United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest loans available under the Small Business Act until October 1, 1982, for the relief of small business concerns affected by disasters occurring on or after October 1, 1978. Provides loans bearing interest at three percent for amounts not exceeding $55,000, for the repair or replacement of a principal residence or personal property. Makes the following disaster loans available under the Small Business Act and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) loans bearing interest at three percent on amounts for the repair or replacement of property damaged or destroyed if the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere; and (2) loans bearing interest at the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus not to exceed one percent if the applicant is able to obtain credit elsewhere. Stipulates that the total amount outstanding and committed to any one borrower shall not exceed $500,000. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State- chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Makes such sums as are appropriated to carry out the provisions of this Act available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from denying any application for the formation of a one-bank holding company: (1) where the Comptroller of the Currency or the State banking supervisory authority has approved the transaction, including the proposed management and adequacy of the capital of the bank involved; or (2) because the transaction to form such a one-bank holding company involves a bank stock loan which is for a period of not more than 25 years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Community and Neighborhood Development and Conservation - Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend and authorize appropriations for the rehabilitation loan program through fiscal year 1980. Extends the intergovernmental program of comprehensive planning for the acquisition of sites for and construction of public buildings under the Housing Act of 1954 through fiscal year 1980. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorization of appropriations for grant and supplemental grant assistance to State and local community development programs. Provides for a pro rata distribution of funds among programs to meet all basic grant and hold-harmless entitlement needs in the event of a funding deficiency in fiscal year 1980. Removes statutory restrictions based on census statistics defining the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to waive procedural requirements in awarding grants. Stipulates that in addition to the National Environmental Protection Act of 1969 environmental protection measures must be carried out in order for the Secretary to release funds to applicants for projects. Title II: Housing Assistance Programs - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to authorize appropriations for annual contributions to low-income housing projects and operating services through fiscal year 1980. Amends the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to authorize appropriations for operating assistance for troubled multifamily housing projects through fiscal year 1980. Requires the utilization of amounts in the reserve fund created from excess rental charges by owners of housing projects receiving interest reduction payments under the National Housing Act. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to set forth: (1) new limits on the percentage of a family's income which may be required as rent for low-income housing; (2) criteria for tenant selection; (3) requirements for the maintenance of the low-income character of certain assisted housing projects; and (4) provisions for the distribution of unexpended operating subsidies. Directs the Secretary in making rent supplement assistance available under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 to give priority to individuals or families who are occupying substandard housing or are involuntarily displaced at the time they are seeking housing assistance. Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary in making homeownership assistance payments to lower income mortgagees, to give preference to assisting low-income families in acquiring a condominium unit or membership in a cooperative association. Provides for displaced tenants in HUD-owned projects. Title III: Program Amendments and Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend the following mortgage insurance programs of the Federal Housing Administration: (1) housing renovation and modernization; (2) general insurance authorization; (3) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (4) membership in cooperative associations for lower income families; (5) rental housing for low-income families; (6) coinsurance mortgages; (7) experimental housing; (8) armed services housing; (9) group practice facilities and medical practice facilities; (10) new communities; and (11) crime and riot reinsurance. Permits the Secretary to insure, on a permanent basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization through fiscal year 1980. Extends the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance program through fiscal year 1980. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary, as an alternative to the acquisition of an insured mortgage to avoid foreclosure, to make all or part of the monthly payments due on an insured mortgage of a one-to four-family residence necessary to avoid default caused by circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control. Stipulates that all payments shall be secured by a lien on the property and by such other obligation as the Secretary may require. Stipulates that such payments may be provided for a period of up to 18 months. Allows payments to be discontinued at any time because the mortgagor's financial circumstances have changed, the payments are no longer necessary, or the prospect of payments and repayments is no longer reasonable. Terminates the authority to make such payments on September 30, 1981. Authorizes appropriations for research and demonstration housing projects through fiscal year 1980. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize appropriations, without limitation, to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund. Extends the authority of the Secretary to issue obligations to finance housing programs for the elderly and handicapped under the Housing Act of 1959. Extends the authority of the Secretary to insure mortgages under the National Housing Act by including dwellings covered by a consumer protection or warranty plan. Authorizes the appropriation of a specified amount to carry out the activities of the National Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to study the relative risks of loss connected with the classes of mortgages insured under the National Housing Act. States that such study is for the purpose of determining the advisability of reducing related mortgage insurance premiums. