United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Provides that any disability of a veteran of World War I shall be treated as a service-connected disability for medical care purposes, including hospital and outpatient care services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Limits the availability of veterans' job counseling, training, and placement service to only those veterans who served during a period of war, including (1) the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955; and (2) a period of 180 days and part of which occurred after August 4, 1964, and May 7, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to contract for the furnishing of private health care to veterans when such health care is authorized by a Veterans' Administration physician as necessary for the treatment of a medical emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Establishes the Veterans' Administration as an executive department to be known as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Redesignates the Administrator and Deputy Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Veterans' Affairs, respectively. Makes this Act effective at such time as designated by the President by Executive Order.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Extends the authorization of appropriations to fiscal year: (1) 1985 to assist States in constructing facilities for providing veterans with domiciliary care, nursing home care, and for the alteration and expansion of existing structures for providing such care in State homes; and (2) 1984 for medical information pilot programs. Prohibits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs from entering into any agreement for providing any assistance to health manpower training programs, to Veterans Administration - affiliated medical schools, or to establish new State medical schools, after December 31, 1979. Authorizes appropriations for such medical schools and training programs for each succeeding fiscal year (presently authorized for each of the six succeeding fiscal years). Eliminates a requirement for grants to affiliated medical schools and to health manpower training institutions that a proposed project will substantially increase the number of students at such medical school or training institution.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Sets forth the amount of reimbursement which the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall pay to the States for furnishing domiciliary, hospital, or nursing home care to eligible veterans who receive such care in State facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Act To Establish a Special Pension Program for World War I Veterans - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to eligible World War I veterans. Provides maximum eligibility income ceilings for purposes of such pension.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to extend the authorizations of appropriations to September 30, 1982, for: (1) grants for the operation of health projects; (2) grants for public works and development facilities; (3) public works and development facility loans; (4) the redevelopment area loan program; (5) technical assistance and economic development planning; (6) supplemental and basic grants; (7) economic development districts; (8) Indian economic development; (9) supplements to Federal grant programs; and (10) special economic development and adjustment assistance. Permits the termination or modification, prior to September 30, 1982, (formerly 1979) of a designated redevelopment area only at the request of the local governing body.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Increases flat rates for certain unmarried veterans' aid and attendance allowance from $5,680 to $7,150. Increases flat rates for certain married veterans' aid and attendance allowance from $6,781 to $8,251.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Provides that syringomyelia developing a ten percent or more degree of disability within seven years after separation from active wartime service shall be presumed to be service connected for purposes of veterans' disability compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Taxpayer Relief Amendments to Panama Treaty Legislation - Specifies that all expenses incurred implementing the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 shall be treated as an expense of the Panama Canal Commission. Prohibits payments to Panama out of U.S. Treasury revenues. Requires the Panama Canal Company to pay its cash assets to the U.S. Treasury to be applied against its debt. Directs the Commission to continue repaying its debt to the United States. Amends the Panama Canal Code to require the Commission to pay: (1) all canal operating revenues to the U.S. Treasury; and (2) the payments required under the Treaty to Panama only with express congressional authorization. Directs the General Accounting Office to monitor all costs incurred by the Commission and report annually to Congress on the differences in costs to the U.S. taxpayer. Prohibits unless expressly authorized by Congress: (1) the use of U.S. funds to implement the Treaty; (2) the transfer of U.S. property in the Canal Zone to Panama; and (3) the cessation of the Panama Canal Company and the Canal Zone Government.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Excludes from the computation, pursuant to the "85-15" rule, of the percentage of students in a course who are receiving Government educational assistance those students whose fees are paid by Federal agencies other than the Veterans' Administration for purposes of veterans' educational benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to allow eligible veterans and their survivors and dependents vocationally oriented courses without a showing that at least half of those who completed such a course have been working in the occupational category for which it was designed to provide training.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for a previously unmarried spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of such spouse and veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Provides that, where the death of a qualified veteran occurs in a State home, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall pay the actual cost (not to exceed $300) of the burial and funeral, and shall transport the body to the place of burial in the same or any other State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Establishes a Court of Veterans' Appeals, appointed by the President, with exclusive jurisdiction to review by appeal all questions involved in decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Provides for the payment of attorneys' and legal fees.