loss. Sets forth such former employees' rights to credits and benefits in employee benefit plans and such business concerns' liability for payments to such plans. Stipulates that specified violations shall be deemed violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, for which civil actions may be brought. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with specified groups, to implement a comprehensive assistance program (including existing or new programs of job training, job placement, and payments for job search and moving expenses) for employees who suffer or may suffer employment loss. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement retraining programs and to condition specified assistance to business concerns upon their implementation or assistance with such programs. Directs the Secretary to issue certificates of Federal procurement credit to business concerns which comply with this Act for appropriate periods if the Secretary finds that such assistance would provide additional employment opportunities through the cooperating concerns. Sets forth conditions of eligibility for assistance of business concerns, local governments, and certain employers or cooperative associations of employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified forms of such assistance, giving priority to those which enable employees to continue at their present establishment. Makes such business concerns liable to local governments which lose revenue because of such changes of operations. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such liability. Directs the Secretary to pay such amounts to local governments if a business concern fails to do so (with such amount to be owed, with interest, to the United States by such business concern). Makes business concerns which transfer operations to an establishment outside the United States, when an economically viable alternative to such transfer exists, liable to the United States for lost revenues according to specified formulas. Sets forth criminal and civil violations and penalties. Enumerates violations of employees' rights and remedies for such violators. Directs the Secretary to: (1) recover overpayments for specified Federal assistance to employees obtained through a knowing deception; (2) maintain specified operating reserves; and (3) record mortgage security on specified loans. Provides procedures for Congressional disapproval of rules promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to make specified reports and legislative proposals to the Congress. Sets forth general powers of the Secretary in carrying out this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement this Act through the National Employment Priorities Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate any function, power, or duty under this Act to the Administrator of the National Employment Priorities Administration. Establishes the National Employment Priorities Administration in the Department of Labor to: (1) perform such delegated functions, powers, and duties; (2) conduct research on the relationship between unemployment and changes of business operations; and (3) identify services and products which may profitably be provided by business concerns receiving specified assistance. Establishes the National Employment Priorities Advisory Council to: (1) advise and assist the Secretary in carrying out this Act; (2) evaluate programs under this Act; (3) study and report on those areas of future economic activity in which the United States will be at a competitive disadvantage and on industries in which many businesses may change operations; and (4) research and propose new assistance programs for employees, local governments, and business concerns. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Fuel Stamp Act of 1979 - Establishes a fuel stamp program to assist participants in the food stamp program to pay the cost of fuel consumed for residential heating during the period of December through March. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer such program. Sets the monthly value of such fuel stamps to an eligible household at: (1) $20, plus (2) the total value of food coupons authorized for such month in excess of $20 (up to a maximum of $50). Limits the use of such fuel stamps to payment for fuel consumed by a household to heat its residence. Requires payment to and acceptance by any person who sells such fuel to such household. Prescribes criminal penalties for the violation of such requirements. Limits redemption of fuel stamps to persons who sell fuel. Directs the Secretary to prescribe for the printing and inventory control of fuel stamps. Requires every State agency administering the food stamp program to submit for the Secretary's approval a plan of operation, containing specified general provisions, for conducting the fuel stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to 50 percent of a State plan's administrative costs, and up to 75 percent of the cost of its investigations and prosecutions. Authorizes payment of a bonus for agencies with a less than five percent error rate. States that the value of any fuel stamp shall not be considered income or a resource under any Federal, State, or local law. Prohibits the reduction of State or local assistance to a household because of the receipt of fuel stamps. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to prohibit, in the calculation of household income, the consideration of the value of any fuel stamp as a household expenditure for shelter.
