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United States · Official source
423 records where Rep. Ullman, Al [D-OR-2] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Amends the Black Bass Act to make unlawful the catching or transporting of any steelhead trout for other than subsistance or sporting purposes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to pay an annual income replacement amount to any Indian tribe that relied on commercial fishing for steelhead trout for income.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to aggregate employees of adjunct professional organizations and the employees of the professional organizations which are related to such adjunct organizations for purposes of determining the eligibility of such organizations to participate in tax-qualified pension plans.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1979
Authorizes the President to impose higher or additional duties on the products of any country which is not cooperating with the United States in its diplomatic or economic initiatives to terminate the unlawful actions of other foreign governments regarding U.S. citizens assigned to a U.S. diplomatic mission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
National Forest Multiple-Use Management Act of 1980 - Specifies that lands within the National Forest System considered for wilderness designation under the Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE) conducted by the Department of Agriculture, but not recommended for designation as wilderness or identified for further planning during the 96th Congress shall continue to be managed for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System which have been recommended for designation as wilderness during the 96th Congress, but have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1984, shall be managed beginning on such date for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System which have been identified for further planning during the 96th Congress, but which have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1985, shall be managed beginning on such date for uses other than wilderness. Stipulates that if: (1) an executive communication has been received by Congress recommending the designation of any such lands as wilderness prior to January 1, 1985, and such lands have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1987, they shall be managed beginning January 1, 1987, for uses other than wilderness; and (2) at any time a determination is made by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 that any such lands shall not be recommended for designation as wilderness, they shall be managed beginning on the date of such determination for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System recommended for designation as primitive area during the 96th Congress, for termination and management for use other than wilderness, shall be managed after the date of enactment of this Act for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Directs that lands within the National Forest System that have been recommended for designation as primitive area during the 96th, for termination and designation as wilderness, but which have not been included in the National Wilderness Preservation System prior to January 1, 1984, shall be managed beginning on such date for uses other than wilderness in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Authorizes the President to implement the International Sugar Agreement, 1977, by: (1) regulating the entry of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization; and (2) requiring records and reports concerning the entry of sugar. Establishes criminal penalties for violating such regulations. Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report on the Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1979
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat an Indian tribal government as a State for purposes of: (1) determining the deductibility of a charitable contribution made to such tribe; (2) exemptions from the excise tax; (3) deductions for State and local taxes; (4) the tax exclusion for interest on government bonds; (5) the unrelated business income tax applicable to colleges and universities; and (6) the tax treatment of contributions to candidates for public office and the activities of private foundations. Provides for the tax-free issuance of industrial development bonds by Indian tribes under specified circumstances. Defines "Indian tribal government" for the purposes of this Act.
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 · 8 November 1979
Reclamation Reform Act of 1979 - Sets forth acreage limitations for limited and qualified landholdings which may be served with water under Federal reclamation laws. Declares that, upon the request of a land owner or lessee, the acreage limitation for a qualified landholding shall be considered applicable to: (1) a specified amount of land classified by the Secretary of the Interior as project land having the greatest productive potential; or (2) an equivalent amount of less productive land. Directs the Secretary to take into account all factors which affect the economic feasibility of irrigated agriculture in determining the productive potential of land and land classes. Specifies a separate acreage limitation with respect to land for which the frost-free growing season exceeds 180 days. Specifies those lands which may receive project water two years after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to deliver project water to bona fide religious or nonprofit charitable organizations and certain excess lands. Amends existing Federal reclamation laws to delete the 25-year limitation on the period during which lessees of lands owned by States and political subdivisions which are subject to acreage limitations may receive project water. Declares that owners or qualified lessees of qualified landholdings shall not be required to be residents on or near such landholdings to be considered eligible to receive project water for agricultural purposes. Prohibits an owner of a qualified landholding acquired after enactment of this Act from leasing such landholding unless the Secretary determines that such owner, during each of the five years after acquiring such land, derived a significant percentage of income from direct involvement in agricultural production. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such leasing requirement or grant exemptions under such requirement, under specified circumstances. Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to direct the Secretary to publish notice of the proposed contract or amendment and provide an opportunity for written comments, before entering into or amending any repayment contract or contract concerning the delivery of project water for irrigation purposes. Permits the owner of any excess land to dispose of such land before the end of the term of a recordable contract, to specified persons, at a price approved by the Secretary. Vests power of attorney in the Secretary to sell such land, if not sold by the end of the term of the contract. Repeals provisions which limit the right to receive water on sold excess lands until one-half of the construction charges have been paid. Sets forth requirements to be met before a sale of excess land, or resale of such land within 15 years of initial sale, shall carry rights to receive project water. Declares that any nonexcess land which is acquired into excess status pursuant to foreclosure or other process of law, conveyance in satisfaction of mortgage, inheritance, or devise, may be sold at its fair market value without regard to provisions of this Act or existing law. Approves water contracts made with individuals or small entitles in qualified landholdings, which provide that relief from acreage limitations will result upon full payment of construction charges. Directs the Secretary to provide to such landholder a certificate acknowledging exemption from acreage limitations. Sets forth the methods to determine the dates upon which acreage limitations cease to apply upon repayment of construction charges in accordance with water contracts. Provides administrative rules and regulations for purposes of this Act and penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Mortgage Subsidy Bond and Interest Exclusion Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax exclusion of the interest on State and local mortgage subsidy bonds (except those bonds issued to finance housing for veterans). Defines "mortgage subsidy bonds" as bonds which are issued to provide funding for mortgages on owner-occupied residences. Limits the issuance of industrial development bonds for housing purposes to low- or moderate-income rental housing. Excludes from gross income up to $100 ($200 for joint returns) of the interest earned on savings accounts in a bank, savings and loan association, or a credit union. Requires that such financial institutions be authorized to make residential mortgage loans, home rehabilitation or home improvement loans. States that the effective date for provisions of this Act relating to the exemption of interest on mortgage subsidy bonds shall be April 24, 1979. Exempts mortgage subsidy bonds which were issued after such effective date from the restrictions imposed by this Act, if such bonds fall into one of the following categories: (1) bonds issued prior to April 25, 1979 with respect to which the issuing authority evidenced an intent to issue; (2) bonds issued by a state housing finance agency not in excess of $100,000,000; (3) bonds issued by local governments subject to a specified per capita limit; (4) existing tax-exempt bonds issued to refinance indebtedness which was outstanding on April 24, 1979; and (5) bonds issued to finance housing projects under development on April 24, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Health Cost Restraint Act of 1979 - Title I: Health Cost Restraint Tax Act - Health Cost Restraint Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the tax exclusion for employer contributions to employee health plans. Requires employee health plans with options whose costs exceed certain specified levels (trigger points) to provide: (1) a low cost option or an option to enroll in a qualified health maintenance organization (HMO); (2) specified minimum coverage; and (3) approximately equal employer contributions to different options. Imposes a $2,000 limitation on deductibles and copayments. Includes in the gross income of employees any employer contributions to health plans which do not meet such requirements. Requires employers to rebate to employees the difference between contributions to health plans whose costs exceed permissible levels and the cost of a lower option plan selected by the employee. Title II: Health Maintenance Organizations - Amends title XIII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Maintenance Organizations) to modify the dual choice provision to require an employer to offer either two individual practice associations (IPA) or two closed plan HMOs if: (1) the current requirement that one of each type of HMO be offered is inapplicable; (2) at least two HMOs are providing services in the employees' area of residency, which have agreed to be