United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) 1980 summer Olympic games should be relocated; (2) if not, the United States should withdraw from competition; and (3) the International Olympic Committee should select permanent sites for the summer and winter Olympic games.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Uniform Relocation Assistance Act Amendments of 1980 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to require that relocation benefits, including relocation assistance advisory services, be made available to all persons displaced by the commencement of a Federal or federally assisted project by the head of the Federal agency administering or financing such assistance. Increases the amount of payment for moving and dislocation allowances for displacement from dwellings, business, and farm operations. Specifies that such allowances shall be increased on October 1 of each year, beginning with 1981, by a percentage which is equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index. Specifies that the additional housing payments for displaced homeowners shall include compensation for the amount, if any, of the excess of the annual real property taxes on the replacement dwelling over the vacated dwelling at the time of displacement multiplied by the number of years of the mortgage on such replacement dwelling. Eliminates the requirement that a tenant occupy a rental dwelling for a period of not less than ninety days in order for such tenant to receive displacement housing payments. Specifies that the amount of replacement housing payments for tenants to enable such displaced persons to rent or lease a dwelling shall not be less than the amount of the excess, if any, of the fair market rents over the greater of the amount which the displaced person was paying for rent at the time of displacement or 25 percent of the displaced person's adjusted gross income. Directs that the amount of replacement housing payments for tenants to enable such persons to make a downpayment on the purchase of a dwelling shall not exceed 20 percent of the purchase price of such dwelling and the amount by which the displaced person's monthly payments for principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and utilities exceed 20 percent of such person's monthly adjusted gross income. Requires each relocation assistance advisory program to include such measures, facilities, or services as may be necessary or appropriate in order to assure and provide written documentation to the head of the Federal agency administering such programs for review and approval that all alternatives that will not cause displacement have been considered and found not to be feasible and that all steps to minimize displacement and its hardships have been taken before the program or project is undertaken. Requires that the assurances required of the relocation assistance advisory services that housing will be available shall: (1) be made prior to Federal approval of a project; (2) be based upon careful analysis of the housing needs of the persons to be displaced and the availability of housing; and (3) include plans for housing replacement if sale or rental housing is not available. Authorizes the agency head to use funds authorized for the project to provide such housing. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to establish regulations and procedures for use by Federal agencies and by States, State and local agencies, and other recipients of Federal financial assistance. Makes provisions for aggrieved persons to have their applications reviewed by the appropriate agency head.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Provides for an exemption from the windfall profits tax for independent oil producers for an amount equal to 1,000 barrels of crude oil multiplied by the number of days in the taxable period.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Establishes in the House of Representatives and under the direction of the Committee on House Administration a Congressional Child Care Center to provide child care services for children of Senators, Representatives, and congressional employees. Requires all operating expenses of the Center to be recovered through the fees charged for child care services provided by the Center. Directs the chairman of the Committee on House Administration to appoint a nonpartisan advisory board to make recommendations to the Committee with respect to matters relating to the Center and to conduct semiannual reviews of the operations of the Center and submit a written report of each such review. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury a revolving fund within the contingent fund of the House of Representatives to be known as the Congressional Child Care Center Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Committee on House Administration to acquire such facilities as may be necessary for the operation of the Center.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States call upon the Soviet Union to intervene in the Cambodian crisis by advising Cambodia and Vietnam to cooperate with international relief efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Veterans Administration Adjudication Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Title I: Adjudication Procedures - Codifies, for Veterans Administration (VA) adjudication purposes, the burden of proof and reasonable doubt standard currently provided for by VA regulation. States that a claimant has the burden of submitting sufficient evidence to justify his or her claim, and that if an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence exists regarding the merits of a claim, the VA is to resolve such doubt in favor of the claimant. Stipulates that VA subpoenas may be served either by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail. Increases the size of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from 50 to 65 members. Requires the Chairman of such Board to submit an annual report to the appropriate congressional committees concerning the Board's current handling of cases and projections for the subsequent fiscal year. Requires the Board: (1) to provide notice to a claimant and an opportunity for a hearing before a decision may be based on "additional official information" received after a Board decision has previously been made; (2) provide the claimant with an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) make its decision exclusively on evidence and material of record in the proceeding. Removes the requirement that new material sufficient to allow the Board to reopen a previously disallowed claim be in the form of official reports. Provides that the Board's discretionary authority to reopen a claim will not be diminished by a judicial decision following an appeal as provided for by this Act. Requires the Board to mail to the claimant notice of its decision and the reasons for such decision. Provides that, upon the request of a claimant, the Board shall provide an independent advisory medical opinion when there exists substantial medical disagreements with respect to a material issue in a veterans' appeal. Sets forth new procedural rules for adjudication hearings regarding: (1) oaths, affirmations, and witness examination; (2) admissibility of evidence; (3) procedural rights of claimants; (4) disqualification of a hearing officer; (5) the record of the proceedings and the claimants' right to examine and obtain a copy of such record; and (6) the exclusivity of veterans' adjudication procedures and rights prescribed by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to provide at each stage of the appeal proceedings written notice to a claimant of procedural rights and procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of two alternate claims resolution methods, one a new intermediate-level adjudication process, the other an enhanced schedule of formal Appeals Board hearings. Title II: Veterans' Administration Rule Making - Includes the VA's rulemaking procedures under the relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Title III: Judicial Review - Provides for judicial review of VA decisions in the Federal court system. States, with regard to jurisdiction: (1) that judicial review of a final decision in a claim for benefits may be obtained in a civil action brought within 180 days