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) exempt insured loans, mortgages, or advances from State usury laws; and (2) increase Federal Housing Administration mortgage limits for insurance eligibility. Increases to 75 percent in any geographical area the amount of: (1) rental housing insurance; (2) cooperative housing insurance; (3) rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing insurance; (4) moderate income and displaced family housing insurance; (5) housing for the elderly mortgage insurance; and (6) multifamily condominium mortgage insurance. Increases the limit on loans for mobile homes and lots with respect to credit insurance of financial institutions. Allows the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase a mortgage with an original principal obligation that exceeds the otherwise applicable maximum amount per dwelling unit if the mortgage is a moderate income and displaced family housing insured mortgage and at least 20 percent of the units covered by such mortgage are assisted under contracts authorized by the United States Housing Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Allows up to ten percent of the assistance available under the Neighborhood Self-Help Development Act of 1978 to be used for uncertified projects demonstrating innovative means of assisting in neighborhood conservation and revitalization. Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to permit securities sold, issued, or guaranteed by the Corporation to be lawful investments and accepted as security for all fiduciary trusts and public funds. Title IV: Interstate Land Sales - Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to outline specified exemptions from the provisions of such Act including provisions requiring registration and disclosure of the sale or lease of lots in subdivisions of specified size. Sets forth requirements relating to the sale or lease of lots if a mobile home is to be erected as a primary residence. Makes it unlawful for any developer or agent to deceive or in any way defraud a purchaser or lessee of a lot. Provides for civil relief by a purchaser or lessee for any such unlawful act. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to certify as equivalent to the Federal law any State land sale disclosure law which is substantially equivalent to the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure law. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a cease and desist order to any agent or developer believed to be engaging in any unlawful act or practice. Sets forth criminal penalties for any willful violation of this Act. Allows any State attorney general to bring a civil action as parens patriae on behalf of individuals residing in such State, in any appropriate United State district court. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress biennially a report on the administration of this Act and its impact upon the land development industry and purchasers and lessees of undeveloped land. Title V: Rural Housing - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for farm and rural housing programs as follows: (1) loans to provide occupant owned, rental, and cooperative housing for low-and moderate-income families; (2) insured loans for housing for domestic farm labor; (3) notes and other obligations for loan funds; (4) loans and grants for repairs or improvements of rural dwellings; (5) financial assistance to provide low-rent housing for domestic farm labor; (6) technical services and research for new buildings and repairs; (7) escrow accounts for taxes, insurance, and other expenses; (8) grants and loans for the development of technical and supervisory assistance programs in rural areas with Federal, State, and local housing program for low-income families; and (9) mutual self-help housing programs in rural areas and small towns. Authorizes such sums as may be required to provide safe, sanitary housing for low-income families, to conduct economic surveys for a sound mortgage market, and to reimburse the Rural Housing Insurance Fund. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to insure loans which provide rental and cooperative housing for the elderly or others of low-and moderate-incomes and to insure and make loans for housing and buildings on farms owned by low or moderate income families. Stipulates that the Secretary shall determine the rate of interest on occupant owned, rental, and cooperative housing loans. Defines the terms "persons and families of low income" for purposes of this Act. Provides for the repayment and refinancing of loans for housing for the elderly and families of low income and for domestic farm labor. Permits the Secretary to make or insure loans for 40 percent of the units in multifamily cooperative or rental housing projects. Authorizes the Secretary to assist in providing technical assistance and counseling to recipients who are delinquent with the repayment of any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under the Housing Act of 1949 and to those who need assistance in financial management, home maintenance, and related matters. Includes among the administrative powers of the Secretary the authority to repair and rehabilitate property pledged or mortgaged under the Housing Act of 1949 and purchased by the Secretary at any foreclosure. Makes provisions for the payment by the Secretary out of the Rural Housing Insurance Fund for the correction of, or compensation to homeowners for significant construction defects in certain newly constructed, assisted homes. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to allow the Secretary to make loans for the acquisition and development of land for use as sites on which residential structures will be built without regard to whether such structures will be eligible for assistance under any Federal, State, or local law. Stipulates that such loans shall bear interest at a rate equal to the market rate for comparable loans, as determined by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Repeals the requirement under part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, home health agencies, health maintenance organizations, and other types of health services facilities and organizations to which payment may be made under the Social Security Act to report: (1) the aggregate cost of operation and the aggregate volume of services; (2) the costs and volume of services for various functional accounts and subaccounts; (3) rates, by category of patient and class of purchaser; (4) capital assets; and (5) discharge and bill data.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
State and Local Government Cost Estimate Act of 1979 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to require the Congressional Budget Office, for every bill or resolution reported in the House or Senate, to prepare and submit (along with its regular estimate of the Federal cost involved) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out or complying with such bill or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise the age requirement for youths participating in the qualified cooperative education program from 16-19 to 16-20, for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to provide that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall not deny any application for the formation of a one-bank holding company because the transaction to form such one-bank holding company involves a bank stock loan which is for a period of not more than 25 years.
