United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the electric utility system compliance option requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to: (1) extend the date for the submission of the system compliance plan required under such Act from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 1980; (2) extend the date for converting electric utility powerplants from using natural gas from 1990 to 1995; and (3) to increase from 20 percent to 50 percent the percentage of gas-fired powerplants owned or operated by an electric utility which must be converted by such date.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Competitive Export Financing Act of 1980 - Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to direct the Export-Import Bank to adopt export finance programs comparable in structure to those extraordinary measures of official export credits offered by competing countries, until such financing is limited by international agreements. Requires the Bank to report annually to Congress as to whether any additional appropriations or any increases in its commitment authority or ceiling levels are necessary to carry out this Act. States that this Act shall not take effect until six months after enactment, unless the President defers the effective date for an additional six months.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to prohibit the use of natural gas as a primary energy source in an existing electric powerplant on or after January 1, 1990 unless such powerplant used natural gas as a primary energy source at any time during 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Congratulates the members of the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympic team, its coaches and officials for a job well done. Recognizes the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and the people of the Lake Placid area for their successful efforts in organizing and producing the XIII Winter Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a new title VI of such Act: "International Education Programs." Establishes International and Foreign Studies Programs under HEA. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to or contracts with institutions of higher education for establishing, strengthening, and operating graduate and undergraduate centers for modern foreign language studies, foreign area studies, international studies, and the international aspects of professional and other fields of study. Authorizes grants to such centers to maintain important library collections. Authorizes stipends to individuals undergoing advanced training at such centers. Authorizes grants for advanced international studies centers and for undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs to institutions of higher education, combinations of such institutions, and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research and studies to contribute to such programs and the International Understanding programs established by this Act under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Directs the Secretary to publish an annual report on such matters. Directs the Secretary to make excellence the criterion of such grants and, consistent with such criterion, to seek an equitable distribution of such funds throughout the Nation. Directs the Secretary to convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such HEA programs and the ESEA International Understanding programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such HEA International and Foreign Language programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Establishes Business and International Education Programs under HEA. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the cost of such program for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such programs; and (2) publish an annual report on such matters. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the HEA Business and International Education Programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish International Understanding programs under an "International Understanding Act." Authorizes the Secretary to stimulate, by grant or contract, educational programs to increase the understanding of students and the public in the U.S. about the cultures and actions of other nations in order to better evaluate the international and domestic impact of major national policies. Allows such assistance to be made: (1) to any public or private agency or organization; (2) for inservice training and for compilation and dissemination of information and resources, but not for equipment acquisition or facility remodeling; (3) for programs at all levels, including community, adult, and continuing education; and (4) for critically important foreign language instruction by local educational agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the ESEA International Understanding programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Repeals the foreign studies and language development program of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the grant programs for advanced and undergraduate international studies of the International Education Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1980
National Intelligence Act of 1980 - Title I: Authorization for Intelligence Activities - Defines, for purposes of this Act, the terms: (1) "intelligence" as any information relating to or resulting from any foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism intelligence, or special activity; (2) "intelligence community" to include the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the National Security Agency (NSA), specified offices of the Department of Defense, the intelligence components of the military services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Intelligence and Research of the Department of State, the foreign intelligence components of the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Energy, and any successor to any such entity; (3) "national intelligence" as foreign intelligence which is used in the formulation of national policy; (4) "special activity" as an activity conducted abroad which is designed to further U.S. programs and executed so that the role of the U.S. is not acknowledged publicly; (5) "United States person" to include any association organized in the United States or any unincorporated association the members of which are U.S. citizens or resident aliens, which is not openly acknowledged to be controlled by a foreign government. Authorizes the entities of the intelligence community to conduct intelligence activities, under the direction and review of the National Security Council, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Directs the National Security Council (NSC) to provide the highest level review of, and direction to, the conduct of intelligence activities. Lists the responsibilities of NSC which include assisting the President in developing communications security policies. Authorizes the President to establish committees of NSC as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities. Permits special activities to be conducted by: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Department of Defense in a period of war or to the extent necessary for hostilities under the War Powers Resolution; or (3) by another agency as determined by the President. Allows the President and the NSC to designate other agencies to provide support for any special activity. Requires any special activity to be authorized by the President only after: (1) the President finds that (a) such activity is important to the national security, (b) overt or less sensitive alternatives would not achieve the intended objective, and (c) the anticipated benefits of such activity justify its risks and consequences; and (2) the NSC or an NSC committee conducts a review and recommends a decision concerning such activity to the President. Directs the NSC to supervise special activities. Requires the President to establish procedures for approving other sensitive intelligence activities. Prohibits any person acting on behalf of the U.S. to engage or conspire to engage in assassination. Directs the President to establish guidelines for intelligence