of the Board's mailing of notice of its decision, and that such action shall be brought in Federal district court; (2) that in cases not directly involving a claim for benefits a civil action otherwise authorized by law shall not be precluded; (3) the definition of final decision; (4) that the judicial review procedures established under this Act shall not apply to insurance and home loans; (5) that the VA shall file the various materials constituting the record in a case together with its answer to the claimant's complaint; and (6) that the court render a decision on the pleadings. States, with regard to the reviewing court's scope of review, that such court: (1) decide questions of law and interpret constitutional, statutory, and regulatory provisions, but that questions of fact (unless unsupported by substantial evidence) will not be subject to a trial de novo; and (2) in reviewing a final decision of the VA which is adverse to a party solely because such party failed to comply with VA procedures, such court may only review questions concerning such procedures. Sets out provisions regarding remand, survival of actions, and appellate review. Title IV: Attorneys' Fees - Authorizes the Administrator to allow attorneys' fees above the present $10 maximum if the appealing party's claim is allowed by the VA after an initial denial. States that such fee shall be the lesser of: (1) the fee agreed upon by the party and attorney; (2) $500, unless the Administrator approves a greater amount; or (3) if the party and attorney have entered into a contingent-fee agreement, not more than 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits' awarded on the basis of such party's claim. Provides for the approval of attorneys' fees, in successful veterans' claims brought before court, as provided for under this Act. Stipulates that such fees shall be determined by such court, and in contingent-fee agreements such fees shall not exceed 25 percent of the total of any past-due benefits awarded on the basis of such claim. Authorizes attorneys' fees of up to $750 in certain unsuccessful veterans' claims. Prohibits the VA from authorizing payment to a claimant's attorney based on past-due benefits unless such benefits are owed as of the date of the VA's or a court's award. Establishes procedures for the review of the VA's or a court's approval of attorneys' fees. States that in the case of a benefits claim resolved before the VA, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in the Federal district court in which the claimant resides or has his principal place of business within 30 days after notice of the attorneys' award. States that in the case of such a claim resolved in court, either the claimant or the attorney may challenge the award in such court within 30 days after such award. Provides that all parties be given notice. Stipulates that such provisions regarding attorneys' fees shall only apply to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the VA and shall not apply in cases in which the VA is the plaintiff or in which other attorneys' fees statutes are otherwise controlling. Title V: Effective Dates - States that this Act shall become effective 180 days after enactment. Permits review of Board of Veterans' Appeals rendered on or after January 1, 1977, and prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Medicaid Community Care Act of 1980 - Authorizes a State with a plan approved under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare) to have Federal payments for home health care services, nursing services, home health aid services, medical equipment for use in the home, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology services, endiology services, adult day health services, respite care, short-term full-term nursing care, homemaker services, and nutrition counseling made at a higher rate the the rate for other care and services provided under the State plan. Specifies that the Federal medical assistance percentage for such services and the comprehensive assessments provided for in this Act shall be the lesser of: (1) the Federal medical assistance percentage determined under title XIX plus 25 percent; or (2) 90 percent of the cost of such services and assessments. Requires an application to be accompanied by a community care plan which: (1) provides for a comprehensive assessment of each individual eligible or applying for Medicaid who is likely to need long-term skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility services; (2) makes available, under title XIX, the care and services for which the higher Federal payment may be made to individuals determined pursuant to a comprehensive assessment to be in need of long-term facility services and for whom such assistance is a feasible alternative to long-term facility services; and (3) coordinates the services provided under this Act with similar services provided under the Older Americans Act of 1965, and under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress with respect to the program established under this Act. Permits a State, for the purposes of title XIX, to treat a noninstitutionalized individual the same as an individual who is in a long-term care facility if the noninstitutionalized individual meets the income and resources standards for long-term facility residents and has been determined, pursuant to an assessment under this Act, to need long-term facility services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide that area agencies on aging shall have authority to award funds to the providers of home delivered meals for older persons without requiring that such providers also furnish meals to older persons in a congregate setting.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a plan for local nutrition monitoring including: (1) the identification of priority target areas; (2) the development of a structure for monitoring specified regions; and (3) the choice of methodology and a timetable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Requests the President to work with the Secretary General of the United Nations and with other nations to convene an international conference on Cambodia: (1) to bring an end to the conflict in Southeast Asia; and (2) to consider the needs of the Khmer people.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Entitles an air traffic controller, who is to be removed by the Secretary of Transportation after being judged as unfit for duty, to training, provided such controller: (1) is not a supervisor; (2) has completed at least eight years of service; (3) is not eligible for immediate retirement; (4) notifies the appropriate review board of any intention to apply for training; (5) submits an application which sets forth a proposed training program and includes a physician's certification that such employee is suited for training; (6) notifies the Secretary of an intention to participate in an approved training program; and (7) is to be removed from duty because of medical disqualification, inability to maintain technical proficiency, or physical or mental health requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate Department of Transportation employees as regional career counselors who shall assist controllers in developing training programs; and (2) establish regional review boards to consider applications for training and evaluate training programs to determine whether such programs will result in successful training and job placement. Prohibits such a board from approving any program the duration of which exceeds two years. Requires that a controller, on request, receive assistance in being placed in a vacant position in another agency upon completion of training. Requires the Secretary to reimburse a controller for the expenses of approved training.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Sunset Review Act of 1979 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office, before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires, after a determination that all programs and tax expenditures are accurately classified, that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Directs the General Accounting Office to maintain and publish a supplement to the inventory. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on or before March 1 in the first session of each Congress beginning with the 98th Congress, to develop, adopt, and submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committees on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction or in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Requires the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for adoption. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report setting forth the committee's findings, recommendations, and justifications. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to give assistance to the appropriate Congressional committees. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any legislative committee to review programs or tax expenditures within its jurisdiction and to report legislation modifying, continuing, or terminating such programs or expenditures at such times and in such manner as it deems appropriate. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Ida Nudel and allow her to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President to: (1) express U.S. opposition to the exile of Ida Nudel to Siberia; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law, particularly concerning human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1979 - Applies specified standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to the Federal workplace of employees of Executive agencies, the Postal Rate Commission and the United States Postal Service (but not the Office of Personnel Management). Requires each agency to: (1) furnish its employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards; and (2) comply with safety and health standards. Requires employees to comply with standards and with specified rules, regulations, and orders. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to conduct inspections, investigations, and recordkeeping relating to Federal employee occupational safety and health. Permits employees or their representatives to request such inspections in specified cases. Directs the Office to issue citations to the head of any agency in violation of any requirement, standard, order, rule, or regulation under this Act. Provides for an enforcement procedure, including, in specified cases, hearings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Provides for review of any Commission order in a U.S. court of appeals upon request of the head of any agency or any employee adversely affected by such order. Permits the Office to obtain review or enforcement of any final order of the Commission in a U.S. court of appeals. Prohibits any agency from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee has: (1) filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act; (2) testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding; or (3) exercised any right afforded by this Act on behalf of anyone. Permits employees who believe they have been so discharged or otherwise discriminated against to file complaints with the Special Counsel. Directs the Special Counsel to undertake an appropriate investigation and to file a complaint with the Merit Systems Protection Board if a violation has occurred. Authorizes the Board to restrain such violations for cause shown and to order all appropriate relief. Authorizes the Office to order any agency to restrain any conditions or practices constituting a danger immediately or before that danger can be eliminated through other enforcement procedures. Declares that any such orders which prohibit the employment or presence of any individual in locations in which imminent danger exists shall not apply to specified individuals, including those whose presence is necessary to maintain the capacity of a continuous process operation to resume normal operations without a complete cessation of operations. Directs inspectors, as soon as they conclude that such an imminent danger exists, to inform the affected employees and agency. Permits employees, or their representatives, to bring actions against the United States in district courts to compel the Office to issue such orders and for appropriate further relief. Authorizes attorneys designated by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to represent the Office in civil litigation under this Act, subject to the direction and control of the Attorney General. Authorizes the Office to allow reasonable variations and exemptions from provisions of this Act to avoid serious impairment of the national defense. Provides for civil or criminal penalties for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to assess all such civil penalties. Authorizes the Office to conduct short-term training of personnel in work related to responsibilities under this Act. Directs the Office, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to: (1) provide for education of heads of agencies and employees in the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions; and (2) consult with and advise heads of agencies and employees, and their representative organizations, as to effective means of preventing occupational injuries and illnesses. Authorizes the head of each agency to establish a health service program for employees. Directs that the Secretary of Health and Human Services offer mandatory consultation before, and requested reviews after, such programs are established. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Director, Office of Personnel Management, to carry out a safety program covering specified maritime employees under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Authorizes the President to establish a safety council of labor organization representatives and employing agencies to advise the Secretary of Labor concerning such program. Directs the head of each agency with such employees to develop an organized safety promotion, to keep specified records, and make reports to the Secretary of Labor. Makes funds available for the purchase and maintenance of special protective clothing and equipment from appropriations for supplies, materials, or equipment procurement. Directs the Office, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to compile and analyze occupational safety and health statistics for Federal agencies. Authorizes the Office to make contracts and matching grants for such statistical research and to cooperate with States in such efforts. Directs the Office to make annual reports to Congress concerning Federal employee occupational safety and health. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to: (1) establish and maintain a comprehensive occupational safety and health program applicable to the Office consistent with specified standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (2) provide employment conditions consistent with such standards; (3) require the use of protective equipment; (4) keep records of occupational accidents and illnesses; and (5) consult with and report annually to the Secretary of Labor concerning such records and program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to transmit such annual report to the President. Directs the President to transmit an annual report of such activities of the Office. Authorizes the Office to prescribe regulations concerning Federal employee occupational safety and health. Repeals specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 relating to programs of Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Calls upon the President, with respect to Chile, to: (1) recall the U.S. Ambassador to Chile; (2) apply statutes limiting assistance to countries with terrorist governments or countries harboring terrorists; (3) prohibit deliveries of defense articles or services; (4) recall all military personnel; (5) prohibit the issuance of U.S. visas to Chilean military or intelligence personnel; (6) prohibit credits or loan guarantees to be granted by the Export-Import Bank; (7) prohibit the granting of export licenses; (8) order the immediate suspension of private bank loans; and (9) demand that Chilean rights be fully restored.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination against the 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. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to: (1) determine whether a wrong was committed against American citizens and permanent resident aliens who were subjected to relocation or internment as a result of Executive Order Numbered 9066 and other associated Government acts; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies. Directs the Commission: (1) to hold public hearings in specified cities; and (2) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President. Terminates the Commission six months after such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the standard mileage rate used in computing the charitable deduction for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle shall be the same as the standard mileage rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury for the business related deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
