United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Export Trade Association Act of 1979 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt certified export trade associations from the antitrust laws. Authorizes Federal agencies to enforce only the provisions regarding such associations. Permits third parties to file petitions requesting enforcement action with the Secretary of Commerce. Limits the prohibition against unfair methods of competition to domestic competitors engaged in export trade. Sets forth the procedure for obtaining certification as an organization engaged solely in export trade. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Requires the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to publish guidelines for determining whether an association will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Stipulates that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Southwest Border Regional Commission to make grants to eligible local educational agencies for school facilities construction to assist such agencies in providing education to immigrant children. Authorizes additional appropriations of up to $45,000,000 for such purpose. Requires a local educational agency to be eligible for assistance to have: (1) at least 20 immigrant children; and (2) a minimum enrollment of seven percent immigrant children. Stipulates that an immigrant child, guardian, or parent must live within a school district of such agency to be counted for eligibility purposes. Stipulates that a local educational agency shall receive $1,000 for each immigrant child for whom such agency provided free public education during the 1978-1979 school year. Requires a local educational agency to submit an application for such assistance, and sets forth guidelines for such application. Defines the term immigrant child for purposes of this Act as a child born in Mexico and who has legally immigrated to the United States, or a child whose parents are legal immigrants from Mexico, and who is provided free public education.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
High Water Cut Crude Oil Incentives Act of 1979 - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to allow the first sale of qualified high water cut crude oil to be exempt from price regulation under such Act. Requires a well to be producing at the maximum feasible rate throughout a 12-month period and in accordance with recognized conservation practices to qualify for such exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Drug Quality Control and Formulary Act of 1979 - Establishes a Formulary Committee within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for the purpose of compiling and publishing a Formulary of the United States, listing those drugs determined to be necessary for good medical practice. Limits drug purchases or payments therefor by any department or agency of the Government to those drugs listed in the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
Regulation Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: The Analysis, Management, and Organization of Agency Functions - Requires the head of each Federal agency to publish for each proposed major rule, as such rule is defined in this Act, a preliminary regulatory analysis which describes the need for the rule, the reasonable alternative approaches for accomplishing the regulatory objective, and the projected benefits and adverse economic effects of the proposed rule and alternatives. Requires that each agency publish for each final major rule a final regulatory analysis which includes (1) a justification of the selection of the final rule, and (2) a summary of the agency's assessment of the significant issues raised by the public comments received on the preliminary analysis. Directs each agency to: (1) include in the notice of each proposed and final major rule, instructions on how the public may obtain copies of such analyses; and (2) send a copy of such analyses to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Stipulates that agency failure to comply with such requirements regarding regulatory analyses is not subject to judicial review. Requires each agency to: (1) publish, at least semiannually, an agenda of the rules such agency expects to propose, promulgate, or review during the next year; and (2) include in the notice of a rulemaking or adjudicatory proceeding the date by which the agency intends to complete such proceeding. Stipulates that the first agenda published in a calendar year shall contain a report on such proceedings which includes the number of proceedings the agency failed to complete by the established deadline and the reasons for such failure. Directs each agency to: (1) establish an office, within such agency, to be responsible for regulatory planning and management; (2) issue guidelines for determining whether a rule is a major rule; and (3) issue guidelines to insure that an adopted rule meets certain criteria and has been promulgated through specified procedures. Requires that each agency submit to the OMB and publish in the Federal Register a draft schedule for the review over a ten-year period of its significant rules, policies, and practices. Sets forth guidelines for selecting such precepts to review. Directs each agency to publish a final review schedule within one year of the effective date of this Act. Stipulates that each agency announce the review date for each major rule upon its publication. Requires each agency to publish an assessment of each precept reviewed including a statement of the benefits, adverse effects, and costs of such precept and a determination as to whether the precept should be rescinded, amended, or continued without change. Title II: Reorganizing and Improving Agency Proceedings and Administrative Law Judge Selection and Evaluation - Requires that the general notice of a proposed rule include a statement that the agency seeks proposals from the public of alternative methods to accomplish regulatory objectives. Directs each agency to provide a 60-day period for the public to comment on such a rule, and to include agency responses to significant issues raised by such comments with the publication of the adopted rule. Creates a new procedure for administrative rulemaking and adjudication by Federal agencies. Provides two levels for the conduct of such proceedings. Establishes an "expedited procedure" which applies to any ratemaking, rulemaking, licensing, or other agency proceeding required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing, except: (1) proceedings to withdraw, suspend, revoke, or annul a license; or (2) any such proceeding which the agency determines does not require a "formal hearing" for proper settlement. Requires a "formal hearing" only when there is a genuine and substantial dispute of fact in such a proceeding which cannot be resolved without formal cross-examination and upon which the decision of the agency is likely to depend. Requires, in any proceeding under the expedited procedure, the conduct of a hearing to afford parties an opportunity to submit written data, and, at the request of any party, an opportunity for oral argument. Authorizes an agency to subpoena any person or evidence as necessary in any such proceeding. Sets forth the judicial procedure for enforcement of such a subpoena. Enumerates the powers of the presiding employee at a hearing under the expedited procedure and at a formal hearing. Authorizes such employee to cross-examine witnesses and to request the agency to consider and act on interlocutory appeals when action on such appeals would expedite final agency action. Directs the employee to: (1) oversee the expeditious completion of such hearing; and (2) provide a concise record of the important matters of the proceeding. Authorizes the presiding employee at a formal hearing to: (1) rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; (2) require written testimony and arguments when oral testimony is not required; and (3) upon request, to issue a decision prior to completion of the hearing if there is no substantial dispute of fact. States that no presiding employee at a formal hearing may: (1) make ex parte communications; or (2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision of an employee or agent performing investigative or litigating functions for the agency. Authorizes each agency to establish employee review boards to review the decisions of presiding employees. Directs each agency to specify the conditions under which it will accept