A joint resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating December 18, 1979, "National Unity Day".
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
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2,125 records where Rep. Stangeland, Arlan [R-MN-7] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1979
Federal Agency Responsiveness Act of 1979 - States that, in a review by a court of an action of a Federal agency, there shall be no presumption that any rule or regulation of any agency is valid. Prohibits the courts of the United States and State courts from upholding the validity of a challenged rule or regulation unless such validity is established by a preponderance of the evidence shown. Provides that if any rule or regulation is set up as a defense to any criminal prosecution or action for civil penalty, such rule or regulation shall be presumed valid until the party initiating the criminal prosecution or action for civil penalty shall have sustained the burden of proof normally applicable in such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 November 1979
Designates December 7, 1979, as "National Unity Day."
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe-Rhodesia upon the appointment and arrival of a British Governor in Salisbury.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at least 800 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1988 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources by the end of fiscal year 1986. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with public and private entities to obtain scientific, technological, and economic information on the design, fabrication, purchase, installation, and testing of wind energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to entities seeking to install wind energy systems upon submission of the proper application. Sets forth terms and conditions for receiving such assistance. Terminates any Federal subsidization of purchases of such equipment upon the determination that such systems have become competitive with conventional energy sources or by a specified date. Sets forth the amount of such assistance, taking into consideration any tax credits allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for renewable energy source expenditures. Allocates a portion of the funds appropriated to carry out such assistance program for accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems by Federal agencies for demonstration purposes. Directs the Secretary to promulgate voluntary performance standards for such systems. Directs the Secretary to initiate a three-year national wind resource assessment program to: (1) validate existing assessments of known wind resources; (2) perform wind resource assessments in regions where the use of wind energy may prove feasible; (3) initiate a general site prospecting program; (4) establish standard wind data collection and siting techniques; (5) establish, in consultation with the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, a national wind data center to make public information available on wind energy. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive program management plan for the research, development, and demonstration activities prescribed under this Act for submission to specified congressional committees. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1979
Limits the applicability of specified penalty provisions relating to failure to answer questions presented in the decennial and mid-decade census to questions approved for the particular census by a concurrent resolution passed by Congress. Prohibits compelling an answer to census questions which apply to persons or families or the farms they occupy, unless such questions have been so approved. Directs the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to study the effect of such removal of penalties upon the accuracy and completeness of responses to census questions; and (2) to report the results of such study to the appropriate committees of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require a court order before property of a taxpayer may be levied upon for the collection of tax.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should terminate all military training of Iranian personnel pursuant to sales under the Arms Export Control Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Sunset Review Act of 1979 - Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to jointly develop and maintain an inventory of all Federal programs and tax expenditures. Requires such inventory to classify all such programs and expenditures according to the jurisdiction of the various legislative committees of the two Houses. Requires the General Accounting Office, before the beginning of the 97th Congress, after consultation with the appropriate legislative committees, to submit a draft inventory to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Requires such Committees to notify each legislative committee of the programs and tax expenditures which are classified within its jurisdiction. Allows any legislative committee to propose revisions of such inventory within 30 days after notification. Requires, after a determination that all programs and tax expenditures are accurately classified, that such inventory be published in a single document. Requires that an update be made of such inventory at the beginning of every Congress. Directs the General Accounting Office to maintain and publish a supplement to the inventory. Requires each legislative committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate, on or before March 1 in the first session of each Congress beginning with the 98th Congress, to develop, adopt, and submit to the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committees on Rules and Administration an agenda for the sunset review of selected Federal programs within its jurisdiction or in the case of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, of selected tax expenditures. Requires the committees of each House to develop their sunset review agenda in consultation with any other committee which has concurrent jurisdiction over any programs or tax expenditures involved. Prohibits either the House or the Senate from considering a primary expense resolution for any legislative committee in any Congress until that committee has developed and submitted its sunset review agenda. Requires the House Committee on Rules and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to incorporate such agendas into a consolidated sunset review agenda and to report such consolidated agenda to its House in the form of a concurrent resolution, within seven legislative days after all committee sunset review agendas have been submitted. Requires the consolidated sunset review agenda to be adopted in the House and in the Senate no later than March 30 in the first session of each Congress. Sets forth the procedures for adoption. Requires each committee of the House or the Senate, not later than May 15 in the second session of each Congress, to report a bill or bills modifying, continuing, or terminating each program or tax expenditure which it has been directed to review under the consolidated sunset review agenda adopted during the first session. Requires such bill to be accompanied by a report setting forth the committee's findings, recommendations, and justifications. Requires each department, agency, and instrumentality in the executive branch of the Government which is responsible for the administration of a Federal program or tax expenditure selected for sunset review to give assistance to the appropriate Congressional committees. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall affect the authority of any legislative committee to review programs or tax expenditures within its jurisdiction and to report legislation modifying, continuing, or terminating such programs or expenditures at such times and in such manner as it deems appropriate. Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to include the consolidated sunset review agendas and the congressional inventory of Federal programs as part of the House Committee on Rules' functions.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979
Designates the week beginning June 22, 1980, as "National Athletic Boosters Week."