included in the employer's health benefits plan; and (3) such HMOs are not controlled by the same legal entity. Redefines "qualified health maintenance organization" to include those: (1) offering the basic and supplemental health services currently required, except for the requirement that mental health services and alcohol and drug abuse treatment be provided; and (2) meeting the current organizational requirements, except for the requirement that at least one-third of the membership of the policymaking body of the plan be members of the HMO. Permits an HMO to differentiate between members on the basis of age and sex in determining its basic and supplemental health services payments. Title III: Payments to Health Maintenance Organizations Under the Medicare Program - Health Maintenance Organizations Medicare Reimbursement Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) to revise the method of reimbursement to HMOs providing Medicare services. Defines an HMO for the purposes of this title as an entity which: (1) provides all covered Medicare benefits to Medicare enrollees; and (2) is organized in accordance with the provisions of title XIII of the Public Health Service Act. Provides that only the HMO shall be entitled to receive payments from the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) for services furnished to an individual who is enrolled with such HMO under this title. Directs the Secretary to determine annually for each class of individuals (based on factors such as age, sex, institutional status, disability status, and residency) who are enrolled with an HMO and who are: (1) entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B; and (2) only enrolled under part B, a per capita rate of payment which is equal to 95 percent of the "adjusted average per capita cost" for that class (basically, prospective estimate of the average per capita amount that would be payable for services covered under parts A and B furnished by other than HMOs). Directs the Secretary to also estimate annually an "adjusted community rate" for covered services (basically, the rate of payment for a service which would apply to an individual enrolled with an HMO if such rate were determined under a "community rating system," adjusted for utilization characteristics). Requires the Secretary to make monthly payments to an HMO on the basis of the computed per capita rate for each individual enrolled, but stipulates that where the "adjusted community rate" is less than the average of the per capita rates of payment at the beginning of an annual period, the HMO must provide additional benefits at least equal in value to the difference between the two rates (unless the HMO elects to receive a lesser payment equal to such difference). Requires at least one-half of an HMO's enrolled membership to consist of individuals who are not entitled to Medicare or Medicaid benefits, but authorizes the Secretary to modify such requirement in special circumstances. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study evaluating the termination by Medicare beneficiaries of their membership in HMOs and submit to Congress an interim report within two years of enactment and a final report within five years of such date. Title IV: Medicaid Demonstration Projects - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct at selected locations in the United States demonstration projects to determine the effect of marketplace competition on the Medicaid program. Requires such projects to allow the Secretary to evaluate: (1) use of a central broker concept to assist beneficiaries in selecting among competitive health plans; (2) different methods of incentives to encourage alternative delivery systems; (3) the feasibility of equal dollar contributions from Medicaid to competing delivery systems; and (4) the effectiveness of incentives to Medicaid beneficiaries to enroll in alternative delivery systems. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress preliminary findings within 30 months of enactment and final findings within 63 months of such date.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979
Approves the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment to Chinese products.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Tax Restructuring Act of 1979 - Title I: Rate Reductions and Related Adjustments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower the income tax rates on individuals and trusts and estates. Reduces the top marginal income tax rate to 50 percent of taxable income and the bottom rate to ten percent. Reduces the number of income tax brackets to eight for each category of taxpayer. Increases the amount of the zero bracket amount (formerly the standard deduction) for married individuals filing jointly to $4,000, for unmarried individuals to $2,600, and for married individuals filing separately to $2,000. Increases the minimum income levels at which a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return. Reduces the rate of the alternative minimum tax. Increases the rate of the earned income credit to 15 percent. Increases the maximum dollar amount of such credit to $750 (reduced by 15 percent of adjusted gross income in excess of $7,000). Qualifies childless couples for such credit. Makes the credit for the elderly refundable where the amount of such credit exceeds tax liability. Reduces the amount of income eligible for the credit for the elderly by amounts received as benefits under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Benefits for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act. Requires State plans for benefits under Title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to adjust levels used by the State for determining payments under such title to reflect changes in the cost of living. Reduces social security taxes with respect to wages earned after 1980. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit revenues from the value added tax into the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to compensate the loss of social security tax revenues resulting from rate reductions. Reduces the income tax rates for corporations and the rate of tax on corporate capital gains. Title II: Capital Formation - Exempts from income taxation interest accumulated in a tax deferred savings account which is created for the exclusive benefit of an individual taxpayer and which is maintained in a bank, savings and loan association, or a credit union. Permits cash contributions of $1,000 or less per year to such savings accounts. Specifies that distributions from tax deferred savings accounts shall be includible in the gross income of the distributee, unless such distributions are reinvested within 60 days into another savings account. Provides that such accounts shall not be transferable except in cases of death or divorce. Requires the termination of a tax deferred savings account before the close of the fifth year after the death of the individual maintaining such account. Permits a tax exclusion from the gross income of shareholders (other than trusts, estates, and shareholders holding five percent or more of the value of the voting power of the distributing corporation) of up to $1,500 ($3,000 in the case of joint returns) of stock dividends paid by domestic corporations in the form of newly issued common stock. Specifies that the number of shares so issued shall be determined by reference to a value equal to between 95 and 105 percent of the stocks' value on the distribution date. Disqualifies the stock of a corporation which has repurchased any of its stock within one year before or after the distribution date. Establishes the basis of stock distributed at zero. Treats as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, stock which is sold by a shareholder within one year of its distribution. Increases the allowable amount of the income tax deduction for contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA) to the lesser of $2,000 or 15 percent of an employee's taxable compensation. Permits active participants in tax-qualified retirement plans, tax-sheltered annuities, or governmental plans to claim an income tax deduction for contribution to an IRA up to a maximum of $1,000 for the taxable year. Disqualifies self-employed individuals and shareholder employees for the retirement savings deduction. Increases the permissible variance of class lives under the Asset Depreciation Range (ADR) system from 20 percent to 40 percent. Permits the disregard of salvage value in computing depreciation. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate new relations under the ADR system which are simpler than existing regulations. Permits a small business to use class lives under the Asset Depreciation Range (ADR) system for purposes of computing depreciation expenses without requiring such business to conform to the requirements of the ADR system. Defines "small business" as a business with depreciable assets not in excess of $500,000 at the beginning of the taxable year and with depreciable assets placed in service during the taxable year not in excess of $250,000. Shortens the useful life requirements for depreciable assets eligible for investment tax credit treatment. Provides that an asset with a useful life of five years or more may claim the full investment tax credit for which it is eligible, and an asset with a useful life of between three and five years may claim 60 percent of such credit. Title III: Value Added Tax - Imposes a ten percent tax on business transactions involving: (1) the sale of property in the United States; (2) the performance of services in the United States; and (3) the importing of property into the United States by individuals engaging in a trade or business. Imposes a five percent tax with respect to food, housing, and medical care. Exempts from the value added tax sales by farmers or fishermen, the performance of mass transportation services in urbanized areas, public charities, educational activities of a governmental entity, exports of property, and interest. Allows taxpayers a refundable credit against the value added tax for the amount of such tax paid by suppliers of the taxpayer. Charges the seller of property or services with the responsibility for payment of the value added tax. Requires the seller to provide the purchaser with a tax invoice relating to the transaction if the seller has reason to believe that the purchaser is liable for the value added tax. Conditions the allowance of a tax credit upon the receipt of a tax invoice. Exempts small businesses whose transactions do not exceed $10,000 for a calendar year from the value added tax on all transactions except those involving imports and housing. Terminates such exemption if transactions exceed certain specified amounts in any calendar quarter. Requires tax returns for the value added tax to be filed before the first day of the second month after the close of each calendar quarter (or calendar month if the taxpayer so elects). Requires individuals engaged in business activity to notify the Secretary of any change in the form of their business which might affect their liability for the value added tax. Sets forth rules for the application of the value added tax, including rules relating to: (1) the income tax treatment of property which is subject to the value added tax; (2) de minimis transactions; (3) importers of property; (4) Subchapter S corporations; (5) gifts of business property or services; (6) insurance contracts; and (7) governmental entities and tax-exempt organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1979