National Center of Afro-American History and Culture Act - Establishes the National Afro-American History and Culture Commission which shall: (1) be responsible for the development of a definitive plan for the construction and operation of the National Center for Afro-American History and Culture; and (2) solicit subscriptions of funds from private sources to help meet costs of the construction, furnishing, and operation of the center, including the costs of acquiring works of art and artifacts. Allows the Commission to: (1) acquire by gift, purchase with appropriated or donated funds, transfer from any Federal or State agency, exchange, or otherwise acquire suitable land and interest in land in the vicinity of Wilberforce, Ohio, for the location of the headquarters of the center; (2) acquire appropriate works of art and any other real or personal property necessary for the establishment and operation of the center; and (3) sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property acquired and designate any proceeds from such disposal for the benefit of the center. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire by donation or purchase with donated or appropriated funds the Colonel Charles Young Home and adjacent lands in Wilberforce, Ohio, not to exceed 80 acres, which when acquired shall be known as the Wilberforce National Historic Site.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit specified House committees and subcommittees from holding regular or additional meetings on days when the House is in session, other than for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, on Thursdays or on Wednesday afternoons, and other specified committees on Tuesdays or Wednesday mornings. Prohibits any subcommittee from meeting in the District of Columbia, except for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, unless the chairman of the committee has specifically authorized in writing the subcommittee meeting. Requires the Committee on House Administration, through the House Information Systems, to provide a scheduling service which shall be used by all the committees and subcommittees of the House to eliminate any meeting and scheduling conflicts. Requires any announcement made by a House committee concerning the date, place, and subject of any committee hearing to be promptly entered into the committee scheduling service of the House Information Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit specified House committees and subcommittees from holding regular or additional meetings on days when the House is in session, other than for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, on Thursdays or on Wednesday afternoons, and other specified committees on Tuesdays or Wednesday mornings. Prohibits any subcommittee from meeting in the District of Columbia, except for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, unless the chairman of the committee has specifically authorized in writing the subcommittee meeting. Requires the Committee on House Administration, through the House Information Systems, to provide a scheduling service which shall be used by all the committees and subcommittees of the House to eliminate any meeting and scheduling conflicts. Requires any announcement made by a House committee concerning the date, place, and subject of any committee hearing to be promptly entered into the committee scheduling service of the House Information Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Comptroller General to appoint, pay, assign, and direct the personnel which the Comptroller General determines are necessary to perform the functions and duties of the General Accounting Office (GAO). Directs the Comptroller General to establish a personnel management system for the GAO after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment. Requires that such personnel system conform with specified provisions of title 5 of the United States Code (Government Organization and Employees) concerning: (1) the merit system principles; (2) prohibited personnel practices; (3) the pay comparability system; (4) performance appraisal; (5) employee organizations; (6) labor-management relations; (7) suspensions and actions against employees based on unacceptable service; and (8) the minority recruitment program. States that GAO employees shall be appointed, assigned, and promoted without regard to provisions governing personnel actions in the competitive service. Directs the Comptroller General to publish a pay schedule for GAO employees under which the highest rate of pay does not exceed the maximum rate for a GS-15 under the General Schedule. Authorizes special rates not to exceed the maximum rate for a GS-18 for up to 100 employees. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as abolishing or diminishing any right or remedy granted to an employee or applicant for employment in the GAO by any law prohibiting discrimination in Federal employment. Transfers authorities granted by any such law in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Merit Systems Protection Board to either the General Accounting Office Appeals Board or the Comptroller General with respect to GAO employees and applicants. Establishes the General Accounting Office Appeals Board to consider and order the Comptroller General to take corrective action in cases concerning: (1) employee appeals regarding removal from work or reduction in grade or pay; (2) prohibited personnel or labor practices; (3) elections for employee representatives on the Board; and (4) collective bargaining units and representatives. Sets forth procedures for review and appeal of decisions of the Board. Directs the Board to prescribe regulations providing for: (1) employee appeals; and (2) the election of Board members by GAO employees. Authorizes the Comptroller General to establish: (1) a GAO Senior Executive Service which conforms to specified provisions of law governing the Senior Executive Service; and (2) a merit pay system for GAO employees to carry out purposes consistent with the merit pay system for Federal employees. Declares that any GAO employee who completes one year of continuous service under the personnel system established by this Act acquires a competitive status for appointment in the competitive service. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to assist the Comptroller General on request in establishing the GAO personnel system. Sets forth conforming and technical amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Department of Energy Reorganization Act of 1979 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish in the Department of Energy the position of Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy Resources in order to consolidate all energy conservation, solar energy, and energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities currently under the jurisdiction of different Assistant Secretaries of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Civil Service Authorization Act of 1979 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 to the Office of Personnel Management, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the Special Counsel of the MSPB, and the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Requires appropriations to such bodies to be considered authorized only to the extent expressly provided by statute.