activities which protect the integrity and independence of private U.S. institutions. Prohibits any intelligence community entity from establishing as a cover for any of its agents, an affiliation with a U.S. religious, media, or educational institution, the Peace Corps, or any Government program designed to promote education, the arts, humanities, or cultural affairs through international exchanges. Prohibits any intelligence community entity from supporting any communication for the purpose of influencing public opinion within the United States unless Government involvement is acknowledged. Permits an entity to conceal its sponsorship of a contract for the provision of goods or services for an organization under specified circumstances. Prohibits an intelligence entity from encouraging any person to commit an act which the entity is prohibited from committing. Directs the President to appoint an Intelligence Oversight Board (IOB) (previously established pursuant to Executive Order 11905) which shall function to provide the President independent oversight of the intelligence community. Requires each intelligence entity to designate: (1) a general counsel who shall review entity activities and rules to ensure compliance with Federal laws and Presidential and entity directives; and (2) an inspector general who shall determine how entity functions may be performed more effectively, and advise the entity head respecting matters of legality. Directs the Attorney General: (1) to report to the IOB and the President any intelligence activities involving serious questions of law; and (2) to keep the IOB and entity general counsels informed of Department of Justice opinions affecting the intelligence community. Requires the head of each intelligence entity to report to the Attorney General any evidence of possible violations of Federal criminal laws by an entity employee or any other person. Empowers each entity head to take disciplinary action against any employee who violates a provision of this Act or a regulation established pursuant to this Act. Directs each entity head: (1) to keep the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (Committees) fully informed of all intelligence activities, including anticipated special activities, of such entity; and (2) to furnish the Committees information concerning such activities and copies of all record schedules submitted to the Archivist of the United States. Requires each Committee to report, at least annually, to its respective House on U.S. intelligence activities. Sets forth House and Senate rules governing the disclosure to the public and to Members and employees of Congress of any classified intelligence information. Requires a previous authorization before funds may be appropriated for national intelligence, counterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence activities. Declares that all intelligence activities shall be subject to audit and review by the Comptroller General at the request of either Committee. Permits the Director of National Intelligence to exempt certain activities from audit or review. Title II: Standards for Intelligence Activities - Defines the term: (1) "covert technique" as a collection activity that is designated by the President for the purpose of protecting privacy and constitutional rights from significant intrusion; and (2) "extraordinary technique" as any technique, including electronic surveillance or a physical search, directed at a U.S. person outside the United States for which a warrant would be required if undertaken in the United States. Sets forth guidelines and restrictions with regard to the collection, retention, and dissemination of intelligence concerning U.S. persons by an intelligence entity. Permits an entity: (1) to utilize any technique of conducting an intelligence activity against any person with that person's consent; (2) to collect publicly available information; and (3) to retain and disseminate any information about a person which does not identify that person. Permits an intelligence entity to conduct intelligence activities directed against U.S. persons only in accordance with procedures established by the entity head and approved by the Attorney General. Requires that such procedures: (1) protect constitutional rights and privacy; (2) designate officials to initiate, approve, review, and make records of such activities; (3) include minimization procedures; and (4) define the scope, intensity, and duration of the different types of activities. Directs the entity head to submit the procedures to the Committees before their effective date. Prohibits the collection of foreign intelligence by covert techniques directed against U.S. persons except: (1) in the course of collecting connterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence; or (2) when the President finds, after a review and recommendation by the NSC, that because of extraordinary circumstances, the information is essential to national security and cannot be acquired by any other means. Requires that the Attorney General be advised concerning any such collection. Authorizes such collections only by: (1) the FBI; (2) the National Security Agency when directed at foreign electromagnetic communications; and (3) the CIA, with the approval of the Attorney General, when the target is a senior foreign official or an entity controlled by a foreign power. Allows counterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence activities to be directed against a U.S. person without the person's consent only if there is reasonable evidence that the person is engaged in clandestine intelligence activities for a foreign power or terrorist activity. Specifies the means by which such intelligence may be collected, under certain conditions, including the use of mail covers, physical surveillance, and directed collection. Prohibits the use of covert techniques or mail covers in the collection of information about a U.S. person: (1) whom a designated official finds is the target of foreign intelligence activity; (2) who is being considered as a potential source of intelligence or operational assistance; and (3) in regard to providing personnel, document, communication, or physical security for intelligence activities. Sets forth conditions for collecting such information. Requires the head of each intelligence entity to review, annually, any intelligence activity directed against a U.S. person which lasts over one year and to report on such review to the Attorney General. Prohibits the use of extraordinary techniques to collect information concerning a U.S. person outside the United States except pursuant to a court order. Specifies the requirements which must be satisfied before a court may issue an order to use such techniques to collect foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, or counterterrorism intelligence. Precludes an order from authorizing the use of an extraordinary technique for a period exceeding 90 days. Directs the court established pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Search and Surveillance Act to observe the procedural and administrative provisions of such Act when reviewing applications for court orders under this Title. Permits military judges appointed by the Secretary of Defense to issue orders for extraordinary techniques directed against military personnel abroad in accordance with provisions of this title. Prohibits a court, when determining whether to issue a court order, from requiring the disclosure of any cooperative or liaison relationship between a Government agency and a foreign government, if the Director of National Intelligence determines such disclosure would jeopardize that relationship. Permits an intelligence entity to conduct covert or extraordinary techniques without approval or a court order for 72 hours if the entity head determines that an emergency situation exists and that the factual basis for approval or a court order exists. Specifies the criminal penalties and civil liability to be applied to any Government employee who intentionally engages in foreign electronic surveillance or foreign physical search or discloses information obtained by such methods except as authorized by statute. Title III: The Intelligence Community - Creates the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as an independent executive establishment. Declares that the Director and Deputy Director of National Intelligence shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the President for not more than ten years. Sets forth the duties and authorities of the Director who shall serve as the principal foreign intelligence officer of the United States. Requires the Director: (1) to be responsible for coordinating all national intelligence, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism intelligence activities; (2) to evaluate the quality of national intelligence and the management of intelligence activities; (3) to direct national intelligence collection; (4) to be responsible for the production and dissemination of national intelligence; (5) to ensure the appropriate implementation of special activities and sensitive foreign intelligence, counter intelligence, and counterterrorism activities; (6) to develop policies with respect to intelligence arrangements with foreign governments; and (7) to be responsible for the management of information relating to intelligence sources and methods. Authorizes the Director to conduct program and performance audits of national intelligence activities, and to review all Government intelligence activities and supporting research and development activities. Authorizes the President to appoint: (1) five Assistant Directors of National Intelligence, no more than two of whom may be military officers; and (2) a General Counsel to discharge the responsibilities of the general counsel of the ODNI and the CIA under this Act. Authorizes the Director, the Attorney General, and the head of each intelligence entity to establish such committees and boards as may be necessary to carry out provisions of this Act and to waive the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Director to make available to the public an annual, unclassified report on the national intelligence, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism intelligence activities conducted by intelligence entities. Grants the Director exclusive authority for approval of the national intelligence budget submitted to the President. Authorizes the expenditure of ODNI funds to be accounted for solely on the certificate of the Director. Title IV: Central Intelligence Agency - Reestablishes the CIA as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Declares that the Director of National Intelligence shall serve as Director of the CIA (Agency Director). Authorizes the President to appoint the Deputy Director of National Intelligence or an Assistant Director of National Intelligence as the Agency Director or to transfer any of the duties of the Agency Director to the Deputy or Assistant Director with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Agency Director to appoint an Inspector General to carry out the duties of inspector general under this Act for the ODNI and the CIA. Sets forth the functions of the Agency which include: (1) conducting foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism intelligence by clandestine means; (2) conducting special activities; (3)producing intelligence to meet the needs of the President, the NSC, and the ODNI; (4) acting as the agent of the Director of National Intelligence in coordinating intelligence activities abroad; (5) acting as a liaison with foreign government agencies; and (6) performing administrative functions for the ODNI. Permits the Agency: (1) to collect foreign intelligence by clandestine means in the United States in coordination with the FBI; and (2) to conduct counterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence activities by clandestine means in the United States only with the approval of the Director of the FBI. Specifies security, personnel, and ancillary functions of the Agency to procure property and services, enter into contracts, and dispose of property when necessary to perform its authorized functions, without regard to the provisions of other laws. Permits the Agency to establish and operate proprietaries in support of its functions. Requires the Agency to deposit excess funds generated by the proprietary into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury. Establishes the Contingency Reserve Fund for the payment of any expenses of an authorized intelligence activity which were not anticipated at the time the Agency's budget was submitted. Permits the Agency Director to withdraw money from the Fund if: (1) the Officer of Management and Budget approves the withdrawal; and (2) the Director notifies specified congressional committees of the withdrawal within a specified period. Authorizes the Agency Director to pay employees the same benefits, travel allowances, and death gratuities as Foreign Service officers receive under current statutes. Establishes a criminal penalty to be assessed against any person who uses the name, initials, or seal of the CIA without authorization to convey the impression that a publication or production is endorsed or authorized by the Agency. Title V: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Declares that all intelligence functions of the FBI shall be performed under the supervision of the Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General to be guided by NSC policies and responsive to foreign intelligence collection requirements promulgated by the Director of National Intelligence. Directs the Attorney General and the FBI Director to review FBI intelligence activities annually and to designate officials to act as a general counsel and an inspector general for the FBI. Specifies the duties of the FBI Director which include: (1) serving as the principal Government officer for conducting counterintelligence and counterterrorism intelligence activities within the U.S.; (2) ensuring that FBI intelligence activities are in accordance with this Act, Federal laws, and the Constitution; and (3) advising and assisting the Attorney General and the NSC on counterintelligence and counterterrorism intelligence matters. Directs the FBI to: (1) collect and disseminate counterintelligence and counterterrorism intelligence; (2) conduct other intelligence activities as are necessary for lawful purposes; and (3) conduct liaison for counterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence purposes with foreign governments. Requires any FBI intelligence activities outside the United States to be coordinated with and approved by the CIA. Requires the approval of the Attorney General with respect to such activities which are not directly related to the FBI's domestic activities. Permits another intelligence entity to conduct clandestine counterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence activities within the U.S. only with written FBI approval and notice to the Attorney General. Authorizes the FBI: (1) to collect foreign intelligence within the U.S. in the course of authorized collection of counterintelligence and counterterrorism intelligence; (2) to produce foreign intelligence in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence; and (3) to conduct activities in support of foreign intelligence collection programs of another intelligence entity with the FBI Director's approval and notice to the Attorney General. Requires the FBI to coordinate all collection of foreign intelligence by clandestine means within the United States by any intelligence entity. Allows only the FBI to collect foreign information, within the U.S., by clandestine means directed against an unconsenting U.S. person. Specifies conditions under which the FBI may collect counterintelligence or counterterrorism intelligence on the written request of a foreign government. Authorizes the FBI: (1) to establish secure cover for employees and sources; (2) to establish and operate proprietaries; and (3) to procure goods or services in such a manner that the role of the FBI is not publicly acknowledged. Title VI: National Security Agency - Defines the term "United States signals intelligence system" to include the National Security Agency, elements of the military departments and the CIA which perform signals intelligence activities, and other agencies authorized by the NSC to perform such