Extends for one year the exclusion from gross income for income tax purposes amounts received by participants in the Uniformed Services Health Professions Scholarship program and amounts received as National Research Service Awards. Extends, through January 1, 1983, the election to deduct annually up to $25,000 in capital costs incurred during the taxable year for the removal of architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. Extends for one year provisions of the Revenue Act of 1978 which set forth criteria for determining whether individuals are employees for purposes of the employment taxes. Extends for one year the prohibition of the issuance of regulations by the Internal Revenue Service regarding the employment status of any individual for purposes of the employment tax. Defers for two years the effective date of provisions under the Tax Reform Act of 1976 relating to special limitations on net operating loss carryovers.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Independent Contractor Tax 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 and scheduling of his work hours; (2) pays fair rental value for business premises at which he performs more than one half of his services; (3) earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked, or as a result of business investments (other than in vehicles, tools, samples, etc.) which enable him to perform services for which he is remunerated; and (4) performs services pursuant to a prior written contract which specifies that the individual performing services is not an employee for purposes of social security and unemployment taxation and which provides written notice to such individual of his responsibility with respect to payment of income and self-employment taxes. Requires the recipient of services performed by an individual claiming independent contractor status to file returns disclosing payments made to such individual. Provides that the criteria established by this Act shall not be applicable to certain employees (i.e. agent-drivers, commission-drivers, full-time life insurance salesmen, home workers, and traveling or city salesmen) who are statutorily designated as employees for purposes of social security taxation. Provides that the failure of an individual claiming independent contractor status to meet the criteria established by this Act shall not create an inference that such an individual is an employee or that the recipient of his services is an employer. Limits the applicability of the criteria established by this Act to questions of employment status arising under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, self-employment tax provisions, and withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to file an information return with respect to payments made for such services in excess of $600 for the taxable year. Requires businessmen who make direct sales of consumer goods to individuals for resale on a buy-sell basis or a deposit-commission basis to file information returns for sales in excess of $3,000. Requires individuals who file such information returns to furnish written statements to persons with respect to whom such information is reported which indicate the amount of payment reported. Provides penalties for failure to furnish information returns or statements. Requires recipients of services performed by an independent contractor to withhold ten percent of the payment made for such services. Sets forth exceptions to such withholding requirement. Provides a penalty for failure to comply with withholding requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Chapter 42 Second Tier Tax Correction Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the correction period, thus shortening the time for determining the amount of second tier taxes payable for failure to correct specified prohibited transactions, discountenanced conditions, or other taxable events, or for failure to meet minimum standards, with respect to certain private tax-exempt foundations, black-lung benefit trusts, and qualified pension plans. Requires nonassessment of, abatement of any assessed, or refund or crediting of any collected second tier taxes if any such specified taxable event is corrected during the prescribed period. Provides for a supplemental court proceeding to determine whether a taxable event was so corrected, if any court determination of second tier tax liability has become final. Requires suspension of any levy or proceeding in court for collection of the second tier tax, if within 90 days after its assessment the first tier tax is paid in full and a claim for refund of the amount so paid is filed. Suspends the running of the statute of limitations for the period of such collection suspension. Ends such collection suspension period 90 days after denial of a refund claim if the person against whom a second tier tax was assessed fails to file suit for such refund.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Delays for an additional two years the application to corporate taxpayers of the net operating loss carryover rules which were added by the Tax Reform Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Title I: Temporary Increase in Public Debt Limit; Exception to Interest Rate Ceiling on Bonds - Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to temporarily increase the public debt limit by $479,000,000,000 until May 31, 1980. Increases the face amount of bonds with interest rates exceeding four and one-half percent which may be outstanding at any time to $50,000,000,000. Title II: Establishment of Public Debt Limit as Part of Congressional Budget Process - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the enrolling clerk of the House to prepare and enroll a joint resolution establishing the statutory limit on the public debt consistent with the level set forth in each concurrent resolution on the budget adopted by the Congress pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Declares that such joint resolution shall be deemed adopted by the House by the same vote that agreed to the concurrent resolution on the budget and shall be transmitted to the Senate for further legislative action. Requires each report accompanying any concurrent resolution on the budget to contain a clear statement of its effect on the statutory limit on the public debt. States that the Rule established by this Act shall not effect the power of the House to amend the public debt limit by existing procedures. Declares that any amendment to the level of the public debt set forth in a concurrent resolution on the budget shall be deemed out of order in the House or the Committee of the Whole, except those amendments necessary to achieve mathematical consistency. States that these amendments shall take effect beginning in fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Title I: Temporary Increase in Public Debt Limit; Exception to Interest Rate Ceiling on Bond - Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to temporarily increase the public debt limit by $475,000,000,000 until May 31, 1980. Increases the face amount of bonds with interest rates exceeding four and one-half percent which may be outstanding at any time to $50,000,000,000. Title II: Establishment of Public Debt Limit as Part of Congressional Budget Process - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the enrolling clerk of the House to prepare and enroll a joint resolution establishing the statutory limit on the public debt consistent with the level set forth in each concurrent resolution on the budget adopted by the Congress pursuant to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Declares that such joint resolution shall be deemed adopted by the House by the same vote that agreed to the concurrent resolution on the budget and shall be transmitted to the Senate for further legislative action. Requires each report accompanying any concurrent resolution on the budget to contain a clear statement of its effect on the statutory limit on the public debt. States that the Rule established by this Act shall not effect the power of the House to amend the public debt limit by existing procedures. Declares that any amendment to the level of the public debt set forth in a concurrent resolution on the budget shall be deemed out of order in the House or the Committee of the Whole, except those amendments necessary to achieve mathematical consistency. States that these amendments shall take effect beginning in fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Small Business Innovation Research Act of 1979 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop an information program to assure that each qualified small business concern has the opportunity to participate in the Federal agency Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs. Requires the SBA to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the SBIR programs. Requires each Federal agency having an annual research and development budget of more than $100,000,000 to establish an SBIR program where one-half of one percent of its 1980 research and development budget and one percent of its subsequent budgets would be reserved for contract awards to small business firms specifically in connection with the SBIR program. Sets forth responsibilities of each such Federal agency with respect to the administration of an SBIR program as follows: (1) determine categories of projects; (2) issue SBIR solicitations; (3) receive and evaluate proposals; (4) select awardees for SBIR contracts; (5) administer such contracts; (6) make payments to SBIR contractors; and (7) make quarterly reports on the SBIR program to the SBA. Requires each Federal agency with a research and development budget in excess of $20,000,000 to establish goals specifically for awards of contracts for research and development to small business concerns. Allows such agencies to include the value of SBIR contracts in determining whether such goals are met. Prohibits contract awards to small business concerns for research and development which result from competitive or single source selections other than under an SBIR program to be counted as meeting any portion of the percentage requirements established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in conjunction with the SBA and the National Science Foundation, to issue regulations which shall: (1) provide a simplified acquisition process for the program with SBIR requests for proposals being standardized throughout the Federal Government; and (2) include uniform requirements for patent rights and rights in data.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to increase the temporary limit on the public debt by $529,000,000,000 until March 31, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