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 · 28 March 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Independent Contractor Tax Status Clarification Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify standards for determining whether certain individuals qualify as independent contractors for purposes of social security taxation. Treats an individual as an independent contractor if such individual: (1) controls the total number of his work hours; (2) does not maintain a principal place of business, or if he does, such place of business is not provided, or provided rent-free, by the person for whom such individual performs services; (3) has substantial investment in his business and earns income based upon sales or output rather than upon number of hours worked; and (4) performs services pursuant to a written contract and is provided written notice of his responsibility with respect to income and self-employment taxes. Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for service performed by an individual who qualifies as an independent contractor under the standards established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Homeownership Opportunity Act of 1979 - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure a graduated payment mortgage with a principal amount of up to 100 percent of the appraised value of the property involved.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to allow the first sale of deep stripper well crude oil to be exempt from price regulation under such Act. Requires a well to be producing at the maximum feasible rate throughout a 12-month period in order to qualify for such exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Forestry Loan Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a pilot program of making, insuring, and guaranteeing loans that will provide periodic payments to eligible owners of private forest land. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns 5,000 acres or less of nonindustrial private forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood; provided, the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this Act to any one borrower to $300,000. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of the principal and interest on any loan made by specified kinds of banks and lending institutions. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years, allowing deferral of principal and interest payments as the Secretary deems appropriate. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Citizens' Postal Rate Relief Act of 1979 - Prohibits the postal rate for qualified mail matter from exceeding the minimum per piece rate for regular rate third-class bulk mail plus the difference between the rate for ordinary single-piece first-class mail and the discounted rate for such mail when presorted. Defines "qualified mail matter" as domestic letter mail of individuals which is sealed against inspection and subject to third-class bulk mail service standards.
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 · 8 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over; (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Regulatory Agency Abolition Act - Abolishes specified Federal regulatory agencies three years after enactment of this Act unless prior to such date the President and Congress study the effectiveness of such agencies and Congress thereafter adopts a resolution disapproving such abolition. Provides that each regulatory agency established after the date of enactment of this Act shall be abolished three years from the date on which it was first empowered unless the President and Congress take the steps outlined above. Directs the President to submit to Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of duties essential to the public health, safety or welfare from an abolished agency to the President or to a successor agency. Provides that all orders, rules, certificates, judicial proceedings and licenses made effective by agencies abolished by this Act shall continue in effect until repealed or superceded by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Small Business Procurement Reform Act of 1979 - Requires any Government procurement contract to which a notice for bidding is published in the Commerce Business Daily to remain open for bidding for at least 30 days. Establishes exceptions to such requirement in specified circumstances. Amends the Small Business Act to establish a goal of 20 percent participation by small business concerns within each Federal agency for the procurement of items which the Small Business Administration determines can be produced by small business. Directs each Federal agency to take all feasible steps to subdivide large procurements into smaller components on which small businesses can bid. Requires any Federal agency to provide small business concerns, upon request, copies and summaries of laws and regulations materially affecting the performance of contracts open for bids under $100,000. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Solar Power Satellite Research, Development and Evaluation Program Act of 1979 - Establishes a Solar Power Satellite Research, Development and Evaluation Program to determine the feasibility of a satellite-based solar energy system. Establishes an office within the Department of Energy to manage the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Space Industrialization Act of 1979 - Title I: Establishment of Space Industrialization Corporation - Establishes, as a Federal agency, the Space Industrialization Corporation which shall promote the development of new processes and industries in space and encourage private industry to invest in such activities. Directs the Corporation to provide funds to industrial space ventures under negotiated management plans. Specifies that such funds shall be repaid with a profit if the venture is profitable and that full documentation is required if it is unprofitable. Establishes in the United States Treasury the Space Industrialization Trust Fund which shall be held and administered by the Secretary of the Treasury and made available to the Corporation for use in funding industrial space ventures. Authorizes to the Trust Fund, effective October 1, 1979, appropriations not to exceed $50,000,000 per year for the first two fiscal years after enactment. Directs the President to aid in the planning, development, and review of a national program for the establishment and operation of a space industrial system. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to advise, assist, and cooperate with the Corporation in the development of the space industrial system. Title II: Public Ownership of Space Industrialization Corporation - Provides that at such time as the Board of Directors and the President approve, the Corporation shall become a publicly owned entity, which shall be authorized to issue shares of capital stock, nonvoting securities, bonds, debentures, and other certificates of indebtedness as the corporation may determine. Requires all proceeds from such securities to be deposited in the Trust Fund established by Title I.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit bank holding companies and their subsidiaries from selling insurance as principals, agents, or brokers, except: (1) where the insurance secures an extension of credit in the event of death or disability of the debtor; (2) any insurance activity in a community of less than 5,000 or which has inadequate insurance agency facilities; (3) any insurance activity approved prior to June 6, 1978; or (4) any insurance activity of a bank holding company with less than $50,000,000 in total assets.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Exempts the Board, its property, and its income from present and future Federal, State, and local taxation, with specified exceptions. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to be awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total expenditures in any fiscal year shall not exceed the net amount of revenue received by the Government in that year. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war declared by Congress or by a concurrent resolution passed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress. Stipulates that any unanticipated deficit in any fiscal year shall be considered an expenditure for the succeeding fiscal year. Directs the Congress to provide an appropriate increase in the level of total receipts if the amount of such deficit exceeds two percent of the total expenditures for the succeeding fiscal year. Authorizes the Congress to apportion any deficit over the four following fiscal years or, by a two-thirds vote of both Houses, to include such deficit in the debts of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require Federal agencies to prepare and publish in the Federal Register an economic impact analysis of all proposed and final rules subject to the provisions of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Taxpayer Relief Amendments to Panama Treaty Legislation - Specifies that all expenses incurred implementing the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 shall be treated as an expense of the Panama Canal Commission. Prohibits payments to Panama out of U.S. Treasury revenues. Requires the Panama Canal Company to pay its cash assets to the U.S. Treasury to be applied against its debt. Directs the Commission to continue repaying its debt to the United States. Amends the Panama Canal Code to require the Commission to pay: (1) all canal operating revenues to the U.S. Treasury; and (2) the payments required under the Treaty to Panama only with express congressional authorization. Directs the General Accounting Office to monitor all costs incurred by the Commission and report annually to Congress on the differences in costs to the U.S. taxpayer. Prohibits unless expressly authorized by Congress: (1) the use of U.S. funds to implement the Treaty; (2) the transfer of U.S. property in the Canal Zone to Panama; and (3) the cessation of the Panama Canal Company and the Canal Zone Government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension at a rate not to exceed $150 to: (1) each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements and whose annual income does not exceed $10,000; (2) certain qualified surviving spouses of each such veteran (whose own annual income does not exceed $10,000); or (3) the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rulemaking include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rulemaking, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rulemaking sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rulemaking under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rulemaking before July 1, 1984. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-eight Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Small Business Tax Relief Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit recognition on the gain from the sale or exchange of an unincorporated trade or business prior to the time that the taxpayer attains age 55 by providing that such gain shall be recognized only to the extent that it exceeds the cost of reinvesting in replacement property for another small business venture. Provides for the taxation of such gain, after age 55, as ordinary income according to the ten year averaging rules applicable to lump sum distributions from employee benefit plans. Increases the additional first year depreciation allowance for small businesses. Permits a taxpayer election to amortize over a 36 month period expenses for depreciable property which is acquired to put a small business in compliance with Federal regulations and which does not have any economic usefulness for the business. Exempts domestic international sales corporations (DISC) which have adjusted taxable income of $1,000,000 or less from the limitations on deferral of base period export gross receipts which are applicable to larger corporations. Permits businesses with gross receipts of less than $1,000,000 to elect the cash method of accounting in reporting income. Allows a refund to employers of their proportionate share of excess social security payments made on behalf of employees who were employed by two or more employers during the taxable year. Permits an income tax credit of $5 for each form or document which a small business is required to file pursuant to Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that provisions of such Act shall not apply to stone mining or sand and gravel mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise the price support levels for milk, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton to 90 percent of their respective parity prices. Reduces the price levels at which producers participating in the wheat and feed grains storage program: (1) may redeem and market commodities securing price support loans (from between 140 to 160 percent of their respective parity prices to 100 percent); and (2) must repay such loans (from 175 to 110 percent of their respective parity prices).
