United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Preretirement Education Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a program of grants to: (1) develop model preretirement education programs; (2) train personnel for such programs; (3) prepare related information and materials; and (4) provide consultation services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out a preretirement education study and a retirement employment study.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XIX: "Grants for Maintenance of Essential Health Services Provided by Hospitals in Imminent Danger of Closing." Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or private nonprofit hospitals serving predominantly health manpower shortage areas or medically underserved areas for their provision of certain essential health services, during a one-year period, to individuals, including undocumented aliens, who are not eligible for medical assistance under Medicaid nor covered by insurance and who are unable to pay for such service. Includes among the eligibility criteria for receipt of such grants that: (1) at least 60 percent of the hospital's outpatient and emergency room visits during the three-year period preceding such hospital's application have been by such individuals; (2) the hospital will be unable, without such a grant, to continue operations for more than six months from the date of application; and (3) the hospital enters into an agreement with the Secretary to carry out specified activities, including the elimination of excessive inpatient services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Public Health Service Act to add a new title XIX: "Hospital Services Provided to Undocumented Aliens." Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or private nonprofit hospitals for their provision of certain essential health services to undocumented aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend the effective period of ceiling prices established by the President and applicable to any first sale of crude oil produced in the United States. Extends the President's authority under such Act to December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Food Security Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons. Authorizes the President to release such stocks on a donation or concessional sale basis to provide emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the domestic supply of wheat in the United States is so limited that quantities cannot be made available except for urgent humanitarian purposes. Exempts such reserve stock from limitations which may be imposed pursuant to the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Export Administration Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to tax income of married individuals filing tax returns separate from their spouses at the same rates applicable to unmarried individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Oil Imports Act of 1979 - Title I: Oil Importation - Prohibits the importation of crude oil or other petroleum products into the United States unless permitted by, purchased by, or manufactured from crude oil purchased by the American Oil Import Corporation, to be established under this Act. Sets forth requirements for issuing import permits for the importation of crude oil and petroleum products. Directs the Corporation to issue permits for such imports, in cases of national emergency, to insure access by the Armed Forces of the United States to needed oil supplies. Requires that crude oil and petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve be purchased from the Corporation. Grants to the Corporation exclusive purchasing authority for crude oil and petroleum product imports, and sets forth requirements regarding such purchasing authority. Title II: American Oil Import Corporation - Establishes a nonprofit corporation to be known as the American Oil Impact Corporation, to be managed by a Board of Directors to be appointed by the President. Establishes an Advisory Board to the Corporation, composed of officers of specified Federal agencies and departments, to meet periodically with the Directors to share information of the activities of the Corporation pertaining to the various departments and agencies represented. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Corporation and confers upon the Corporation nonprofit status. Establishes a Public Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States into which shall be deposited revenues from activities of the Corporation. Provides that such funds, including appropriated funds as authorized by the Congress, shall be used by the Corporation for carrying out this Act. Sets forth specified reporting, recordkeeping, and audit requirements on the Corporation. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes it a crime for any officer, employee, or person acting for or on behalf of the United States or any department or agency thereof to prematurely disclose information concerning crude oil or petroleum products required to be withheld from publication until a fixed time or to speculate directly or indirectly in any such product by buying or selling the same in quantity before such information is made public through regular official channels. Repeals the standby purchase authority of the President under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean, a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Food Security Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons. Authorizes the President to release such stocks on a donation or concessional sale basis to provide emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the domestic supply of wheat in the United States is so limited that quantities cannot be made available except for urgent humanitarian purposes. Exempts such reserve stock from limitations which may be imposed pursuant to the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 and the Export Administration Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at lease 500 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1986 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into such contracts and make such grants as may be necessary or appropriate for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with appropriate Federal agencies to carry out projects and activities with respect to Federal facilities as may be appropriate for the demonstration of wind energy systems which are suitable and effective for use in such facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Solar Energy Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to certain CETA prime sponsors and other private nonprofit or public agencies, including community-based organizations, unions, and vocational education facilities, to provide employment and training programs in the fields of solar energy and energy conservation for persons who are: (1) unemployed or underemployed; or (2) in school and are ages 16 to 24, inclusive. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to promulgate guidelines for such programs. Allows Governors or prime sponsors, in order to carry out such programs and after consultation with community-based organizations and nonprofit groups, to: (1) enter into contracts with project applicants or employers organized for profit (with limitations on payments to such employers); or (2) operate such programs directly. Requires the Secretary, in awarding financial assistance under the provisions of this Act, to assure that: (1) each geographical section of the country is awarded a project; (2) sufficient natural resources and technology are available to ensure a successful project; and (3) areas which are poor in conventional energy sources are awarded financial assistance. Directs the Secretary to use up to 20 percent of such funds to support certain apprenticeship projects, including those in the solar and energy conservation aspects of traditional building trades and new trades. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for fiscal years 1980 through 1984. Limits to 25 percent the amount of such funds which may be used for administrative and other allowable costs incurred by groups conducting such projects. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the implementation of solar energy and energy conservation education and training programs in suitable Job Corps centers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should approve supplemental appropriations in specified amounts to provide sufficient funds for programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow certain aliens applying as immigrants to be given preference visas as children of United States citizens provided such an alien: (1) requests such treatment; (2) was born after 1950 in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, or Thailand; (3) was fathered by an American serviceman; and (4) provides a guarantee of financial support. Stipulates that such guarantee must: (1) be signed by a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who is at least 21 years old; and (2) provide that such signing sponsor will provide necessary financial support for five years. Allows the Attorney General to enforce such guarantee against the sponsor in a civil suit unless such sponsor dies or is adjudicated bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Declares it to be the sense of the Congress that crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, and all other components of energy costs to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers be explicitly covered by the price and profit margin guidelines established in the President's anti-inflation program, and that the President take all possible measures to slow the rising costs of energy, a major contributor to the inflationary pressures on our economy.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Authorizes the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Private First Class William James Tsakanikas for his service during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Brown Lung Disease Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to compile and publish a list of State workers' compensation laws found to provide adequate coverage for byssinosis ("brown lung disease", arising out of employment in a textile plant), utilizing specified criteria. Subjects such a determination to judicial review in an appropriate circuit court. Requires any claim for death or total disability due to byssinosis to be filed under the State workers' compensation law, but entitles a worker or surviving family members to claim benefits under this Act during any period when such persons are not covered by a State law providing adequate coverage. Specifies the amounts of benefits to which retired and other workers suffering from byssinosis are entitled to be paid by the Secretary. Provides that such benefit payments shall be reduced by the amount of payments received from certain other sources, such as workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, disability insurance, or a percentage of Social Security benefits. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to establish standards for determining whether a worker is, or deceased worker was, totally disabled from byssinosis. Makes every employer liable for the securing of benefits equal to or greater than those provided by this Act. Sets forth the means by which such an employer shall secure the payment of such benefits during any period in which the State workers' compensation law is not found to provide adequate coverage. Stipulates that this Act does not relieve any employer of the duty to comply with any State workers' compensation law and that any such law which provides greater benefits shall not be construed to conflict with this Act. Provides that during any period in which a State workers' compensation law is not included on the list published by the Secretary, certain provisions of the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act shall be applicable. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with and make grants to public and private agencies and organizations and individuals for the construction, purchase, and operation of fixed site and mobile clinical facilities for the analysis, examination, and treatment of respiratory and pulmonary impairments in active and inactive textile plant workers. Requires the Secretary to initiate research within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and authorizes the Secretary to make research grants to public and private agencies and organizations and individuals for the purpose of devising a simple and effective test to measure, detect, and treat respiratory and pulmonary impairments in active and inactive textile plant workers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be completed by September 1, 1981. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Repeals the requirement, under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that the amount of monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who applies for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability shall be considered presumptively disabled if he has received disability insurance benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits as a disabled individual within five years of his most recent application for supplementary security income benefits. Provides that benefits paid to an individual who is considered presumptively disabled under this Act will be considered overpayments if such individual is ultimately determined not to be disabled in fact.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Urges (1) the International Whaling Commission to adopt a moratorium on the commercial killing of whales and (2) various countries to comply with such moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the physically handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the period from 24 to 36 months that funds allotted to a State for construction of treatment works shall remain available for obligation by the State.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to permit the exportation of domestically produced crude oil in exchange for the same quantity of oil, if such exchange achieves lower prices for U.S. consumers. Repeals the time limit on the prohibition of oil exports. Revises the conditions under which crude oil may be exported or exchanged to require: (1) a finding by the President verified by the General Accounting Office that such export or exchange results in lower acquisition costs and reduced prices; and (2) congressional approval within 60 days. Permits the exportation of oil to friendly foreign countries pursuant to bilateral international agreements if the President first reports to Congress and keeps Congress continually informed. Requires such exports to cease if Congress disapproves.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards; and (6) require certain persons involved in mining, refining, or importing asbestos used in construction material to reimburse the Federal Government for a share of the costs of the asbestos program conducted under this Act. Establishes the Asbestos Hazards School Safety Task Force. States that such Task Force's duties shall include: (1) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (2) reviewing and approving State applications for grants and loans; and (3) assisting in formulating standards and safety procedures. Requires State educational agencies which seek administrative funds to submit to the Secretary a plan which: (1) describes the manner such State shall disseminate information on the health hazards of asbestos fibers; (2) describes the content of such information; and (3) describes the procedures to be used by the State in maintaining records on asbestos. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local educational agencies for the Federal share of the costs of carrying out an asbestos detection program meeting the standards of this Act. Prohibits the making of such grants unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary after consultation with the task force. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools, for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment, and for determining which contractors are qualified to carry out testing and evaluation procedures. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discharge or discriminate against any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim of disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Urban Grant University Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to urban universities (as defined by this Act) to assist them in carrying out urban-oriented projects. Sets forth grant application guidelines, including a requirement that no project grant may exceed 90 percent of such project's total cost. Stipulates that any institution receiving assistance under this Act shall be designated as an "urban grant university." Requires the Commissioner to publish annually a list of such urban grant universities. Limits the annual amount of such assistance to institutions in any one State to 15 percent of the total amount paid.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Requires the United States to reduce its contribution to the United Nations by a specified percent of the amount budgeted by the United Nations for certain Palestinian organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Limits the amount of outside earned income which may be received by any Member of Congress in any calendar year to 15 percent of his or her annual aggregate salary. Prohibits any Member of Congress from accepting any honorarium in excess of $1,000 in value for an appearance or speech made or article written by such Member while serving in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides that Vietnam veterans eligible for specified veterans' educational benefits may use up to 12 months of such benefits for employment assistance payments to non-Federal Government employers hiring such veterans. Establishes eligibility requirements and guidelines for participating veterans and employers. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - Authorizes the Veterans' Administration to provide outpatient mental health services to Vietnam veterans with emotional or psychological civilian readjustment problems. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a program of treatment for Vietnam-era veterans or members of their immediate families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Provides that any individual eligible for treatment in either the readjustment or alcohol drug program may elect to have such treatment at any community health center providing such services under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Directs the Administrator to reimburse such centers for such treatment. Authorizes an employee of the General Accounting Office assigned to duty in a Veterans' Administration health facility to act as ombudsman for the patients of such facility. Title III: GI Bill Education Assistance - Extends the ten year delimiting period for veterans' educational assistance eligibility to January 1, 1985, for veterans discharged before December 31, 1969. Removes the requirement of State matching funds for veterans' accelerated payment of educational assistance allowances. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States for administrative expenses for the start- up costs veterans' home loan programs. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to make a comprehensive study of United States laws providing benefits to veterans and their dependents, with particular attention to the needs of Vietnam veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to add a new "Title II: Port Safety Planning and Improvement", to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to make grants to municipalities and public agencies for the development and implementation of port safety plans to protect deep-draft ports from fires, explosions, or other damage. Prescribes the minimum requirements for each such plan. Limits the total funds obligated for such grants and the amount of obligated funds available in any one fiscal year. Provides that no grant may exceed two-thirds of the cost of development of each such plan and 50 percent of the cost of implementing each such plan. Stipulates that no more than ten percent or less than one percent of such funds be allocated for a single port, with certain exceptions. States that no municipality is eligible to receive more than three grants. Declares that no grants may be made for development of a plan after September 30, 1982, and no grant may be made for implementation of a plan after September 30, 1985. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress or whether the cost of providing port safety services could be paid for through the collection of user fees. Requires each municipality or public agency to keep records on the amount and disposition of such grants. Permits the Secretary and Comptroller General of the United States to have access to such records for the purposes of audit and examination. Authorizes appropriations through 1985 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the administration of such program within six months after the end of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include displaced homemakers as a targeted group for whom the new employee credit is available. Defines "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has not worked in the labor force for a substantial number of years but has provided unpaid services in the home for family members; (2) has been dependent on public assistance or the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income; and (3) is unemployed or underemployed and has encountered difficulty in obtaining suitable employment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
National Infant Screening Act of 1979 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide financial assistance to public and nonprofit entities to acquire the automated equipment, supplies, and personnel required to conduct multiple screening of blood specimens routinely collected from newborn infants for metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Objects to the waiver of the Congressional oversight provisions of the Arms Export Control Act by the President. Requests that the military assistance to Yemen be delayed to give Congress time to fulfill its oversight functions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate a Coordinator of programs to be responsible for: (1) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (2) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (3) making recommendations to Congress with respect to modification of Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to assist the victims and their dependents. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of such programs no later than three years after enactment. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subjected to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of assistance to victims and their dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Establishes the Channel Islands Marine National Park in the State of California, and includes in such park San Miguel and Prince Islands, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands and surrounding waters. Terminates authority for the Channel Islands National Monument. Sets forth provisions for the acquisition of land for such park. Directs the Secretary of Interior to direct and develop, in cooperation with the State of California, a marine resources study report, including an inventory of all species in the park and recommendations for the protection of marine resources. Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of California for the management of those lands and waters within and adjacent to the national park which are owned by the State of California.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Health Service Act - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to create a United States Health Service to provide without charge to all residents comprehensive health care services delivered by salaried health workers and emphasizing the promotion and maintenance of health as well as the treatment of illness. Title I: Establishment and Operation of the United States Health Service - Establishes as an independent agency of the executive branch the United States Health Service. Directs the President to appoint a 21-member Interim National Health Board of the Service. Directs the Board to establish, within six months of such appointment, health care delivery regions throughout the United States. Requires each region to: (1) be appropriate for the effective planning and delivery of health care and supplemental services for its residents; (2) have a population between 500,000 and 3,000,000 (with specified exceptions); and (3) take into account economic or geographic barriers and differences in needs between nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas. Directs the Board to appoint a nine- member interim regional board for each region. Limits to three the members of such board who are or have been health workers or indirect providers. Directs each board to establish, within six months of such appointment, health care delivery districts and health care delivery communities throughout its region. Specifies requirements for such districts and communities. Sets forth the procedures for: (1) the election of health care delivery community boards, including that such boards consist of user members and health worker members, as defined by this Act; (2) the appointment of district health boards by the community boards; (3) the appointment of regional health boards by the district boards; (4) the appointment of the National Health Board; and (5) the subsequent certification of health boards. Sets forth the procedures for the modification of the boundaries of health care delivery areas by the National Health Board. Specifies requirements with respect to the membership, meetings, and records of the health boards established by this Act. Directs the National Health Board to establish guidelines and standards to facilitate the implementation of the objectives of this Act. Title II: Delivery of Health Care and Supplemental Services - Enumerates the basic health rights which the Service shall ensure in the delivery of health care services to users, including: (1) the right to receive high quality health care and supplemental services without charge and without discrimination; (2) the right to choose the health workers from whom, and the health facilities in which, health care services are received; (3) the right of access to all health information and the right to have such information translated into the individual's primary language; (4) the right to an explanation of the benefits and risks involved in the delivery of health services; (5) the right to have all documents treated confidentially; (6) the right, in the event of terminal illness, to die with a maximum degree of dignity; and (7) the right to legal assistance to enforce these rights. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to entitle each employee of an employer subject to such Act to compensation for one hour at regular pay for each 35 hours of employment for the purpose of receiving necessary health care services. Provides that all individuals while within the United States and its territories are eligible to receive health care and supplemental services under this Act. Specifies the services which the Health Service shall provide, including: (1) health education programs; (2) preventive services; (3) emergency medical services; (4) comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services; (5) occupational and mental health services; (6) dental care, long-term care, and home health services; (7) specialized therapies; and (8) the provision of drugs, therapeutic devices, and other medical equipment and supplies. Enumerates the supplemental services to be provided by the Service, including: (1) ambulance and other transportation services; (2) child care services; (3) home health services; and (4) counseling and social service assistance. Requires each community board to establish community health care facilities to provide (to the greatest extent feasible through a single comprehensive health center) specified primary and specialized health care services. Requires each district board to establish, within its district, a general hospital for the delivery of general health care services and those specialized services which may be provided most effectively at the district level. Requires each regional board to establish a regional medical facility for the delivery of highly specialized health care services to individuals residing in the district. Enumerates additional duties for each regional, district, and community health board, including: (1) education on personal health matters; (2) referral services; (3) environmental monitoring services; (4) research and data-gathering; and (5) follow-up services. Sets forth requirements for the operation and inspection of health care facilities. Prohibits any individual employed by a health board from engaging in the private delivery of health care services. Enumerates services relating to reproduction and childbearing which regional, district, and community health boards shall provide. Title III: Health Labor Force - Declares that the Health Service shall be the sole judge of the qualifications of its employees, notwithstanding any State or local law to the contrary. Directs the National Health Board to establish guidelines for the classification, certification, and employment of health workers by job category. Requires each regional board to establish a health team school to provide programs of initial and continuing basic and specialized education in health care delivery for health workers in all job categories. Prohibits any individual from enrolling in any area health board school or specialized program unless the individual agrees to perform health care services as an employee of the service for a specified period of time in the job category for which training is being provided. Applies specified Federal standards to labor-management relations within the service including provisions relating to: (1) employment and promotion in the service; (2) adverse actions against employees; (3) compensation for work-related injuries; and (4) collective-bargaining procedures and agreements. Sets forth procedures with respect to the defense of malpractice and negligence suits brought against employees of the Service. Title IV: Other Functions of Health Boards - Requires each regional, district, and community health board to establish a program of health advocacy to ensure the full realization of patients' rights provided for by this Act. Directs the National Board to establish a health rights legal service program to ensure that users and health workers receive free, high quality legal service for legal problems related to health rights and health care services. Establishes a grievance procedure before a regional board or the National Board for any user, health worker, or any user association having a demonstrated interest in health care. Directs the National Board to oversee occupational safety and health programs at the regional level and to participate in the establishment and administration of occupational safety and health standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Directs each community board to provide for the organization and operation of a community occupational safety and health action council (OSHAC). Directs each regional board to establish an occupational health and safety program. Requires the employer in each workplace having 25 or more employees to establish and maintain a health facility in or near the workplace to provide occupational and emergency health care service for employees. Gives employees in such workplaces the right to establish workplace occupational safety and health committees to monitor safety and health conditions. Directs the Health Service to conduct a program of research concerning health and health care delivery which conforms to specified principles. Transfers the National Institutes of Health established under the Public Health Service Act to the National Health Board, and directs the National Board to establish National Institutes of: (1) Epidemiology; (2) Evaluative Clinical Research; (3) Health Care Services; (4) Pharmacy and Medical Supply; and (5) Sociology of Health and Health Care. Requires each regional, district, and community health board to collect and evaluate data on health care delivery. Directs the National Board to formulate a one-year and five-year national health plan budget, taking into account such data and evaluations. Directs the