activities. Reestablishes the National Security Agency within the Department of Defense to conduct signals intelligence activities and communications security activities for the United States and to serve as the principal agency of the United States signals intelligence system. Directs the Secretary of Defense, in supervising the Agency, to comply with intelligence policies established by the NSC and with requirements established by the Director of National Intelligence. States that the Director and Deputy Director of the Agency shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the President for a period not to exceed 12 years. Specifies the duties of the Director which include: (1) serving as the principal signals intelligence and communications security officer of the Government; (2) consolidating the signals intelligence and communications security functions of the Government; (3) preparing a consolidated United States signals intelligence program and budget and a consolidated Department of Defense communications security program and budget for each fiscal year; (4) conducting liaison on cryptologic matters with foreign governments; (5) instituting sufficient measures to ensure the confidentiality of U.S. communications; and (6) providing signals intelligence support for military operations in accordance with priorities assigned by the Secretary of Defense. Provides for the appointment of a General Counsel and an Inspector General of the Agency. Authorizes the Agency to: (1) rent, lease, construct, or alter buildings to carry out its functions under this title; (2) maintain secure cover for Agency employees and entities; and (3) direct the transfer of cryptologic equipment among intelligence entities and between intelligence entities and other agencies. Permits the Agency to procure goods or services in the name of the Department of Defense and to conceal the participation of the Department when necessary for security. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make funds available to the Agency for confidential or emergency expenses only from funds appropriated for that specific purpose. Allows the Agency, under such regulations as the Agency approves, to provide Agency employees the same allowances, benefits, and death gratuities provided to Foreign Service employees. Authorizes the Director to establish or assist in establishing commissary and mess services at posts outside the United States where such services or facilities are not provided by another agency. Amends civil service retirement provisions to entitle certain Agency employees involved in hazardous duty to a special annuity. Requires the Director to make special provision for the delegation of operational control of signals intelligence activities required to provide support to military commanders and agency heads. Prohibits any organization outside the United States signals intelligence system from performing signals intelligence activities without NSC authorization. Transfers all personnel, obligations, and contracts of the National Security Agency on the day before the enactment of this Title to the Director of the Agency. Title VII: Protection of Identities of Certain Undercover Intelligence Officers, Agents, Informants, and Sources - Sets forth a criminal penalty to be imposed on any person: (1) who has or has had access to classified information which identifies an employee, agent, or information source of the CIA or any intelligence component of the Department of Defense; (2) who knows that the United States is trying to conceal such information; and (3) who intentionally discloses such information to any individual not authorized to receive classified information. States that only the person committing the offense shall be subject to prosecution under this Title. Title VIII: Physical Searches Within the United States - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to extend the procedures for the authorization of electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes to the authorization of a physical search. Defines the term "physical search" as any search of property or opening of mail in the United States for which a warrant would be required for law enforcement purposes. Permits the President, acting through the Attorney General, to authorize a physical search directed solely at property under foreign control provided that no property or mail of a United States person shall be seized. Permits the Attorney General to authorize physical entry of such property for electronic surveillance purposes. Prohibits any court order issued under such Act from authorizing more than one unconsented entry of real property except for electronic surveillance purposes. Requires any court order approving more than one search of property or the opening of more than one item of mail to identify the authorized scope of the searches or opening of mail. Title IX: Miscellaneous Amendments and Effective Date - Makes conforming and technical amendments. Repeals the Hughes-Ryan Amendment which prohibited the CIA from expending funds for certain operations in foreign countries until the President submitted a report on such operations to the appropriate committees of Congress. Specifies the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1980
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to receive, consider, and act upon any petition of a named individual relating to the reinstatement of a specified oil and gas lease.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Amends the Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act of 1978 to raise from $4,000,000,000 to $6,000,000,000 the limit on the total principal balance outstanding at any time on loans insured or guaranteed under such Act. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to make new contracts of insurance or guarantee under such Act until September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1980
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to increase the minimum level of price support on quota peanuts for the 1980 and 1981 crops from $420 per ton to $502 per ton.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create a category of incentive stock options for employees, who would not be required to pay tax at the time such an option is exercised and would receive capital gains treatment on the proceeds of any subsequent sale of such stock. Denies the employer any deduction with respect to such stock either at the time of option exercise or at the time of subsequent sale. Requires the issuance of any such option, with shareholder approval, at 100 percent of fair market value. Accepts any stock later determined to be undervalued if issued with a good faith effort to make such issue at not less than fair market value. Allows exercise of such option up to ten years after issuance, and in any sequence. Limits long-term capital gain treatment to the sale of incentive stock held by the employee at least two years after the grant of the option and one year after exercise. Subjects any such stock sold within two years after option grant to ordinary income treatment. Requires an employee to remain an employee continuously from grant to three months prior to exercise. Prohibits the employee from owning more than ten percent of the voting power or value of the stock of the company unless the option price is at least 110 percent of fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate for the forceful action of Colonel Ishmail Kahn and Mr. Bill Hamidullah in repelling the attackers of the International School of Islamabad in Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the Red River Compact among the States of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, which concerns the apportionment of the water of the Red River and its tributaries.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1980
Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the Caddo Lake Compact between Louisiana and Texas, which concerns the apportionment of the water of Caddo Lake.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the U.S. Olympic Committee should petition the International Olympic Committee to relocate the 1980 summer games; and (2) the United States should not participate, if such games are not relocated.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the Senate's support for efforts to win the freedom of the hostages in Iran. Calls upon all nations to join in cooperative efforts to restrict relations with Iran. Declares that: (1) any trial or public exploitation of the hostages would be viewed as added provocation; and (2) the American people will not be diverted from their determination that the hostages be freed.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to aggregate employees of an adjunct professional organization and the employees of the professional organizations which are related to such adjunct professional organization for purposes of determining the eligibility of such organizations to participate in tax-qualified pension plans.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979
Declares that the Senate: (1) supports the efforts of the Secretary of State to secure the cooperation of other governments in securing the release of the hostages in Iran; (2) appreciates those actions already taken by foreign governments to secure the release of the hostages; (3) deplores companies seeking to profit by American economic measures against Iran; and (4) urges Japan to take affirmative measures to support American economic actions against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Public Buildings Act of 1979 - Title I: General Authorities - Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA), acting through the Public Buildings Service, to acquire, design, construct, lease, manage, maintain, repair, renovate, and assign space in public buildings. Establishes in GSA a Public Buildings Service to be headed by a Superintendent of Public Buildings. Creates the position of Supervising Architect to supervise all design activities of the Public Buildings Service. Permits the Administrator to delegate any of the aforementioned authorities after first explaining the scope and reasons for such delegation to specified congressional committees. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to annually report to Congress concerning activities undertaken to meet the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Specifies lists to be included in such report. Repeals the Public Buildings Act of 1959. Title II: Locations for Federal Agency Offices - Sets forth requirements for the location of Federal agency offices. Requires the headquarters offices of each Federal agency to be located in the Washington, D.C. area. Requires other Federal agency offices, designated as being located outside of Washington, D.C., to be evenly distributed throughout the country. Permits agency heads to appeal locations assigned by the Administrator. Title III: Design and Management of Public Buildings - Sets forth requirements for the design and maintenance of public buildings, including quality of architecture, longevity, conformity with existing buildings, furnishings, and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish design and construction standards to make buildings fully accessible to handicapped persons. Requires the annual plan to Congress to include a schedule for making all existing public buildings fully accessible to handicapped persons. Title IV: Mixed Use and Adaptive Use in Public Buildings - Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 to direct the Administrator to design, construct, and lease out space for commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Sets forth conditions for space so leased. Repeals provisions requiring the Administrator to: (1) identify existing buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance suitable for meeting Federal public buildings needs; and (2) notify Congress of the use or nonuse of such buildings. Title V: Exhibitions and Works of Art - Federal Building Enhancement Act of 1979 - Directs the General Services Administrator to: (1) acquire works of art by living American artists to be exhibited in Federal buildings; (2) develop exhibitions for Federal buildings which reflect the heritage or development of the United States; and (3) commission works of art by American artists for Federal buildings. Sets forth standards such works of art and exhibitions shall meet. Authorizes the Administrator to use one-half of one percent of the sums available for the construction, repair, and acquisition of public buildings for such purposes. Title VI: Architectural Services - Directs the Superintendent of Public Buildings to employ architects, designers, and urban planners to prepare, under the supervision of the Supervising Architect, plans for at least 25 percent of the dollar value of public building projects each year. Requires those architectural designs not prepared in accordance with the above to be procured in accordance with the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and a method to select the best qualified architectural firm. Directs the Administrator to provide competing firms the evaluation criteria and the reasons for the selection made. Title VII: Leasing - Permits the Administrator to lease space only in limited circumstances. Specifies that within the next ten years at least 80 percent of Federal employees shall have their principal offices in public buildings, with such percentage being maintained uniformly throughout the country. Prohibits leasing space for specified Federal functions. Exempts buildings leased pursuant to this Act from provisions requiring money consideration and limiting the amount of rent. Prohibits rental rates from exceeding 105 percent of average commercial rates for space of nearest comparable quality. Requires the Administrator to publicly solicit competitive bids to procure space by lease for the Government. Directs the Administrator to provide a copy of the lease agreement to the highest ranking official of each Federal agency in leased buildings. Sets forth information to be submitted to Congress concerning leased buildings and space. Title VIII: Congressional Authorization - Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a program of necessary projects and actions for the coming fiscal year. Prohibits the obligation of any appropriation for a public building without congressional authorization. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) carry out public building construction, renovation, and acquisition projects; (2) execute leases; and (3) issue obligations to the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes and for alterations, maintenance, planning and designs, and administration of the Public Buildings Service. Authorizes the Administrator to increase expenditures or decrease the amount of space to be constructed, up to specified limits, if the project costs exceed the estimated maximum cost authorized. Requires approval by specified committees for any other action. Title IX: Public Building Financing - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require rates and charges for public buildings and buildings leased in behalf of the United States to be established annually at a level equal to the costs of providing space and services, but no more than commercial rates and charges. Requires all proceeds from the disposal of real property, parking fees, and dressing room fees to be deposited into the fund for real property management established in the Treasury. Authorizes the Administrator to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury in order to finance the acquisition, construction, or renovation of any public building. Provides for payment of principal and interest on such obligations from the fund for real property management.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Ida Nudel and allow her to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President to: (1) express U.S. opposition to the exile of Ida Nudel to Siberia; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law, particularly concerning human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park 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 · 8 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all countries and all people be urged to respond generously to Cambodian relief efforts; (2) Cambodian authorities be encouraged to allow the use of all possible avenues for delivering food and medical supplies; and (3) the United States and the United Nations should express their expectation that the great power supporters of the factions in Cambodia share in international responsibility for averting famine.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979