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1979
Agricultural Parity Equity Act of 1979 - Title I: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the established price for an individual producer for the 1979 and 1980 crops of wheat at levels related to such producer's voluntary set-aside, so that if the set-aside is: (1) 20 percent, the established price shall be 66 2/3 percent of parity per bushel; (2) 40 percent, 80 percent of parity per bushel; or (3) 50 percent, 100 percent of parity per bushel. Title II: Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the established price for an individual producer for the 1979 and 1980 crops of corn at levels related to such producer's voluntary set-aside, so that if the set-aside is: (1) 20 percent, the established price shall be 66 2/3 percent of parity per bushel; (2) 40 percent, 80 percent of parity per bushel; or (3) 50 percent, 100 percent of parity per bushel. Title III: Upland Cotton - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the established price for an individual producer for the 1979 crop of upland cotton at levels related to such producer's voluntary set- aside, so that if the set-aside is: (1) 20 percent, the established price shall be 72 1/2 percent of parity per pound; (2) 40 percent, 85 percent of parity per pound; or (3) 50 percent, 100 percent of parity per pound. Title IV: Grain Release Prices - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949: (1) to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from providing for the redemption of stored wheat and feed grains loans unless the market price for such commodities is not less than parity; (2) to prohibit the Secretary from calling such loans until the market price for wheat and feed grains is at least 105 percent of parity; and (3) to prohibit the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling its stocks of wheat and feed grains for less than the parity price of such commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends rule X of the Rules the House of Representatives to establish a standing Committee on Internal Security to investigate and report on Communist and other subversive activities affecting the internal security of the United States, including activities intended to overthrow or alter the form of government in the United States by unlawful means or which incite or employ violence or any unlawful means to obstruct the lawful authority of the government.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt taxpayers from the payment of interest or a penalty on tax deficiencies attributable to erroneous advice obtained in writing from an Internal Revenue Service Officer or employee acting in an official capacity.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to be awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Title I: Authorizations and Miscellaneous Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize appropriations for specified programs and expenses of the Small Business Administration. States that all appropriations, whether specifically or generally authorized, shall remain available until expended. Authorizes the Administration to make disaster loans available to small business concerns affected by a shortage of energy-producing resources caused by a strike, boycott, or embargo unless such strike, boycott or embargo is directly against such small business concern. Makes specified low-interest disaster loans available until October 1, 1982. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to repeal the authority of the Administration to invest sums from the revolving fund for surety bond guarantees in Treasury bonds, obligations, and other guaranteed debt securities. Authorizes such investments from the revolving fund for qualified contract guarantees. Transfers specified provisions of the Act which established an Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to the Small Business Act. Title II: Small Business Development Centers - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to States, State agencies, regional entities, State-chartered development credit corporations, and institutions of higher learning to assist in establishing Small Business Development Centers. Requires such grants to be matched in equal amounts by funds from non-Federal sources. Establishes additional restrictions on such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. States that Small Business Development Centers shall have a full-time staff, business and technology analysts, information and professional specialists, and access to laboratory and engineering facilities. Requires such Centers to provide small businesses with business and technology counseling, information on government regulations, library services, and comprehensive studies and surveys. Directs federally funded laboratories and innovation centers to cooperate with the Small Business Development Centers. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance to administer the Small Business Development Center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board consisting of nine civilian members. Sets forth provisions governing the appointment of members, a Chairman, meetings, and compensation of the Board. Directs the Small Business Administration to conduct an evaluation of the Development Center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Title III: White House Conference on Small Business - White House Conference on Small Business Act - Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Small Business by June 30, 1980, to identify the problems of small business concerns and to make recommendations for executive and legislative action. Requires the Conference to submit a report to the President and the Congress within one year of the date it convenes. Requires the Small Business Administration to report to the Congress within three years on the status and implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Conference. Authorizes appropriations for the expenses of the Conference.
![Official portrait of Rep. Watkins, Wes [R-OK-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000194_200.jpg)