National Health Board to publish and disseminate to regional, district, and community boards a National Pharmacy and Medical Supply Formulary which shall contain a listing of drugs, therapeutic devices and other medical equipment and quality standards and other information with respect to such items. Directs the National Board to prepare and disseminate to regional, district, and community boards a comprehensive dictionary of health care terms for use by users. Title V: Financing of the Service - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional income tax on every individual to finance the health service program established by this Act. Imposes a tax on every employer equal to 4.5 percent of wages paid. Excludes from gross income amounts paid by employers on behalf of their employees to accident and health plans which provide insurance for medical expenses not covered by this Act. Repeals provisions which allow income tax deductions for certain health care expenses and charitable contributions to medical and hospital facilities. Repeals existing tax rate schedules for hospital insurance under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Creates in the Treasury the Health Service Trust Fund. Transfers to the Fund all the assets and liabilities of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs each regional, district, and community board to submit annually to the appropriate board a plan and budget. Directs the National Board to prepare a national health budget for each fiscal year, taking into consideration the area board budgets. Directs the Board to incorporate into the budget a fund for special operating expenses associated with specified health care needs. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals and transfers to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare authority under specified laws relating to health care services provided by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to: (1) make technical amendments; (2) repeal the bonding requirement for designated employees of the Plant Variety Protection Office; (3) extend the term of plant variety protection from 17 to 18 years; (4) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue corrected certificates of plant variety protection instead of the current certificates of correction; and (5) allow application of its provisions to the seeds, plants or transplants of okra, celery, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers, which are currently excluded from the protection of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that a consumer or retailer who files an appropriate action in State or Federal court shall be entitled to collect from a retailer or distributor who wrongly withholds prompt payment of the refund value of a beverage container under the provisions of this Act: (1) the amount of the refund value; (2) the amount of any damages resulting in failure to make payment; (3) court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; and (4) $10.00 for each beverage container for which the retailer or distributor failed to make payment. Imposes civil fines on such retailer or distributor who fails to make payment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor and report to Congress on: (1) the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers; (2) any additional net costs incurred by retailers as a result of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress annually on: (1) the impact of this Act on conservation, recycling of waste products, and the economy; and (2) the potential role of refundable beverage container redemption centers. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance and information to States, distributors, retailers, consumers, and to manufacturers of beverage containers as necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Elephant Protection Act of 1979 - Directs the President to propose to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species that all trade in elephant products be suspended until large and healthy elephant populations have been reestablished and are biologically stable. Prohibits the importation into or exportation from the United States of elephant products. Prohibits the possession, transportation, or sale of such products. Provides for administration of this Act by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits for scientific purposes or to enhance elephant propagation. Prescribes the conditions for granting of such permits. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the payment of rewards to persons furnishing information concerning violations of this Act. Grants specified search and seizure powers for enforcement of this Act by authorized persons. Preempts any incompatible State laws.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States and the District constituting the Seat of Government of the United States shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest number of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Anti-Arson Act of 1979 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection and control of arson. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the awarding of grants to States and localities for: (1) programs designed to prevent and detect crimes involving arson; and (2) the development of education and training for State and local prosecutors with respect to the crime of arson. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports. Directs the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Amends the Urban Property Protection and Reinsurance Act of 1968 to provide that fair access to insurance requirements plans shall require policies to be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over; (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to notify the Governor and other State officials, or the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe, of its intent to explore a site for a radioactive waste storage and disposal facility to be selected within such State or tribal lands. Directs the Chairman to establish a Federal and State Radioactive Materials Management Commission, upon the request of such Governor or Tribal Council, to allow for State or Tribal participation and to obtain concurrence with the Department of Energy regarding site selection and construction of such facilities. Prohibits any Federal agency from proceeding with any such project without resolution of any objections of a State or Tribal Council.
![Official portrait of Rep. Richmond, Frederick W. [D-NY-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000232_200.jpg)