United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1980
Establishes a Commission on More Effective Government to study and recommend ways of promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service within the Federal Government. Directs the Commission to recommend methods to improve the relationship between Federal, State, and local governments. Provides for the appointment of members of the Commission by the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Sets forth provisions governing the organization and compensation of the Commission and its staff. Empowers the Commission to establish advisory councils and committees as it deems appropriate without regard to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Sets forth the powers of the Commission enabling it to gather information free from subsequent review or comment by any Federal agency. Directs the Commission to submit its final report to the Congress ten days after the Ninety-eighth Congress convenes. Terminates the Commission 90 days after such date. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that athletic games should be held in the United States for U.S. and foreign athletes, if the United States does not participate in the 1980 summer Olympic games.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should press for the immediate release of Andrei Sakharov from internal exile. Declares that Congress will continue to raise the issue of Sakharov's treatment until he is accorded his legal rights by the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Fusion Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish research, development, and demonstration programs involving magnetic fusion energy systems to: (1) construct and operate a fusion engineering test facility by 1986; (2) construct and operate a magnetic fusion demonstration facility before the end of this century; (3) maintain and expand the base programs for fusion energy research and the development and testing of appropriate alternative confinement technologies; (4) maintain a strong research and development program in advanced fusion fuels; and (5) ensure an uninterrupted source of scientific and engineering talent from institutions of higher learning to support such effort. Requires such programs to include a study of the potential of using fusion energy for the production of synthetic fuels and the electrification of ground transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information promoting the practical uses of fusion energy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Authorizes the expenditure of funds, not to exceed $1,875,123.53, for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Specifies that $80,000 of such funds are provided for the reimbursement of computer and computer related services requested of the House Information Systems by such committee, and may not be used for any other purpose. Declares that no part of these funds shall be available for expenditure in connection with the study of any subject which is being investigated by any other House committee. Terminates the authorization granted by this resolution on January 3, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Urges: (1) the U.S. Olympic Committee to propose the transfer or cancellation of the 1980 summer Olympic games; (2) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to adopt such proposal; and (3) the U.S. Olympic committee and other nations' Olympic committees to not participate in such summer games, if the IOC rejects such proposal, and conduct alternative games.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the Congress of the Location of Chanceries Amendment Act of 1979, passed by the Council of the District of Columbia on October 9, 1979, and signed by the Mayor on November 9, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979
Special Central American Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for economic assistance to Nicaragua and other countries in Central America. Requires the President to consider the Government of Nicaragua's observance of specified human rights when furnishing such assistance. Directs the Secretary of State to report semi-annually to Congress on the degree of observance of human rights in such country. Directs the President to terminate assistance if Nicaragua: (1) aids or abets any terrorist organization; or (2) harbors any foreign combat military forces which pose a threat to the security of the United States or any of its Latin American allies. Sets forth conditions for funds for: (1) the National School of Agriculture in Nicaragua; and (2) loans for private sector assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Declares the concern of Congress for the present and future welfare of the hostages in Tehran. States the intent of Congress to assure the financial and professional well-being of such hostages upon their release.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the American people and their representatives are united in their determination and efforts to achieve the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all U.S. personnel. Calls upon the U.N. Security Council to take all necessary measures to secure the release of all U.S. personnel held hostage in Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1979
Special Central American and Caribbean Security Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for economic assistance to Nicaragua and other countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Authorizes the printing as a House document of the volume entitled "Soviet Diplomacy and Negotiating Behavior: Emerging New Context for United States Diplomacy", a study prepared at the request of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress. Directs the printing of additional copies of such study, not to exceed a cost of $1,200, for the use of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Pay Continuity Act of 1979 - Appropriates the funds necessary to pay the salaries of employees of the executive branch of Government, Members of Congress, and members of the uniformed services during any period when such funds are not available because the legislation making appropriations to the Government entity responsible for paying such individuals has not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish disaster relief to alleviate the famine in Cambodia through international agencies to the extent feasible. Stipulates that priority be given to furnishing agricultural commodities under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Intelligence Identities Protection Act - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 by adding a new title V: Protection of Certain National Security Information. Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of ten years' imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine for anyone who, having had authorized access to classified information, intentionally discloses to any individual not authorized to receive classified information any information that identifies an individual as an employee of an intelligence agency or as an agent, informant, or source of assistance to an intelligence agency, where the actor knows or has reason to know that the information so identifies such individual and that the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such individual's intelligence relationship to the United States. Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of one year imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for anyone who with intent to impair the foreign intelligence activities of the U.S. discloses such information with such knowledge. Makes it a defense to such crimes that before the commission of the offense the United States had publicly acknowledged or revealed the intelligence relationship of the individual to the United States. Stipulates that it shall not be an offense to transmit such information directly to the congressional intelligence committees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit any provision in any appropriation bill or amendment to such bill which changes existing law or has the effect of imposing any limitation not contained in existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish disaster relief to alleviate the famine in Cambodia, through international agencies to the extent feasible. Stipulates that such assistance shall be for humanitarian purposes and limited to the civilian population.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to: (1) determine whether a wrong was committed against American citizens and permanent resident aliens who were subjected to relocation or internment as a result of Executive Order Numbered 9066 and other associated Government acts; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies. Directs the Commission: (1) to hold public hearings in specified cities; and (2) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President. Terminates the Commission six months after such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Directs the Director of the International Communication Agency to make available to the Administrator of General Services the film, "Reflections: George Meany", for distribution in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1979
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns that either $1 of any tax refund or $1 of any contribution which the taxpayer forwards with his tax return shall be payable to the United States Olympic Development Fund. Establishes the United States Olympic Development Fund under the auspices of the Secretary of the Treasury for the receipt of tax contributions and payments to the United States Olympic Development Fund. Directs the United States Olympic Committee to use such funds for a program to expand and improve amateur athletics in the United States. Requires reports on the expenditure of such funds to be submitted by the United States Olympic Committee and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize disaster relief and reconstruction assistance to alleviate human suffering caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean. Stipulates that priority shall be given to furnishing agricultural commodities under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the definition of "special immigrant" an immigrant (and accompanying spouse and children) entering the United States to pursue a course of religious study at an institute of religious training, which is registered with the Attorney General, in order to carry out the vocation of minister of a religious denomination having a bona fide organization in the United States and needing the services of such immigrant.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
National Employment Priorities Act of 1979 - Requires a business concern to give notice, with an economic impact statement, to the Secretary of Labor and to affected employees, labor organizations, and local governments whenever such business concern intends a change of operations at an establishment which will result in an employment loss in any 18-month period of the lesser of 100, or of 15 percent, of the employees at such establishment. Requires, with exceptions, that such notice be given within specified periods of time (varying according to the number of employees affected) before such business concern reduces the weekly wages or suspends or terminates the employment of any employee in connection with such change. Directs the Secretary to investigate and hold public hearings on specified matters related to such change upon receipt of a written request for such investigation from an affected labor organization or from at least ten percent of the employees at such establishment. Requires such request to be made within 60 days of receipt of notice. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and hold closed hearings on such matters, without regard to whether such notice is given, upon: (1) a determination that such investigation would serve the purpose of this Act; or (2) a request from at least 50 percent of such employees. Empowers the Secretary to issue subpoenas for witnesses and evidence in such investigations. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a report of such investigation. Makes employees who accept employment with such business concerns, with knowledge that such notice has been given, ineligible for specified assistance under this Act. Requires such business concerns to give written statements of employment status to employees whose weekly wages are lowered by a specified amount or who are suspended or terminated. Stipulates that an employee will be deemed to suffer an employment loss if a business concern fails to: (1) give such a statement of employment status to an employee; or (2) include in such statement an assurance of increased wages or reinstatement. Requires a business concern which gives such assurance, yet fails to prevent such employment loss, to pay such employee a lump sum in a specified amount in addition to other required payments. Requires a business concern, for a 52-week period following an employment loss, to make payments: (1) to the employee in a weekly income maintenance payment equal to 85 percent of such employees's wage rate or 100 percent of such rate while such employee participates in specified training programs; and (2) to specified employment benefit plans for such employees. Sets