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Federal Employees Dental Benefits Act of 1979 - Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract for the following dental benefits plans for Federal employees: (1) a service benefit plan; (2) an indemnity benefit plan; (3) employee organization plans; and (4) health maintenance organization plans. Requires that the benefits under such plans include: (1) diagnostic services; (2) preventive care; (3) emergency dental care services; (4) fillings; and (5) extractions. Permits a plan, subject to approval of the OPM, to: (1) offer additional benefits; (2) require copayments not exceeding 50 percent of the value of such additional benefits; (3) limit the amount a beneficiary may be paid during a calendar year under such a plan; and (4) impose a calendar year deductible for each beneficiary. Allows the OPM to enter into contracts for such plans without regard to specified provisions of Federal law requiring competitive bidding. Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) the length and rates of such a contract; and (2) obligations of any carrier of such a plan. States that such contracts are not subject to the Federal Procurement Regulations. Directs the OPM to establish audit requirements which do not conflict with such Regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Allows an employee to enroll in a dental benefits plan as an individual or for self and family. Permits certain annuitants to continue enrollment in such a plan under conditions of eligibility prescribed by regulations of the OPM. Prohibits an individual from enrolling both as an employee or annuitant and as a member of the family. Specifies conditions under which an employee may change enrollment. Specifies the biweekly contributions of the Government and the enrolled individual toward the subscription charge of a dental benefits plan. Directs the OPM to provide individuals who are eligible for such a plan with sufficient information to enable the individual to make an informed choice among the types of plans. Requires that each enrolled individual receive a document summarizing: (1) the benefits of the plans; (2) the procedure for obtaining benefits; and (3) all provisions of the plan affecting the individual. Creates the Employees Dental Benefits Fund into which the contributions of the Government and enrolled individuals shall be paid. Directs the OPM to: (1) administer this Act; (2) make a continuing study of the operation of this Act and of the plans under this Act; and (3) transmit an annual report of its findings to Congress. Authorizes expenditures from the Employees Life Insurance Fund to pay administrative expenses of the OPM in carrying out provisions of this Act. Requires the reimbursement of such expenditures plus interest from the Federal Employees Dental Benefits Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal to furnish specified information to a sales representative concerning orders placed through the representative's account and a monthly accounting of commissions due such representative. Enumerates items which must be set forth in any contract between a sales representative and a principal. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals conforming with such information requirements from the indemnification provisions set forth in this Act. Requires a principal who, without good cause, terminates a contract between such principal and a sales representative, or reduces the rate of commission for orders solicited on behalf of such principal, to indemnify the representative according to this Act. Requires a principal who reduces the size of the geographic territory assigned to a representative for a specified account, which results in a specified reduction in commissions, to indemnify such representative. Sets forth formulae for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows a plaintiff to bring an action to enforce any rights or liabilities created by this Act in a United States district court. Stipulates the procedure for such action.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
North Pacific Fur Seal Protection Act of 1979 - Title I: Termination of Convention - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Interim Convention on the Conservation of North Pacific Fur Seals should not be continued. Declares that the President should terminate such Convention and enter into negotiations for an international agreement banning all killing of such seals. Title II: Protection of Seals - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Pribilof Wildlife Refuge. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate that part of the fishery conservation zone extending seaward of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, as a marine sanctuary. Prohibits the taking of seals within such Refuge and marine sanctuary, unless by the natives for subsistence purposes. Sets forth sanctions for violations of these provisions. Directs the Secretaries to employ, to the greatest extent possible, Pribilof Islands natives as rangers and guides. Stipulates that this title shall become effective upon termination of the Convention. Title III: Advisory Council; Social Services Programs - Provides for the establishment of an advisory committee to study and recommend to Congress alternative means of developing a livelihood for Pribilof Islands natives in lieu of the taking of seals, upon the termination of the Convention. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to assure that the income of Pribilof Islands natives engaged in the taking of seals be maintained, after the prohibition on the taking of seals takes effect. Title IV: Other Provisions of Law - Repeals title I (Conservation and Protection of North Pacific Fur Seals) of the Fur Seal Act of 1966. Stipulates that the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 shall not apply if the taking of seals is prohibited under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1979
Educational Testing Act of 1979 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) ensure that test subjects and persons using test results are aware of the uses and limitations of standardized tests in postsecondary education admissions; (2) make test-related information available to the public; (3) protect the public interest by promoting more knowledge about the use of standardized test results and by promoting greater accuracy in the administration and interpretation of such tests; and (4) encourage the use of multiple criteria in the grant or denial of any significant educational benefit. Requires each testing agency to provide to a test subject information concerning: (1) the purposes of the test; (2) the subject matters and the areas of skill or knowledge being tested; (3) interpretation and use of the results; (4) the form in which the scores will be reported; (5) any promises made by a testing agency with regard to accuracy, forwarding, and privacy of information of such scores; (6) the property interest of a test subject in such scores, and their storage, disposal, or future use; (7) the time period for mailing such scores to a test subject and designated recipients; (8) special services to accommodate handicapped test subjects; and (9) notice of the information rights and review procedure available to a test subject. Requires a testing agency to notify a test subject and designated recipients if the scores will be delayed ten days or more. Requires a testing agency to provide to the Commissioner of Education information concerning any study or statistical report pertaining to a test which it prepares or for which it provides data. Stipulates that such information shall be considered records for public information purposes. Directs the Commissioner to report to the Congress with regard to such information within one year of enactment of this Act. Requires a testing agency (with regard to any tests administered to 5,000 or more subjects nationally over a testing year) to file with the Commissioner: (1) a copy of all test questions used in determining such test's raw score; (2) the corresponding correct answers; and (3) all rules for transferring raw scores into the scores as reported to a test subject and designated recipients. Stipulates that such information shall be considered records for public information purposes. Requires a testing agency, upon request, to send to a test subject: (1) a copy of the test questions used to determine the raw score; (2) such test subject's answer sheet, along with the corresponding correct answers; and (3) a statement of the raw score if such request is made within 90 days of the release of the test score to the subject. Authorizes a fee to be charged to cover the costs of providing a test subject with such information. Prohibits test scores from being disclosed by a testing agency to any person, institution, or governmental agency unless specifically designated as a recipient by a test subject. Authorizes previous scores to be released to any currently designated recipient. Requires a testing agency to report specified cost-related information to the Commissioner to ensure that such tests are being offered at a reasonable cost. Requires additional cost-related information to be submitted if a separate fee is charged for admissions data assembly or score reporting services (as defined by this Act). Provides a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation of this Act by a test agency. Defines "standardized test" to mean a test affecting or distributed through interstate commerce (exclusive of one used by an individual institution for its own purposes or one used for non-admissions or credit-examination purposes): (1) used for postsecondary admissions; or (2) used for preliminary preparation for such postsecondary admissions tests.