an appeal of the decision of such a board. Permits an action to be brought in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the review of an agency rule for which there is no applicable special statutory review proceeding. Requires the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to recruit for administrative law judge positions among all groups of qualified persons. Directs the Chairman, in cooperation with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to examine, rank, certify, and register eligible candidates for such positions. Requires the Conference to submit a list of the five highest ranked candidates to an agency requesting candidates for such a position. Directs the agency to select an administrative law judge ("judge") from such candidates to serve a seven-year term. Limits the number of such positions to 800. Directs the Chairman to: (1) establish and prescribe pay awards based on the performance of judges; (2) establish a performance appraisal system for evaluating judges at least once every seven years; and (3) establish performance and qualification review boards to assist in setting up the appraisal system and evaluating judges. Requires such boards to evaluate each judge before the expiration of the judge's term, and to make a recommendation to the Chairman on the reappointment of the judge. Requires each agency to reappoint a judge if the Chairman so recommends. Entitles any judge who is not reappointed to be placed in a civil service position within the agency formerly employing such judge at a level equal to or higher than his or her position as a judge. Establishes the Administrative Law Judge Career Service consisting of judges appointed under this Act. Directs the Merit Systems Protection Board to remove, downgrade, or suspend a judge whose performance is found to be unacceptable. Title III: Organizational and Program Improvements - Eliminates provisions requiring that members appointed to the Administrative Conference by the Chairman be specially informed on Federal administrative procedure. Authorizes each agency to pay the costs of participation in an agency proceeding to persons when: (1) the person effectively represents an interest which is important to the fair disposition of such proceeding; (2) the economic interest of such person is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation; or (3) the person cannot otherwise afford to participate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to extend the period wherein the Secretary of Agriculture may enter into contracts for the conservation of soil in the Great Plains conservation program. Limits the total payments under this program to $50,000,000 per program year.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Title I: Water Resources Development - Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to make the following studies and surveys: (1) flood control of certain Mississippi River tributaries, Mississippi; (2) flood control of Saint Francis Lake, Arkansas; (3) river regulation for the Halifax River, Florida; (4) bank stabilization of the Illinois River, Illinois; (5) erosion control of the Kuskokwim River, Alaska; (6) flood control of the Kinnickinnic River, Wisconsin; (7) siltation problems on the Mississippi River, Illinois; (8) water conservation development in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; (9) streambank erosion along the Tensaw River, Alabama; (10) water storage projects in northeast Texas; (11) navigation improvements to Buffalo Harbor, New York; (12) rehabilitating the hydroelectric potential at former industrial sites; (13) shoreline erosion damage caused by regulation of Lake Superior by the International Joint Commission-United States and Canada; and (14) river and harbor ice control. Directs the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to begin the design memorandum stage of advanced engineering and design of the following: (1) navigation and design of the following: (1) navigation project at Grays Harbor, Washington; (2) flood control project for the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Basins, New York and the Byram River, Connecticut; (3) flood control project for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (4) water supply project for the New York metropolitan area; (5) navigation project for the Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi; (6) navigation project for Oakland Outer Harbor, California; (7) multiple purpose improvements on the Missouri River, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Montana; and (8) navigation improvement project at Brazos Island Harbor, Texas. Authorizes the Secretary to proceed with the engineering and design of such projects upon findings by the Chief of Engineers that such projects are without substantial controversy and in accordance with recommended conditions. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to carry out the following: (1) navigation project for Kodiak Harbor, Alaska; (2) navigation project for Tacoma harbor, Washington; (3) flood control project on the Agana River, Guam; (4) navigation project on the Chetco River, Oregon; (5) flood control project for the Root River Basin, Minnesota; (6) erosion control and flood protection projects for the Panama City Beaches, Florida; (7) flood control project for the Des Moines River Basin, Iowa and Minnesota; (8) flood control project on the Cazenovia Creek, New York; (9) flood control project on the Little Wood River, Idaho; (10) navigation project for Greenville Harbor, Mississippi; (11) navigation project for the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway; (12) flood control project for the Rahway River Basin New Jersey; (13) flood control project on the Chehalis River, Washington; (14) flood control for the Bushley Bayou area, Louisiana; (15) powerhouse project for the McNary Lock and Dam, Oregon and Washington; (16) flood protection project for Wears Creek, Missouri; (17) power generating facilities for the Libby Reregulating Dam, Montana; (18) light-draft investigation project for San Francisco Harbor, California; (19) flood control project for Logan and Nelsonville, Ohio; (20) beach erosion project for Coney Island, New York; (21) flood protection for Saint Johns Bayou, New Madrid, Missouri; (22) flood control on the Johns Creek Tributary, Tennessee (23) erosion control in the Nonconnah Creek Basin, Tennessee; (24) Cleveland Harbor improvements, Ohio, (25) beach erosion control at Jekyll Island, Georgia; (26) navigation project for Savannah Harbor, Georgia; and (27) strip mining reclamation project for Cabin Creek, West Virginia. Directs the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to modify the following projects: (1) Galveston Bay, Texas, flood protection project to provide payments and benefits to certain property owners; (2) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway navigation project, Virginia and North Carolina regarding certain bridges; (3) Sandridge Dam, New York, flood control project to authorize the construction of channel improvements along Ellicott Creek; (4) Obion Creek, Kentucky, project to authorize the acquisition of woodlands for wildlife management and recreation; (5) Barbers Point Harbor, Hawaii, navigation project to require non-Federal contribution to Federal construction costs; (6) Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii, project to delete the requirement for an initial cash contribution from local interests; (7) New London, Connecticut, flood control project to credit certain costs paid by the city against the requirement for non-Federal contributions; (8) Lynnhaven Inlet and Bay, Virginia, navigation project to provide for Federal payment for specified remedial work; (9) Lower Mississippi River flood control project to authorize such measures necessary to insure the stability of the Old River Control Complex, Louisiana; (10) Wenatchee, Washington, flood control project to authorize the acquisition of lands if local interest agree to reimburse the United States; (11) Houston Ship Channel (Greens Bayou), Texas navigation project to authorize necessary dredging operations; (12) Los Esteros Lake, Pecos River, New Mexico, project to authorize certain expenditures for the recovery of cultural resource data; (13) Lucky Peak Lake, Idaho, project to provide for an increase in the diameter of the additional dam outlet; (14) South Platte River Basin, Colorado, flood control project to authorize the reassignment of a portion of the storage space in the Chatfield Lake project for joint flood control and conservation purposes; and (15) Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, flood protection project to authorize the construction of necessary protective features to locally constructed pumping stations. Terminates the following: (1) Trexler Lake, Pennsylvania, flood control project,; (2) a portion of the project for the Nansemond River, Virginia; (3) Helm Reservoir, Illinois, flood control project; (4) Kickapoo River, Wisconsin, flood control project; and (5) any resolution for review of any water resource report if funds have not yet been expended for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the desirability of such studies and on a means of deauthorizing such studies. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982. Postpones the termination date for certain certification reports. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide periodic beach nourishment. Repeals the requirement that a specified water diversion structure not conflict with the Secretary's report. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorized appropriation for the streambank erosion prevention and control demonstration program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to any person or agency, upon request technical assistance to retard streambank erosion. Extends the national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Increases the authorization of appropriations for dam repair on the Big Sandy River, Kentucky and West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain a clear channel on the Little Calumet River, Illinois, with non-Federal interests paying a portion of the costs of such maintenance. Provides for a modification of the agreement with Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana, concerning installment payments on the Lake Pontchartrain hurricane-flood protection project. Increases the authorization of appropriations for streambank protection works for Boone County, Kentucky. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1970 to extend the time for submitting reports to Congress on the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation season extension. Increases the authorization of appropriations for such purposes. Requires non-Federal interests to contribute a portion of the costs of maintaining a clear channel on the North Branch of the Chicago River, Illinois. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to delete the requirement for written agreements with non-Federal interests concerning reimbursement of costs. Permits States to repay the costs of water supply storage through revenues received by the State from the sale of such water. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1960 to raise the ceiling on allotments for any single small river and harbor improvement project. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1958 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the control of aquatic plant growths. Authorizes the replacement and expansion of the existing industrial canal lock and connecting channels in the vicinity of Meraux, Louisiana. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary to provide technical assistance to States for removing obstructions and clearing channels. Increases the ceiling for allotments to any single shore protection project. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1946 to provide that the conservation storage capacity of the Belton Reservoir, Texas, be available for water supply as well as irrigation. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1941 to authorize the Secretary to use a flood emergency fund to control lava flow. Makes killing a civilian employee of the Corps of Engineers a Federal crime. Directs the Secretary to establish a Tennessee-Tombigbee Human Resource Center to monitor and assist minority employment on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Repeals the provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 concerning minority hiring. Authorizes the Secretary as a part of water resource development projects to: (1) implement the plan for land replacement for the Trimble Wildlife Area, Missouri; (2) modify such projects for mitigation of damages to fish and wildlife; (3) preserve historic properties located on such projects; and (4) acquire real property to be used for public works and recreation purposes as a part of such projects. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to compile a list of bridges over the navigable waters of the United States constructed or removed. Directs the Secretary of the Army to compile laws relating to water resource development. Modifies: (1) the contract with Illinois concerning payments for use of storage space for water supply in Rend Lake and (2) financing of the sand bypassing facility authorized as part of the Santa Cruz Harbor, California, navigation project. Declares: (1) portions of the Trent River, North Carolina, to be nonnavigable and (2) the Port of Houston Authority bridge over Greens Bayou, to be a lawful bridge. Directs the Secretary to construct flood control measures on portions of the Big Sandy River, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, and the Cumberland River, Kentucky. Directs Federal agencies granting hydroelectric power licenses to simplify and expedite such applications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) plan and make recommendations to Congress concerning construction of water supply projects to meet existing future demand, (2) renovate Federal quarters at Dalecarlia Reservoir, Washington, D.C.; (3) construct a public recreation area on the Ohio River, Indiana; (4) take authority over and assure the structural integrity of Trilby Wash Detention Basin (McMicken Dam), Arizona; (5) relocate the water supply intake facility on the Missouri River, South Dakota; (6) reimburse local interests for certain improvements to the Galveston Harbor, and Channel Texas, navigation project; and (7) design a flood control project at Milton, Pennsylvania. Title II: Hydroelectric Power Development Fund - Hydroelectric Power Development Act of 1979 - Establishes, under the Water Resources Development Act of 1976, a Hydroelectric Power Development Fund for the development of hydroelectric power generating facilities. Title III: Dam Inspection and Safety Program - Amends the national dam inspection program to exempt States with an approved dam safety program from the Secretary of the Army's national inspection program. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States maintaining approved assistance to States maintaining approved dams safety programs. Provides for insurance guarantees to enable dam owners to obtain liability insurance at reasonable rates. Establishes a Federal Dam Safety Review Board. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary when inspecting dams. Exempts contractors from liability beyond the amount of any contract entered into pursuant to the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the investment tax credit to research and experimental expenditures in connection with the taxpayer's trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
States that the total funds which the executive branch may obligate for the travel and transportation expenses of its officers and employees during fiscal year 1980 shall not exceed an amount which is $500,000,000 less than the amount proposed therefor in the Budget of the United States for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Office of Hispanic Affairs Act of 1979 - Establishes the Office of Hispanic Affairs in the Executive Office of the President to: (1) advise the President on the concerns of Hispanic Americans; (2) examine the performance of and advise Federal departments and agencies in dealing with the economic problems facing Hispanic Americans; (3) coordinate executive branch activities to provide remedies for the problems of Hispanic Americans; and (4) act to assure the faithful administration of equal opportunity laws for Hispanic Americans. Requires the Director of the Office to report annually to the President and Congress on the performance of Federal departments concerning such problems and or the activities of such office. Permits the Director to appoint advisory task forces to provide advice and assistance in carrying out the functions of the Office. Prohibits the use of any funds authorized to carry out this Act to influence the outcome of any Federal election or voter registration activity.