forth conditions under which such payments may be reduced or limited. Stipulates that such payments are not to be deemed wages for all other purposes, including specified employee benefit plans. Requires such business concerns to pay moving expenses for employees who resume employment with the same business concerns within three years. Requires such business concerns to continue weekly income maintenance payments to employees between 53 and 61 years of age when the 52 week payment period expires. Directs the Secretary to reimburse such business concerns for such continued payments. Directs the Secretary to make transitional assistance payments to employees upon their request whenever a business concern fails to make such payments. Provides that the amount of such payments shall then be owed, with interest, to the United States by such business concern. Makes a business concern which transfers ownership or control of an establishment to avoid liability for transitional assistance payments liable to the United States for a specified amount if the owning or controlling business concern fails to provide such assistance. Requires such business concerns to offer employees, who suffer an employment loss, any available employment, with equivalent wages and benefits, at any establishment of such business concerns for a three-year period after such employment loss. Sets forth such former employees' rights to credits and benefits in employee benefit plans and such business concerns' liability for payments to such plans. Stipulates that specified violations shall be deemed violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, for which civil actions may be brought. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with specified groups, to implement a comprehensive assistance program (including existing or new programs of job training, job placement, and payments for job search and moving expenses) for employees who suffer or may suffer employment loss. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement retraining programs and to condition specified assistance to business concerns upon their implementation or assistance with such programs. Directs the Secretary to issue certificates of Federal procurement credit to business concerns which comply with this Act for appropriate periods if the Secretary finds that such assistance would provide additional employment opportunities through the cooperating concerns. Sets forth conditions of eligibility for assistance of business concerns, local governments, and certain employers or cooperative associations of employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified forms of such assistance, giving priority to those which enable employees to continue at their present establishment. Makes such business concerns liable to local governments which lose revenue because of such changes of operations. Sets forth formulas for determining the amount of such liability. Directs the Secretary to pay such amounts to local governments if a business concern fails to do so (with such amount to be owed, with interest, to the United States by such business concern). Makes business concerns which transfer operations to an establishment outside the United States, when an economically viable alternative to such transfer exists, liable to the United States for lost revenues according to specified formulas. Sets forth criminal and civil violations and penalties. Enumerates violations of employees' rights and remedies for such violators. Directs the Secretary to: (1) recover overpayments for specified Federal assistance to employees obtained through a knowing deception; (2) maintain specified operating reserves; and (3) record mortgage security on specified loans. Provides procedures for Congressional disapproval of rules promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to make specified reports and legislative proposals to the Congress. Sets forth general powers of the Secretary in carrying out this Act. Directs the Secretary to implement this Act through the National Employment Priorities Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate any function, power, or duty under this Act to the Administrator of the National Employment Priorities Administration. Establishes the National Employment Priorities Administration in the Department of Labor to: (1) perform such delegated functions, powers, and duties; (2) conduct research on the relationship between unemployment and changes of business operations; and (3) identify services and products which may profitably be provided by business concerns receiving specified assistance. Establishes the National Employment Priorities Advisory Council to: (1) advise and assist the Secretary in carrying out this Act; (2) evaluate programs under this Act; (3) study and report on those areas of future economic activity in which the United States will be at a competitive disadvantage and on industries in which many businesses may change operations; and (4) research and propose new assistance programs for employees, local governments, and business concerns. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979
Classified Information Criminal Trial Procedures Act - Title I: Procedures For Disclosure of Classified Information in Criminal Cases - Sets forth pretrial, trial, and appellate procedures for criminal cases involving classified information. Requires a court, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, to hold a pretrial conference to consider matters relating to classified information or which may promote a fair and expeditious trial. Requires a defendant who reasonably expects to disclose classified material during the trial or any pretrial hearing to notify the Government attorney and the court. Allows the Government to move for an in camera proceeding after certifying that such classified information might be compromised in a public proceeding. Permits the Government to take an appeal from a decision favorable to the defendant regarding the use, relevance or admissibility of such classified information before such information is disclosed. Authorizes the Attorney General to request an in camera proceeding whenever the Government learns, other than through such notification, that an action of the defendant will or is likely to result in the disclosure of classified information. Directs the court, upon the request of the Government, to issue an order prohibiting the defendant from disclosing or causing the classified information at issue to be disclosed pending the conclusion of such proceeding. Requires the Government to provide the defendant with notice of the classified information at issue before such proceeding is conducted. Allows the Government to object