Title I: Interest Rate Amendments Regarding State Usury Ceilings on Certain Loans - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the National Housing Act, the Federal Credit Union Act, and the Small Business Investment Act to permit State insured banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and small business investment companies to charge interest at one percent in excess of the discount rate in effect in their Federal Reserve districts notwithstanding lower State usury ceilings. Penalizes the charging of interest in excess of such rate by forfeiture of the creditor's entire interest in the indebtedness. Title II: Applicability of State Usury Ceilings to Certain Obligations Issued by Banks and Affiliates - Amends the Federal Reserve Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, and the Federal Credit Union Act to preclude specified financial institutions from pleading or claiming with respect to any deposit or obligation of such institution any defense or right under any State law regulating interest rates. Suspends any penalty which would attach under any such State law. Title III: Applicability - States that the provisions of this Act shall apply to any loan or obligation entered into after its enactment unless a State enacts overriding legislation. Stipulates that the amendments made by this Act not supercede provisions of law relating to business and agricultural loans of $25,000 or more.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the six-month deadline for exempting exports from the manufacturer's excise tax, to grant discretion to the Secretary of the Treasury to extend such deadline for an additional 12 months if it is determined, after consultation with the Secretary of State, that exports were delayed because of war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions in a foreign nation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to change specified levels of price support loans and price support payments for the 1980 and each subsequent crop of extra long staple cotton. Amends the Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1938 to require that extra long staple cotton acreage allotments voluntarily surrendered to county committees be so surrendered not later than January 15 of the crop harvest year. Directs (formerly authorized) the Secretary of Agriculture to permit owners or operators of farms for which an extra long staple cotton acreage allotment is established to sell or lease all or part of such allotment for transfer to farms owned or operated by others, or to transfer such allotment to other farms owned by themselves. Stipulates that farms to which such allotments are transferred may be in any State or county. Requires that such sale, lease, or transfer occur not later than January 15 of the crop harvest year. Prohibits the leasing of any such allotment for a total period greater than three years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Amends the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize payment of a gratuity (equal to one year's salary at time of death) to the surviving dependents of officers or employees of the Central Intelligence Agency who die as a result of injuries sustained outside of the United States upon a determination by the Director of Central Intelligence that the death resulted from hostile or terrorist activity or occurred in connection with an intelligence activity having a substantial element of risk.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a "disabling crime." Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by the enumerated categories of individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records or documents and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Requires that resolutions of disapproval be immediately referred to only those standing committees having legislative responsibility for this Act. Allows a sponsor of any such resolution to move to discharge from further consideration a committee which does not report out the resolution within 45 days of continuous session of Congress. States that it shall be in order to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution any time after a committee has reported or has been discharged from further consideration. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 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 · 4 October 1979
Makes the Federal tort claims procedure the exclusive remedy in medical malpractice actions resulting from federally authorized National Guard training activities (repeals the current provision covering such liability).
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to tax-exempt private foundations to exempt from the excise tax on self-dealing the leasing of office space to such a foundation by a disqualified person for use by the foundation in a building whose other tenants are not disqualified persons, if: (1) such leasing is pursuant to a binding lease in effect on October 9, 1969, or pursuant to renewals of such a lease; (2) the original execution of such lease was not a prohibited transaction; and (3) the space is made available to the foundation on a basis no less favorable than it would be if the transaction were at arm's length.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Lamb Meat Quota Act of 1979 - Limits the aggregate quantity of lamb meat that may be imported into the United States after 1979 to the smaller of: (1) 24,500,000 pounds; or (2) ten percent of the domestic slaughter of land during the preceding year. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to estimate quarterly whether the domestic price of lamb exceeds the parity price and, on the basis of such estimate, to adjust the aggregate quantity of lamb meat which may enter the United States. Requires the Secretary to estimate annually the quota established, the domestic price of lamb, and any adjustment of the quota. Directs the Secretary to allocate such quotas among supplying countries on the basis of their share of the U.S. market.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Limits the levying or collection of severance taxes by a State or within a State on coal, oil, natural gas, oil shale, or other energy resources mined or produced from Indian lands or other Federal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to limit financial responsibility in claims against the owner or operator of any vessel (except a non-self-propelled barge that does not carry oil as fuel or cargo) which uses an offshore facility, to the amount stated in the presentation of evidence of financial responsibility required by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Small Hydroelectric Power Development Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to allot funds for the planning, design, and construction of small hydroelectric projects, when deemed advisable by the Chief of Engineers. Requires the Secretary to enter into a written agreement with a non-Federal entity concerning the operation, maintenance, and repayment of the costs of such projects. Limits the size of and the Federal contribution to any such project.