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 · 27 July 1979
Solar Energy Development Bank Act - Establishes a Solar Energy Development Bank within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a president to manage and supervise the affairs of such bank subject to the direction of its Board of Directors. Directs the General Accounting Office to periodically audit the financial transactions of the Solar Bank. Permits the Solar Bank to impose fees or charges for its services. Stipulates that the Solar Bank be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the Secretaries of HUD, the Treasury, and Energy. Directs the Board to adopt, amend, or repeal such regulations as are necessary or convenient for the functioning of the Solar Bank. Empowers the Board to fix the level of subsidy and the interest rate on loans subsidized by the Bank. Permits the Board to alter the level of subsidy and interest rates for new loans subsidized by the Bank. Sets forth factors for the Board to consider when altering such rates, including: (1) the prevailing market rates of interest for home mortgages, home improvement loans, and commercial loans, as well as prevailing market rates of interest for Government and corporate bonds; (2) the availability of other Government incentives and subsidies for solar energy equipment, including Federal income tax credits; (3) the costs of nonrenewable energy resources and systems; and (4) the levels of subsidy needed to induce consumers and builders to install solar energy systems in residential and commercial buildings. Permits the Solar Bank, beginning with fiscal year 1980, to make payments to financial institutions for the purpose of subsidizing below-market rate loans to owners or builders of commercial and residential structures for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems in such structures. Defines "solar energy systems" for the purposes of this Act. Sets forth the procedure and terms governing the payment of such subsidies. Exempts transactions made under this Act from any State or local usury laws. Establishes penalties for knowingly making false statements or misrepresentations of material fact with respect to any loan assisted under this Act. Directs the Board of Directors of the Solar Bank to make an annual report to the President and both Houses of Congress. Directs the Solar Bank to promote the programs established by this Act by informing and actively seeking the participation of financial institutions and consumers. Permits the Solar Bank to utilize the services of personnel within HUD with the permission of the Secretary. Authorizes the use of funds available in the Energy Security Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act, within specified limits.
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 · 19 July 1979
Competition Review Act - Establishes the Competition Review Commission as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch to study Federal laws and practices which have a significant impact on competition in specified industries including the antitrust laws, the patent laws, the internal revenue laws and regulations, the National Labor Relations Act, regulatory policies, and contracting and bidding practices. Establishes the membership of such Commission which includes representatives from the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government and the private sector. Directs the Commission to appoint an Executive Director at Level V of the Executive Schedule. Empowers the Commission to subpoena witnesses and evidence and to have such process enforced in the United States district courts. Grants the Commission power to issue civil investigative demands and general or specific orders for information identical to the authority conferred upon the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General under the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Antitrust Civil Process Act. Requires all actions challenging this Act or the authority of the Commission to be filed in the United States District Court or the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Requires these Courts to give precedence to such actions over all other actions on their calendars. Directs the Commission to prepare an initial plan for its investigations, a comprehensive bibliography on antitrust policies and competition, a timetable and outline for its studies, any interim reports it deems advisable, and a final report on the state of competition in the American economy. Requires the Commission to submit such reports, at specified intervals, to the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate culminating in the submission of its final report within five years of the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the disclosure of any information obtained by the Commission except to the Commission staff while engaged in the performance of its duties. Requires all such information to be held under seal by the Administrator of General Services for at least five years following the termination of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to declare national goals for the domestic production of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks. Directs the Secretary of Energy to acquire for use or resale by the United States Government not less than 1,000,000 barrels per day crude oil equivalent of synthetic fuels and synthetic chemical feedstocks within a specified period. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for purchases of such fuels and feedstocks and to provide for the development and production thereof for national defense preparedness. Sets forth terms and conditions for such contracts. Directs the Secretary to install additional equipment and facilities in federally-owned industrial facilities and to organize corporations for the purposes of achieving the goals set forth under this Act. Directs the Secretary to require suppliers to provide such fuels and feedstocks and to install Government-owned equipment in privately-owned industrial facilities when the President deems it necessary for national defense purposes. Establishes in the United States Treasury a synthetic fuel fund for the purpose of carrying out the programs authorized by this Act. Directs each Federal officer and agency responsible for issuing permits or other authorizations for construction or operation of synthetic fuel and synthetic chemical feedstock facilities to expedite actions necessary for such issuance or authorization, upon receipt of a timely application from prospective applicants. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant actions; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Facility Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Requires the Secretary to certify the proper completion of all Federal agency actions and approvals necessary to the completion of such projects. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of any State selected for the siting of such projects and to request the Governor to supply information as to significant State and local actions required before such projects can be completed. Authorizes the Secretary to propose a voluntary decision schedule to assist State and local authorities in coordinating their actions with Federal actions. Directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a project schedule created or threatened by any State or local government. Limits judicial review of Federal agency actions made under this Act to claims alleging that an action taken pursuant to this Act will deny constitutional or statutory rights or exceed statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations. Sets time limits for filing appeals or petitions for review of actions taken pursuant to this Act, and bars any challenges to such actions which are not in conformance with these actions. Stipulates that such challenges shall be brought in the United States courts of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such courts in such matters. Directs such courts to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Amends the Government Corporation Control Act to include corporations formed pursuant to this Act within the definition of 'wholly owned Government corporation.'
