United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Energy to investigate and report on: (1) coal production, distribution, and utilization; (2) energy policy; (3) energy regulation and conservation; (4) energy related aspects of deepwater ports; (5) energy development; (6) hydroelectric power; (7) uranium mining and production; (8) conservation, development, and use of naval petroleum and oil shale reserves; (9) oil and gas production and distribution; and (10) solar energy systems. Declares that the committee shall have the special oversight function of reviewing and studying on a continuing basis, all laws, programs and government activities relating to nuclear energy and nonmilitary nuclear energy and research and development, including the disposal of nuclear waste.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979
Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to implement a new civil defense program designed to: (1) enhance the survivability of the American people and its leadership; (2) enhance deterrence and stability; (3) continue reliance on strategic nuclear forces as the preponderant factor in maintaining deterrence; and (4) plan for population relocation during times of international crisis. Requires the President to develop and execute such program. Stipulates that such program include the following elements: (1) a survey of shelter inherent in existing facilities; (2) nuclear civil protection planning for both in-place protection and population relocation during times of international crisis; (3) planning for the crisis development of additional shelters; (4) improvement of warning systems; (5) improvement of systems and capabilities for direction and control of emergency operations; (6) improvement of radiological defense capabilities; (7) improvement of emergency public information and training programs and capabilities; and (8) development of such other systems and capabilities as may be necessary to maximize lifesaving potential. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act, with provision for inflation adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Gasohol Marketing Freedom Act of 1979 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit the termination of a gasoline dealer's franchise due to its selling, consigning, or distributing gasohol, and prohibits any reprisals or discrimination against retailers or distributors of gasohol because of such sale, consignment, or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate the exportation and transportation of animal semen in order to suppress and extirpate contagious animal diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Small Business Export Improvement Act of 1979 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish by June 1, 1980 a computerized export information program. Requires that the SBA, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, and the Department of Agriculture exchange information on export markets and opportunities. Requires that a quarterly publication reporting export opportunities along with feasibility evaluations be made available on national, regional, and local bases to small business concerns. Directs the Administrator to designate one individual in each regional office of the Administration to collect information on products and services which are provided by small business concerns in that region and which may be available for export and provide such small business concerns with SBA export assistance information. Defines the term "export information" for purposes of this Act including, but not limited to, information relating to economic conditions abroad and restrictions by the United States or by foreign countries on exports. Requires the availability of information at diplomatic and consular missions of the United States on products and services provided by small business concerns which are available for export. Allow small businesses to request the SBA to translate any advertising brochure and provide export information with respect to any such designated product or service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Intelligence Officer Identity Act of 1979 - Establishes maximum criminal penalties of ten years imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine for: (1) past or present employees of the United States or members of the uniformed services; and (2) anyone having lawful access to information identifying individuals as associated with a United States agency engaged in foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, who discloses classified information concerning any such association to anyone not authorized to receive it. Establishes additional penalties for any disclosure or false assertion which prejudices the safety of the individual indentified or damages the foreign affairs functions of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from a decedent's gross estate for purposes of the estate tax the value of real property used in farming. Excludes up to the first $250,000 of the value of the farm property and certain percentages of the value in excess of $250,000. Requires a percentage reduction of the amount of the exclusion for farm property in excess of $450,000.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Permits any use, including aerial application, of the pesticide mirex on fire ants or imported fire ants during the calendar years 1979 and 1980, notwithstanding provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to the contrary. Subjects such use to Environmental Protection Agency restrictions in effect on October 1, 1977 (excepting only period of use restrictions). Prohibits the Agency from altering the terms of any such restrictions.
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 · 9 April 1979
National Agricultural Bargaining Act - Repeals the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 and establishes an agricultural bargaining policy substantially identical but expanded. Enumerates the unfair practices a handler of agricultural products is forbidden to commit under existing law, and adds a list of unfair practices an association of producers may not commit, including: (1) refusal to bargain in good faith with a handler over prices, terms of sale, and compensation for products produced under contract; (2) coercing or intimidating a handler to breach or terminate marketing contracts and association membership agreements; (3) circulating false reports about an association's or handler's finances, management, or activities; and (4) conspiracy to commit an unfair practice. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to accredit an association for bargaining if it meets specified requirements. Defines good faith bargaining for the purposes of this Act and specifies the conditions and procedure for the accreditation of producer associations. Requires each accredited association to submit an annual report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to notify any association of the ways in which he believes it has ceased to maintain accreditation standards, and to allow it a reasonable time to answer or correct the deficiencies noted. Provides a procedure for revocation of accreditation. Provides for the assignment of association dues and fees. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide mediation services when bargaining between a handler and an association reaches an impasse; and (2) establish a procedure for compulsory and binding arbitration whenever such an impasse will result in a serious interruption in the flow of products to consumers, or will cause substantial economic hardship to the producers or handlers involved in the bargaining. Provides an administrative procedure for processing charges of unfair practices, but authorizes the Secretary to institute inquiries on his own motion, and to commence a civil action for injunctive and other relief. Specifies the Secretary's investigative powers. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for the violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit the number of terms a Member may serve on the Committee on House Administration to three Congresses in any period of five successive Congresses beginning after 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Authorizes Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarships for cadets at military junior colleges under specified conditions. Sets forth the rights and obligations of a cadet appointed under such a financial assistance program.