Extends, through December 31, 1980, the existing prohibition on the issuance of regulations by the Internal Reveunue Service on the taxation on fringe benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Establishes the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning Council, to be composed of the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration and one representative each from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington, to direct the preparation of a regional electric power plan, and to adopt such plan within two years after the effective date of this Act. Requires the plan to be reviewed at least once every five years. Requires public hearings to be held concerning the plan in each member's State. Requires the plan to give first priority to the conservation of resources, second priority to renewable resources, third priority to generating resources utilizing waste heat and generating resources of high fuel conversion efficiency, and fourth priority to all other resources. Stipulates that all such resources must be cost effective and feasible. Requires the plan to: (1) set forth a general scheme for implementing conservation measures and developing resources to reduce or meet the Administrators obligations; and (2) include, among other things, model conservation standards, and areas for research and development. Authorizes the Administrator to impose additional charges, if recommended by the Council, on customers who have not implemented conservation measures comparable to those in the model standards. Directs the Administrator to inform the Pacific Northwest public of major regional power issues and to insure widespread public involvement in the formulation of regional power policies. Directs the Council to annually solicit recommendations from the region's State and Federal fisheries agencies and the appropriate Indian tribes which would aid in the preservation and enhancement of the fish resources of the Columbia River and its tributaries. Directs the Administrator to finance, from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund, fisheries research and development. Directs the Administrator, when requested, to offer electric power to each requesting public body and cooperative entitled to preference under the Bonneville Project Act of 1937 and to each requesting investor owned utility purchasing power from the Administrator, either for resale or direct consumption, to meet its firm power load which is in excess of its firm power load in the previous year. Permits the Administrator to restrict obligations, subject to stated exceptions, for such loads if adequate resources are not available. Authorizes the Administrator to sell electric power to Federal agencies in the region. Directs the Administrator, subject to certain stipulations, to purchase electric power from a Pacific Northwest utility if offered at the "average system cost" of resources then available to that utility and to offer, in exchange, to sell an equivalent amount of electric power to such utility for resale to that utility's residential users within the region. Directs the Administrator to determine the "average system cost," subject to review and approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the basis of a methodology developed by the Council. Authorizes the Administrator to sell electric power to direct service industrial customers which presently have contracts for the purchase of electric power from the Administrator, so long as such sale provides a portion of the reserves for firm power loads within the region. Prohibits the Administrator from selling amounts of electric power, including reserves, to new direct service industrial customers or amounts of electric power above the amount already sold to existing direct service industrial customers unless the Council approves the sale, such sale is consistent with the plan, and certain additional requirements are met. Directs the Administrator, to the maximum extent feasible, to implement all conservation measures determined to be consistent with the plan and if no plan is in effect the Administrator shall implement conservation measures which are feasible and consistent with this Act. Stipulates that no mandatory conservation requirements shall be set pursuant to this Act in the absence of a plan. Permits the Administrator, subject to certain conditions, to conduct demonstration projects to determine the feasibility of conservation measures and direct application renewable energy resources. Directs the Administrator, when proposing to acquire any major resource to conduct a public hearing, and to give notice of the proposed action to the Council, to customers, and to the State in which the resource would be acquired. Directs the Administrator to submit the administrative record of any major resource acquisition decision to Congress along with other specified information. Establishes procedures to be followed when the Administrator wishes to acquire a resource or undertake a conservation measure which is inconsistent with the plan. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire a resource for an experimental or demonstration project, other than a major resource, not meeting the criteria of this Act if it is a renewable resource and no utility or political subdivision is willing to construct such project at reasonable cost. Establishes procedures to be followed for entering into agreements for resources the Administrator determines to be consistent with the plan. Authorizes the Administrator to grant billing credits and provide services, subject to certain limitations, to a customer for such customer's independent conservation activities and for resources acquired by the customer which reduce the obligation of the Administrator to acquire resources. Directs the Administrator, at the request of any customer within the Pacific Northwest, to: (1) acquire any electric power required by any customer to replace resources determined to serve firm load, or by a direct service industrial customer to replace electric power that is or may be curtailed or interrupted by the Administrator; and (2) dispose of any electric power that a customer proposes to sell within or without the region at rates and terms specified by such customer, if such sale is acceptable to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to establish rates for: (1) the sale and disposition of electric power and the transmission of non-Federal power; and (2) electric power sold to meet the general requirements of public body, cooperative, Federal agency, and utility customers. Sets forth guidelines to be followed in establishing such rates. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to: (1) authorize the Administrator to make expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund for making such payments as are required under this Act; and (2) increase the aggregate principal amount of any bonds outstanding at one time, sold on behalf of the Bonneville Power Administration to assist in financing the system. Amends the Act limiting the transfer of electric energy generated at Federal hydroelectric plants in the Pacific Northwest for use outside the Pacific Northwest to redefine the term "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such contracts and agreements as necessary to carry out this Act. Exempts, subject to certain stipulations, from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any company which owns or operates facilities for the generation of electricity primarily for sale to the Administrator. Sets forth various savings provisions and waivers of preemption. Affirms the reservation of: (1) electric power for use in the State of Montana for the construction of Hungry Horse and Libby Dams and reservoirs; and (2) 50 percent of any electric power produced at Libby Reregulating Dam.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Bankruptcy Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts of indebtedness which are discharged either pursuant to bankruptcy, when the taxpayer is insolvent (but only to the extent of such insolvency), or in cases of business indebtedness. Requires the reduction of specified tax attributes by the amount of discharged indebtedness which is excluded from gross income. Specifies that such tax attributes shall be: (1) net operating loss carryovers; (2) carryovers of the investment tax credit, work incentive (WIN) credit, and new jobs credit; (3) capital loss carryovers; and (4) the basis of the debtor's assets, but the basis of such assets shall not be reduced below the basis in the debtor's remaining undischarged liabilities. Provides that the reduction of such tax attributes shall be effected after the determination of the tax imposed upon the debtor is made. Requires the reduction of the basis of business assets of a taxpayer whose qualified business indebtedness has been discharged. Defines "qualified business indebtedness" as indebtedness assumed by a corporation or an individual in connection with property used in a trade or business. Prohibits the exclusion from gross income of amounts of discharge which would reduce or be offset by any net operating loss, or would increase any tax credit otherwise allowable. Sets forth rules for determining when income is attributable to a debtor from the discharge of qualified business indebtedness. Sets forth rules for the income tax treatment of the bankruptcy estate of an individual with respect to: (1) the allocation of income and deductions between the debtor and the estate; (2) the computation of the estate's taxable income; (3) accounting methods and periods; (4) the treatment of the estate's administration costs as deductible expenses; (5) the carryover of tax attributes between the debtor and the estate; and (6) requirements for filing and disclosure of returns. Provides for the treatment of insolvency reorganizations on the same basis as other types of corporate reorganizations for purposes of determining the taxability of the gain arising from such transactions. Treats property which is received in an insolvency reorganization and which is attributable to the payment of accrued interest as ordinary income. Permits the estate of an individual debtor to qualify as an eligible shareholder in a Subchapter S corporation. Suspends the running of the statute of limitations on assessments and collection of tax during the pendency of bankruptcy cases and for specified periods thereafter. Permits the trustee of a debtor's estate to intervene in any proceeding before the Tax Court to which the debtor is a party. Relieves a debtor's estate from the imposition of certain penalties for failure to pay tax if: (1) such failure follows a judicial determination of probable insufficiency of funds of the estate to pay administrative expenses; or (2) such tax was incurred before the earlier of an order for relief or the appointment of a trustee, and the petition in bankruptcy was filed before the due date for the filing of the tax return, or the date for making the addition to the tax occurs on or after the day on which the petition is filed. Limits provisions requiring the immediate assessment of tax liability to receivership proceedings and certain bankruptcy proceedings of individual debtors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Designates the period of May 13 through May 19, 1980, as "National Fishing Week."
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Designates the period of April 13 through April 19, 1980, as "Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust."