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the categories of deportable aliens foreign students who knowingly participated in a political demonstration resulting in, or intending to result in, injury or damage to another's person or property. Permits the Attorney General to suspend deportation of such foreign students.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Storage and Technology Demonstration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish, operate, and maintain at least nine but no more than 14 low-level radioactive waste repositories located at appropriate sites in the continental United States; (2) recover the costs of operating and maintaining the repositories from fees charged for disposing of low-level radioactive wastes in or by such repositories; and (3) establish a research and development program associated with new and improved methods for the concentration, solidification, and safe storage of low-level radioactive wastes and their residues.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Attorney General should: (1) immediately revoke all student visas held by Iranians who have engaged in activities prejudicial to the public interest of the United States; (2) deny all future student visas to Iranians; and (3) deport immediately all Iranians who are in the United States illegally.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Bryan Lewis Allen, the first aviator to cross the English Channel in a self-powered plane. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979
Provides an alternative eight-year (unless otherwise extended) term of service in the Reserve as one of the requirements for a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) scholarship. Stipulates that such service may include periods of active duty, active duty for training, and other active or inactive service. Increases the maximum number of such scholarship recipients in the Army program from 6,500 to 12,000. Authorizes additional scholarships to be awarded to eligible students at a military junior college. Defines "military junior college" as a civilian postsecondary educational institution essentially military in nature that does not confer baccalaureate degrees and that meets other requirements as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Army. Establishes eligibility criteria for such scholarship recipients, including: (1) United States citizenship; (2) enlistment in an Army Reserve unit; and (3) service as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserve or the National Guard for at least eight years. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to order a scholarship recipient who does not complete the course of instruction, or who refuses to accept a commission upon completion of instruction, to serve on active duty for up to four years. Authorizes the Secretary to delay the commencement of such Reserve service until completion of a graduate or undergraduate degree.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979
Acid Precipitation Act of 1979 - Establishes an Acid Precipitation Task Force to prepare a comprehensive plan of action to ameliorate the harmful effects of acid precipitation within ten years. Requires such plan to focus the combined efforts of the private and public sectors on such problem. Sets forth the composition of such Force, including representatives from specified Federal agencies. Sets forth the elements of such plan, including programs for: (1) establishing and operating a nationwide monitoring network; (2) identifying and measuring the sources of such precipitation; (3) understanding the airborne chemistry responsible for such precipitation; (4) assessing economic, social, health, and environmental impacts; (5) effecting scientific interchanges with appropriate foreign countries; (6) documenting all current Federal activities relevant to the problem; (7) considering various regulatory and nonregulatory solutions; (8) establishing performance evaluations standards; (9) describing a role for affected and contributing states. Makes such plan the basis for determining goals and establishing diplomatic initiatives and bilateral treaties with other countries involved in acid precipitation programs. Requires the submission of such plan to Congress one year after the enactment and annually thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for the implementation of this Act for ten fiscal years. Stipulates that such funds be appropriated and administered through the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Disaster Relief Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to direct the President to reimburse State and local governments for two-thirds of the costs of alleviating an emergency or major disaster declared as a result of a snowstorm. Requires the President to determine when a snowstorm became sufficiently severe to warrant emergency or major disaster designation. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to prescribe standards to be used in determining whether a snowstorm shall be declared an emergency or a major disaster. Permits the President to declare an emergency or major disaster even if all the standards are not met. Prohibits taking into account the extent of assistance previously granted to a State when deciding whether to declare an emergency or major disaster. Prohibits making grants to update State disaster assistance plans to any State normally receiving heavy snowfall unless such State has completed a snow preparedness plan satisfactory to the President.