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate upon the retirement of the Honorable Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, as chief legislative spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should withdraw the standby gasoline rationing plan submitted to Congress on March 1, 1979, and resubmit an amended plan to remedy interstate inequities with regard to gasoline rationing coupon distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Authorizes the President to present, in the name of Congress, an appropriate and specially struck gold medal to Mrs. Hubert H. Humphrey in recognition of the distinguished and dedicated service which her late husband gave to the Government and to the people of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that the provisions of such Act shall not apply to stone mining or sand and gravel mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust law provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products for the same general class in the relevant market or markets. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt conventions held in Mexico and Canada from the restrictions applicable to the income tax deduction for business expenses for attendance at a foreign convention.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who applies for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability shall be considered presumptively disabled if he or she has received disability insurance benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits as a disabled individual within five years of his or her most recent application for supplementary security income benefits. Provides that benefits paid to an individual who is considered presumptively disabled under this Act will be considered overpayments if such individual is ultimately determined not to be disabled in fact. Includes remuneration received for services performed in a sheltered workshop or work activities center as earned income, for the purpose of determining eligibility under title XVI based on income. Permits disabled individuals eligible for benefits under title XVI due to the medical severity of their disability, but who lose their eligibility because their earnings have demonstrated a capacity to be gainfully employed, to qualify for title XVI benefits and to be considered disabled under title XIX (Medicaid) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act if such individual remains disabled due to the medical severity of the disability and continues to meet all other eligibility requirements, including income requirements, under title XVI. Permits such individuals, who would otherwise qualify for title XVI benefits except for their income, to be considered disabled for the purposes of titles XIX and XX if the termination of benefits under titles XIX and XX would seriously inhibit their ability to provide for themselves. Excludes from the income of a disabled individual, for the purpose of determining eligibility under title XVI based on income, an amount equal to the cost of attendant care services, medical devices and similar items necessary for such individual to work, whether or not such assistance is also needed for the performance of such individual's normal daily functions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax deduction for amounts paid in cash by or on behalf of an individual to a qualified retirement plan (currently excluded from such deduction) in which such individual was an active participant for any part of the taxable year. Defines a qualified retirement plan to include: (1) a private tax-exempt pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan; (2) an employee annuity plan; (3) a qualified bond purchase plan; or (4) a specified type of pension plan provided for employees of life insurance companies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Independent Local Newspaper Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts to facilitate payment of the estate tax imposed upon the estate of a decedent who owned an interest in an independent local newspaper. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such trusts, including requirements that such trusts: (1) be created pursuant to a plan adopted by the newspaper; (2) be governed by a written instrument which requires that contributions to and income of the trust be invested solely in obligations of the United States; (3) name as trustee a bank or another individual who is capable of administering such trust in compliance with the requirements of this Act; (4) maintain trust assets separately from other property; (5) accept contributions exclusively from independent local newspapers; (6) devote assets of the trust solely to the payment of the estate tax; and (7) distribute any excess funding of the trust to its beneficiaries or their estates. Limits an individual who owns interests in several independent local newspapers to participation in not more than one estate tax payment trust. Defines an "independent local newspaper" as a newspaper publication which is not a member of a chain and which maintains all its offices in a single city, community or metropolitan area, or, on January 1, 1979, within one State. Defines "excess funding" as the excess of the face value of the assets of a qualified trust over: (1) 70 percent of the value of a decedent's interest in an independent local newspaper which is includable in his gross estate; or (2) a decedent's estate tax which is attributable to his interest in an independent local newspaper included in his gross estate. Exempts independent local newspaper advance estate tax trusts and the individuals for whom such trusts are established from income taxation with respect to income earned by such trust. Terminates such tax-exempt status if the taxpayer's interest in the newspaper is sold, the newspaper itself is sold or ceases to qualify as an independent newspaper, or there is an excess funding of the trust. Provides that the amount of any excess funding shall be distributed to the individual for whom the trust was created and included in his gross income or gross estate. Allows an income tax deduction to local independent newspapers for contributions made to estate tax payment trusts. Limits the amount of such deduction to 50 percent of the taxable income derived from such newspaper for the taxable year. Requires the redetermination of the estate tax of an individual for whom an independent local newspaper advance estate tax trust is established and the inclusion in the gross estate of such individual of an amount equal to the estate tax payment made by such trust which is attributable to the individual's interest in the newspaper, if the trust or any heir of the individual sells, within 15 years of the death of such individual, any part of the interest in the newspaper with respect to which the trust was created. Provides for the gradual phaseout of any additional estate tax which is imposed due to the premature sale of a newspaper, if the sale does not occur prior to the ten to 15 year period following the death of the individual for whom the estate tax trust is established. Permits the shareholders of an independent local newspaper who receive the stock of a corporation which the newspaper controls to exclude from their gross income any gain realized as a result of such distribution if: (1) the shareholders do not sell such stock within five years after the date of its distribution; (2) the shareholders retain control of the newspaper for five years after the date of the distribution; and (3) the newspaper and the controlled corporation each continue to be engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business through the five year period beginning on the date of the distribution. Excludes from the gross estate of a decedent the value of any interest in an independent local newspaper which he holds at the time of his death and any estate tax payment made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust. Permits the executor of an estate which includes an interest in an independent local newspaper to pay the estate tax in two or more (but not exceeding ten) equal installments. Limits the maximum amount of estate tax that may be paid in installments to the excess of the amount of estate tax over the tax that would have been imposed if the interest in the newspaper had not been included in the gross estate, reduced by all payments of the estate tax made by an independent local newspaper advance estate tax payment trust.