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Postmaster General and the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should give favorable consideration to the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Americans of Italian descent and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Philip Mazzei on December 25, 1980, or as soon as possible thereafter. States that the Postmaster General and the Committee should honor other foreign-born contributors to the revolutionary cause, from countries which have not yet been commemorated, prior to the conclusion of the American Bicentennial celebration in 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1979
Authorizes classification of a certain individual as a child for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Health Maintenance Organizations Medicare Reimbursement Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions relating to payments to and contractual arrangements with health maintenance organizations (HMO) on behalf of individuals eligible for Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to annually determine a per capita rate of payment for each class of individuals entitled to benefits under such title who are enrolled pursuant to this Act with a HMO. Directs the Secretary to define classes of members based on such factors as age, sex, institutional status, disability status and place of residence. Provides a rate for each class equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for that class. Defines the term "adjusted average per capita cost" to mean the average per capita amount that the Secretary estimates would be payable for services furnished under the Medicare program, if the services were to be furnished by other than an HMO. Provides that every individual entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or part B only shall be eligible to enroll with an HMO with which the Secretary has contracted to provide services. Sets limits on an HMO's premium rate and the actuarial value of its other charges for individuals enrolled under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with any HMO that can provide the benefits required by 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
Social Welfare Reform Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Aid to Families with Dependent Children; Assistance to Meet Emergency Needs; Earned Income Credit - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, hereinafter AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide that, in determining the income and resources of individuals claiming AFDC: (1) the first $70 per month of earned income plus one-third of the remainder of such income shall be disregarded from the earned income of any child or relative receiving AFDC; and (2) a certain amount of the total income, as determined by a formula set forth in this Act, shall be disregarded. Defines the term "income" for purposes of part A to include all income from whatever source, excluding certain items, including: (1) the cost of producing self-employment income and 20 percent of wages, salary, or self-employment income; and (2) an amount of earned income equal to the monthly cost of care for a child up to a limit of $160 per month. Requires that specified portions of the income of the stepparents of a dependent child be included as income for purposes of determining eligibility under part A. Repeals provisions of part A which: (1) require AFDC payments to be reduced by any unemployment compensation received by a child's parent; (2) require that training incentives and income derived from a special work project under the Work Incentive Program (WIN) be disregarded in determining eligibility under part A based on income; and (3) require that in determining an individual's needs, the additional expenses attributable to participation in the WIN program shall be taken into account. Provides for the payment of reasonable work expenses, in addition to the incentive payment already authorized, under the WIN program. Excludes such work expenses and incentive payments from income under any Federal or federally assisted program. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe the types and maximum allowable amounts of financial resources which an eligible AFDC family may own. Stipulates that such maximum may be not less than $750 nor more than $1,750. Excludes from such resources, among other things: (1) any licensed vehicle but only such portion of the fair market value that is below $4,500; (2) a home; (3) burial plots; (4) household goods and personal effects; and (5) resources of which the cash value cannot be readily realized. Prohibits the imposition of a lien against the property of any individual because of AFDC aid received. Prohibits an individual from receiving AFDC benefits for specified periods if within 24 months of applying for benefits such individual disposed of property having an uncompensated value of more than $3,000 and which, if retained, would have caused such individual to be ineligible for benefits. Eliminates the term "unemployed father" and substitutes the term "unemployed parent." Repeals the requirement, in the case of a dependent child of an unemployed parent, that such parent must have been employed for at least six out of 13 work period quarters in the period ending one year prior to applying for benefits. Stipulates that only the "principal earner" need register for manpower services, training, and employment as a condition of eligibility for AFDC. Permits a State to pay reduced benefits, in the case of an AFDC child living with a relative who is not legally responsible for such child, based upon the costs of shelter and utilities for such child. Redefines AFDC to include payments to a pregnant woman who, following the child's birth, would become eligible for AFDC. Requires a State plan to cover the parent of a dependent child who lives in the same home as the child, and, both parents, if the child is deprived by reason of the incapacity or unemployment of one parent. Sets forth a formula for determining monthly AFDC payments based in part on a family's "monthly cash needs standard." Directs each State to establish a monthly cash needs standard for a family with dependent children such that, for any such family with no income other than AFDC payments the monthly cash needs standard plus the value of the monthly allotment of food stamp coupons shall equal an amount that is not less than 65 percent of the income poverty guidelines for a family with the same number of members as such family. Permits a State to vary its monthly cash needs standard so as to take into account differences in the cost of living in different geographical regions of the State. Defines the term "income poverty guidelines." Directs a State to pay benefits for a specified period to an AFDC applicant who is presumptively eligible if a determination of eligibility cannot be made within 30 days of an application for benefits. Requires a State to replace a lost or stolen check within ten days from the date replacement was requested. Requires a State to provide a fair hearing to any applicant whose claim for AFDC benefits is denied. Sets forth State plan requirements concerning: (1) the effective date of the application; (2) the period for determination of eligibility; (3) the time of the month at which payment must be made; and (4) an annual review of eligibility. Permits an individual to refuse employment yet remain eligible for AFDC if acceptance of such employment would result in a reduction of such individual's income. Authorizes appropriations under part C (Work Incentive Programs) of title IV to be made directly to the Secretary of Labor. Requires a State to provide an administrative system for coordinating employment and training services required by title IV and similar services of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Sets forth provisions relating to the coordination of the WIN and CETA programs. Establishes a national committee to coordinate such programs. Requires a State, under part A of title IV, to provide "assistance to meet emergency needs" to an AFDC or low-income family with children faced with extraordinary expenses or needs caused by or arising from an accident, natural disaster or other unpredictable event. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the Federal payment to a State, according to a specified formula, for AFDC payments in the case of a child deprived of parental support due to: (1) the death, absence, or incapacity of a parent; or (2) the unemployment of a parent. Directs the Secretary to pay to a State for fiscal years 1982-1986 an amount equal to the excess of the State's "allowable expenditures for AFDC" if such expenditures exceed 95 percent of the State's "fiscal liability base." Provides for a declining proportion of the amount paid in FY 1986 to be paid to a State for FY's 1987 through 1989. Defines the terms "allowable expenditures for AFDC" and "fiscal liability base." Permits a State to increase its "allowable expenditures for AFDC" according to guidelines set forth in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue regulations pertaining to the administration of the aid to families with dependent children program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to a State, under part A: (1) 90 percent of the expenditures for development of mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems to provide for the effective administration of the State plan under such part; and (2) 75 percent of State expenditures for the operation of such systems. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to grant funds to assist a State agency in meeting the cost of developing and implementing systems, techniques, or other innovative approaches designed to improve the administration of an AFDC plan. Stipulates that such funds will be available only to a State agency that demonstrates a substantial likelihood of achieving comprehensive improvements in the administration of a State plan. Requires a State AFDC plan to provide for: (1) the recovery of aid incorrectly paid; (2) the payment of aid incorrectly denied or underpaid; and (3) the cooperation of all State agencies administering AFDC plans in reviewing case records and providing information to identify AFDC, recipients who are receiving AFDC benefits in more than one State and benefits under any other federally supported program. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop measures for monitoring and assessing the performance, at least annually, of the effectiveness of the requirements for the approval of a State AFDC plan. Sets forth amendments relating to incentive payments made to a State with a low rate of erroneous AFDC payments. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to restrict automatic eligibility of AFDC recipients for Medicaid benefits in any month to: (1) an individual who had been eligible for such benefits on the basis of receipt of AFDC in one of the four months preceding such month; or (2) an individual who would qualify for AFDC on the basis of low income without deducting specified earnings which may be disregarded in determining eligibility for AFDC. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that when determining whether an individual is self-supporting or supported by another individual, or is maintaining a household, any benefit provided under any public assistance program used for the support of the individual or for the maintenance of the household shall not be taken into account. Increases the tax credit allowed on earned income not in excess of $5,000. Excludes from earned income earnings performed in a public service job if such earnings are paid in whole or in part from funds provided under title II (Comprehensive Employment and Training Services) of CETA. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make to an SSI recipient, in addition to the SSI benefits currently provided, a cash payment in lieu of food stamps to an eligible individual who lives alone or with other eligible individuals. States that an individual shall cease to qualify for SSI as an eligible spouse after a couple has been living apart for more than one month. States that a husband and wife who are living in the same medical care facility shall be considered to be living apart for the purposes of title XVI. Includes remuneration received for services performed in a sheltered workshop or work activities center as earned income, for the purpose of determining eligibility under title XVI based on income. Excludes a burial plot, certain burial expenses, and certain unearned income received in the form of real or personal property from the resources of an individual when determining the eligibility of such individual for SSI. Increases the amount of the cash advances available to an individual who is presumptively eligible for SSI and who is faced with a financial emergency. Permits an individual, if hospitalized outside the United States, to remain eligible for SSI if the foreign hospital was substantially more accessible than the nearest hospital within the United States. Repeals the definition of the term "child" for purposes of the SSI program and deletes the use of such term from the program. Substitutes conditions of age and occupation for the use of the term "child." Repeals the requirement that a State pay a mandatory supplement to an SSI recipient who was a recipient in December 1973. Prohibits an individual from receiving SSI benefits for specified periods if within 24 months of applying for benefits such individual disposed of property having an uncompensated value of more than $3,000 and which if retained would have caused such individual to be ineligible for benefits. Provides that when an individual who was represented by an attorney obtains a favorable judicial decision in a claim for past-due SSI benefits, the court may allow as part of the judgment a fee for such representation not to exceed 25 percent of such benefits. Provides that eligibility and the benefit amount for SSI will be determined on a monthly rather than quarterly basis. Specifies situations in which optional supplementation of SSI benefits may be authorized. Requires that SSI benefits received during the period in which an individual's application for benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act is pending be recovered from any payment of OASDI benefits which is made retroactive to the date of application. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the prompt replacement of SSI benefit checks which have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or not delivered within two mail delivery days following the day regularly designated for delivery. Title III: Amendments Applicable to Two or More Programs Under the Social Security Act - Sets forth provisions establishing time periods within which claims for Federal reimbursement to a State for expenditures under the Social Security Act must be made. Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to authorize expenditures from any or all of the Trust Funds for the administrative costs of carrying out the OASDI and Medicare (title XVIII) programs. Requires that such sums be transferred from the Trust Funds to separately identified accounts in the Treasury. Increases from $4,000,000 to $20,000,000 the amount available under part A of title XI to make additional Federal payments to States for certain demonstration projects under the Act. Deletes the requirement that all experimental and demonstration projects under the Act financed from Federal funds be personally approved by the Secretary or the Under Secretary. Amends titles I (Old Age Assistance and Medical Assistance), IV part A, X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), and XVI of the Act to provide for a Federal matching rate of 75 percent of the sums expended under the State plans of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Doubles the applicable funding limitations for such payments as set forth in title XI part A for fiscal years 1972 and thereafter, with the exception of fiscal year 1979 which shall remain the same. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit an immigrant from entering the country unless: (1) there is in effect with respect to such immigrant an agreement providing that an approved sponsor shall furnish such financial support as is necessary to prevent the immigrant from qualifying for SSI benefits, AFDC, or other public assistance based on need for the five years following the entry of such immigrant into the United States; (2) such immigrant has other means to support himself or herself; or (3) such immigrant is a political refugee. States that such agreement shall be excused if: (1) the sponsor dies or becomes bankrupt; (2) the immigrant is under age 65 and becomes blind or disabled after entering the United States; or (3) the sponsor cannot fulfill the agreement due to circumstances that were not forseeable at the time the agreement was made. Amends title III (Unemployment Compensation Administration) of the Act to set forth provisions concerning the disclosure of information relating to unemployment compensation which an individual has applied for, is receiving, or has received. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit officers and employees of the Social Security Administration to disclose tax return information disclosed to them to officers and employees of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare or to an appropriate State agency for the purpose of determining eligibility for benefits or the amount of such benefits under specified programs of the Social Security Act. Title IV: Child Support Enforcement - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for the enforcement of support obligations owed by absent parents not only to their children, as is presently provided for, but also to the spouse, or former spouse, with whom such child is living. Makes permanent the requirement that a State plan provide child support collection or paternity determination services to an individual not otherwise eligible for such services under the plan. Permits a State, for purposes of determining eligibility for AFDC, to disregard for up to three consecutive months support payments received under part D of title IV. Prohibits payments to a State for child support services under part D of title IV unless the State submits to the Secretary a report specifying: (1) the amount of child and spousal support collected and disbursed; and (2) all expenditures made with respect to such services.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit distilled spirits plants to be established solely for producing, processing, storing, using, and distributing distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt such distilled spirits plants from the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to distilled spirits, wines, and beers (except requirements pertaining to the payment of the excise tax) when necessary to facilitate the production of fuel. Permits distilled spirits to be withdrawn free of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirit plant exclusively for fuel use. Prohibits distilled spirits to be withdrawn, used sold, or disposed of for any purpose other than fuel use. Specifies that the term "distilled spirits" does not include distilled spirits produced from petroleum, natural gas, or coal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Requests the President to declare the fourth Saturday of each September as "National Hunting and Fishing Day."
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 · 10 May 1979
Food Stamp Act Amendment of 1979 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the authorized appropriations for the food stamp program for fiscal year 1979 from $6,158,900,000 to $6,808,900,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Authorizes the granting of a visa to and admission of a named individual to the United States for permanent residence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments of 1979 - Sets forth the findings and policy of this Act, including: (1) the protection of participants in financially distressed multiemployer pension plans; and (2) the encouragement of the growth and maintenance of such plans. Title I: Amendments to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to direct the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to guarantee nonforfeitable pension benefits (other than those becoming nonforfeitable solely on account of a plan termination) under the terms of an insolvent multiemployer plan, if such benefits have been in effect for five years: (1) before the plan's termination; or (2) before a plan year with respect to which the benefits were reduced under the multiemployer plan reorganization provisions of this Act. Specifies rules relating to such time periods. Sets forth a formula for determining the basic benefit guarantee level, and directs the PBGC to report to Congress within five years of enactment (and at least every subsequent fifth year) on the premiums needed to maintain such levels. Requires any such report which indicated the need for a premium increase to include a revised schedule of benefit guarantees which would be necessary without such increase. Stipulates that such revised schedule shall become effective if the proposed increase is not approved by Congress within a specified period. Provides that the proposed increase shall become effective as approved by Congress by a concurrent resolution. Directs the PBGC to propose regulations to establish a supplemental program to guarantee nonbasic benefits under multiemployer plans. Applies the existing aggregate limit on benefits guaranteed under single-employer plans. Provides that a multiemployer plan terminates as a result of: (1) the adoption of a plan amendment that (A) ends crediting of additional service to participants, or (B) causes the plan to become an individual account plan; or (2) the withdrawal of every employer from the plan. Specifies rules relating to the date of termination. Limits, in general, the payment of benefits of a terminated multiemployer plan to vested benefits as of the termination date. Requires benefits attributable to employer contributions, other than death benefits, to be paid as an annuity, unless the plan distributes its assets in satisfaction of all vested benefits, but authorizes the plan administrator to distribute the present value of a participant's entire nonforfeitable benefits attributable to such contributions up to $1,750. Allows the PBGC to: (1) authorize the payment of non-vested benefits, or lump-sum amounts greater than $1,750, under certain circumstances; and (2) prescribe reporting requirements, rules, and standards with respect to terminated plans. Makes an employer who withdraws from a multiemployer plan liable to the plan according to a specified formula. States that such withdrawal occurs when the employer permanently ceases: (1) to have an obligation to contribute (e.g. under a collective bargaining agreement); or (2) all covered options under the plan. States circumstances under which a withdrawal does not occur, and authorizes the PBGC to determine under which an employer has withdrawal liability when there is a substantial reduction in such employer's contributions. Sets forth a special withdrawal provision with respect to an employer required to contribute under a plan only for work performed in the building and construction industry, including that a withdrawal occurs if the employer continues to perform the type of work in the area covered by the plan for which contributions were previously required. Makes the amount of a withdrawing employer's liability a share of the plan's total unfunded vested obligations (as of the end of the preceding plan year), but authorizes the PBGC to establish procedure by which a plan may adopt an alternative method of determining an employer's liability. Excepts from such liability certain minimal amounts, determined by a specified formula. Requires the amount of liability to be: (1) reduced by the amount of any unfunded vested liabilities which are transferred to another plan in connection with the withdrawal; and (2) determined by regulations of the PBGC where the withdrawal follows a merger of multiemployer plans (but not within the first plan year after such merger). Requires an employer to pay its withdrawal liability in quarterly installments of an annual amount, including accrued interest on the outstanding principle. Authorizes a plan administrator to accelerate payment in the event of a default, as defined by this Act. Allows a plan to adopt rules consistent with this Act for other terms for satisfaction of such liability. Makes the plan administrator responsible for identifying withdrawing employers and determining the amount of withdrawal liability, but gives any such employer the opportunity to identify inaccuracies and furnish additional information. Authorizes