United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Foreign Service Retirement Amendments of 1979 - Repeals the mandatory retirement provisions applicable to certain Foreign Service personnel, including career ambassadors, participants in the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System, and Foreign Service information officers. States that the amendments made by this Act shall only apply with respect to service on or after February 22, 1979.
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
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases by 50 percent Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the program of optional State supplemental payment under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) (SSI) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish States with such information about residential institutions, foster homes, and group living arrangements in which a significant number of recipients of SSI benefits are residing as is necessary for the States to establish and enforce standards for such institutions. Sets forth specific matters which such State standards must cover. Deletes the requirement of a reduction of the payment of an SSI beneficiary who lives in such an institution, home, or group living arrangement when such residence does not meet State standards. Directs the Secretary, upon findings that the standards established by a State under this Act will assure a reasonable standard of well-being for residents of such institutions, to reimburse the State for the costs attributable to the compensation or training of personnel responsible for inspecting such institutions to determine whether they comply with the standards established by the States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to finance the construction and rehabilitation of congregate facilities in federally assisted housing projects and the provision of congregate services for elderly and handicapped individuals and families.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies. Directs the Secretary, to establish a Drug Benefits List of prescription and nonlegend qualified drugs, limited to specified pharmacological therapeutic categories, which the Secretary deems appropriate for the treatment of conditions, illnesses, or injuries to the person or well-being of aged individuals. Specifies conditions under which participating pharmacies may substitute lower cost, therapeutic equivalents for prescribed drugs. Establishes a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary on policy in general and the content and format of the drug benefits list in particular. Sets conditions for the participation of pharmacies in the program. Prescribes criminal penalties for fraud.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Makes it unlawful for any person, knowingly or intentionally, to possess, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or unlawfully import, on board a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a controlled substance as defined in the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Makes it unlawful for a citizen of the United States to engage in such activities on any vessel. Prohibits any person on any vessel, within or without the United States, to attempt or conspire to import or transport a controlled substance into the United States or to attempt or conspire to facilitate the import or transport of such a substance (except as provided by certain Federal law). Makes it unlawful to transfer a controlled substance from any vessel to a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, either within the territorial seas of the United States or on the high seas. Stipulates that any person who violates this Act shall be sentenced in the same manner as a person would be sentenced for possession of a controlled substance under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program (Part B of title XVIII). Eliminates the $60 deductible under the supplementary medical insurance program with respect to home health services. Includes services by a community mental health center among the benefits provided under the medicare program for up to: (1) 10 outpatient visits per year; and (2) 60 partial hospitalization visits per year. Stipulates that in determining the 190-day limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program, one day shall be included for every four partial hospitalization visits to a community mental health center. Sets forth the conditions and limitations on payments for community mental health center services.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service), as amended by the Health Services Extension Act of 1978, to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to State health authorities for preventive health service programs for the treatment of hypertension.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for preventive services furnished in the screening, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals for hypertension.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include within its medical coverage: (1) preventive health care, including an annual comprehensive physical examination of older individuals, and diagnostic services; (2) hearing aids, foot care, dental care, and vision aids (including hearing and vision examinations for older individuals); (3) care and services provided by outpatient clinics for the elderly; (4) nutritional counseling; (5) professional guidance and counseling for aged and disabled individuals living alone at home; (6) periodic chore services; and (7) hospital outreach services. Revises title XIX to require State comprehensive medical plans to include provisions for payment of services provided by home health agencies and other long-term care providers. Permits the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist them in funding specified demonstration and pilot projects to determine the effectiveness of various home health and supportive services. Permits the Secretary to make grants to political subdivisions of States to enable them: (1) to conduct annual health fairs through which individuals over age 60 would be provided free medical checkups; and (2) to establish programs under which regular medical services for individuals over age 60 would be provided within the jurisdiction of the subdivisions in mobile health facilities. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that a minimum of $15,000,000 be obligated for grants and contracts for emergency medical services systems for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for preventive examinations for hypertension and drugs for the treatment of hypertension.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow the Select Committee on Aging to appoint, by majority vote of the committee, not more than 18 professional staff members.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979
Regional Energy Development Act of 1979 - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation. Defines "Northeastern States" as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, not an agency or establishment of the United States, to be known as the Energy Corporation of the Northeast. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State subscribes for State stock, contributes initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enacts supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the energy needs of the Northeast. Allows the Corporation to assist projects by loans, guarantees, or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of ten percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging the credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Stipulates that such obligations are not tax exempt. Prohibits purchase of such obligations by the United States. Establishes an administrative expense fund in the U.S. Treasury to provide for the administrative expense payments with respect to guaranteed obligations. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income, and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
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
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights which includes as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; and (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979
Recognizes the right of all people of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, to control their own political destiny. Urges the President to pursue policies consistent with such right.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Home Finance Leveraging Act of 1979 - Exempts programs of the Federal National Mortgage Association authorized under the National Housing Act or the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970 from State and local usury laws.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Extends through fiscal year 1984 the entitlement periods for the authorization of appropriations under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplemental medical insurance program.
