United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to elect a refundable income tax credit for the cost of fuel oil and natural gas for heating principal residences in excess of the average cost of fuel oil and gas in 1978. Requires a percentage reduction in the amount of such credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds certain specified levels.
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 · 19 October 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to seek free elections supervised by the United Nations in the Baltic States after the withdrawal of all Soviet military and civilian personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should inform and gain the support and cooperation of other nations in realizing independence for the Baltic States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the: (1) President should warn the Soviet Union against making citizenship claims on U.S. citizens; and (2) Secretary of State should inform U.S. citizens planning to visit the Soviet Union of the implications of the Soviet law on citizenship.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Requests the President to: (1) publicly condemn Vietnam for violations of the human rights of the people of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos; and (2) request a session of the United Nations General Assembly to impose sanctions on Vietnam for such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Prohibits the use of funds from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives or from any other official funds for expenses of foreign travel by Representatives Charles C. Diggs, Jr..
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
National Product Liability Act - Permits product liability actions, with specified exceptions, only during the period during which the defendant expressly warranted such product or whichever of the following periods first expires: (1) the earlier of any ten-year period beginning on the date of the first sale, lease, or delivery of possession of any product unit alleged to have harmed the plaintiff by any seller to any buyer or to any initial user or consumer; or (2) the period of limitation prescribed by State law. Specifies that a product liability action shall not be barred or limited by this Act if the action is: (1) for personal injury, death, or property damage claimed to have resulted from the defendant having either (a) breached an express contractual, statutory duty to take action for safety reasons regarding the product unit or (b) modified the product unit subsequent to the date of first sale, lease, or delivery of possession which introduced a hazard not previously existing; (2) brought against a seller who (a) owes any such duty or (b) makes, authorizes, or furnishes materials for the accomplishment of any such modification or (c) furnishes inadequate specifications, instructions, or warnings for the accomplishment of any such modification; and (3) commenced within which ever of the following first expires (a) the ten-year period beginning on the date such duty arose or such modification was made or (b) the period of limitation prescribed by State law. Sets forth standards for determining liability for product formula or design. Requires the plaintiff to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that such formula or design was the immediate, physical, and producing cause of the damage or injury and that an alternative formula or design, meeting specified requirements, was available at the time of manufacture and would have avoided or reduced the injury or damage. Declares that a defendant shall not be liable for that portion of the personal injury, death, or property damage which could have been reduced or avoided by additional safety or protective devices or substances, if the defendant proves specified conditions by a preponderance of the evidence. Declares that the defendant shall not be liable if the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the product formula or design complied with mandatory Federal standards or regulations applicable at the time of manufacture and directly pertained to the alleged hazard. Specifies that such standards shall not apply to product liability actions based upon breaches of express warranty, express contract, or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Sets forth standards of product liability for failure to specify, instruct, or warn of hazards. Requires the plaintiff to prove specified conditions by a preponderance of the evidence in such actions which vary depending on whether the defendant is a seller, a manufacturer or a party other than the manufacturer. Declares not liable a defendant who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that injury, death, or damage: (1) resulted from a modification made in the product by someone other than the defendant and other than in accordance with the defendant's express specifications or express consent; or (2) caused by specified forms of misuse of the product by any person other than the defendant. Sets forth conditions for strict liability of nonmanufacturing sellers. Requires the plaintiff to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a nonmanufacturing seller: (1) exercised significant control over the product's characteristics, function, design, specifications, instructions, or warnings; or (2) had actual knowledge of the particular defect which caused the alleged injury or damage. Allows defendants to notify third persons answerable in product liability actions. Makes binding any such notice which states that third persons must come in and defend or be bound by determinations of fact in that suit in actions against them by the notifier. Permits nonmanufacturing sellers to joint as a third party defendant the manufacturer of the product claimed to have caused the injury who is or may be liable with or to the nonmanufacturing seller. Declares that this Act shall be construed as an Act of limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Disapproves and invalidates the final rule of the Department of Housing and Urban Development entitled "Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program for New Construction. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to carry out a further revision of such rule by providing extended public participation and further evaluation and consideration for potentially adverse impact. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress, not later than 90 days after the approval of this resolution by the President, the results and findings of public participation along with proposed revisions to the final rule.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits to any individual for any month in which such individual is confined in a penal institution. Stipulates that benefits withheld from such individuals shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the same wages and self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Excludes armed forces personnel released from duty for the good of the service from the definition of "Federal service." Stipulates that such persons shall not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to repeal provisions of such Act which empower the Commission: (1) to collect information on the organization, operation, and business relationships of any entity, with specified exceptions, engaged in or whose business affects commerce; and (2) to issue orders requiring such an entity to furnish such information to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify for the residential energy credit solar energy property which is installed in a residence for the purpose of producing electricity.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to include the production of electrical energy from solar energy as a residential energy conservation measure.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to provide for the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems for the production of electrical energy for use in residential housing units.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Hydrogen Fuel Development and Use Act of 1979 - Title I: Hydrogen Fuel Research, Development, and Demonstration Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for the research, development, and commercial scale demonstration of hydrogen production technologies and technologies concerning the use of hydrogen as a fuel and feedstock. Sets forth the types of hydrogen-related technologies to be investigated and developed. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees and loan guarantee commitments, price and purchase guarantees, and such other assistance as the Secretary is authorized to provide for the construction of hydrogen facilities or the carrying out of other hydrogen projects. Sets forth criteria for establishing terms and conditions for such loan guarantees. States that such program shall be jointly carried out by the Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary with such program. Terminates the existence of such committee on December 31, 1984. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct annual audits of activities conducted under such program. Directs the Secretary to assure the participation of small business in such program. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee loans made by State or local governments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by this Act. Sets forth requirements as to such loan guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans to State and local governments in the event such loan guarantee program will not result in sufficient funds to carry out such purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State or local governments for studying and planning for the mitigation of potential economic, environmental, and social consequences of projects authorized by this Act and for establishing related management expertise. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports to the Congress on all activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Title II: Tax Incentives for Hydrogen Production and for Certain Equipment Which Uses Hydrogen - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction for the amortization of any qualified hydrogen-producing facility, as defined and based on a 60-month period. Sets forth procedures for electing and terminating the election of such amortization, and makes necessary conforming amendments. Amends such Act to allow tax credits for expenditures for certain hydrogen-fueled equipment in residences and businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Disaster Relief Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to require the President to immediately provide the Federal disaster assistance requested by a Governor whenever such Governor declares and requests a determination by the President that an emergency or major disaster exists. Requires States to reimburse the Federal Government for such assistance, if the President determines that the emergency or major disaster does not exist or that the amount of assistance exceeds the amount required. Stipulates that a State's budget surplus or deficit shall not be taken into account when recommending to the President whether to declare an emergency or major disaster. Revises the definition of "emergency" to include a catastrophe requiring Federal emergency assistance to restore normal delivery of essential services. Eliminates the requirement that appropriate action by the Governor under State law is a prerequisite to major disaster assistance. Deletes the requirement that the Governor certify that State and local governments will spend a reasonable amount of their funds, and instead requires the Governor to certify that State and local governments have made maximum efforts given the circumstances and resources available. Directs the President to appoint a Federal coordinating officer and to request the Governor to designate a State coordinating officer to operate in the affected area upon the Governor's request for declaration of an emergency or major disaster (currently, such officer is appointed or requested upon the President's declaration).
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Import Relief Improvements Act of 1979 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to determine: (1) whether a recommendation by the United States International Trade Commission for import relief is in the national economic interest of the United States; and (2) in the event that such relief is not in the national interest, whether alternative import relief is appropriate and whether adjustment assistance petitions will be expeditiously considered. Authorizes Congress to adopt the Commission's recommendation concerning import relief, instead of the President's action or inaction, by majority acceptance of a resolution in either House. Gives the Commission, instead of the President, the authority to determine the quantity and value of imports determined representative. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to deem equally divided determinations by the Commission, concerning injuries caused by imports and market disruptions, affirmative determinations. Requires the President to transmit to Congress the reasons for disapproving a Commission determination regarding unfair import trade practices. Makes the Commission's determination effective upon disapproval of either House of Congress of the President's action.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition, "engaged in the business", with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a disabling crime. Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by specified individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, but for which such individual has not been convicted. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records, documents, and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require (1) the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or (2) the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Set forth procedures for such resolutions. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Foreign Intelligence and Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 1979 - Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to exempt information in files maintained by the CIA or the National Security Agency from the provisions of any law requiring publication or disclosure if such files have been specifically designated by the Director of Central Intelligence to be concerned with: (1) scientific or technical systems for the collection of foreign intelligence information; (2) special activities and foreign intelligence operations; (3) investigations conducted to determine the suitability of potential foreign intelligence sources; or (4) intelligence and security liaison arrangements with foreign governments, except to the extent that the files contain information on U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens under the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to stipulate that the disclosure provision does not require a law enforcement or intelligence agency to disclose information to any person convicted of a felony under Federal or State law, or to any person acting on such felon's behalf. Revises the FOIA procedures with respect to law enforcement or intelligence agency records, including requirements that the court: (1) examine such records withheld under certain provisions in camera; and (2) rely on agency affidavits unless there appears to be no basis on which such records could have been specifically designated for limited or restricted dissemination or distribution by an agency authorized to make such a designation. Revises the FOIA procedures to increase from ten to 60 days the period from the receipt of a request for records by which an agency must determine whether to comply with such request (allows an additional 60 days for each 200 pages of records encompassed by the request). Requires, instead of authorizes, the court to allow an agency additional time to review its records where the Government shows that exceptional circumstances exist and that the agency is exercising due diligence in attempting to respond to the request. Extends the matters to which the FOIA procedures do not apply to include: (1) records maintained for foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, organized crime, or terrorism purposes; or (2) law enforcement records which would (A) "tend to" disclose (currently, disclose) the identity of a confidential source, including a State or municipal agency or foreign government which furnished information on a confidential basis, or (B) endanger the life or physical safety of any natural person (currently, law enforcement personnel). Stipulates that the disclosure procedures shall not require a law enforcement or intelligence agency to: (1) make available law enforcement records pertaining to an investigation for seven years after termination of the investigation without prosecution or seven years after prosecution; or (2) disclose any information which would interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation or foreign intelligence activity upon proper certification to the Attorney General and a determination that such interference would result.