the PBGC to require a plan administrator to provide notice of withdrawals resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of aggregate contributions. Requires plan amendments authorized by the withdrawal provisions of this Act and which are adopted more than 18 months after enactment to be approved by the PBGC. Directs a plan administrator of a multiemployer plan to notify the PBGC of a proposed merger with or transfer to another plan. Specifies rules with respect to these activities. Makes a multi-employer plan which transfers assets or liabilities to a single-employer plan liable to the PBGC if the single-employer plan terminates within five years of the transfer, except where the PBGC has approved the transfer. Requires a transfer of assets from a multi-employer plan to another plan to comply with asset-transfer rules adopted by the multiemployer plan which are prudent, reasonable, and fair. Specifies a funding test ("reorganization index") to identify multiemployer plans which are financially distressed ("in reorganization"). Prohibits the present value of a participant's nonforfeitable benefit attributable to employer contributions (other than a death benefit) if such value exceeds $1,750 from being distributed, without PBGC approval. Requires the plan administrator of a multiemployer plan to notify plan participants, contributing employers, and labor organizations representing participants that the plan is in reorganization and accrued benefits may be reduced, or an excise tax imposed on employers, if contributions are not increased. Establishes a minimum contribution requirement (MCR) which each multiemployer plan must satisfy for each plan year that it is in reorganization. Stipulates that a plan satisfies the MCR if it does not have a reorganization deficiency, as defined by this Act, for the plan year. Entitles a plan in reorganization which is "overburdened" (basically, that the "pay status participants", such as retirees, exceed the number of contributing participants) to apply an overburden credit against such plan's reorganization deficiency. Allows a plan in reorganization to be amended, under specified procedures, to reduce or eliminate accrued benefits attributable to employer contributions which are not guaranteeable by the PBGC. Defines as "insolvent" a multiemployer plan which: (1) is in reorganization; (2) has been amended to reduce accrued benefits to the guaranteeable (basic) level; and (3) has insufficient available resources to pay benefits under the plan when due for the plan year. Requires plan sponsors to determine and certify a "resource benefit level" (a reduced level of benefits based on available resources, but not below the guaranteeable level). Provides that non-basic benefit payments above such level shall be suspended, unless the PBGC prescribes an alternative procedure with respect to a supplemental guarantee program. Requires a plan sponsor who determines at the end of an insolvency year that the plan's available resources could have supported payments above the resource benefit level to distribute such excess resources. Provides for the distribution of benefits which have not been paid at the resource benefit level. Directs the PBGC, upon verification that a plan is or will be insolvent, to provide sufficient financial assistance for the payment of basic benefits under such plans. Requires the plans to repay the PBGC on reasonable terms consistent with regulations. Requires repayment within 180 days with respect to plans for which the resource benefit level for the following plan year exceeds the basic benefit level. Specifies benefit requirements with respect to a plan which terminates because of the withdrawal of all employers. Requires benefit reductions in a plan from which all employers have withdrawn to conform to the requirements for benefit reductions for a plan in reorganization. Applies to a plan from which all employers have withdrawn and is insolvent the suspension and assistance provisions with respect to a plan in reorganization. Gives to a plan fiduciary, employer, plan participant or beneficiary (or employee organization representing such participant or beneficiary) who is adversely affected by the act of any party under this subtitle a cause of action in a district court (except against the Secretary of the Treasury) without regard to the amount in controversy. Makes the Federal court jurisdiction exclusive, but authorizes a plan fiduciary to bring an action in state court to collect withdrawal liability. Authorizes double damages in such an action. Establishes a civil penalty of up to $100 per day for failure to comply with a notice requirement under this subtitle. Directs the PBGC to prescribe four separate schedules of insurance premium rates and bases, including basic benefits for single-employer and multiemployer plans and nonbasic benefits for such plans. Sets forth a graduated increase in the basic benefits for multiemployer plans (but retains the current annual premium for single-employer plans). Authorizes the PBGC to require a plan administrator of a multi-employer plan to include in the plan's annual report information which is necessary to enforce this subtitle. Repeals a provision of ERISA relating to contingent employer liability insurance. Title II: Amendments to Title II of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title II of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to revise the amortization periods for charging past service liabilities and experience gains and losses to the funding standard account of multiemployer plans. Stipulates that, for a plan in reorganization, the accumulated funding deficiency used to determine the excise tax sanction for a violation of the minimum funding standard equals the reorganization deficiency. Permits an employer to deduct withdrawal liability payments under title IV of ERISA, without regard to the amortization requirements generally applicable to the deductability of plan contributions. Revises the minimum vesting requirements with respect to multiemployer plans. Title III: Amendments to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends title I of ERISA to redefine a multiemployer plan to eliminate that provision of the current definition relating to the proportion of the aggregate contributions which are made by any employer. Stipulates that a terminated multiemployer plan to which title IV of ERISA applies is required to meet the minimum funding standards of such Act as long as any employer remains in the plan. Title IV: Related Technical, Conforming and Clerical Amendments - Amends ERISA to make technical amendments. Requires a plan fiduciary to discharge his or her duties in accordance with standards under such Act and in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the plan. Directs the appropriate district court to appoint a trustee upon the petition of the PBGC for a multiemployer plan in reorganization, unless the appointment would be adverse to the participants' interests. Limits the provision relating to the allocation of plan assets to single-employer plans. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with the PBGC before publishing any proposed or final regulations authorized by the new provisions relating to multiemployer plans in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose upon producers of domestic crude oil an excise tax on the windfall profits from oil removed from the premises during each taxable period. Sets the rate of such tax at 50 percent of the windfall profit on each barrel of taxable crude oil. Defines "windfall profit" as the excess of the removal price of a barrel of crude oil (amount for which barrel is sold) over the adjusted base price of such barrel (the base price, plus the base price multiplied by a cost of living adjustment for the calendar quarter in which the crude oil is removed from the premises). Specifies base prices for three tiers or types of crude oil subject to the 1979 energy regulations. Provides that the windfall profit on any barrel of crude oil shall not exceed the net income attributable to such barrel. Requires oil producers to maintain such records with respect to oil production as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Specifies that windfall profit tax returns must be filed not later than the last day of the second month following the close of the taxable period. Requires the purchaser of taxable crude oil to furnish to the individual responsible for the payment of the windfall profits tax a monthly statement containing information with respect to: (1) the amount of taxable crude oil purchased during such month; (2) the removal price of such oil; (3) the base price and the adjusted base price of such oil; (4) the amount of such taxpayer's liability for tax; and (5) other information which the Secretary may require. Imposes fines and criminal penalties for willful failure to provide such information. Requires each partnership, estate, and trust producing domestic crude oil for any taxable period to furnish to each partner or beneficiary a written statement showing: (1) the name of such partner or beneficiary; (2) information received by the partnership, trust, or estate from the purchaser of crude oil; and (3) each partner's or beneficiary's share from the sale of crude oil. Establishes an Energy Trust Fund funded by revenues from the windfall profits tax. States that amounts in the trust fund shall be available for purposes as may hereafter be specified by law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to extend to May 1, 1980, the period during which the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may pay benefits under terminated multiemployer plans under circumstances provided for in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Subtitle F Revision Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the payment of interest to an individual whose property is wrongfully seized by the Internal Revenue Service. Repeals the requirement that an individual who transfers property with a fair market value in excess of $50,000 to a tax-exempt organization must file an informational return detailing such transaction. Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which require tax-exempt private foundations with assets of $5,000 or more to make annual reports of their receipts and expenditures. Requires that information previously required by such annual reports be included in the foundation's annual tax return. Imposes the same reporting requirements on non-exempt charitable trusts and private foundations. Requires that such returns be opened to public inspection and imposes a fine for failure to do so. Permits private foundations to treat as confidential, and not to list on their tax returns, the name and address of any indigent or needy recipient of charitable gifts or grants amounting to $1,000 or less during the taxable year. Repeals the additional 25 percent tax penalty for taxpayers who attempt to evade payment of taxes by removing their property from the country or concealing it. Repeals provisions which require corporations to file informational returns with respect to stock options granted to their employees. Conforms the due date for gift tax and income tax returns. Grants an automatic extension of time for filing gift tax returns when an extension for filing the donor's income tax return is granted. Requires the disclosure of manufacturers' excise tax information to State tax officials.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the requirement that the seller, under an installment sales agreement, receive no more than 30 percent of the selling price in the taxable year of the sale. Requires that the selling price of personal property exceed $3,000 (presently $1,000). Eliminates the requirement that a transaction under the installment sales method must involve two or more payments. Denies installment sales treatment for transactions (except stock redemptions) between related individuals. Requires a decedent's undischarged installment sales obligation to be treated as income in respect of a decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax exclusion of the interest on State and local mortgage subsidy bonds (except those bonds issued to finance housing for veterans). Defines "mortgage subsidy bonds" as bonds which are issued to provide funding for mortgages on owner-occupied residences. Limits the issuance of industrial development bonds for housing purposes to low-or moderate-income rental housing.