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Limousine Limitation Act of 1979 - Prohibits the purchase, hiring, or operation by the Government of a motor vehicle of a type not generally available on the date of the enactment of this Act in motorpools of the Federal Government. Prohibits the employment of chauffeurs and the use of Government motor vehicles for transporting any Government official between his dwellings and his place of employment. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) medical officers on outpatient medical service; (2) an employee engaged in fieldwork; (3) the President and Vice President; (4) the head of each executive department; (5) the Chief Justice of the United States; (6) specified officers of Congress; and (7) the U.S. Representative of the United Nations. Prohibits the issuance of a Government motor vehicle for the exclusive use of any official or employee not mentioned in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1972, which lowered the age computation point for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits for men from age 65 to 62, the age which had previously applied only to women, in order to apply such revision to men who were entitled to OASDI benefits for January, 1979 or months thereafter, and who attained 62 after December, 1972, such revision having applied previously only to individuals who became 62 after 1974. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to recompute the benefits of individuals affected by this Act, in accordance with formulae set forth in this Act, in order to assure that each individual receives the full benefit to which he is entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Department of Energy Review Act of 1979 - Requires an immediate comprehensive review by Congress of the operations, funding, and personnel management practices of the Department of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Requires each Executive agency, within ten days after entering into a personal services contract with any person or unit of State or local government, to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the number of agency employees which would be required to perform the contracted functions. Directs any agency which is prevented because of a personnel ceiling from performing a function which the agency determines would be performed by the agency more effectively than by contract, to submit to the OMB, within ten days of such determination, a request for an adjustment in such ceiling to enable the agency to perform the function. Requires the OMB to make such adjustment within 30 days after it is submitted unless the OMB finds that the agency did not follow applicable procedures when making its determinations. Directs the OMB to submit to Congress quarterly reports regarding each agency's personal services contracts and adjustments in personnel ceilings. Directs an agency to consider an employee's administration of personnel ceilings and compliance with procedures governing the contracting out of agency functions when: (1) evaluating the performance of a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (2) determining any pay increase for an employee under the merit pay system. Prohibits an agency from obligating more than 20 percent of its appropriations for a fiscal year during the last two months of that year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares that the Soviet authorities should: (1) release a copy of the judgment against Anatoly Shcharansky; and (2) free Shcharansky and other Prisoners of Conscience and permit their emigration to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Postmaster General and the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should give favorable consideration to the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Americans of Italian descent and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Philip Mazzei on December 25, 1980, or as soon as possible thereafter. States that the Postmaster General and the Committee should honor other foreign-born contributors to the revolutionary cause, from countries which have not yet been commemorated, prior to the conclusion of the American Bicentennial celebration in 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Appropriates $513,000,000 to the Administrator of General Services for fiscal year 1980 for purchasing silver for stock piling under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Title I: The Foreign Service Act of 1979 - Foreign Service Act of 1979 - Sets forth the objectives and functions of the Foreign Service. Consolidates the authority of the Secretary of State to administer, direct, and regulate the Foreign Service. Authorizes the heads of other agencies, which utilize Foreign Service personnel, to exercise the Secretary's functions over such personnel in their agency, with specified exceptions. Provides for the appointment of a Director General to assist the Secretary in the management of the Foreign Service and an Inspector General. Directs the President to establish a Board of the Foreign Service to advise the Secretary. Stipulates that the Secretary shall appoint all members of the Foreign Service other than chiefs of mission, ambassador at large, career members of the Senior Foreign Service, or Foreign Service officers, which shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth criteria for chief of mission, Senior Foreign Service and career appointments. Prohibits initially assigning a Foreign Service Officer candidate higher than class 4 of the Foreign Service Schedule unless specified conditions exist. Authorizes the Secretary to recall retired career Foreign Service members to any appropriate class. Stipulates that limited appointments not exceed five years. Provides for renewable limited appointments of family members of government personnel assigned abroad. Authorizes the commissioning as a diplomatic and/or consular officer of any member of the Foreign Service who is a U.S. citizen. Provides for the salaries of Chiefs of Mission and the Senior Foreign Service (the latter comparable to that for the Civil Service Senior Executive Service). Includes those employees, whose salaries are not otherwise provided for, under a Foreign Service Schedule similar to the Civil Service General Schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to assign each member appointed to the Foreign Service to an appropriate salary class, except those whose salary is determined by the terms of the appointment. Makes members of the Senior Foreign Service eligible for performance pay similar to that available to members of the Senior Executive Service. Provides for within-class salary increases under the Foreign Service Schedule unless the individual does not meet the class standards of performance. Authorizes the Secretary to grant additional increases in salary for meritorious service. Authorizes the Secretary to regulate local compensation plans for the guidance of all Federal agencies. Sets forth provisions concerning salaries of consular agents and compensation of foreign nationals imprisoned by reason of their employment by the U.S. Government. Provides extra compensation for: (1) temporary service as a principal officer; or (2) regular work substantially in excess of normal requirements. Directs the Secretary to classify all positions to be occupied by members of the Foreign Service. Permits such positions to be filled by personnel of other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to assign members of the Foreign Service to non-Foreign Service positions. Provides that career personnel of the Foreign Service shall be expected to serve abroad for substantial portions of their careers. Requires all promotions of members of the Senior Foreign Service or under the Foreign Service Schedule to be based on the recommendations and rankings of selection boards. Sets forth the criteria for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service. Prescribes the basis for selection board review. Authorizes the Secretary to make a promotion or grant an award of performance pay or salary increase on the recommendations of other specified boards. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe the maximum time during which Senior Foreign Service members, Foreign Service officers, and other designated Foreign Service personnel may remain in a salary class without a promotion. Permits limited extensions of career appointments in the case of those whose maximum time in class expires. Stipulates that a member shall be retired from the Foreign Service if such member fails to meet prescribed standards of performance. Provides retirement benefits for those who must retire. Stipulates that the exclusive administrative procedure for challenging a separation for cause from the Foreign Service is before the Foreign Grievance Board. Sets forth provisions concerning termination of limited and temporary appointments and of consular agents and foreign national employees. Directs the Secretary to operate the Foreign Service Institute and to provide training and counseling to members of the Foreign Service and their families. Requires the Secretary to establish foreign language proficiency requirements for Foreign Service members assigned abroad. Sets forth provisions concerning the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Requires the consent of a spouse who has resided with a member for ten years or more before the member participant may waive or reduce the survivor's annuity. Gives credit for annuity purposes for periods of internment of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II. Permits an annuitant to assign amounts from the annuity. Directs the Secretary to make payments, otherwise due an annuitant, to another person pursuant to a divorce decree or court-approved property settlement. Sets forth provisions concerning travel expenses, health care benefits, and representation allowances. Sets forth labor-management provisions applicable to all members of Foreign Service, including former members, but excluding management officials, confidential employees, consular agents, and strikers, in the Department of State, International Communication Agency, and the International Development Cooperation Agency. Authorizes the President to exclude other offices or posts for national security purposes or in emergency situations. Sets forth labor and management rights. Establishes the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board to supervise representation elections, certify exclusive bargaining agents, and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices. Provides for judicial review and enforcement of the Board's actions. Establishes a Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel to assist in resolving negotiating impasses. Stipulates that the Department shall constitute a single worldwide bargaining unit. Sets forth the duties and rights of the exclusive representative. Establishes a grievance procedure for disputes arising out of the implementation of collective bargaining agreements. Defines unfair labor practices. Requires labor organizations to meet certain standards of conduct. Provides for union dues and use of official time. Sets forth provisions regarding the grievance procedure. Stipulates that members of a bargaining unit may be represented only by the exclusive representative. Permits the Department and the exclusive representative to negotiate certain aspects of the grievance procedure. Establishes the Foreign Service Grievance Board to resolve grievances. Requires the Foreign Service to be administered in conformity with the Civil Service and other government systems with regard to personnel and retirement. Gives the Secretary exclusive authority over specific Foreign Service functions. Title II: Transition, Amendments to Other Laws, Repeals and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to convert present members of the Foreign Service, who are available for assignment abroad, to the appropriate classes in the Foreign Service Schedule. Permits Foreign Service officers and Foreign Service Reserve officers, with class 2 or higher appointments and available for world-wide assignment, to request appointment to the Senior Foreign Service. Requires those eligible, who do not elect to enter the Senior Foreign Service, to retire within three years. Requires the conversion of present members of the Foreign Service, who are not available for world-wide assignment, to the Civil Service in a comparable grade. Stipulates that a conversion shall not cause any reduction in the individual's class, grade, or salary. Permits continued participation in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System by those converted to the Civil Service . Amends the Act providing certain basic authority for the Department of State to add provisions, presently found in the Foreign Service Act of 1946, concerning: (1) gifts; (2) attorneys; (3) family employment opportunities; (4) vehicle use; (5) educational facilities; (6) malpractice protection; and (7) services to post employees. Amends the Peace Corps Act, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to conform to this Act. Permits the extension or renewal of limited appointments of Foreign Service personnel for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Includes Ambassadors at Large within level II of the Executive Schedule. Amends Civil Service provisions allowing attorney fees to be awarded in unfair labor practice and grievance proceedings to include Foreign Service personnel within such coverage. Exempts members of the Senior Foreign Service from limitations on accumulated leave. Repeals specified provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, the Foreign Relations Authorization Acts, Fiscal Years 1979, 1978, and 1977, the Department of State Appropriations Authorization Act of 1973, the Act establishing a Foreign Service Information Officer Corps, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Peace Corps Act, and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1977, which are superseded by this Act. Makes the provisions of this Act severable. Continues the effectiveness of actions taken under laws superseded by this Act. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress concerning compatibility among agencies, utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) former President Richard M. Nixon should pay the United States $66,614.03 for federally-funded improvements to his California estate (known as La Casa Pacifica) which were not made for security purposes; and (2) the President and the Attorney General should attempt to recover such sum.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Expresses the congressional intention that the President initiate negotiations with other oil importing nations to establish a Council of Oil Importing Nations to negotiate for reasonable oil prices with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Directs the President to develop and submit to such Council a set of appropriate sanctions to be used by such Council to encourage compliance with negotiated oil prices. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning progress with such negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Afro-American Museum Act - Establishes the Afro-American History and Culture Board which shall be responsible for the establishment of the National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture. Authorizes the museum to preserve, collect and display objects relating to the history and culture of Afro-Americans and to establish exhibits, curatorial services, library programs, archives programs, professional museum training programs and educational and extension services. Directs the Board to construct and operate the initial branch and headquarters of the museum in Wilberforce, Ohio, and to study the possibility of establishing other branches in different areas of the country.