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Synthetic Fuels Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Loan Guarantees for Synthetic Fuel Demonstration Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to guarantee and to make commitments to guarantee interest payments on obligations issued for the purpose of financing the construction of demonstration facilities for the conversion of domestic coal, oil shale, tar sands, biomass, peat, and other domestic resources into synthetic fuels, and for other energy sources such as ocean thermal energy conversion. Stipulates that such guarantees shall be issued under a competitive bidding procedure to the extent possible. Prohibits the issuance of a guarantee for an oil-shale conversion facility until a modular facility of the same technology has been shown to be successfully operated. Limits the total amount of loan guarantees outstanding under this Act to $10,000,000,000, and prohibits issuance of such guarantees beyond five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedures for handling defaults in payments on any obligation issued and guaranteed under this Act. Establishes within the United States Treasury a revolving fund into which shall be deposited authorized administrative funds, interest and principal payments, or repayments and fees, and any other moneys derived from the operation of this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in the event moneys available in the fund are insufficient to enable the Secretary to carry out this title. Stipulates that inventions made or conceived under a guarantee authorized by this title shall be subject to the appropriate sections of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development of 1974. Directs the Secretary to provide opportunities for small business to participate in such guarantee program. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report of the activities conducted under this title. Requires that regulations issued under this title be submitted to specified congressional committees. Repeals existing provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 relating to loan guarantees for alternative fuel demonstration facilities, excluding those provisions on the issuance of obligations for synthetic fuel conversion facilities and municipal waste energy generation facilities. Title II: Priority Energy Projects - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Exempts such designations from the impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1979, but requires that designated projects comply with the appropriate provisions of the Clear Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. States that the time allowed for completion of all final agency action and the issuance of all final agency decisions as to licenses, permits, and other authorizations shall be consistent with existing statutory obligations. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for the coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Governor of a State in which a priority energy project is to be located a voluntary decision schedule setting deadlines for State and local authorities to complete their actions relating to such project. Sets forth procedures authorizing the President to waive State or local law provisions causing delay in implementing the State decision schedule. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of any action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give expedited treatment to such matters. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this Act. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Goals and Objectives - Establishes a national goal for the reduction of energy imports by the year 1990 to the equivalent of 25 percent of the crude oil and synthetic fuels consumed in the United States in that year. Directs the Secretary to conduct specified studies relating to the attainment of such goal. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to test the commercial feasibility of synthetic fuels by using such fuels in selected portions of the vehicle fleets of specified Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Federal Bureau of Investigation Charter Act of 1979 - Establishes a comprehensive Federal Bureau of Investigation Charter which sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the FBI with respect to criminal and civil investigations, undercover operations, and law enforcement support functions, but excluding foreign intelligence activities (which were specified in Executive Order 12036). Enumerates as general principles of the FBI that it: (1) conduct investigations with minimal intrusion consistent with the need to collect information or evidence in a timely and effective manner; (2) be concerned only with criminal conduct when conducting a criminal investigation; and (3) not conduct an investigation solely on the basis of the lawful exercise of Constitutional or statutory rights, including the expression of a religious or political view or the right to peacefully assemble and petition the Government. Limits the appointment of the Director of the FBI to one ten-year term. Specifies the general powers and duties of the Director, Associate Director, an Assistant to the Director, Assistant Director, Inspector, and Agent of the FBI. Authorizes the FBI to make inquiries to determine whether there is a basis for investigation and conduct an investigation on the basis of facts or circumstances that reasonably indicate that: (1) a person has, is, or will engage in an activity in violation of Federal criminal law; (2) two or more persons are engaged in a continuing enterprise for the purpose of obtaining monetary or commercial gains or profits through "racketeering activity" (defined as activity involving a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1961-1968); or (3) two or more persons are engaged in (A) terrorist activity in violation of Federal criminal law, (B) a "pattern of terrorist activity" in violation of State criminal law, or (C) terrorist activity by an enterprise whose membership is based wholly or in part in the United States that occurs totally outside the United States or transcends a national boundary and which would constitute a criminal violation if committed within Federal or State jurisdiction. Directs the Attorney General, as soon as feasible after enactment, to promulgate guidelines for such investigative authority that embody specific principles. Requires that the Department of Justice be advised of all investigations of terrorist activity and that any such investigations continuing beyond one year be reviewed at least annually by the Director. Requires that the Attorney General's guidelines protect constitutional rights and personal privacy and ensure that, as the likelihood for intrusion into privacy increases through the specific use of techniques, more formalized and higher level authorization and review procedures are required. Establishes restrictions on certain investigative techniques, including the use of informants and undercover agents, physical surveillance, mail and electronic surveillance, and access to third party records and tax information. Requires that a supervisory official of the FBI make a written finding that an informant is suitable for use on a continuing basis and that the information likely to be obtained relates to an authorized investigation. Requires the periodic review of such finding by the Director or his designee. Requires an FBI official, in determining that an informant's participation in criminal activity is justified, to state in writing that: (1) the conduct is necessary to obtain information or evidence for prosecutive purposes or to avoid death or serious bodily injury; and (2) such need outweighs the seriousness of the conduct involved (but prohibits the use of unlawful techniques to collect information). Requires that for a licensed physician, lawyer, clergyman, or member of the news media to be used as an informant that: (1) such use be expressly authorized in writing by the Director or a senior official; (2) the Attorney General or his designee be promptly notified; and (3) such person be advised that the FBI is not requesting the person to