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Alternate Fuels Engine Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Alternative Fuels Engine Development Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a comprehensive program for the development of gas turbine engines for commercial production. Stipulates that such program shall include development of gasoline engine conversion systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, and loans with specified types of institutions and organizations in order to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to qualified entities to assist in the commercial production of such engines and conversion systems. Authorizes appropriations for programs described under this title. Requires that federally-purchased vehicles be equipped with gas turbine engines or gasoline engine conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to take such steps as necessary to assure participation by small businesses in the programs conducted under this title. Terminates the provisions of this Act effective January 1, 1990. Title II: Tax Incentives for Gas Turbine Engine Development and Production and for Gasoline Engine Conversion Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide an additional 15 percent investment tax credit for gasoline conservation property, as defined under this Act. Allows a tax deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified gasoline conservation product facility based on a period of 60 months. Sets forth procedures for determining eligibility for and claiming such deduction. Allows a tax credit for purchase of qualified gasoline conservation products. Allows a tax deduction for fees paid for transportation of a taxpayer on any public transportation motor vehicle which uses any qualified gasoline conservation product.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Designates the period of April 13 through April 19, 1980, as "Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust."
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
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 Bankruptcy Act to stipulate that, for the period between December 18, 1977, and November 6, 1978, an abandonment or sale of the properties of a railroad in reorganization need not be approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the Commission to direct a willing provider of truck or water transportation to transport the traffic of shippers using a railroad line abandoned pursuant to a court decree under the Bankruptcy Act if such transportation would be more efficient than directed rail carriage. Sets forth employee protection arrangements for individuals displaced from their employment on account of such an abandonment. Stipulates that a rail carrier required to provide such protective arrangements shall be reimbursed for such costs by the Railroad Retirement Board. Requires the rail carrier to repay such sums when the Board determines that the financial condition of the carrier permits such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations to the Board for such reimbursements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Designates April 10, 1980, as "ORT Centennial Day" to salute the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training on its 100th anniversary.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Amends the District of Columbia Redevelopment Act of 1945 to revise the standards requiring written consent for the purchaser or lessee with regard to a modification of an approved redevelopment plan. Approves two amendments to the urban renewal plan for Southwest, Washington, D.C.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to grant an additional allotment of funds for the construction of publicly owned waste treatment works to any State which has obligated 90 percent or more of the funds previously allotted to it for such purpose by March 31 of any fiscal year. Makes such additional funds available for the fiscal year for which such funds were authorized, and for the succeeding 12 months. Provides that any funds unobligated at the end of such period be allotted equally among the other States. Makes adjustments in the amount of additional funds allocated for a State where funds previously authorized proved inadequate. Authorizes appropriations for such additional funds. Sets the amount of funds authorized to be reserved each fiscal year to two percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for allotments to States under this program. Makes funds allotted to the States for fiscal year 1978 available for the next succeeding 24 months. Provides for the reallotment of funds not obligated at the end of such period to all States except those which failed to obligate any of the funds being reallotted. Stipulates that such reallotted funds be in addition to those otherwise allotted to such State for grants under this program.