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Defense Economic Adjustment Act - Title I: Defense Economic Adjustment Council - Establishes within the Executive Office of the President the Defense Economic Adjustment Council. Establishes an Office of Economic Adjustment to provide necessary staff support for the Council. Sets forth the duties of the Council which include: (1) disseminating information to Federal, State, and local agencies and authorities concerning changes in defense spending affecting employment in defense industries; (2) oversight of programs providing assistance to areas adversely affected by such changes; (3) reviewing local alternative use plans; and (4) preparing and distributing a Conversion Guidelines Handbook. Title II: Alternative Use Committees - Requires the establishment, at every defense facility employing at least 100 persons, of Alternative Use Committees representing management and labor to undertake economic conversion planning and preparation for the employment of the personnel and utilization of the facilities in the event of a reduction or elimination of any defense facility or the curtailment, conclusion, or disapproval of any defense contract. Stipulates that defense contractors which fail to submit an alternative use plan to the Council or which refuse or fail to carry out the provisions of a plan approved by the Council shall lose eligibility for future contracts for a period of three years as well as losing contract termination payments and eligibility for tax credits. Requires Alternative Use Committees to periodically review plans for the conversion of the facility to civilian-oriented production and to send periodic reports to the Council regarding the progress of such plans. Directs the committees to provide occupational retraining and reemployment counseling services for employees who are displaced by the implementation of a conversion plan or the closing of a defense facility. Specifies provisions which are to be included in each alternative use plan. Title III: Economic Adjustment Fund - Establishes within the Treasury a Workers Economic Adjustment Reserve Trust Fund. Requires defense contracts to contain a provision under which the defense contractor is to pay into such fund an amount equal to one and one quarter percent per year of the value of the contractor's gross revenues on sales under such contract. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit ten percent of the projected savings from defense cutbacks into the fund. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to such fund to enable the Secretary to make payments and disbursements authorized by this Act. Title IV: Economic Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Entitles workers who are displaced because of defense cutbacks to specified benefits for a two-year period, including: (1) compensation sufficient to maintain the employee's income at a level equal to 90 percent of the first $20,000 per year and 50 percent of the next $5,000 in excess of $20,000 of that worker's regular annual wage; (2) vested pension credit under any applicable pension plan; (3) maintenance of any medical, disability, or life insurance coverage which such an individual had by reason of employment by the defense contractor; and (4) retraining, job search, and relocation expenses. Stipulates that in order to be eligible for benefits under this Act a displaced worker must agree to maintain an active registration with the Secretary of Labor or an appropriate State employment agency and to accept any employment determined by the Secretary or the agency to be of the same skill or work of a similar nature at the same pay as such worker was receiving before being displaced. Stipulates that adjustment benefits under this Act shall not be taken into account in determining an individual's eligibility for unemployment compensation. Stipulates that adjustment benefits shall terminate when a displaced worker obtains employment providing 90 percent of the first $20,000 per year and 50 percent of the next $5,000 in excess of $20,000 of the worker's previous wage or two years after displacement, whichever occurs sooner. Title V: Community Economic Adjustment Planning - Entitles communities which are substantially and seriously affected by the reduction or elimination of military facilities or curtailment or conclusion of defense contracts to Federal assistance for economic adjustment to avoid substantial dislocations and for economic adjustment assistance should such dislocation occur. Directs the Council to develop guidelines by which the criteria for eligibility for planning assistance are to be applied. Authorizes the sale of excess defense capital property or facilities where such a facility is reduced or closed to the affected community at a public benefit discount. Title VI: Industrial Economic Adjustment - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make or guarantee low-interest, long-term loans to assist contractors in carrying out an approved alternative use plan to convert a plant or facility to civilian purposes. Prohibits making any such loan or loan guarantee if financing for such plan is available from any other source. Title VII: Use of Certain Research Fund - Authorizes the use of Department of Defense research and development funds for work which has a potential relationship to an urgent national requirement in a designated non-defense sector of the economy. Directs the Defense Economic Adjustment Council to define urgent national requirements for non-defense sectors of the economy. Title VIII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Diabetes Research and Training Amendments and National Diabetes Advisory Board Extension Act of 1979 - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to redesignate the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases and the Advisory Council to such Institute as the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases and the National Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases Advisory Council. Establishes within the Advisory Council separate subcommittees on diabetes, arthritis, digestive diseases, and kidney diseases. Directs these subcommittees to: (1) review applications made to the Director of the Institute for research projects relating to such diseases and make recommendations to the Advisory Council; and (2) review and evaluate programs directed at such diseases. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Diabetes. Sets forth the duties of the Associate Director, including: (1) having primary responsibility for all diabetes-mellitus-related activities supported or conducted by the National Institutes of Health; (2) providing information to public and private agencies with respect to such activities; and (3) reporting and making recommendations to the Director of the National Institutes of Health with respect to other enumerated functions. Extends the authorization of appropriations for diabetes research and training centers in the following amounts: $14,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $17,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide from such amounts up to ten training stipends through each center in any fiscal year. Eliminates as an ex officio member of the National Diabetes Advisory Board the Secretary of Defense or his designee; adds as such a member the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or his designee. Revises the terms of appointed members of the Board. Directs the Board to amend the Diabetes Plan (formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act) as is necessary to insure its continuing relevance. Extends the current level of authorizations for the purposes of the Board ($300,000 per fiscal year) through fiscal year 1985. Extends the expiration date of the Board from September 30, 1980, to September 30, 1985.
![Official portrait of Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000142_200.jpg)