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to exempt from pre-slaughter animal examination and post mortem carcass inspection requirements all meat food products processed by a federally inspected establishment and derived from meat which has been slaughtered or processed at a State-inspected establishment in a State whose meat inspection requirements have been determined by the Secretary to be at least equal to the Federal requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from prescribing different quantity or volume limits on poultry processing on the basis of State, region, or geographic location, or on the basis of the availability of poultry inspectors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) national water resources policies should be implemented through congressional action, and (2) alterations of such programs shall not be implemented through unilateral executive action but shall be subject to congressional concurrence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Tertiary Recovery Incentives Act of 1979 - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to provide price incentives for increased petroleum production through the use of tertiary recovery processes. Defines tertiary recovery processes to be those processes which are determined to increase recovery of petroleum over waterflooding techniques. Specifies the relevant State or Federal agency which will make the determination of whether a qualified tertiary recovery process is being utilized. Makes such determination final without a showing of fraud. Exempts the first sale of tertiary crude oil from regulation under such Act. Directs the Administrator of the Economic Regulatory Administration, the United States Geological Survey and applicable State regulatory agencies to promulgate regulations implementing this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
International Sugar Stabilization Act of 1979 - Title I: International Sugar Agreement - Authorizes the President to implement the International Sugar Agreement by (1) regulating the entry of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization, and (2) requiring records and reports concerning the entry of sugar. Establishes criminal penalties for violating such regulations. Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report on the Agreement beginning in 1980. Title II: Domestic Sugar Program Provisions - Establishes 17 cents per pound, raw value, as the price objective for domestic sugar during the 1978 sugar supply year. Sets forth the formula for determining the price objective for succeeding years. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor the average daily price of sugar imports. Directs the Secretary to recommend that the President impose special import duties and quotas on sugar and sugar-containing products to assure that the average daily price of sugar imports will meet the proclaimed price objective for sugar. Requires the Secretary to review the imposed duties and quotas and recommend any adjustments to the President. Authorizes the President to impose special import duties or quotas after receiving any recommendation of the Secretary within certain time limitations. Prohibits the importation of direct-consumption sugar unless a national emergency is proclaimed because of an imminent shortage of such sugar due to lack of refining capacity. Prohibits the importation of more than 100 pounds of sugar annually into the Virgin Islands. Prohibits the exportation of certain sugar. Establishes penalties for violations of such regulations. Exempts certain sugar or sugar-containing products from this title. Specifies that certain sugar entered for subsequent export shall not be charged against any proclaimed quota. Authorizes the President to suspend the operation of this title in a national emergency. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the President to proclaim special import duties and quotas on sugars, syrups, and molasses in order to carry out this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Vests jurisdiction for enforcing this Act in U.S. district courts. Requires all persons engaged in manufacturing, marketing, transporting, or industrial use of sugar and other sweeteners to furnish the Secretary with necessary information. Prohibits officials engaged in the administration of this Act from investing or speculating in sugar. Establishes penalties for violating these regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct surveys and investigations to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on the costs of producing various sugar and sweetener products. Extends the current price support programs for sugar beets and sugarcane through the 1981 crops. Authorizes the Secretary to waive part of the interest and/or principal to encourage repayment of Commodity Credit Corporation loans with respect to the 1977 and 1978 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane. Terminates this Act, except for Title I and the provisions authorizing the President to impose duties and quotas, on September 30, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor-management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1987. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the House Committee on Government Operations or the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs in cooperation with the committees of Congress which have legislative jurisdiction over such areas, shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Declares it the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of State to: (1) ban all fur and leather products from, animals from foreign countries which have not banned such traps; and (2) publish a list of such countries. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Small Business Employee Ownership Act - Amends the Small Business Act to make employee-owned firms eligible for financial assistance under the business loan program. States that in the case of small business concerns using an employee stock ownership plan, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, all financial assistance shall be made to the trust created for employee ownership of stock (ESOT). Predicates such assistance on: (1) a guarantee by the company seeking assistance that it will repay all obligations incurred by the ESOT; (2) the written assurance of the trustee of the ESOT that all guaranteed loans will be used solely for the purchase of company stock; (3) a distribution arrangement which vests ownership of all stock with the employees no later than the expiration date of any assistance made available to acquire such stock; and (4) a certified plan, meeting specified conditions, for the allocation of company stock among the employees. Authorizes the extension of loan guarantees to employee organizations, including those using an ESOT, to finance the acquisition of the employee's workplace if it is a small business or a subsidiary which, if independently owned, would be a small business. States that such guarantees may be extended only if the small business or subsidiary would otherwise close, liquidate, relocate or sell out to a large business or if the owner agrees to the purchase by the employees. Requires an employee organization to compile a feasibility study and plan containing specified provisions in order to be eligible for such guarantees. Limits the principal amount of any loan guaranteed under this Act to $1,000,000. Authorizes $10,000 loans to conduct feasibility studies which will be considered grants if the loan application is denied. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report periodically to the Congress on the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to extend loan guarantees directly to an owner of a business who is selling the business to employees under an installment contract provided specified conditions are met in the event of default. Makes a company with 51 percent of its stock allocated through an ESOT to one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the minority enterprise contract assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Directs the President to allow market forces to function in crude oil production and conservation by lifting price controls of domestically produced crude oil by June 1, 1979, except for "lower tier" controls, and remove all remaining controls within two years.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