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
Anti-Arson Act of 1979 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection and control of arson. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the awarding of grants to States and localities for: (1) programs designed to prevent and detect crimes involving arson; and (2) the development of education and training for State and local prosecutors with respect to the crime of arson. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) develop a special investigation program for the crime of arson. Directs the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Amends the Urban Property Protection and Reinsurance Act of 1968 to provide that fair access to insurance requirements plans shall require policies to be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow renters of their principal residence an income tax credit for 25 percent of their proportionate share of the State and local real property taxes imposed upon the property on which their residence is located. Stipulates that the amount of the allowable credit may not exceed the amount of rent paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979
National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish a National Digestive Diseases Education and Information Clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information respecting digestive diseases and to serve as a national educational resource for patients with digestive diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to medical schools for education and training programs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of digestive diseases. Establishes a 24-member part-time National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board to advise on the coordination of Federal agencies' efforts in the implementation of the long- range plan of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, among other specified functions. Terminates such Board on September 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Space Technology for the Elderly Act - Establishes a program within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop devices and strategies to meet the special needs and alleviate the suffering of the elderly by the use of innovative technologies derived from NASA's space and energy research and development. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Directs the Administrator of NASA: (1) to administer this Act; (2) to report to Congress; and (3) to publish a catalog of such devices and strategies.
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
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from prescribing rules to permit increased duplication of radio broadcasting station assignments on class I-A clear channels.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to reallot unused social services funds to States which will use such funds during the succeeding year in preventing or reducing inappropriate institutional care by providing for community-based care, home-based care, or other forms of less intensive care. Allocates additional Federal matching funds for multipurpose senior center programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to clarify and standardize the eligibility requirements to the provision of assistance to multipurpose senior centers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to examine the use of the AM radio broadcasting band and to assign such spectrum and distribute licenses so as to ensure that each community, regardless of size, is provided with the maximum local full-time radio broadcasting service.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to delete the tariff provisions: (1) for products of the United States which are assembled abroad; and (2) for metals exported for additional processing and returned for further processing in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse State and local governments for providing special protection on a regular basis to foreign diplomatic missions or foreign officials in specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Administrative Rulemaking Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rulemaking session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rulemaking. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rulemaking include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rulemaking, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rulemaking proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rulemaking sessions except: (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment on all rulemaking proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rulemaking. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rulemaking under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rulemaking before July 1, 1984. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective 90 days after enactment. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-eight Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
National Digestive Diseases Prevention, Cure, and Control Act - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to establish a National Digestive Diseases Education and Information Clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information respecting digestive diseases and to serve as a national educational resource for patients with digestive diseases. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to medical schools for education and training programs in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of digestive diseases. Establishes a 24-member part-time National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board to advise on the coordination of Federal agencies' efforts in the implementation of the long- range plan of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, among other specified functions. Terminates such Board on September 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Small Business Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct each Federal department, agency, and instrumentality engaged in rulemaking to prepare a written analysis of whether it is legal, feasible, and desirable to exempt small businesses (or classes thereof) from a rule or whether the agency should promulgate a rule with lesser compliance standards for small businesses. Sets forth information which must be present in such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to require public notice by manufacturers of tire defects should he determine it necessary in the interest of motor vehicle safety. Stipulates under what conditions such notice may be required for any defects occurring before the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual may work without being considered as having engaged in substantial gainful activity, and thus forfeiting disability status, if such individual's earnings are at a rate that does not exceed the amount specified by this Act. Excludes from an individual's income, for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits under such title, an amount equal to the expenses which such individual incurs in earning income.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and for physical examinations, and for related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend to permanently and totally disabled individuals the one time $100,000 exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence.
![Official portrait of Rep. Zeferetti, Leo C. [D-NY-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/z000002_200.jpg)