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Provides that when referring individuals for employment with Federal contractors and subcontractors local employment service officers of the Department of Labor shall refer qualified disabled veterans or veterans of the Vietnam era before referring any individual who is not such a veteran, and if no such such veterans are available, shall certify such nonavailability before referring any other person.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Authorizes the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment to head the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment Service in place of the existing Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends certain provisions of existing law concerning veterans' job counseling, training, and placement services to: (1) limit "eligible veterans" to honorably discharged veterans who served in a period of war or a period for which a campaign badge was issued (including Vietnam-era veterans); and (2) include within "eligible veterans" those veterans with a service-connected or non-service connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Revises the definition of "disabled veteran" from a 30 percent disability to a ten percent disability for purposes of eligibility for certain Federal employment references.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Student Freedom of Choice Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by prohibiting any department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States from using the withholding of Federal funds to coerce changes in the racial distribution of teachers or students within a school system when a freedom of choice system, as defined by this Act, is used for the assignment of students. Prohibits Federal courts from requiring school boards to make changes in the racial distribution of teachers or students when students are assigned in conformity with such a system.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Provides any person holding a National Service Life Insurance policy, except a service disabled veteran's policy, the opportunity to double his National Service Life Insurance Coverage, at premium rates which fully cover the Government's cost in providing such additional insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
National Health Care Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Provisions to Strengthen Health Planning - Amends title XV of the Public Health Service Act (National Health Planning and Development) to direct State health planning and development agencies (State Agencies) to designate as surplus, institutional health services which are found to be unneeded according to certificate-of-need standards. Provides that such designation shall have the effect of certificate-of-need denial for purposes of the State certificate-of-need program and the limitation on Federal participation for capital expenditures under the Social Security Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to institutions which have discontinued such surplus health services. Directs State Agencies to establish health data consortiums to serve the common data needs of itself and specified groups, including health care institutions, insurance companies underwriting health insurance plans, and health systems agencies. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines to be used in establishing certificate-of-need programs, including specified criteria. Requires the governing body or executive committee of a health systems agency to have at least one member representing a service benefit plan and one member representing an insurance company underwriting health plans. Revises the formula for planning grants to designated health systems agencies. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for: (1) planning grants to health systems agencies and State Agencies; (2) grants to State Agencies for rate regulation; (3) grants for centers for health planning; (4) State allotments for health resources development; and (5) the loan guarantee fund for health resources development. Title III: Provisions to Encourage Comprehensive Ambulatory Health Care Centers - Amends title VI of the Public Health Service Act (Assistance for Construction and Modernization of Hospitals and Other Medical Facilities) to authorize grants for the construction and modernization of comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Places priority upon the construction of such facilities located in densely populated areas where such facilities do not now exist. Authorizes and places priority upon grants to train persons to administer and staff comprehensive ambulatory health care centers. Title IV: Provisions to Assure a Coordinated National Health Policy - Directs the President to transmit to the Congress an annual health report setting forth the present status of the health care system of the Nation with an appraisal of trends and a review of the programs and activities of the Federal, State, and local governments. Establishes a Health Policy Board to advise the President with respect to such report and other health care issues. Directs all agencies of the Federal Government to include in every recommendation with respect to legislation or other actions, statements regarding the effect of such action on the Nation's health care. Title V: Provisions to Make Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Available to All - Establishes minimum standard health care benefits. Specifies that such standard shall be 100 percent of specified examinations, X-rays and laboratory tests and 80 percent of specified hospital, surgical, professional, and ambulatory health care. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit, after a transitional period, any tax deduction by an employer for payments to an employee health care plan unless the plan offers coverage to the employee's family, the employer pays at least 50 percent of the plan's cost, and the plan provides the minimum health care benefits specified by this title. Allows an unlimited personal tax deduction for premiums paid by the taxpayer for a health care plan covering himself or his dependents which provides the minimum benefits specified by this Act. Specifies such minimum health care benefits, including basic dental, maternal, child, family planning and mental health care, which must be extended by health plans in order to qualify for the income tax deductions provided by this Act. Requires that such plans provide an annual deductible of $100, with a carryover of any unused portion. Prohibits the award of damages for the cost of remedial services for which a party is compensated under this Act, in any malpractice action arising out of the furnishing of services covered under a health care plan or under the Social Security Act. Adds to the Social Security Act, "Title XXI - Grants to States for Qualified State Health Care Plans for the Needy". Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as necessary to provide comprehensive health care insurance to needy individuals and families. Allows individuals or families eligible for enrollment in the qualified State health care plan to elect coverage under an arrangement between the administering carrier and an approved health maintenance organization. States that every resident individual or family who is not eligible to enroll in a qualified employee health care plan, who is enrolled in the supplementary medical insurance program for the aged and who meets the requirements concerning income, shall be eligible to enroll in the qualified State health care plan. Sets forth a formula for determining premium rates to be paid by participating individuals and families. States that in the operation of a qualified State health care plan no charge for services rendered or supplies furnished by any hospital, skilled nursing facility, or home health agency shall be reimbursed to the extent that such charges exceed the rates approved by a State health care institution cost commission established pursuant to this Act. Makes it the duty of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review the level of rates of institutional reimbursement, approved by the commission, for such categories of health care institutions as shall be established by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to order a reduction in the level of rates approved for a given category of health care institution upon a determination that such rates are unjustifiably high. Stipulates that each State must establish a health care benefits pool. Directs that the premiums collected pursuant to Title XXI, as introduced in this Act, be paid into the pool. Makes such pool available to pay claims and other specified expenses associated with the program. Prohibits any class of individuals or families receiving all, or substantially all, of their medical care under a Federal program from receiving coverage under a qualified State health care plan unless the Federal Government provides payment as required by the Act. Makes the State insurance commissioner responsible for assuring the establishment and regulation of a facility to underwrite or reinsure minimum standard health care benefits for individuals, families, and groups of less than 50 employees or members to whom such benefits would not otherwise be available.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Establishes within the Veterans' Administration the office of Associate Deputy Administrator for Veterans' Employment to replace the Department of Labor's office of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment as principal advisor to the Secretary of Labor regarding: (1) job counseling, training and placement for veterans; (2) employment and training of disabled and Vietnam era veterans; and (3) reemployment rights of veterans. Transfers certain functions regarding such veterans' programs' from the Secretary of Labor to the Associate Deputy Administrator for Veterans' Employment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to provide special housing assistance of up to $5,000 to certain veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities due to the loss or loss of use of both upper extremities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Decreases from 250,000 to 150,000 the number of veterans and other eligible persons in a State for which the Secretary of Labor assigns an assistant veterans' employment representative to such State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Provides that the ten-year period during which the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability may receive educational assistance from the Veterans' Administration shall be computed from the date of marriage of such spouse and veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Provides educational benefits, on a prorated basis, to spouses and children of veterans having a permanent service-connected disability rated at not less than 80 percent but less than total or who died having such a disability. Increases the rates of special training allowances for eligible survivors and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Public Works Employment Act of 1979 - Directs the President or his delegate to prepare a comprehensive program of public works to make grants to States to aid the financing of any public works project included in the program and to develop a formula for determining the Federal contribution to each such project based in part on national, State, and local unemployment rates. Requires that contractors or subcontractors for such projects agree that no less than 20 percent of the employees shall be unskilled low-income individuals who require additional training and related assistance to secure and hold meaningful employment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to require that whoever uses a firearm which has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of any robbery, assault, rape, burglary, kidnapping, or homicide (other than involuntary manslaughter) shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than 25 years. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment: (1) may not be suspended; (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rulemaking include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rulemaking, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rulemaking sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rulemaking under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rulemaking before July 1, 1984. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-eight Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits total appropriations from exceeding estimated revenues in any fiscal year, except in time of war or national emergency. Prohibits any increase in the national debt as it exists on the date this Article is adopted.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Veterans' Health Care Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Health Services Programs - Provides that medical examinations for service-connected disability compensation claims be included in the third priority category for veterans' outpatient care. Extends outpatient dental care benefits eligibility to all war veterans who were prisoners of war for more than six months or who have 100 percent service-connected disabilities. Provides for the establishment of a program of readjustment counseling for any veteran who served on active duty during the Vietnam era who requests such counseling within two years from discharge or within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in the event of another declaration of war, to recommend to the Congress within six months of such declaration whether the readjustment counseling program should be extended to veterans of such war. Authorizes necessary follow-up mental health services, including services for family members of eligible veterans. Directs the Veterans' Administration (VA) to provide upon request referral services for non-VA mental health services to former service personnel not eligible for such readjustment counseling because of an other than honorable discharge. Directs the Administrator to cooperate with the Secretary of Defense in notifying veterans of potential eligibility under such readjustment counseling program. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct a five-year pilot program for the treatment and rehabilitation in community-based treatment facilities of veterans with alcohol or drug dependencies. Requires the Administrator to report not later than March 31, 1983, to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs regarding the first three years of such pilot program. Authorizes the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, to help rehabilitated former addict veterans find employment. Directs the VA to provide upon request referral services for non-VA services to former service personnel not eligible for such alcohol and drug treatment services because of an other than honorable discharge. Provides that active service military personnel with an alcohol or drug dependence cannot be transferred to a VA treatment center without such person's written request, and that such request can only be made during the last 30 days of enlistment. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a five-year pilot program of preventive health services for certain veterans with a 50 percent or more disability rating, and for veterans receiving treatment involving a service-connected disability. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress with regard to such program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services in VA facilities in the United States for new Philippine Scouts and Commonwealth Army veterans for service-connected disabilities. Title II: Contract-Care Programs - Provides: (1) that if specified conditions for providing contract outpatient care are satisfied veterans eligible for regular aid-and-attendance or household benefits may be provided such care if, on the basis of a medical examination, it is determined that such medical condition precludes proper treatment in a VA or other Government facility; (2) for the VA to contract for diagnostic services necessary to determine eligibility for treatment at independent VA outpatient clinics; and (3) for specified mental health services for veterans in Alaska or Hawaii. Requires an annual report to the appropriate Congressional committees regarding the VA's contract care authority. Authorizes the Administrator to contract with veterans' organizations recognized by the VA to furnish emergency medical services at the national conventions of such organizations. Title III: Construction, Alteration, Lease, and Acquisition of Medical Facilities - Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in carrying out his duties under this Act: (1) to provide for the construction and acquisition of medical facilities equitably throughout the United States with due regard for the comparative urgency of the need for each particular facility; and (2) to give due consideration to excellence of architecture and design. States that no appropriation shall be made to construct, alter, or otherwise acquire any medical facility which involves a total expenditure of more than $2,000,000 unless such construction, alteration, or acquisition is first approved by resolution adopted by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate, respectively. Stipulates that no appropriation shall be made to lease any space at an average annual rental of more than $500,000 for use for a medical facility unless such lease is first approved by resolutions adopted by such committees. Directs the Administrator to submit a prospectus, including cost estimates and facility description, with regard to the funding of any such proposed medical facility. States that if funds for such facility are not appropriated within one year after approval, either of such committees may rescind approval. Enumerates structural requirements for any medical facility constructed pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress an annual report regarding the construction, alteration, and leasing of medical facilities. Requires such report to contain: (1) a five-year plan for those medical facilities most in need of construction, replacement and alteration; (2) a priority list of at least ten such hospitals; and (3) general plans for each medical facility in the five-year plan or the list. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and operate not less than 125,000 beds for the furnishing of nursing home care to eligible veterans in facilities over which the Administrator has direct jurisdiction. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) carry out construction or alteration of medical facilities pursuant to this Act; (2) make contributions to local authorities for safe ingress or egress to such facilities; (3) construct and operate parking facilities; (4) enter into agreements for the mutual use of Armed Forces facilities; (5) partially relinquish, on behalf of the United States, legislative jurisdiction to the State in which such medical facility may be located; and (6) use certain federally owned facilities. Authorizes the President to accept any building or grounds suitable for the use of disabled persons. Title IV: Benefits Payable to Persons Residing Outside the United States - States that in order for VA benefits to be paid on behalf of a child adopted and residing outside the United States, such child must: (1) be under age 18 at the time of adoption; (2) be receiving at least one half of its annual support from the veteran; (3) not be residing with its natural parent unless the natural parent is the veteran's spouse; and (4) be residing with the veteran except in certain specified circumstances. States that after the veteran's death such an adoption would be recognized for veterans' benefits purposes only if the veteran was entitled to or receiving a dependent's allowance for the child at any time during the year before such veteran's death, if such requirements were met for at least one year prior to the veteran's death. Requires the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to carry out a study of veterans' benefits payable to persons residing outside the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the payment by non-Federal agencies, organizations, and individuals for travel expenses of certain employees of the VA's Department of Medicine and Surgery in connection with their official duties in specified circumstances. Transfers the authority to appoint the Deputy Administrator of Veterans' Affairs from the Administrator to the President by and with the advice of the Senate. Amends specified provisions relating to benefits for overseas VA employees and the salary schedule of the Department of Medicine and Surgery.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Increases from three consecutive months to 12 consecutive weeks the period of active duty which a member of the Reserves must serve to be entitled to veterans' reemployment rights.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Makes technical corrections to the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977, and to certain provisions concerning the general administration of veterans' educational benefits and survivors' and dependents educational benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Provides that a veteran receiving educational assistance allowances who has no dependents and is in Federal, State, county, or local prison shall have such allowances computed on the same basis as a veteran in school while on active duty or on less than a half-time basis.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Stipulates that intervals between terms not exceeding 15 days and certain teacher conferences or training sessions shall not be counted as absences for purposes of veterans' educational assistance for eligible veterans (and other eligible persons) enrolled in courses not leading to a standard college degree.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Directs the President to inform Congress of any dangers to Taiwan. Declares the policy of the United States to safeguard its interest and meet any dangers to Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to maintain in the Veterans Administration Records Processing Center the records of all veterans' claims for benefits that (1) are not maintained in the Veterans Administration central, regional, or field offices; and (2) are currently active or anticipated to become active.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered, or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1978 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; and (2) to the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year (as estimated) and the preceding calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1978, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation, upon giving 30 days notice in the Federal Register, the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate; but prohibits any limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President, upon giving 30 days notice in the Federal Register, to suspend any proclamation or increase any amount proclaimed as required by the preceding provision if: (1) required by economic or national security interests; (2) supplies are inadequate to meet domestic demand at reasonable prices; or (3) trade agreements ensure the execution of the policy. Prohibits the President from increasing the total quantity of meat imports if the above ratio is less than 1.0 unless: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their respective shares of the United States market for meat articles during the representative period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by December 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 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 · 15 January 1979
Repeals the requirement, under the Social Security Amendments of 1977, that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Authorizes veterans aged 65 or more to exchange five-year level premium term policies of National Service Life Insurance to special endowment at age 96 plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to disregard renewal commissions received by an insurance salesman from life insurance policies which such salesman sold before reaching age 65, for purposes of computing OASDI benefits based on income.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest disaster loans available until October 1, 1982. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Transfers specified provisions of the Act which established an Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to the Small Business Act. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State-chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations for the expenses of the Conference.
![Official portrait of Rep. Roberts, Ray [D-TX-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000312_200.jpg)