breach any legal obligation of confidentiality. Requires the FBI to determine a person's suitability for use as an informant or for providing operational assistance. Provides that an FBI employee used as an undercover agent is bound by the provisions of this Act and other laws and guidelines governing the conduct of FBI agents. Prohibits such agent from participating in any criminal activity except to: (1) obtain information or evidence necessary for paramount prosecutive purposes; (2) establish credibility; or (3) avoid death or serious bodily injury or danger to himself or another (but prohibits the use of unlawful techniques to collect information). Authorizes the FBI to use an informant or undercover agent to infiltrate a group under investigation, but requires a senior official to make a written finding to the Director that the infiltration of a group under investigation with respect to terrorist activities is necessary. Requires such finding to include a statement of means reasonably designed to minimize the acquisition of information unrelated to the matter under investigation. Requires, with respect to surveillance, that: (1) physical surveillance be directed against an identifiable individual only within the scope of investigative authority; (2) mail openings be conducted only pursuant to United States Postal Service regulations; and (3) electronic surveillance be made only in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes the FBI to issue an investigative demand: (1) for access to the records of a "financial institution" as defined in, and for use in accordance with, the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 and guidelines by the Attorney General; and (2) to obtain toll records from a communications common carrier, insurance records, or records from a credit institution not encompassed by the Right to Financial Privacy Act if (A) there is reason to believe the records are relevant to an authorized investigation and (B) proper service and notice are executed. Forbids such investigative demand from making a requirement which would be unreasonable or would concern a privileged record if demanded by a subpoena duces tecum issued by a Federal court in aid to a grand jury investigation. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such investigative demands. Authorizes the FBI to obtain access to tax information from the Internal Revenue Service only in accordance with the confidentiality and disclosure provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Allows the FBI to use other investigative techniques, such as trash covers, pen covers, consensual monitoring, electronic location detectors, covert photographic surveillance, and pretext interviews only in the course of a lawful investigation. Authorizes the FBI to retain information if it is relevant to an investigation or within the scope of other authorized responsibilities conferred by this Act. Specifies conditions under which the FBI may disseminate information to Federal or State or local criminal justice agencies. Directs the FBI to destroy records or deposit them in the Archives of the United States for historic preservation ten years after: (1) the termination of an investigation not leading to prosecution; or (2) termination of prosecution, with specified exceptions. Specifies the authority of the FBI to conduct undercover operations. Allows the Bureau to procure property and services for such purposes without regard to usual procurement regulations. Subjects to review by the Attorney General and the Comptroller General the liquidation of any sizeable property. Authorizes the FBI to collect information to assist the Attorney General in determining whether the use of Federal troops or other Federal assistance is required: (1) concerning an actual or threatened civil dispute to enforce Federal law or court orders or which may result in the request for such assistance by State authorities; or (2) relating to a peaceful public demonstration that is likely to require Federal action with respect to public health and safety upon the specific approval of the Attorney General or his designee. Requires such information to be collected from publicly available sources whenever possible and prohibits the use of certain investigatory techniques. Requires the information to be stored in a manner that minimizes its retrieval by reference to a specific individual. Authorizes the FBI to conduct background investigations of an individual who has: (1) consented to be considered for nomination to an office requiring the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) consented to be appointed to a position in the Executive Office of the President that will require access to classified information; (3) consented to be considered for nomination by the President as a justice or judge; (4) applied for employment in the FBI or in a position in the Department of Justice requiring such investigation; (5) applied for a Presidential reprieve or pardon; or (6) is designated by the Attorney General as requiring access to classified information. Authorizes the FBI to conduct an investigation on a reimbursable basis of an individual on the staff of: (1) the Appropriations or Judiciary Committees of Congress; (2) the Select Committees on Intelligence of Congress; (3) the Speaker of the House; (4) the President pro tempore of the Senate; or (5) the majority or minority leader of either House. Authorizes the FBI to conduct an investigation on a reimbursable basis of certain judicial officers and to assist other Federal agencies conducting background investigations with respect to job applicants, contractors, persons requiring access to classified defense information, persons having access to a person or premises within the protective responsibility of the United States Secret Service, applicants for Federal grants or loans (to the extent authorized by the Attorney General or his designee), or persons requiring access to a Federal computer system subject to clearance. Enumerates other special service functions of the FBI, including those related to congressional committees, grand jury investigations, other protective services, and investigative assistance to other Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies. Authorizes the FBI to: (1) train its own employees and law enforcement and criminal justice personnel of other Federal agencies, State or local agencies, foreign governments, and members of the United States Armed Forces; (2) conduct research and development to improve law enforcement and to procure equipment and systems for its authorized law enforcement functions; (3) establish and maintain liaison with, and provide mutual assistance to, a foreign law enforcement agency consistent with guidelines established by the Attorney General; (4) provide technical assistance at the request of a Federal, foreign, State, or local government agency; (5) provide personnel, informational, investigative, and technical assistance to the United States Secret Service in connection with its protective responsibilities; and (6) collect and classify various types of civil and criminal records, such as civil and criminal fingerprint records, records concerning fugitives, and missing person records, and to exchange such information with law enforcement agencies of the Federal, foreign, State, or local governments. Authorizes the FBI to exchange criminal fingerprint records and criminal history information with Federal, foreign, State, or local agencies, and other entities, with respect to licensing, the administration of visa, immigration, or passport laws, federally insured financing, and securities regulation. Allows unsolicited information about an identifiable person which does not pertain to authorized FBI responsibilities to be retained only for the limited period necessary for administrative processing. Allows the Director to impose a civil penalty up to $5,000 on any person who intentionally uses sensitive investigative techniques in knowing violation of this Act while acting as an employee of the FBI (such penalty to be in addition to others prescribed by law). Stipulates that nothing in this Act, including any guidelines established pursuant to this Act, creates any substantive or procedural rights, and no court has jurisdiction over a claim in any proceeding, based solely on violations of its provisions. Requires guidelines promulgated by the Attorney General to be made public, except upon a determination that a particular guideline if made public would jeopardize the