to any line of inquiry used by a defendant while examining a witness which may require such witness to disclose classified information not previously found admissible under the specified procedures. Directs the court to take any action necessary to determine whether the response is admissible as will safeguard against the disclosure of any classified information, including proffers from the Government and the defendant. Allows the Government to move for a court order to substitute for classified information whose disclosure has been authorized by the court pursuant to the above procedure: (1) a statement admitting the relevant facts such information would prove; or (2) a summary of the specified classified information. Directs the court to grant such a motion if the right of the defendant to a fair trial will not be impaired. Requires the sealing and preservation for appeal of any record of an in camera proceeding when the court determines that the classified information at issue may not be disclosed or elicited at the trial or any pretrial hearing. Directs the Court to order the defendant not to disclose or cause the disclosure of such classified information whenever such motion is denied and the Government files an objection to such disclosure. Directs the court to then: (1) dismiss the indictment or information; (2) dismiss specified counts of the indictment or information; (3) find against the Government on any issue to which the excluded classified information relates; (4) strike or preclude all or any part of the testimony of a witness; or (5) take any other action which the court determines is appropriate in the interests of justice. Allows the court to prohibit certain defendants who fail to comply with the notice requirements from: (1) disclosing or causing the disclosure of such classified information during trial; and (2) examining any witnesses with respect to such information. Directs the court after determining that classified information may be disclosed, to order the Government to provide the defendant with the information or the identity of any witness it expects to use to rebut the particular classified information. Authorizes the court to: (1) exclude any evidence not made the subject of a required disclosure; and (2) prohibit the examination by the Government of any witness with respect to such information. Directs the Government to provide the defendant, at his request, with a bill of particulars as to the portions of the indictment or information which the defendant identified as related to the classified information at issue in the pretrial proceeding. Stipulates that such bill of particulars be provided before such proceeding. Allows the Government to make an interlocutory appeal to a court of appeals from a decision of the district court: (1) requiring disclosure; (2) imposing sanctions for nondisclosure; or (3) refusing a protective order by the United States to prevent disclosure. Directs the court, upon motion of the Government, to issue a protective order against the disclosure of any classified information disclosed by the Government to any defendant in a criminal case in district court. Allows the court to authorize the Government: (1) to delete specified items of classified information from documents to be made available to the defendant; (2) to substitute a summary of the information for such documents; or (3) to substitute a statement admitting relevant facts the information would tend to prove. Directs the Supreme Court, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence, to prescribe rules establishing procedures for the protection against unauthorized disclosure of any classified information in the custody of the Federal courts. Requires the submission of such rules to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Government, in any prosecution in which it must establish that material relates to the national defense or constitutes classified information, to notify the defendant of the material upon which it reasonably expects to rely. Title II: Department of Justice Decisions Not to Prosecute Because of Possible Disclosure of Classified Information - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) issue guidelines specifying the factors to be used by the Department of Justice in deciding whether to prosecute a violation of Federal law in which there is a possibility that classified information will be disclosed; and (2) transmit such guidelines to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Department to prepare written findings of the reasons for deciding not to prosecute any such decision, including specified information. Directs the Attorney General to make available all such findings to the congressional intelligence committees.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Directs the printing, as a House document, of the staff report to the Committee on Foreign Affairs entitled "The Assassination of Representative Leo J. Ryan and the Jonestown, Guyana Tragedy". Provides that additional copies of the report, not to exceed a cost of $1,200, be printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Welcomes and congratulates the first directly elected Parliament of the European Community. Pledges congressional support for continued close relations with such Parliament.
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 · 28 June 1979
Smaller Enterprise Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Small Business Act to require each Federal agency to publish semiannually an agenda of those rules which may be proposed during the upcoming six-month period affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and small organizations. Defines "small organizations" to include unincorporated businesses, sheltered workshops, nonprofit enterprises which are not dominant in their fields and such other groups and enterprises as each Federal agency shall establish by rule. Requires each published agenda to be transmitted to the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comments. Directs each Federal agency to endeavor to provide notice of each agenda to affected small enterprises by means other than publication in the Federal Register. Directs each Federal agency to publish a written analysis prior to the issuance of any rule affecting a substantial number of small business concerns and organizations which considers: (1) the effect of such rule on small enterprises and competition; (2) whether an exemption could be provided such small enterprises; (3) whether lesser compliance standards could be adopted for small enterprises; and (4) the expected nature of reporting and recordkeeping requirements necessitated by such rule. Requires each Federal agency to issue a