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Alternative Energy Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to 50 percent the rate of the income tax credit for residential energy conservation expenditures and for renewable energy source expenditures. Increases the amount of renewable energy source expenditures eligible for the credit to $10,000. Eliminates the requirement that such expenditures be limited to the taxpayer's principal residence. Qualifies expenditures for the drilling of an onsite well drilled for any geothermal deposit for the renewable energy source tax credit. Qualifies renewable energy source property which is also a structural component of a building for the energy tax credit. Permits lessors, lessees, and builders who are not the original users of property to claim a residential energy credit. Permits taxpayers, upon application to the Secretary of the Treasury, to claim an immediate tax credit for the taxable year previous to the year in which energy conservation expenditures are made. Provides a residential energy credit for heat pumps which replace an electric resistance heating system. Extends the termination date of the residential energy tax credit to December 31, 2000. Increases the investment tax credit for: (1) hydroelectric and cogeneration energy property; (2) solar and wind energy property; (3) geothermal energy property; (4) biomass property; (5) ocean thermal energy conversion property; and (6) utilities. Makes the credit for such properties refundable. Repeals the exemption from excise tax for gasohol. Allows an income tax credit for the use of gasohol. Bases the amount of such credit on the volume of alcohol mixed with gasoline.
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 · 18 October 1979
Rural Cooperative Business Income Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received by a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company for services to customers or rural telephone or electric companies, and income received from the rental or sale of communications or power facilities, shall not be subject to the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Lacey Act Amendments of 1979 - Prohibits any person from: (1) transporting, selling, or acquiring in any jurisdiction any fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law governing such jurisdiction; (2) making any false document concerning any fish or wildlife transported in interstate or foreign commerce; (3) assaulting or impeding any person enforcing this Act; or (4) attempting or causing any such offense: Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act and the administrative procedure regarding the assessment of civil penalties. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to suspend, modify, or cancel any Federal license or permit for hunting, fishing, importing, or exporting fish or wildlife, or operating a quarantine station for imported wildlife issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of this Act. Declares that all fish or wildlife transported, sold, or acquired in violation of this Act and all vehicles and equipment used in such offense shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Treasury, the Interior, Commerce, and Transportation to utilize by agreement the personnel and facilities of any Federal or State agency to enforce this Act. Permits any person authorized to enforce this Act to: (1) carry firearms; (2) make an arrest without a warrant on reasonable grounds; (3) execute and serve warrants; (4) detain and inspect any vehicle or package upon entering or prior to leaving the United States or U.S. waters; (5) inspect and demand documents relating to such a package; and (6) hold a seized item pending the disposition of proceedings. Grants jurisdiction to the district courts of the United States for actions arising pursuant to enforcement of this Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, and Commerce to pay rewards to persons who furnish information leading to criminal conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property for a violation of this Act. Subjects all fish or wildlife transported into a State for use in such State to laws governing fish or wildlife produced in such States. Permits States to make and enforce laws which are consistent with this Act. Repeals specified provisions of Federal law concerning commerce in fish and wildlife.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends the Department of Education Organization Act to make the Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education responsible for the promotion and coordination of Department programs of assistance to rural education and school districts. Directs the Assistant Secretary to work with the Federal Interagency Committee on Education to coordinate related activities and programs of other Federal departments and agencies.
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 · 12 October 1979
Amends the Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963 to redefine "farm labor contractor" to exclude: (1) any farmer, processor, canner, ginner, packing shed operator, or nurseryman who solicits migrant workers for his or her own operation (currently, excluded only if personally solicits); and (2) any employee of such individuals or nonprofit organization who solicits migrant workers solely for his or her employer (currently, excluded only if on no more than an incidental basis).
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Designates the month of July, 1980, as "National Porcelain Art Month."
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate May 1, 1980, as "National Bicycling Day."