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
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of social security taxation. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or if he does, such place of business is not provided, or provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for service performed by an individual who qualifies as an independent contractor under the standards established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Forestry Loan Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a pilot program of making, insuring, and guaranteeing loans that will provide periodic payments to eligible owners of private forest land. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns 5,000 acres or less of nonindustrial private forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood; provided, the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this Act to any one borrower to $300,000. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of the principal and interest on any loan made by specified kinds of banks and lending institutions. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years, allowing deferral of principal and interest payments as the Secretary deems appropriate. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Attorney General to order the deportation of certain nonimmigrant aliens in the United States who (1) knowingly participated in a political demonstration resulting or intending to result in personal injury or property damage; or (2) while in the United States, took part in any unlawful activity or advocated the overthrow by violence of any organized government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1979 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; to (2) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate but prohibits limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President to increase or decrease meat imports in certain circumstances. Allows the President to suspend any proclamation concerning meat import limitations if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their representative shares of the United States market for meat articles during the respective period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by June 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to implement a new civil defense program designed to: (1) enhance the survivability of the American people and its leadership; (2) enhance deterrence and stability; (3) continue reliance on strategic nuclear forces as the preponderant factor in maintaining deterrence; and (4) plan for population relocation during times of international crisis. Requires the President to develop and execute such program. Stipulates that such program include the following elements: (1) a survey of shelter inherent in existing facilities; (2) nuclear civil protection planning for both in-place protection and population relocation during times of international crisis; (3) planning for the crisis development of additional shelters; (4) improvement of warning systems; (5) improvement of systems and capabilities for direction and control of emergency operations; (6) improvement of radiological defense capabilities; (7) improvement of emergency public information and training programs and capabilities; and (8) development of such other systems and capabilities as may be necessary to maximize lifesaving potential. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act, with provision for inflation adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Alcohol Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal or biomass for primary use as a substitute for fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct that any regulations which require a gasoline station to offer unleaded gasoline be amended to require the sale of a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol. Provides that such requirement shall apply only if it is determined that supplies of such a blend are reasonably available to filling stations. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take cooperative action to facilitate expanded production and distribution of alcohol for use as a motor vehicle fuel and fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Defense Readiness and Mobilization Capability to investigate and report on defense readiness and mobilization capability, including an analysis of: (1) the kind and extent of threats to the national defense; and (2) the quality and quantity of manpower, material, transportation, budgetary, and programmatic resources needed at present, and able to be mobilized in the future. Sets forth the requirements for appointment to the joint select committee.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Title I: Meat Labeling and Inspection - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require the labeling as imported of any imported meat or meat product which is capable of use as human food, or its container. Requires that such product: (1) meet the same health standards as domestically produced products; and (2) be tested in the exporting country. Requires periodic tests of such products in the United States by the Department of Agriculture as well. Requires certain eating establishments serving imported meat to inform customers of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Exempts the Board, its property, and its income from present and future Federal, State, and local taxation, with specified exceptions. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to be awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to allow Federal civil defense funds to be used by State and local civil defense agencies for natural disaster, civil disturbance, and manmade catastrophe relief. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Civil Defense Administration to make financial contributions to States to cover 100 percent of the costs of procuring, constructing, leasing, and renovating civil defense materials and facilities. Establishes a formula for allocating such contributions to the various States. Extends the emergency authority of the President contained in such Act until September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Directs any organization or agency within the Department of Defense to make any excess property available to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) before making such property available to any other organization outside the Department. Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to authorize the Director of the FEMA to loan any property obtained from any Federal agency to State and local governments for civil defense purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total expenditures in any fiscal year shall not exceed the net amount of revenue received by the Government in that year. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war declared by Congress or by a concurrent resolution passed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress. Stipulates that any unanticipated deficit in any fiscal year shall be considered an expenditure for the succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Congress to provide an appropriate increase in the level of total receipts if the amount of such deficit exceeds two percent of the total expenditures for the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Congress to apportion any deficit over the four following fiscal years or, by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, to include such deficit in the debts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Biennial Budgeting Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish a two-year cycle for the congressional budget process. Requires each standing committee of Congress to review the laws and programs under its jurisdiction every other year and to consider the desirability of new legislation in such areas. Requires separate consideration for authorizing legislation, budget resolutions, and appropriation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to prepare and publish in the Federal Register an economic impact analysis of all proposed and final rules subject to the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension at a rate not to exceed $150 to: (1) each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and whose annual income does not exceed $10,000; (2) certain qualified surviving spouses of each such veteran (whose own annual income does not exceed $10,000); or (3) the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Occupational Alcoholism Prevention and Treatment Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, to make grants to employers, labor organizations, consortiums of employers or labor organizations, and to public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay no more than 50 percent of the cost of establishing and operating occupational alcoholism programs. Authorizes an appropriation not to exceed 2.5 percent of Federal taxes collected on alcohol to finance such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rulemaking include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rulemaking, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rulemaking sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rulemaking under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rulemaking before July 1, 1984. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-eight Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Small Business Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct each Federal department, agency, and instrumentality engaged in rulemaking to prepare a written analysis of whether it is legal, feasible, and desirable to exempt small businesses (or classes thereof) from a rule or whether the agency should promulgate a rule with lesser compliance standards for small businesses. Sets forth information which must be present in such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Requests the Secretary of Defense to rescind that portion of the Department of Defense directive which permits deserters from military service to receive in absentia discharges.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend to January 3, 1981 (or to the enactment, if earlier, of any law changing the conditions under which a food additive shall not be deemed safe) of the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is prohibited from taking specified actions restricting the continued use of saccharin as a food, drug, or cosmetic. Declares void of all legal force or effect any such prohibited action which the Secretary may have taken after the expiration of the initial 18-month prohibition period.
![Official portrait of Rep. Skelton, Ike [D-MO-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000465_200.jpg)