rule containing an exemption or differing compliance standards for such small business concerns and organizations if it is lawful, desirable, and feasible to do so. States that such small enterprises shall be given an opportunity to participate in agency rulemaking. Requires each agency to review its existing rules and prepare an analysis for purposes of eliminating those rules which are most burdensome to small businesses and organizations. Permits any agency to perform the analyses required by this Act in conjunction with any other analysis required by law. Declares that such other analysis shall not in itself satisfy the requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to stipulate that, for the period between December 18, 1977, and November 6, 1978, an abandonment or sale of the properties of a railroad in reorganization need not be approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the Commission to direct a willing provider of truck or water transportation to transport the traffic of shippers using a railroad line abandoned pursuant to a court decree under the Bankruptcy Act if such transportation would be more efficient than directed rail carriage. Sets forth employee protection arrangements for individuals displaced from their employment on account of such an abandonment. Stipulates that a rail carrier required to provide such protective arrangements shall be reimbursed for such costs by the Railroad Retirement Board. Requires the rail carrier to repay such sums when the Board determines that the financial condition of the carrier permits such reimbursement. Authorizes appropriations to the Board for such reimbursements.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1979
Title I: The Foreign Service Act of 1979 - Foreign Service Act of 1979 - Sets forth the objectives and functions of the Foreign Service. Consolidates the authority of the Secretary of State to administer, direct, and regulate the Foreign Service. Authorizes the heads of other agencies, which utilize Foreign Service personnel, to exercise the Secretary's functions over such personnel in their agency, with specified exceptions. Provides for the appointment of a Director General to assist the Secretary in the management of the Foreign Service and an Inspector General. Directs the President to establish a Board of the Foreign Service to advise the Secretary. Stipulates that the Secretary shall appoint all members of the Foreign Service other than chiefs of mission, ambassador at large, career members of the Senior Foreign Service, or Foreign Service officers, which shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth criteria for chief of mission, Senior Foreign Service and career appointments. Prohibits initially assigning a Foreign Service Officer candidate higher than class 4 of the Foreign Service Schedule unless specified conditions exist. Authorizes the Secretary to recall retired career Foreign Service members to any appropriate class. Stipulates that limited appointments not exceed five years. Provides for renewable limited appointments of family members of government personnel assigned abroad. Authorizes the commissioning as a diplomatic and/or consular officer of any member of the Foreign Service who is a U.S. citizen. Provides for the salaries of Chiefs of Mission and the Senior Foreign Service (the latter comparable to that for the Civil Service Senior Executive Service). Includes those employees, whose salaries are not otherwise provided for, under a Foreign Service Schedule similar to the Civil Service General Schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to assign each member appointed to the Foreign Service to an appropriate salary class, except those whose salary is determined by the terms of the appointment. Makes members of the Senior Foreign Service eligible for performance pay similar to that available to members of the Senior Executive Service. Provides for within-class salary increases under the Foreign Service Schedule unless the individual does not meet the class standards of performance. Authorizes the Secretary to grant additional increases in salary for meritorious service. Authorizes the Secretary to regulate local compensation plans for the guidance of all Federal agencies. Sets forth provisions concerning salaries of consular agents and compensation of foreign nationals imprisoned by reason of their employment by the U.S. Government. Provides extra compensation for: (1) temporary service as a principal officer; or (2) regular work substantially in excess of normal requirements. Directs the Secretary to classify all positions to be occupied by members of the Foreign Service. Permits such positions to be filled by personnel of other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to assign members of the Foreign Service to non-Foreign Service positions. Provides that career personnel of the Foreign Service shall be expected to serve abroad for substantial portions of their careers. Requires all promotions of members of the Senior Foreign Service or under the Foreign Service Schedule to be based on the recommendations and rankings of selection boards. Sets forth the criteria for promotion into the Senior Foreign Service. Prescribes the basis for selection board review. Authorizes the Secretary to make a promotion or grant an award of performance pay or salary increase on the recommendations of other specified boards. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe the maximum time during which Senior Foreign Service members, Foreign Service officers, and other designated Foreign Service personnel may remain in a salary class without a promotion. Permits limited extensions of career appointments in the case of those whose maximum time in class expires. Stipulates that a member shall be retired from the Foreign Service if such member fails to meet prescribed standards of performance. Provides retirement benefits for those who must retire. Stipulates that the exclusive administrative procedure for challenging a separation for cause from the Foreign Service is before the Foreign Grievance Board. Sets forth provisions concerning termination of limited and temporary appointments and of consular agents and foreign national employees. Directs the Secretary to operate the Foreign Service Institute and to provide training and counseling to members of the Foreign Service and their families. Requires the Secretary to establish foreign language proficiency requirements for Foreign Service members assigned abroad. Sets forth provisions concerning the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System. Requires the consent of a spouse who has resided with a member for ten years or more before the member participant