International Trade and Investment Reorganization Act - Establishes the Department of International Trade and Investment to coordinate U.S. policies for international trade, negotiate trade agreements, protect U.S. industry, agriculture, and labor from foreign competition, promote international trade, administer the U.S. Customs Service, and participate in the development of friendly countries. Transfers to the Department all functions of the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, the Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Transfers to the Department specified functions of the Departments of State, Commerce, and Treasury and the International Trade Commission. Sets forth the administrative provisions applicable to the Department. Requires the Secretary of International Trade and Investment to report annually to the President for submission to Congress concerning the Department's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit bank holding companies and their subsidiaries from selling insurance as principals, agents or brokers, except: (1) where the insurance secures an extension of credit in the event of death or disability of the debtor; (2) any insurance activity in a community of less than 5,000 or which has inadequate insurance agency facilities; (3) any insurance activity approved prior to June 6, 1978; or (4) any insurance activity of a bank holding company with less than $50,000,000 in total assets.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, 1980 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for research and development, construction of facilities, and research program management. Permits appropriations for research and development to be used: (1) for any items of a capital nature (other than acquisition of land) which may be required at locations other than NASA installations for the performance of research and development contracts; and (2) for grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Stipulates that when so specified and to the extent provided in an appropriation Act, any amount appropriated for "research and development" or for "construction of facilities" may remain available without fiscal year limitation. Permits the funds for construction of any of specified facilities: (1) in the discretion of the NASA Administrator, to be varied upward ten percent; or (2) following a report by the Administrator to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the circumstances of such action, to be varied upward 25 percent to meet unusual cost variations. Limits the total cost of all construction work to the total of the amounts specified. Permits one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development to be transferred to the "construction of facilities" appropriation. Authorizes the expenditure of such funds, together with $10,000,000 of the funds appropriated for construction of facilities, to construct, expand, or modify laboratories and other installations. Disallows any amount appropriated pursuant to this Act from being used for any program deleted by the Congress from requests as originally made to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Disallows any amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act from being used for any program in excess of the amount actually authorized for that particular program for research and development or research and program management. Disallows any amount from being used for any program which has not been presented to or requested of such committees, with certain exceptions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is in the national interest that consideration be given to geographical distribution of Federal research funds whenever feasible, and that NASA should explore ways and means of distributing its research and development funds whenever feasible. Authorizes NASA to provide liability insurance for any user of a space vehicle to compensate all or a portion of claims by third parties for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property resulting from activities carried on in connection with the launch, operations, or recovery of the space vehicle.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
International Wheat Exporting Commission Act of 1979 - Requests the President to take action to establish an International Wheat Exporting Commission which would establish an annual minimum world market price for wheat and prescribe export quotas. Requires the President to keep Congress informed about the establishment of such Commission and to report annually once such Commission is established.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Requires that anyone who commits any of specified felonies pursuant to the advocacy, direction, teachings, or encouragement of a terrorist organization shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than two nor more than ten years. Requires the imposition of the death penalty if any person dies during the commission or attempted commission of such offense. Stipulates that a sentencing hearing must be provided if a defendant is subject to the death penalty. Establishes procedures for such hearing. Requires the defendant to establish the existence of specified factors by a preponderance of the evidence in order that the death penalty not be imposed. Stipulates that the imposition or execution of any mandatory minimum sentence under this Act may not: (1) be suspended; (2) include probation; (3) include release or parole after serving one-third of a sentence and observing the rules of the institution; (4) include good time allowances; or (5) be subject to treatment under the Federal Youth Corrections Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Omnibus Antiterrorism Act of 1979 - States Congressional findings relative to the purpose of this Act and defines terms. Title I: Reorganization of Executive Office of the President - Establishes a Council to Combat Terrorism in the Executive Office of the President. Includes among the council's functions: (1) assisting the President to implement this Act; (2) assisting in the preparation of lists of countries aiding terrorist enterprises; and (3) coordinating Federal efforts to combat terrorism. Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding acts of international terrorism and submit lists of countries supporting international terrorism. Specifies the sanctions to be imposed against such countries. Directs the President to report to Congress every two years concerning Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism. Title II: Reorganization of the Department of Transportation - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Transportation. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to restrict operations at those foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to the specified level of effectiveness. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical aviation security assistance to foreign governments. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance. Title III: Reorganization of the Department of Justice - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Justice. Amends provisions relating to the manufacture of explosive materials to require such manufacturers to add an identification taggant and a detective taggant to the explosive materials. Prohibits the distribution, importation, or sale of explosive materials without such taggants. Specifies penalties for those manufacturers found violating such provisions. Exempts manufacturers of small arms ammunition and small quantities of black powder from such provisions. Requires the President to insure the full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Amends provisions of title 18 of the U.S. Code that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service, and for communicating false information which result in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Sets forth penalties for a person found in the United States who has committed against or abroad a foreign aircraft an offense in violation of the Convention for the Supression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies criminal penalties for threatening to commit air privacy or any other of certain crimes aboard an aircraft. Title IV: Reorganization of the Department of State - Establishes an office for Combating International Terrorism in the Department of State. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure cooperation in combating terrorism. Lists provisions which should be given priority in negotiating such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Deep Stripper Well Incentives Act of 1979 - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to allow the first sale of deep stripper well crude oil to be exempt from price regulation under such Act. Requires a well to be producing at the maximum feasible rate throughout a 12-month period in order to qualify for such exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Directs the President to inform Congress of any dangers to Taiwan. Declares the policy of the United States to safeguard its interests and meet any dangers to Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Disapproves the proposed deferral of budget authority deferral D79-6 to promote and develop fishery products and research pertaining to American fisheries, as transmitted by the President to the Congress on October 2, 1978, pursuant to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Reform of Federal Regulation Act of 1979 - Title I: The Analysis, Planning and Management of Regulatory Functions - Requires each Federal agency to publish for each proposed major rule, as such rule is defined in this Act, an initial regulatory analysis which describes the need for the rule, at least two available alternative approaches, and a description of the economic and social effects of the proposed rule and alternatives. Requires that each agency publish for each adopted major rule a final regulatory analysis which includes a summary of public comments received on the initial analysis, and a justification of the selection of the final rule. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to review and report to Congress on the agency actions to implement this Title. Directs each agency to: (1) report annually to Congress and the public on its regulatory agenda and priorities for the current fiscal year; and (2) include in the announcement of a rulemaking or adjudication the date by which the agency intends to complete such proceeding. Requires each agency to report annually to the Administrative Conference of the U.S., the Congress, and the public on its regulatory activities of the past fiscal year. Stipulates that such report include: (1) the number of agency proceedings which the agency failed to complete by the established deadline and the reasons for such failure; and (2) any changes the agency made to improve its regulatory actions. Directs each regulatory agency to establish an office to be responsible for regulatory planning and management. Requires any independent regulatory commission to submit any budget information or legislative recommendation to Congress concurrently upon submission to any officer or agency of the executive branch. Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Administrative Proceedings - Establishes a new procedure for administrative rulemaking and adjudication by United States Government agencies. States that such procedure shall apply to: (1) all adjudications; and (2) all rulemaking or licensing proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing except proceedings to withdraw, suspend, revoke, or annul a license. Provides two levels for the conduct of proceedings subject to this Act, a "general hearing process" and a "formal hearing" for the resolution of matters determined during the general hearing to involve general and substantial issues of fact which cannot be resolved at the general hearing and upon which the decision of the agency is likely to depend. Requires, for the general hearing process, the conduct of a hearing to afford parties an opportunity to submit written data, and, at the request of any party, an opportunity for oral argument. Enumerates the powers of the presiding employee at a general hearing. Authorizes such employee to cross-examine witnesses and to request the agency to consider and act on interlocutory appeals when action on such appeals would expedite final agency action. Directs the employee to: (1) oversee the expeditious completion of such hearing; and (2) provide a concise record of the important matters of the proceeding. States that no person who participates in the decision making of any proceeding or in a board or agency review of such decision may: (1) make ex parte communications; or (2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision of an employee or agent performing investigative or litigating functions for the agency. Allows an agency to prohibit an individual from appearing at a proceeding if the individual engages in unethical conduct or deliberate dilatory tactics. Authorizes an agency to subpoena any person or evidence as necessary. Sets forth the judicial procedure and civil penalty for persons who fail to comply with a subpoena. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of significant material concerning the major stages of a proceeding. Authorizes the presiding employee at a formal hearing to: (1) rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; (2) require written testimony and arguments when oral testimony is not required; and (3) upon request, to issue a decision prior to completion of the hearing if there is no substantial dispute of fact. Authorizes each agency to establish employee boards to review the decisions of presiding employees. Directs each agency to specify the conditions under which it will accept an appeal of the decision of such a board, and specifies the conditions which enable an agency to review such a decision. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to test, register, and certify eligible candidates for the position of administrative law judge (hereinafter referred to as "judge"). Authorizes each agency to appoint a judge from the list of certified candidates. Directs the Administrator of the Administrative Conference of the U.S. to: (1) establish a performance appraisal system for evaluating judges at least once every ten years; and (2) establish performance and evaluation review boards to assist in setting up the appraisal system and in evaluating judges. Directs the Administrator to evaluate each judge before the expiration of the judge's ten-year term, and to make a recommendation on the reappointment of the judge. Requires each agency to reappoint a judge if the Administrator so recommends. Directs the Merit Systems Protection Board to remove, downgrade, or suspend a judge whose performance is found to be unacceptable. Provides for the transfer and reassignment of judges by the Administrator. Requires the President to nominate members of independent regulatory commissions by reason of their training and experience, and to appoint the chairman of each commission with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs each agency to issue rules to implement this title within 150 days. Title III: Agency Review of Rules - Direct each agency to review annually one or more of its rules to determine whether continuation or amendment of the rule is in the public interest. Sets forth guidelines the agency should consider in selecting rules to review. Requires each agency to: (1) publish an agenda and the procedure for reviewing one or more rule every five years; (2) provide an opportunity for public comment on such rule; and (3) report the results of each review to Congress and the public. Requires the Director of the CBO to review the agency reports and oversee implementation of this Title. Title IV: Administrative Conference of the United States - Reorganizes the Administrative Conference. Makes the head of the Conference the Administrator who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for a four-year term. Grants the Administrator authority to appoint officers and employees and to prescribe their powers and duties as necessary. Sets forth the functions of the Conference which include: (1) studying and making recommendations on the adequacy of administrative procedures used by agencies to carry out regulatory functions; (2) monitoring agency compliance with such laws as the Freedom of Information Act and the Administrative Procedure Act; (3) compensating persons for the cost of participating in agency proceedings in certain cases; and (4) evaluating the performance of administrative law judges. Directs the Conference to submit an analysis of agency reports on regulatory activities to Congress, and to report to Congress on a study of providing incentives to participants to expedite agency proceedings. Establishes an Advisory Commission within the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 to terminate, beginning with fiscal year 1980, the State government share of revenue sharing funds without affecting the local government share.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. 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 the awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with regard to income tax deductions for depreciation, to increase, in any reasonable allowance, the permissible variance from a particular class life from 20 percent to 30 percent. Permits the taxpayer to disregard salvage value in computing such allowance. Establishes, for any small business whose adjusted tax basis in assets (other than real estate) is $250,000 or less, a straight line depreciation table of specific depreciation lives for specified assets.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