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that certain musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Motor Vehicle Regulatory Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to: (1) establish average fuel economy standards for model years 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984; (2) eliminate the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe or modify such standards; (3) eliminate the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Administration to prescribe rules for the calculation of average fuel economy; and (4) permit credits earned for exceeding the required fuel economy levels for any given model year to be used to offset any penalties such manufacturer may have incurred for the three consecutive model years prior to such year. Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from requiring that any passenger car be equipped with any automatic device or mechanism which enables such car to meet any frontal crash protection requirements prescribed by the Secretary. Amends the Clean Air Act to modify emission standards for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured after model year 1979. Establishes a national primary ambient air quality standard with respect to ozone. Permits the Administrator to submit to Congress for approval by June 30, 1985 a proposed national primary ambient air quality standard to take effect on September 30, 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 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 for use as human food, or its container. Requires that such products: (1) meet the same health standards as domestically produced meat; 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. Title II: Requirement of Certain Eating Establishments to Inform Customers that Imported Meat or Meat Food Products are Served in Such Establishment - Requires eating establishments serving imported meat to inform customers of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that interest earned on a nonnegotiable time deposit certificate which has a maturity of one year or less will not be treated as received or accrued until the earlier of its maturity date or the date on which it is redeemed. Excludes such certificates from classification as a discount instrument of indebtedness.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979
Agricultural Emergency Arbitration Act of 1979 - Authorizes the chief executive of a State to submit a written request to the President for the establishment of a board of arbitration upon a determination that: (1) an actual or threatened strike or lockout affecting agricultural producers may cause serious economic injury to such producers; (2) the parties have been unable to resolve the issues involved in the dispute through collective bargaining; and (3) it is unlikely that a strike or lockout will be averted. Authorizes the President to establish such a board if, after reviewing the statement of reasons which the chief executive must submit with the request, he determines: (1) it is unlikely that the strike or lockout will be averted; and (2) the establishment of the board is necessary to avert or avoid serious economic injury to the agricultural producers. Requires the employer and labor organization, when a board has been established, to enter into an agreement to arbitrate in accordance with the arbitration provisions of the Railway Labor Act. Subjects such parties who fail or refuse to agree to arbitrate to a $1,000 to $20,000 fine per day. Subjects any officer or agent of the parties to a fine or imprisonment for such a failure or refusal. Directs the board to meet with the parties for the purpose of resolving the disputed issues. Stipulates that during such period the employees shall continue to work in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions of employment as before the commencement of the dispute, except that an individual employee may not be required to render any labor or service without his consent and may resign or otherwise terminate his employment. Grants the Federal district courts jurisdiction (including for injunctive relief) to obtain compliance with such requirements. Provides that any award made by the board shall be administered and enforced in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Railway Labor Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit specified House committees and subcommittees from holding regular or additional meetings on days when the House is in session, other than for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, on Thursdays or on Wednesday afternoons, and other specified committees on Tuesdays or Wednesday mornings. Prohibits any subcommittee from meeting in the District of Columbia, except for the purpose of taking testimony or receiving evidence, unless the chairman of the committee has specifically authorized in writing the subcommittee meeting. Requires the Committee on House Administration, through the House Information Systems, to provide a scheduling service which shall be used by all the committees and subcommittees of the House to eliminate any meeting and scheduling conflicts. Requires any announcement made by a House committee concerning the date, place, and subject of any committee hearing to be promptly entered into the committee scheduling service of the House Information Systems.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Fuel Assistance Act of 1979 - Title I: Fuel Assistance for Low-Income and Elderly Households - Directs the Secretary of Health. Education, and Welfare (HEW), in cooperation with the Secretary of Energy, the Director of the Community Services Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish procedures for determining the needs of eligible low- income and elderly households for increased weatherization and other energy-related assistance and for providing such assistance on a time basis. Earmarks specified funds for the purpose of creating public information and outreach programs designed to ensure maximum participation in the energy assistance program established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of HEW, acting through the Social Security Administration, to establish a program to provide assistance to low-income and elderly households for meeting primary residential fuel costs. Sets forth criteria for determining the amount of such assistance, and requirements for eligibility. Specifies that the amount or value of benefits provided under such program shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes under any Federal or State law. Establishes a system of making payments to fuel suppliers supplying fuel to eligible recipients. Requires such suppliers to provide specified information to the appropriate State agency in order to qualify for such payments. Provides that such program shall be administered by the appropriate State agency according to an agreement between such agency and the Secretary, or, in the absence of such agreement, by the Secretary in accordance with regulations. Requires suppliers to keep full records and submit them to the Comptroller General as needed for auditing purposes. Prohibits suppliers from refusing to sell fuel to eligible participants solely on the basis of their participation in the fuel assistance programs established under this Act. Prohibits suppliers from terminating supplies of primary residential fuel to eligible households except in accordance with specified procedures. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such fuel assistance program. Directs the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish a crisis intervention program to supplement the fuel assistance program with evacuation procedures, emergency shelter, home repair, or payment of bills. Authorizes appropriations for such crisis intervention for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Title II: Middle-Income Energy Tax Credit - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit to eligible taxpayers for amounts paid for heating oil for principal residences.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Limits the increase of total budget outlays of the United States Government during any fiscal year to a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the gross national product during the previous calendar year. Stipulates that if the inflation rate exceeds three percent annually the increase in total outlays shall be reduced by one-fourth the difference between the inflation rate and three percent. Requires any surplus in total revenues received by the Government to be used to reduce the public debt. Allows the limit on total outlays to be changed by a three-quarters vote of both Houses of Congress, or to meet an emergency declared by the President. Continues Federal aid programs to States and local governments for a period of six years. Prohibits Congress authorizing any United States agency from requiring that a State or local government engage in additional or expanded activities without compensation equal to the additional costs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should communicate U.S. insistence that the Soviet Union should remove its combat troops from Cuba.
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 · 7 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate restrictions on the tax exclusion available to U.S. citizens residing in foreign countries with respect to the dollar limitation, treatment of community income, attribution rules, and meals and lodging furnished by an employer. Repeals provisions added by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which allow income tax deductions for various expenses related to living abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 6 September 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of December 3 through December 9, 1979, as the "Boy Scouts Calendar Distribution Week."
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Prohibits the issuance of any regulations by the Internal Revenue Service on employer fringe benefits after April 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should communicate U.S. insistence that the Soviet Union remove its troops from Cuba. Stipulates that ratification of the SALT II Treaty be suspended until such troops are removed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Repeals the requirement, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that the amount of monthly OASDI benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives in monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Title I: Contracts Between Sales Representatives and Principals - Requires a principal to furnish specified information to a sales representative concerning orders placed through the representative's account and a monthly accounting of commissions due such representative. Enumerates items which must be set forth in any contract between a sales representative and a principal. Title II: Indemnification - Exempts principals conforming with such information requirements from the indemnification provisions set forth in this Act. Requires a principal who, without good cause, terminates a contract between such principal and a sales representative, or reduces the rate of commission for orders solicited on behalf of such principal, to indemnify the representative according to this Act. Requires a principal who reduces the size of the geographic territory assigned to a representative for a specified account, which results in a specified reduction in commissions, to indemnify such representative. Sets forth formulae for the indemnification of such representatives. Title III: Miscellaneous - Allows a plaintiff to bring an action to enforce any rights or liabilities created by this Act in a United States district court. Stipulates the procedure for such action.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Title I: Individual Income Tax Reductions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual and estate and trust income tax rates for 1979 and to make permanent reductions for succeeding years. Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to individual income tax brackets and to the amount of the personal exemption. Provides that the amount of the personal exemption and the zero bracket amount applicable to a taxpayer shall determine whether such taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Title II: Capital Cost Recovery - Revises 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 a 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. Title III: Reduction of Payroll Taxes and Long-Range Financial Strengthening of the Social Security System - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the special increases in the contribution and benefit base, for purposes of determining amount of tax liability, for 1979 through 1981. Limits contribution and benefit bases to a maximum $22,900 in 1979 and 1980. Makes reductions in the social security tax rate and sets forth the tax rate through year 2010. Provides for the partial funding of title XVIII (Medicare), part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of the Social Security Act from general revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a wheat set-aside for the 1980 crop year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Designates March 20, 1980, as "National Agriculture Day."
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Gerald F. Spiess, in recognition of his distinguished feat as a transatlantic sailor. Authorizes appropriations of up to $15,000 to strike such medal. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit trading in potato (Solanum tuberosum) futures on commodity exchanges.
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations should seek to persuade the European Economic Community (EEC) to cease subsidizing wheat exports from member countries. Sets forth actions to be taken by the United States if the EEC refuses to stop such subsidies, including subsidizing U.S. wheat exports.