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 · 5 April 1979
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to develop and maintain comprehensive programs to insure widespread public involvement in formulating regional electric power programs and policies. Establishes a Bonneville Consumers' Council and a Bonneville Utilities Council with whom the Administrator is directed to consult, together with the Governors of the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and the general public in preparing a regional power planning and conservation program. Exempts such councils from the purview of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and exempts their members' actions from constituting potential violations of Federal or State antitrust laws. Directs the Administrator to offer to sell electric power to specified customers at rates to be established and periodically modified, in accordance with specified criteria, and establishes amounts of power such customers are to receive. Directs the Administrator to implement feasible and cost-effective measures to conserve electric power, and to assist governmental authorities in promoting conservation of electric power. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire additional electric power resources where regional electric power obligations cannot be met by employing conservation measures, but specifically directs the Administrator to give priority to developing renewable energy resources where additional resources are needed. Authorizes acquisition or the construction and operation of other types of electric power resources where needed to assure transmission system reliability. Sets forth procedural instructions for such acquisitions. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to authorize such expenditures as are necessary to implement this Act. Amends such Act further to authorize the issuance of bonds and other debt obligations for the purpose of financing activities arising from the implementation of this Act. Stipulates that such obligations bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate applicable to such obligations if purchased by the Federal Financing Bank. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations incurred under such Act which are outstanding at any one time to include the principal amount of obligations incurred and outstanding which were issued to assist in financing the activities of this Act. Extends the definition of "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such agreements and contracts as are deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any "person" or "company," as therein defined, connected with electric generating facilities, which sells 75 percent or more of their power to the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the established prices for the 1979 crops of wheat to $3.63 per bushel and of corn to $2.35 per bushel, whenever a set-aside is in effect for the respective crop.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 6 through April 12, 1980, as "National Medic Alert Week."
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Technical Corrections Act of 1979 - Provides, for purposes of making the investment tax credit rate permanent, that the Energy Tax Act of 1978 will be deemed to have been enacted prior to the Revenue Act of 1978. Title I: Amendments Related to Revenue Act of 1978 - Makes technical corrections to the Revenue Act of 1978 with respect to: (1) the earned income credit; (2) railroad unemployment compensation; (3) cafeteria-type employee benefit plans; (4) employee stock ownership plans (ESOP); (5) simplified employee pension plans; (6) defined benefit plans; (7) custodial accounts for regulated investment companies; (8) individual retirement accounts (IRA's); (9) "at risk" rules for business loss deductions; (10) the investment tax credit; (11) the targeted jobs credit; (12) industrial development bonds; (13) the ordinary loss deduction for small business corporation stock; (14) the entertainment facility tax deduction; (15) the deficiency dividend procedure for regulated investment companies; (16) self-insured medical reimbursement plans; (17) net operating loss deductions; (18) capital gains for individuals and corporations; (19) the minimum tax; (20) the maximum tax; (21) Tax Court administration; (22) refund adjustments for amounts held under claim of right; (23) estate and gift tax provisions; (24) carryover basis rule; (25) the tax treatment of cooperative housing corporations; (26) the tax treatment of environmental protection cost-sharing payments; and (27) general stock ownership corporations. Makes certain technical and clerical corrections to provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1976. Makes certain technical and clerical corrections to provisions of the Foreign Earned Income Act of 1978, the Black Lung Benefits Revenue Act of 1977, and the Energy Income Act of 1978, the Black Lung Benefits Revenue Act of 1977, and the Energy Tax Act of 1978. Title II: General Effective Date - Provides that any technical amendment made by Title I of this Act shall take effect as if it had been included in the provision of the Revenue Act of 1978 to which it relates.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act - Title I: Regulation of Exploration and Commercial Recovery by United States Citizens - Disclaims extraterritorial sovereignty by the United States over deep seabeds. Prohibits any United States citizen from engaging in exploration or commercial recovery unless authorized: (1) under a license issued pursuant to this Act; (2) under a license issued by a reciprocating state; or (3) pursuant to an international agreement. Permits the continuation of existing exploration upon timely application for such license. Prohibits interference with the activities of a licensee under this Act. Stipulates activities which are exempted from this Act. Sets forth procedures for the issuance of, and limitations upon, licenses for exploration and commercial recovery under this Act. Declares any United States citizen eligible for a license for exploration. Establishes a formula for the determination of priority of right for issuance. Sets forth findings which must be made prior to issuance of a license of exploration or commercial recovery. Permits modifications or suspension of operations upon order of the Secretary of Commerce. Provides for an antitrust review by the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission of any such license application. Stipulates procedures and effects of denial, suspension, or revocation of a license. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the implementation of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare an environmental impact statement with respect to the areas likely to be developed by United States citizens. Specifies criteria for the size of areas of exploration or commercial recovery. Requires the Secretary to impose performance requirements upon licensees. Permits relinquishment or surrender of such licenses. Requires certain record keeping, environmental impact statements, navigational safety procedures and disclosure by licensees. Prohibits licensees from interfering with reasonable uses of the seas. Permits the Secretary to monitor exploration or commercial recovery operations. Permits the President to designate "reciprocating states" as defined by this Act. Title II: Transition to International Agreement - Declares the intent of Congress regarding any international seabed agreements to which the United States may become a party to be: (1) to provide reasonable access to the deep seabed mineral resources for United States citizens; and (2) to recognize certain continuing seabed mining rights of United States citizens who have begun such mining operations prior to any such international agreement. Sets forth the effect upon specified provisions of this Act resulting from subsequent international agreements. Title III: Civil Penalties, Criminal Offenses, and Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes unlawful violations of this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for such violations. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enforce this Act. Makes vessels in violation of this Act liable in rem for such violation. Title IV: Tax - Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Removal Tax Act of 1978 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on the removal of hard mineral resources from the deep seabed. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Deep Seabed Revenue Sharing Trust Fund.
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 · 1 March 1979
Amends the Second Liberty Bond Act to increase the temporary public debt limit by $430,000,000,000 until September 30, 1979. Increases the face amount of bonds with interest rates exceeding four and one-half percent which may be outstanding at any time to $40,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, with the approval of the President, to increase the investment yield on any United States savings bonds above five and one-half percent provided such yield does not exceed seven percent per annum compounded semi-annually.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to authorize the National Commission on Social Security to negotiate and enter into contracts to carry out such studies and prepare such reports as the Commission determines are necessary in order to carry out its duties. Terminates the Commission on April 1, 1981.