International Trade Laws Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Antidumping Act Amendments - Amends the Antidumping Act of 1921 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a preliminary investigation within 45 days of receiving information that foreign goods are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value. Directs the Secretary to make public any determination and, if an affirmative determination is made, forward preliminary indications of possible sales at less than fair value to the International Trade Commission. Requires the Commission to investigate whether U.S. industry is being or is likely to be injured due to imports at less than fair value within 45 days after receiving a petition containing such information or after receiving notification that the Secretary is conducting a preliminary investigation. Requires the Secretary to initiate a full-scale investigation if both the Secretary and the Commission publish affirmative determinations that foreign goods are being sold at less than fair value and are likely to hurt U.S. industry. Stipulates that a final determination should be made within seven months. Directs the Commission to make a final determination concerning harm to U.S. industry within three months of the Secretary's final affirmative determination. Provides for a public hearing, if requested, before any determination is made. Sets forth the procedure by which an foreign exporter or domestic importer may petition: (1) the Secretary to terminate a final determination of sales at less than full value; and (2) the Commission to terminate its determination that U.S. industry is likely to be harmed by such sales. Imposes a special dumping duty on foreign goods when a finding has been made that such goods are being sold at less than full value. Requires customs officers to collect an estimated dumping duty based upon the margins of dumping included in the final determination of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to periodically revise the applicable margin of dumping and apply such margins of dumping retroactively to the imported goods. Requires the importer to furnish such information as the Secretary deems necessary for ascertaining any special dumping duty to be imposed. Stipulates that all information developed in connection with the assessment and liquidation process shall be available upon request to interested parties. Title II: 1930 Tariff Act Amendments - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Secretary to investigate whether any bounty or grant is being paid or bestowed upon exports into the United States within 45 days after a petition is filed or information is received concerning such bounty or grant, and forward an affirmative determination to the Commission. Directs the Commission to investigate whether U.S. industry is likely to be injured due to such export bounties or grants within 45 days after a petition is filed or information is received concerning such harm to U.S. industry. Provides for a full-scale investigation upon publication of the Secretary's and the Commission's affirmative determinations of the import practices, with a final determination within seven months. Directs the Secretary to keep the Commission informed as to such imports and the amount of bounties or grants. Directs the Secretary to publish a Countervailing Duty Order, following final affirmative determinations by the Secretary and the Commission, providing for the collection of countervailing duties in the amount of the bounty or grant. Requires customs officers to collect estimated countervailing duties on or before entry of the affected goods. Provides for periodic revisions of bounties or grants to be applied retroactively to imported goods. Stipulates that all information should be available to interested parties. Sets forth the procedure by which a foreign exporter or domestic importer may petition the Secretary and the Commission to terminate the final determinations of export bounties or grants. Provides for a public hearing before any determination is made at the request of an interested party. Directs the Secretary to require a certified invoice with imported goods which includes a statement of the prices at which such goods are sold in the exporting country (home consumption prices). Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and Commerce and the Commission Chairman to publish quarterly a statistical enumeration of the purchase prices and home consumption prices. Requires a verified statement from foreign manufacturers whose goods supply ten percent or more of the U.S. market showing the home market value and the purchase price. Authorizes the Commission to suspend its investigation of unfair methods of competition by imports. Stipulates that the Commission need not determine if there has been a violation if other authorized action determines the controversy. Sets forth the penalties for violating a final order of the Commission. Permits adversely affected foreign manufacturers or exporters or domestic importers to contest in the U.S. Customs Court any finding or order relating to dumping or amount of bounties or grants. Permits domestic manufacturers or labor organizations to contest in the U.S. Customs Court any determination that goods are not being sold at less than fair value, that bounties or grants are not being paid, or that U.S. industry is not being injured by such activities. Title III: Amendments to Customs Court Procedure Laws - Amends the provisions setting forth Customs Court procedure to permit actions contesting: (1) the termination of findings that imported goods are being sold at less than fair value; (2) the termination of Countervailing Duty Orders; or (3) determinations that U.S. industry is not being harmed by sales of imported goods at less than fair value or export bounties or grants. Title IV: Study of Transferring Treasury Investigative Responsibilities to International Trade Commission - Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress the need for and feasibility of transferring the duties of the Secretary to the Commission or independent section of a department of international trade. Title V: Amendments to the Revenue Act of September 8, 1916 - Amends a provision of federal law which makes it unlawful to import or sell articles in the United States at less than market value to give the burden of rebutting the prima facie case, by showing justification, to the person charged with the violation. Permits any person injured by a violation to sue for treble damages. Requires such suit to be commenced within four years after the cause of action accrued. Stipulates that the Commissioner of Customs shall be the agent upon whom all lawful process may be served in any action or proceeding against foreign manufacturers or exporters.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend for one year, until October 1, 1979, the period of time during which the services of physicians in teaching hospitals will be included as inpatient hospital services under that title.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Establishes maximum criminal penalties of ten years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for anyone in authorized possession of classified information identifying any individual or entity as being or having been employed or associated with the Central Intelligence Agency, who willfully discloses such information to anyone not authorized to receive it. Bars prosecution if such information is released to congressional committees, United States district judges, and Federal law enforcement officers upon application to the Attorney General.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000401_200.jpg)