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Aquaculture Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, after consultation with appropriate Federal and State officials and regional fishery management councils, to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis, and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Directs the Secretaries to make periodic reviews of the operation and effectiveness of the Plan and to amend the plan as necessary. Requires the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to make a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States. Requires the Secretaries, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, or technical assistance to interested persons; (2) consult and cooperate with persons, agencies, and regional commissions; (3) encourage the implementation of aquacultural technology; and (4) prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such a program. Directs the Secretaries to: (1) establish an aquaculture information service; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) conduct a study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely affected by competition from products produced by commercial aquaculture enterprises. Directs the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, established by this Act, to prepare and submit to Congress a biennial report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Establishes the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal aquaculture research, transfer, and assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretaries, according to their responsibilities under the Plan, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Directs the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to conduct and submit to Congress, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, a study of the capital requirements of the United States aquaculture industry which shall: (1) document and analyze any capital constraints that affect the development of aquaculture in the United States; and (2) evaluate the role that appropriate Federal financial assistance does or could play in filing gaps in the normal credit market with respect to aquaculture. Requires the Secretaries to formulate and submit to Congress a capital requirements plan, based on such study, which shall include: (1) those Federal actions, if any, found to be necessary to meet financial needs unmet through normal credit channels and existing Federal programs; and (2) recommendations for legislative actions. Requires the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to conduct and submit to Congress a study of the State and Federal regulatory restrictions to aquaculture development in the United States and, based upon the results of such study, to formulate and submit to Congress a plan for acting on the study's findings.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat property which is placed in service after December 31, 1982, as energy property, for purposes of the investment tax credit, if such property qualifies as energy property and if the taxpayer is affirmatively committed on that date to its construction, reconstruction, erection, or acquisition. Defines "affirmative commitment" as (1) the completion of detailed engineering studies and the application for construction permits of licenses with local authorities; (2) the entry into a written, binding contract for the commencement of construction, reconstruction, or erection, or for the acquisition of the property; or (3) the placement of purchase orders for the acquisition of at least 50 percent of the total cost of all items of permanent equipment necessary for the construction, reconstruction, or erection of the property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt private foundations which hold interest in independent local newspapers from the tax on excess business interests with respect to such holdings. Defines "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not one of a chain of newspaper publications and which has all of its publishing offices in a single area.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
State Social Security Deposit Act of 1979 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct a State to pay to the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days following the end of each month, OASDI contributions related to the employment of State employees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Urges the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a minimum wheat set-aside for the 1980 crop year of not less than five percent of the 1980 wheat acreage.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the formula for computation of the residential energy tax credit for individuals to increase the maximum amount of such credit from $2,200 to $3,000. Extends eligibility for such credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Allows owners of various residences to take such credit for a prorated share of the costs of jointly purchased equipment. Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture. Extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non- employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income a corporate stock distribution to a stockholder based upon the reinvestment of stock dividends in the corporation by such stockholder pursuant to his election to participate in a qualified dividend reinvestment plan, as defined in this Act. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $1,500 per year. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a distribution made by a corporation which purchases its common stock within one year of such distribution shall not be deemed a distribution pursuant to a qualified dividend reinvestment plan.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Health Maintenance Organizations Medicare Reimbursement Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions relating to payments to and contractual arrangements with health maintenance organizations (HMO) on behalf of individuals eligible for Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to determine annually a per capita rate of payment for each class of individuals entitled to benefits under such title who are enrolled pursuant to this Act with a HMO. Directs the Secretary to define classes of members based on such factors as age, sex, institutional status, disability status and place of residence. Provides a rate for each class equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for that class. Defines the term "adjusted average per capita cost" to mean the average per capita amount that the Secretary estimates would be payable for services furnished under the Medicare program, if the services were to be furnished by other than an HMO. Provides that every individual entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or part B only shall be eligible to enroll with an HMO with which the Secretary has contracted to provide services. Sets limits on an HMO's premium rate and the actuarial value of its other charges for individuals enrolled under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with any HMO that can provide the benefits required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979
Energy Mobilization Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for expeditious development of domestic energy resources in order to overcome the nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy supplies. Title II: Energy Mobilization Board - Establishes the Energy Mobilization Board and authorizes it to provide financial assistance to energy projects in the form of guarantees of private sector loans to both commercial-scale and smaller research-scale plants designed to achieve specified production goals for a synthetic fuel industry. Sets forth requirements concerning membership, staff, and general powers of such Board. Authorizes the Board to create up to ten regional boards to assist in the development of smaller synthetic fuels projects. Authorizes such regional boards to guarantee loans of up to 85 percent of the total capital cost of such projects, with the total guarantee authority of each such board being set by the Energy Mobilization Board. Sets forth requirements concerning financing and composition of such boards. Exempts the Energy Mobilization Board from all Federal, State, and local taxation except as specified. Title III: Priority Energy Projects - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Directs the Board to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Exempts such designations from the impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1979. Stipulates that if the Board fails to make a designation within 60 days of receiving a designation request from a person proposing an energy project, the proposed project shall automatically be given priority project status. Directs the Board to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Sets the total time allowed for completion of all final agency action and the issuance of all final agency decisions as to licenses, permits, and other authorizations at one year from the date on which notice of designation of a priority energy project is published in the Federal Register. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline. Provides that in the event the Board refuses to grant to a Federal agency or to a priority energy project a deadline extension under the provisions of this Act, upon petition to the President, such agency or project may request a deadline extension not exceeding 120 days. Sets forth criteria for the granting of such requests by the President. Provides for the coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Board to transmit to the Governor of a State in which a priority energy project is to be located a mandatory decision schedule setting deadlines for State and local authorities to complete their actions relating to such project. Sets forth procedures authorizing the President to waive State or local law provisions causing delay in implementing the State decision schedule. Title IV: Major Natural Gas Pipeline Projects - Directs the Board to designate, upon application by a major natural gas pipeline project, each such applicant project as a project for expedited processing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Stipulates that such mandatory designation is not to be construed as a "major Federal action" for the purposes of the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Board to publish a project certification schedule containing deadlines for all action by the FERC concerning certification of such project under the Natural Gas Act of 1938. Authorizes extension of other modifications of such deadlines in limited circumstances. Directs the President to make any decisions as to certificate approval or denial in the event the FERC has not acted in accordance with its decision schedule. Authorizes the Board to establish deadlines for Federal agency action that are shorter than the minimum periods required under existing legislation. Title V: Judicial Review and Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits Judicial review of decisions of the Board made under this Act to claims alleging that an action taken pursuant to this Act will deny constitutional or statutory rights or exceed statutory jurisdiction, authorities, or limitations. Sets time limits for filing appeals or petitions for review of actions taken pursuant to this Act, and bars any challenges to such actions which are not in conformance with these provisions. Stipulates that such challenges shall be brought in the United States courts of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such courts in such matters. Directs such courts to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the docket. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Terminates the Board's authority to designate priority energy project and major natural gas pipeline projects ten years after the date of enactment of this Act. Title VI: Financial Assistance - Empowers the Board to provide financial assistance to energy projects designed to make a significant contribution to the achievement of national energy independence, which projects would not otherwise receive sufficient financing from other sources. Sets forth criteria for selecting such projects. Limits the aggregate amount of assistance made or committed under this title to any one business concern or affiliated concerns to $3,000,000,000. Authorizes the Board to provide loan guarantees to any lender lending funds to any business concern contributing to the accomplishing the purposes of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such guaranties. Authorizes the Board to build and jointly operate with private industry experimental synthetic fuel and alternate energy technology plants to develop technologies designed to assist in meeting the national production goal of one million barrels of oil per day by 1985. Directs the Board to request proposals for such projects and to select up to ten such projects for financial assistance. Limits the total amount of financial assistance through loan guarantees that the Board may have outstanding at any one time to $100,000,000,000 and limits the amount of new or renewed guarantees in any calendar year to $20,000,000,000. Terminates the Board authority to provide financial assistance ten years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires that every applicant for financial assistance under this Act provide as a condition precedent to receipt of such assistance, access to such information in its control as the Board may require for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Board to establish recordkeeping procedures to be followed by recipients of such assistance. Authorizes the President to appoint an advisory panel to study and report to the President, the Congress, and the Board concerning the effects of such loan guarantee program on the Nation's capital markets. Title VII: Capitalization and Finance - Authorizes the Board to have capital stock of $1,000,000,000 and to issue and have outstanding notes and other obligations necessary to finance the demonstration plants authorized to be build under this Act. Provides for the budgetary treatment of receipts and disbursements of the Secretary of the Treasury in connection with purchases and redemptions of, and income from, capital stock. Provides for the disposition of all moneys of the Board which are not otherwise utilized. Sets forth requirements relating to fiscal year, audits, and reports to be made to Congress and the President. Title VIII: Purchase Assistance - Directs the President to designate the Board as his agent for purchasing synthetic oil for storage in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, to be used by Federal agencies or resold to private purchasers for use in the United States. Sets forth requirements concerning contracts for purchases of, or commitments to purchase, such fuels and stipulates that such purchases, commitments, and resales may be made without regard to existing legal limitations. Stipulates that purchases of, or commitments to purchase, such fuels are to be made by sealed bidding procedures except in specified circumstances, and states that the Board retains the right to refuse delivery of such fuels so long as the seller is paid the difference between the market price and the contract price. Title IX: Supports for Synthetic Gas Production - Authorizes the Board to provide financial assistance for a project conducted by a business concern whose rates are regulated by a State or local regulatory body only if a certificate of necessity for the project has been issued and the regulatory body, the Board, and the regulated business have entered an agreement allowing quarterly rate adjustments which would provide a minimum level of coverage of annualized interest charges sufficient to assure repayment of the Board's investment and restore such business concern's credit rating. Authorizes all pipeline companies transporting synthetic and natural gas mixtures to charge an averaged price for such gas. Title X: Unlawful Acts and Penalties - Establishes criminal penalties for the making of false statements, forgery, misappropriation of funds, and unauthorized activities in violation of this Act, and imposes liability upon any defendant for any profit or gain acquired as a result of such unlawful activity. Precludes suits from being brought against the Board or its officers, employees, or agents for violations of this Act except by the Attorney General of the United States. Title XI: General Provisions - Exempts the operations of the Board from the public contract and public buildings and works provisions of the United States Code. Exempts the Board from the securities laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Prohibits the pretrial release of any person charged with an act of terrorism, as defined by this Act, if the judicial officer determines that such release would pose a danger to any person or to the community. Amends the District of Columbia Code to provide that there is a rebuttable presumption that the release of a person charged with an act of terrorism will not reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000401_200.jpg)