may waive or reduce the survivor's annuity. Gives credit for annuity purposes for periods of internment of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II. Permits an annuitant to assign amounts from the annuity. Directs the Secretary to make payments, otherwise due an annuitant, to another person pursuant to a divorce decree or court-approved property settlement. Sets forth provisions concerning travel expenses, health care benefits, and representation allowances. Sets forth labor-management provisions applicable to all members of Foreign Service, including former members, but excluding management officials, confidential employees, consular agents, and strikers, in the Department of State, International Communication Agency, and the International Development Cooperation Agency. Authorizes the President to exclude other offices or posts for national security purposes or in emergency situations. Sets forth labor and management rights. Establishes the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board to supervise representation elections, certify exclusive bargaining agents, and resolve complaints of unfair labor practices. Provides for judicial review and enforcement of the Board's actions. Establishes a Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel to assist in resolving negotiating impasses. Stipulates that the Department shall constitute a single worldwide bargaining unit. Sets forth the duties and rights of the exclusive representative. Establishes a grievance procedure for disputes arising out of the implementation of collective bargaining agreements. Defines unfair labor practices. Requires labor organizations to meet certain standards of conduct. Provides for union dues and use of official time. Sets forth provisions regarding the grievance procedure. Stipulates that members of a bargaining unit may be represented only by the exclusive representative. Permits the Department and the exclusive representative to negotiate certain aspects of the grievance procedure. Establishes the Foreign Service Grievance Board to resolve grievances. Requires the Foreign Service to be administered in conformity with the Civil Service and other government systems with regard to personnel and retirement. Gives the Secretary exclusive authority over specific Foreign Service functions. Title II: Transition, Amendments to Other Laws, Repeals and Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to convert present members of the Foreign Service, who are available for assignment abroad, to the appropriate classes in the Foreign Service Schedule. Permits Foreign Service officers and Foreign Service Reserve officers, with class 2 or higher appointments and available for world-wide assignment, to request appointment to the Senior Foreign Service. Requires those eligible, who do not elect to enter the Senior Foreign Service, to retire within three years. Requires the conversion of present members of the Foreign Service, who are not available for world-wide assignment, to the Civil Service in a comparable grade. Stipulates that a conversion shall not cause any reduction in the individual's class, grade, or salary. Permits continued participation in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System by those converted to the Civil Service . Amends the Act providing certain basic authority for the Department of State to add provisions, presently found in the Foreign Service Act of 1946, concerning: (1) gifts; (2) attorneys; (3) family employment opportunities; (4) vehicle use; (5) educational facilities; (6) malpractice protection; and (7) services to post employees. Amends the Peace Corps Act, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to conform to this Act. Permits the extension or renewal of limited appointments of Foreign Service personnel for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Includes Ambassadors at Large within level II of the Executive Schedule. Amends Civil Service provisions allowing attorney fees to be awarded in unfair labor practice and grievance proceedings to include Foreign Service personnel within such coverage. Exempts members of the Senior Foreign Service from limitations on accumulated leave. Repeals specified provisions of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, the Foreign Relations Authorization Acts, Fiscal Years 1979, 1978, and 1977, the Department of State Appropriations Authorization Act of 1973, the Act establishing a Foreign Service Information Officer Corps, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Peace Corps Act, and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1977, which are superseded by this Act. Makes the provisions of this Act severable. Continues the effectiveness of actions taken under laws superseded by this Act. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress concerning compatibility among agencies, utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Mutual Support Act of 1979 - Authorizes the acquisition of equipment and services for U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Europe from the other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, pursuant to agreements under this Act, in lieu of the procurement provisions applicable to the U.S. Armed Forces. Sets forth limitations on such authority concerning: (1) initial issue quantity requirements; (2) excluded equipment; (3) acquisitions on a reimbursable basis; and (4) agreements for base operations support or use of facilities. Authorizes the transfer of equipment and services from U.S. Armed Forces deployed in Europe for the use of the armed forces of NATO countries, pursuant to agreements which are in lieu of Arms Export Control Act provisions. Stipulates that such equipment and services be acquired or transferred on a: (1) reimbursement basis; (2) rent-free short-term loan basis; or (3) replacement-in-kind basis (including exchanges). Requires the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations before any agreement may be concluded under this Act. Stipulates that such regulations shall contain provisions concerning: (1) payment methods; (2) recordkeeping requirements; (3) contracts by members of Congress; and (4) acquisitions of equipment subject to other statutory limitations. Directs the Secretary to submit annual descriptions to Congress of: (1) agreements entered into pursuant to this Act; and (2) the dollar values of transactions. Authorizes the transfer of supplies to military aircraft of NATO countries when such aircraft are present in the United States and Canada in support of armed forces deployed in Europe.
![Official portrait of Rep. Zablocki, Clement J. [D-WI-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/z000001_200.jpg)