investigative process. Exempts from public disclosure procedures which would assist a criminal to avoid detection or would compromise sensitive investigative techniques. Directs the Attorney General to provide to the Judiciary Committees of Congress information concerning the implementation of this Act, and, on an annual basis: (1) the total number of investigations conducted in the preceding year; and (2) the total number of activities conducted in the preceding year requiring approval of the Director or the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to submit to such committees for review specified guidelines. Requires the Director to review periodically the application of all guidelines to insure that they are complied with and achieve their purposes. Charges the Attorney General with protecting the integrity of investigative files and the confidentiality of informants, undercover operations, and other sensitive investigative techniques. Prohibits a court from ordering a Government attorney or other Department of Justice official to disclose the identity of a confidential informant or information which would reveal such identity, except to the court in camera, if the Attorney General has determined that the informant's identity must be protected. Authorizes the Attorney General and the FBI to investigate any violation of Federal criminal law involving a Government officer or employee. Requires any information received in an executive agency relating to such a violation to be expeditiously reported to the Attorney General, unless otherwise provided for by law. Stipulates that such investigative authority does not limit the authority of the military departments to investigate offenses pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Justice or the primary authority of the Postmaster General to investigate postal offenses. Makes it the duty of the Attorney General to take all reasonable steps to insure that FBI investigations conform with statutory and constitutional law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1979
Congressional Pay Act of 1979 - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1947 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to fix the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress at the rates payable for such positions for September 30, 1978, and to discontinue the annual adjustments in the rate of pay for Members of Congress. Prohibits any Congressional employee from receiving pay at a rate in excess of the pay rate payable for Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow domestic corporations an income tax deduction for dividends paid by such corporations during the taxable year, in lieu of the deduction for dividends received from other corporations. Disqualifies the following types of corporations: (1) Subchapter S corporations; (2) regulated investment companies; (3) real estate investment trusts; (4) personal holding companies; and (5) domestic international sales corporations (DISC). Limits the amount of the deduction for dividends received from certain foreign corporations to 85 percent of a corporation's taxable income computed without regard to other deductions and the capital loss carryback. Provides that such limitation shall not apply to any corporation which has a net operating loss for the taxable year. Disallows any deduction for dividends on any share of stock which is sold by a taxpayer who has held such stock for less than 15 days (90 days for preferred stock) or stock for which the taxpayer is under an obligation to make corresponding payments with respect to substantially identical stock or securities. Repeals provisions allowing deductions for dividends received on certain preferred stock.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Alternate Fuels Engine Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Alternative Fuels Engine Development Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a comprehensive program for the development of gas turbine engines for commercial production. Stipulates that such program shall include development of gasoline engine conversion systems. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, contracts, and loans with specified types of institutions and organizations in order to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to qualified entities to assist in the commercial production of such engines and conversion systems. Authorizes appropriations for programs described under this title. Requires that federally-purchased vehicles be equipped with gas turbine engines or gasoline engine conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to take such steps as necessary to assure participation by small businesses in the programs conducted under this title. Terminates the provisions of this Act effective January 1, 1990. Title II: Tax Incentives for Gas Turbine Engine Development and Production and for Gasoline Engine Conversion Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide an additional 15 percent investment tax credit for gasoline conservation property, as defined under this Act. Allows a tax deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified gasoline conservation product facility based on a period of 60 months. Sets forth procedures for determining eligibility for and claiming such deduction. Allows a tax credit for purchase of qualified gasoline conservation products. Allows a tax deduction for fees paid for transportation of a taxpayer on any public transportation motor vehicle which uses any qualified gasoline conservation product.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to stipulate that, for the period between December 18, 1977, and November 6, 1978, an abandonment or sale of the properties of a railroad in reorganization need not be approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the Commission to direct a willing provider of truck or water transportation to transport the traffic of shippers using a railroad line abandoned pursuant to a court decree under the Bankruptcy Act if such transportation would be more efficient than directed rail carriage. Sets forth employee protection arrangements for individuals displaced from their employment on account of such an abandonment. Stipulates that a rail carrier required to provide such protective arrangements shall be reimbursed for such costs by the Railroad Retirement Board. Requires the rail carrier to repay such sums when the Board determines that the financial condition of the carrier permits such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations to the Board for such reimbursements.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should call upon Paraguay to apprehend and extradite Josef Mengele to stand trial in the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should instruct the U.S. delegation to the 1980 Madrid meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe to seek free elections supervised by the United Nations in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, after the withdrawal of all Soviet military and civilian personnel. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should inform and gain the support and cooperation of other nations in realizing independence for the Baltic States. Expresses the sense of Congress that the: (1) President should warn the Soviet Union against making citizenship claims on U.S. citizens; and (2) Secretary of State should inform U.S. citizens planning to visit the Soviet Union of the implications of the Soviet law on citizenship.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Department of Commerce and International Trade Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Enumerates the following functions of the Department of Commerce: (1) the promotion of U.S. exports; (2) the analysis of information on commercial trends; (3) the provision of trade opportunities for U.S. businesses; (4) the coordination of Government programs having impact on international trade; (5) the administration of export controls; (6) the dissemination of information on imports; and (7) the assurance of adequate supplies of materials critical to national security or the nations economy. Vests in the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations the functions of directing trade negotiations, coordinating U.S. trade law and policy, implementing trade agreements, and monitoring international energy negotiations. Title II: Reorganization of International Trade Functions - Redesignates the Department of Commerce as the Department of Commerce and International Trade. Provides for the appointment within such Department of an Under Secretary for International Trade and an Under Secretary for Domestic Commerce. Redesignates the Secretary of Commerce as the Secretary of Commerce and International Trade. Directs the Secretary to: (1) oversee the collection and dissemination of information concerning domestic and international trade; (2) conduct a joint study with specified Federal agencies regarding international trade; and (3) consult and cooperate with State and local governments. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of: (1) the Department of State; (2) the Department of the Treasury; (3) the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations; (4) the International Trade Commission; (5) the Secretary of Labor; and (6) the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers to and establishes within the Department: (1) the Export-Import Bank; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and (3) the International Trade Commission. Transfers specified State Department functions to the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions concerning the appointment and transfer of personnel and the reorganization of the Department. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to do that which is necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President for submission to Congress concerning the Department's activities. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry the functions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to accelerate the development of geothermal energy in the United States. Title II: Amendments to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 -Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to expand the acreage limitation on holders of geothermal leases to 51,200 acres, except as specified. Provides for an expedited bidding and leasing system for lands within any known geothermal resources area. Establishes the Interagency Geothermal Leasing Committee to review the activities of the several agencies and departments pursuant to this Act and to take such action as necessary to fully implement this Act. Directs such Committee to report to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council in response to any requests for information or recommendations. Directs such Committee to commission a training and education program on geothermal leasing and operations for Federal surface management field managers in the appropriate departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe amendments to existing rules and regulations and to issue any necessary new rules and regulations to carry out this Act, and exempts such actions from being construed as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to develop cooperative agreements with the Governor of each State in which are located lands subject to this Act for coordination of Federal, State, and local decisionmaking related to environmental analyses, permit approvals, and land use planning. Sets forth geothermal lease application and permits procedures. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior, to establish annual goals for the five future fiscal years for geothermal leasing. Requires the development of an expedited procedure for consideration and approval of permits for exploration and testing for geothermal resources. Stipulates that the establishment of such procedure shall be deemed to satisfy any requirements of NEPA applicable to any such exploration and testing activities. Permits any applicant for a geothermal lease to use a conditioned development lease with a phased environmental assessment and leasing procedure which shall limit the scope of consideration by the Secretary of the Interior as to compliance with the requirements of NEPA. Stipulates that any lessee seeks to conduct any operations of a developmental nature must prepare a detailed plan of development and utilization in accordance with requirements specified by the Secretary. Sets deadlines for review and final action on such plans. Permits exploration and testing activities on lands subject to this Act included in wilderness study areas pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act, so long as such activities are not conducted in a manner which would permanently impair wilderness values. Authorizes the Secretary to grant no-cost permits to specified surface owners or occupants of lands subject to this Act or to the Stock Raising Homestead Act for use of geothermal resources within such lands. Authorizes any Federal agency with an installation or facility located on or contiguous to lands subject to this Act to apply for a geothermal lease for use of geothermal resources by such installation or facility, provided that a determination has been made that such lease will not discourage or preclude commercial development of geothermal resources on such lands. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement orderly and expeditious procedures for the processing of all lease and permit applications pursuant to this Act. Title III: Amendments to the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 - Geothermal Research, Development, and Demonstration Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to establish the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council to be assisted by an Advisory Committee on Geothermal Energy. Extends the period of guaranties and interest assistance under the loan guaranty program of such Act to ten years beyond September 3, 1979. Authorizes guaranties of up to 90 percent of the aggregate cost of a geothermal resource project conducted by a publicly owned utility. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Administrator of the Rural Electric Administration, the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, with the approval of the Secretary of Energy, to utilize funds in the Geothermal Resources Development Fund established by such Act for loan or loan guaranty assistance for geothermal energy development and directly related activity by means of loan and loan guarantee programs otherwise authorized by law in such agencies and departments. Limits the total amount of such fund available for such purposes to $50,000,000 per fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for the accelerated development of geothermal resources for non-electric applications by geothermal utility districts, geothermal industrial development districts, and projects, and other persons. States that such loans shall be funded by the Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to such Fund for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement expeditious procedures for the processing of loan guarantee applications under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a complete review of all considerations associated with the accelerated development of geopressured methane in the United States and on the Outer Continental Shelf, addressing legal, institutional, and regulatory barriers to such development and the current status of technology development to support such accelerated development. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a similar review of accelerated development of the energy potential of hot dry rock systems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Committee and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a complete review of the need for environmental control technology, generic or specialized for a particular form of geothermal energy, to support the accelerated development of all forms of geothermal energy. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a program in cooperation with the insurance and reinsurance industry to provide reservoir insurance to any qualified eligible applicant having a total direct investment of not less than $1,000,000 in the development and use of a geothermal resource associated with a reservoir. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for the purposes of such program. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the utilization of geothermal energy in Federal buildings, facilities, and installations in the United States, to be developed in full coordination with existing programs for solar utilization and energy conservation. Title IV: Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act - Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious process for Federal approval of geothermal energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority geothermal energy projects based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such project. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency of department fails to meet its deadline. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions pursuant to this title and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title V: Geothermal Amendments of 1979 to the National Energy Act of 1978 - Geothermal Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Energy Tax act of 1978 to: (1) qualify geothermal equipment for the investment tax credit; (2) provide that the time period during which geothermal equipment may qualify for such credit shall extend to December 31, 1989; (3) eliminate as an item of tax preference, for purposes of the minimum tax, the amount by which the intangible drilling costs incurred with respect to geothermal properties exceed the net income of the taxpayer from such properties for the taxable year; and (4) permit the deduction of intangible drilling and development costs related to geothermal reinjection wells in the taxable year in which such costs are incurred. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to include facilities which produce energy from geothermal resources within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1979
Requires a ten percent reduction in the number of civilian employees of the executive branch from the number of such employees on September 30, 1977, to be attained through attrition by September 30, 1984. Limits the percentage of low level positions which may be involved in such reduction. States that the reduction of positions among agencies shall be proportionate to the size of each agency's work force. Requires a similar reduction in the work force of the legislative branch. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report annually to Congress on work force reductions in the executive branch. Requires the Director of the Federal Judicial Center to submit to Congress recommendations for similar reductions in the Judicial branch.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Replacement Motor Fuels Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of replacement fuels in the United States to replace gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement motor fuel containing the maximum percentage of alcohol, or other liquid produced from coal, oil, shale, or other substances as is economically and technically feasible. Directs the Secretary to determine with respect to replacement fuels: the most suitable raw materials for their production, the nature of the distribution systems and production processes of such fuels, the technical and economic feasibility of including liquids extracted from oil shale and coal in such program, and the technical and economic feasibility of reaching goal of replacing 20 percent of the gasoline used as a motor fuel with replacement fuels by the year 1992. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for replacement fuels for each of calendar years through 1981 through 1987. Sets forth the manner of determining the percentage of replacement fuel by volume to be contained in the total quantity of gasoline and replacement fuel sold annually in commerce in the United States in calendar years 1981 through 1990, and directs the Secretary to issue a rule setting the minimum percentage replacement fuel to be sold for year 1981 through 1986 by any refiner. by any refiner. Sets forth provisions for the enforcement of such requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President, at the Tokyo Summit, should request those nations dependent on Middle East stability to cooperate with the United States in financing the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Directs the President to furnish to the House of Representatives certain information related to the current oil situation, including data on: (1) shortages, supplies, demand, and allocation of crude oil; and (2) refinery yield reductions and capacity utilization.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Department of Energy must expedite and strengthen its efforts to verify energy information in order to be fully independent of industry statistics and become the primary energy information data bank.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to grant an additional allotment of funds for the construction of publicly owned waste treatment works to any State which has obligated 90 percent or more of the funds previously allotted to it for such purpose by March 31 of any fiscal year. Makes such additional funds available for the fiscal year for which such funds were authorized, and for the succeeding 12 months. Provides that any funds unobligated at the end of such period be allotted equally among the other States. Makes adjustments in the amount of additional funds allocated for a State where funds previously authorized proved inadequate. Authorizes appropriations for such additional funds. Sets the amount of funds authorized to be reserved each fiscal year to two percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for allotments to States under this program. Makes funds allotted to the States for fiscal year 1978 available for the next succeeding 24 months. Provides for the reallotment of funds not obligated at the end of such period to all States except those which failed to obligate any of the funds being reallotted. Stipulates that such reallotted funds be in addition to those otherwise allotted to such State for grants under this program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Federal Automobile Mileage Reduction Act of 1979 - Directs the President to reduce the aggregate miles traveled by automobiles owned or leased for more than six months by Federal agencies according to a timetable which phases in a 20 percent reduction from the total miles traveled in fiscal year 1978 by fiscal year 1994. Requires the President to estimate what would have been the total miles traveled in fiscal year 1978 by an agency not in existence at that time in order to implement such reductions. Freezes the reimbursement for use of employee-owned vehicles by Federal agencies at the levels of fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the President to provide exemptions from such reductions: (1) for any executive agency during a national emergency or disaster; (2) for the United States Postal Service; or (3) for any executive agency for a single year, provided the total mileage traveled by such agency does not exceed the mileage traveled during the previous year. Requires the President to submit a written report to the Congress if such an exemption is made. Directs the President to promote the use of gasohol by executive agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Nuclear Waste Management Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make a preliminary determination concerning: (1) the location of a site to serve as a Federal demonstration repository for nuclear waste; (2) the techniques and methods to be used for the design, construction, and operation of such facility; (3) the procedures for transporting such wastes to the facility; and (4) the appropriate actions necessary to assure protection of the public health and safety and of the environment. Requires that any site recommended by the Secretary comport with recommendations made by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), to the maximum extent possible. Requires the Secretary to select a site for such Federal nuclear waste repository by June 30, 1980, and to arrange for the construction and operation of such facility on such site by September 30, 1988. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a detailed construction schedule for such facility, including the completion dates of required environmental impact statements and issuance dates of work authorization permits. Directs the Secretary to file with the NRC a license application for the facility and requires the NRC to act on such application within two years of the application submittal. Directs the Secretary to file a license application with the NRC for the receipt and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual status reports on the progress of the facility until operation begins. Directs the Secretary to hold public hearings and submit a comprehensive report to Congress, if the Secretary determines that circumstances exist which may impede the construction of such repository. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds by contract for any research, development, and construction activities necessary to carry out the duties under the Act. Stipulates that the Secretary need not comply with specified bid advertising requirements with respect to such contracts. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with other persons relating to the transfer of nuclear wastes from civilian nuclear power plants licensed under the Atomic Energy Act to the Federal facility. Provides that user fees be established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that any materials transferred to the Federal facility be in a form suitable for storage, as determined by regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual reports of all agreements entered into relating to the transfer of nuclear waste. Provides that all such records, reports, or information obtained by the Secretary be made available to the public, except where either a showing is made that some portion is entitled to protection as trade secrets or the Secretary determines that the confidentiality of information is required as a matter of national security. Permits disclosure of information which may constitute either trade secrets or matters of national security to officers, employees, or authorized representatives of the U.S. concerned with carrying out this Act or involved in proceedings under this Act. Prohibits withholding of any such information from any duly-authorized congressional committee. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effects of Federal routing requirements for barge, rail, and highway shipment of nuclear wastes; and (2) the methods needed to insure State participation in the transportation planning process. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate standards and criteria for exposure to radiation from activities involved in the permanent storage and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires that such standards be published in the Federal Register for public comment. Directs the Administrator to submit an assessment of public health and safety aspects of such activities to the NRC. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Management Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on matters concerning: (1) the scope, pace, costs, and benefits of research and development of nuclear waste disposal technology; (2) the existing and prospective Federal policies and programs affecting development of such technology; (3) research, development, and demonstration activities relating to the construction and operation of a Federal demonstration repository; (4) means to insure effective participation by State and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific and technical community, and the public in the research, development, siting, planning, construction, and operation of a Federal demonstration repository; and (5) any other action taken by the Secretary in carrying out the duties under the Act. Directs heads of Federal agencies to cooperate with the Committee and to furnish any information deemed necessary to carry out its duties under the Act. Directs the Secretary to seek advice from State and local governments, public and private organizations, and industry with respect to such technologies. Requires the Secretary to advise the Governor of any State designated as containing a potential site for construction of the Federal facility, to review and consider any materials or recommendations submitted by the Governor of such State and to notify the Governor of the State finally selected for the construction of the Federal facility. Directs the Secretary to not carry out duties under this Act in the event of such a formal recommendation from the Governor unless he resolves the matter with the Governor or finds that the construction of a repository at the designated site is consistent with the public health and welfare and will further the public interest. Affords that State or its representative the opportunity to participate in any NRC licensing proceeding and allows the State legislature to submit materials to be included in NRC's environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 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 loans available under the Small Business Act until October 1, 1982, for the relief of small business concerns affected by disasters occurring on or after October 1, 1978. Provides loans bearing interest at three percent for amounts not exceeding $55,000, for the repair or replacement of a principal residence or personal property. Makes the following disaster loans available under the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) loans bearing interest at three percent on amounts for the repair or replacement of property damaged or destroyed if the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; and (2) loans bearing interest at the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus not to exceed one percent if the applicant is able to obtain credit elsewhere. Stipulates that the total amount outstanding and committed to any one borrower shall not exceed $500,000. 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. 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. Makes such sums as are appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Repeals the requirement under part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, home health agencies, health maintenance organizations, and other types of health services facilities and organizations to which payment may be made under the Social Security Act to report: (1) the aggregate cost of operation and the aggregate volume of services; (2) the costs and volume of services for various functional accounts and subaccounts; (3) rates, by category of patient and class of purchaser; (4) capital assets; and (5) discharge and bill data.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Declares that Zimbabwe Rhodesia has: (1) demonstrated its willingness to negotiate in good faith at an all parties conference; and (2) approved through elections the transfer of power to a black majority government. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) should determine that Zimbabwe Rhodesia is in substantial compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978; (2) should not enforce sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia; and (3) should establish diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Controlled Substances Sentencing Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to establish mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for the commission of certain offenses currently prohibited under such Acts. Increases such minimum terms if the defendant had been convicted previously of a felony. Authorizes a court to sentence an individual to a shorter term of imprisonment or parole ineligibility upon a finding of specified mitigating circumstances. Stipulates that the imposition or execution of a sentence under such Act: (1) may not include probation; (2) may not be suspended; (3) may not run concurrently; and (4) may not come under the provisions of the Federal Youth Corrections Act. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that a separate sentencing hearing be conducted when an individual is convicted of an offense for which a mandatory term of imprisonment is authorized under this Act. Directs a judicial officer, in setting the conditions of release pending trial, to consider whether a person charged with an offense under title I of this Act poses a threat to the community or will commit similar offenses. Authorizes such judicial officer to deny pretrial release to such individual upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence of specified aggravating circumstances in a separate hearing. Sets forth due process requirements for such hearings.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from issuing any rule, regulation, or order relating to specified aspects of the control of navigable airspace.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Product and Professional Liability Insurance Tax Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify trusts established for the payment of product liability claims as tax-exempt organizations. Allows an income tax deduction for contributions to such trusts, but limits the amount of such deduction to the reasonable cost to the taxpayer (but for such trust) for product liability insurance protection for the year.
![Official portrait of Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000244_200.jpg)