United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
National Tourism Policy Act - Title I: National Tourism Policy - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a cooperative effort between the Federal Government and State and local governments and other concerned public and private organizations to implement a national tourism policy. Title II: National Tourism Policy Council - Establishes the National Tourism Policy Council as an independent entity within the executive branch to be the principal coordinating body for policies, programs, and issues relating to tourism, recreation, or national heritage resources involving Federal departments, agencies, or other entities. Establishes an Executive Committee within the Council comprised of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and the Secretaries of specified Federal departments. Establishes the following policy committees within the Council: (1) the Transportation and Facilitation Policy Committee; (2) the Economic Development Policy Committee; (3) the Energy and Natural Resources Policy Committee; and (4) the Health, Education, and Cultural Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of each such committee from various Federal agencies. Directs each Policy Committee to review and comment on Federal agency program and planning documents that will have a substantial effect on tourism, recreation and heritage resource preservation which are appropriate to the Committee's functional responsibilities and agency representation. Directs the National Tourism Policy Council to submit annual reports to the President for transmittal to the Congress regarding: (1) the activities of the Council and its Policy Committees; (2) the results of Council efforts to coordinate the policies and programs of member agencies that have a significant effect on tourism, recreation, and national heritage preservation, resolve interagency conflicts, and develop areas of cooperative program activity; (3) an analysis of problems referred to the Council along with a detailed statement of actions taken or anticipated to be taken to resolve such problems; and (4) such recommendations as the Council deems appropriate. Authorizes appropriations of $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title III: The United States Travel and Tourism Development Corporation - Establishes the United States Travel and Tourism Development Corporation as a nonprofit corporation which shall not be an agency or establishment of the United States. Stipulates that the primary purpose of the Corporation shall be to develop and administer a comprehensive tourism program designed to stimulate and encourage travel to the United States by residents of other countries. Prohibits the Corporation's activities from competing with the activities of any State, city, or private agency. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports to the President for transmittal to the Congress detailing the Corporation's operations, activities, financial condition, and accomplishments during the previous year. Requires annual audits of the Corporation to be included in such report. Directs the Corporation to undertake a comprehensive study of the funding levels required to effectively implement a comprehensive tourism development program and all alternative funding measures (other than direct Treasury funding) and to report its findings to the President and the Congress within six months. Authorizes appropriations of $9,500,000 to the Corporation for fiscal year 1980. Transfers the functions, funds, powers, and liabilities of the United States Travel Service to the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require that aged, blind, or disabled aliens, as defined in title XVI, must have resided in the United States during the three years immediately preceding such aliens' application for benefits under title XVI. Exempts from the three-year requirement those aliens: (1) who are political refugees or parolees into this country; (2) with respect to whom the support agreement under the Immigration and Nationality Act is excused; and (3) certain blind or disabled individuals. Stipulates that such three-year requirement shall apply only to aliens applying for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to stipulate that no immigrant shall be admitted into the United States unless: (1) at the time of application for admission a support agreement exists which states that the immigration sponsor shall provide such financial support as is necessary to maintain the immigrants' income at a dollar amount equal to the dollar amount such immigrant would receive under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, if such immigrant is aged, blind, or disabled as defined in title XVI, during the three-year period beginning on the date of admission of the immigrant; (2) such immigrant presents evidence of other means to provide the required support; or (3) such immigrant is designated as a parolee or political refugee without available means of private support. Authorizes the Attorney General, the immigrant, or any State which is making payments to such immigrant under any program based on need, to enforce such agreements in a civil action. Declares a support agreement excused and unenforceable if: (1) the sponsor dies or is adjudicated as bankrupt; (2) the alien becomes blind or disabled from causes arising after admission to the U.S.; (3) the sponsor can affirmatively demonstrate that his or her financial resources have diminished beyond the sponsor's control and that the sponsor is financially incapable of supporting the alien; or (4) judgment cannot be obtained in court because of circumstances unforeseeable to the alien at the time of admission.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Act granting certain public lands of the United States to the Las Vegas Valley Water District to terminate such authority after December 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Declares that Zimbabwe Rhodesia has: (1) demonstrated its willingness to negotiate in good faith at an all parties conference; and (2) approved through elections transferring power to a black majority government. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) should determine that Zimbabwe Rhodesia is in substantial compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978; and (2) should not enforce sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere Act of 1977 to authorize appropriations for such Committee for fiscal years 1980 and 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to permit the National Committee of American Airmen Rescued by General Mihailovich to construct a monument to General Mihailovich on Federal public land within the District of Columbia or its environs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution, for research related to the purposes of this title, and for necessary administrative and personnel costs. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Obligates owners of such oil to reimburse the refinery or terminal owner the full amount of the fee levied on such person's oil. Imposes a civil penalty on any person required to pay or collect such fees who fails to do so. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) of any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such person's grantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Preempts actions brought in any domestic court for claims which may be asserted under this title, except as provided in this title. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Savings Provisions; Conforming Amendments - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified law to conform to the provisions of this Act, including the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline Authorization Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that actions for judicial review of any final detailed environmental impact statement be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction within a statute of limitations of 180 days after the date on which such final statement is published in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Railroad Deregulation Act of 1979 - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, in matters pertaining to railroads, to consider the following as being in the public interest: (1) maximum reliance on competitive market forces; (2) avoidance of undue concentrations of market power; (3) reductions of regulatory barriers for entry to, or exit from, the industry; (4) maintenance of fair wages and working conditions; and (5) the development of a transportation system which is responsive to the needs of the public and in which decisions are reached fairly and expeditiously. Removes rail carriers from the general ratemaking provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act. Establishes new rail rate regulations under which rail carriers may set their own rates and services subject to specified conditions contained in this Act. Authorizes rail carriers to enter into contracts with purchasers of rail services regarding rates and services which are not subject to maximum or minimum rate regulations. Stipulates that between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1984, rail carriers may raise their rates by seven percent annually, in constant 1980 dollars, without interference by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the Commission to order rate reductions where rate increases exceed such ceiling only after an investigation initiated on petition of a complaining purchase of transportation service or an organization representing a complaining purchaser. Requires a complaining purchaser to show that it will be competitively damaged by such rate increase and that it is likely to prevail on the merits of any investigation before the Commission may institute such an investigation. Stipulates that in such an investigation a complaining purchaser must show, by clear and convincing evidence, that it has no reasonable alternative to the transportation by the carrier proposing the increase. Sets forth factors for the Commission to consider in determining whether such a reasonable transportation alternative exists. Stipulates that if the Commission determines that no reasonable transportation alternative exists then the rail carrier shall have the burden of showing, by clear and convincing evidence, that the increase is reasonable. Authorizes the Commission to order a rate reduction for the complaining purchaser upon a finding that no reasonable transportation alternative exists and that the rate at issue is not reasonable. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such rate reduction. Stipulates that any rates so reduced may not be raised for at least 12 months. Stipulates that rail carriers may not, with the intent to eliminate a competitor, set a rate below a level that contributes to the carrier's going concern value. Authorizes the Commission to order rate increases for rates in violation of this provision. Authorizes rail carriers to establish tariffs which contain minimum and maximum rates and which provide for fluctuations within such limits in response to either expected or actual fluctuations in demand for rail service. Stipulates that rates under such a tariff during the transition period (January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1984) shall be subject to minimum or maximum rate regulation only with respect to the average rate actually charged over a six-month period unless a given rate within the tariff range stays in effect for more than 120 days in a 150 day period. Repeals the requirement that the Commission consider rate relationships among commodities, parts, or other particular descriptions of traffic and the competitive damage a proposed rate will have on complaining purchasers in determining whether a proposed rate is lawful. Repeals the Commission's power to order an investigation into railroad affairs on its own initiative. Stipulates that investigations shall only be started by complaint and that no investigation may be ordered with respect to any rate increase which becomes effective after December 31, 1984. Requires all rail rate investigations to be completed and a final report issued within four months after a complaint is filed. Stipulates that if a decision is not made within such time, the rate protested shall be conclusively lawful. Stipulates that if a rate is found to be unlawful, the carrier shall refund to the complaining purchaser any portion of such increased rate found to be unlawful plus interest, and at the Commission's discretion, the complainant's costs and attorneys' fees. Eliminates the Commission's power to set joint-line rates involving rail carriers or to suspend or investigate a cancellation of a joint-line rate. Stipulates that in the event that any carrier which is a party to a joint-line rate unilaterally increases or decreases its rate for its part of the movement, the joint-line rate shall be automatically increased or decreased by such amount. Allows a participating carrier to cancel the joint-line rate under such circumstances. Establishes division of revenue arrangements for Commission-prescribed through routes where the carriers involved cannot agree on such a division. Stipulates that in order for a rail carrier to participate in discussion and voting on a joint-line rate, the carrier must have actually carried traffic under the joint-line rate during the preceding 12 months if the proposal is to change an existing rate or it must hold itself out to carry traffic under the rate at issue if the proposal is for a new joint rate. Requires that all rate bureau meetings (where groups of carriers vote on proposed rate and routing changes) be open to the public and recorded or transcribed unless the meeting deals solely with personnel or purely internal administrative matters. Removes a rate bureau's authority to discuss single-line rates. Removes, after a two year period, the Commission's authority to grant antitrust immunity to rate bureau agreements that provide for general rate increases or decreases. Authorizes rail carriers, without Commission approval, to enter into agreements providing solely for the compilation, publication, and distribution of rates. Exempts such agreements from the antitrust laws. Prohibits rail carriers from discriminating in price between purchasers of like and contemporaneous transportation service under similar transportation conditions unless (1) the cost of the service differs as between purchasers and the charges only reflect the difference or (2) the degree of competition to provide the purchasers with transportation services differs as between the purchasers. Sets forth procedural and proof requirements for purchasers complaining of rate discrimination. Entitles a successful complainant to the difference between the rate charged the complainant and that charged the favored shipper plus interest. Authorizes the Commission to award attorneys' fees and costs against a carrier for a willful violation and against the complainant for a complaint which was initiated or continued in bad faith. Requires rail carriers to file with the Commission the essential terms of contracts entered into with purchasers of rail services. Directs the Commission, to the maximum extent possible, to not require publication of the name or other identifying characteristics of purchasers. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe the information to be included in rail carrier tariffs but prohibits the Commission from prescribing the format for such tariffs. Establishes a three year phased-in decreasing notice period for railroad rate changes. Stipulates that at the end of such period rates may become effective upon publication. Repeals the provision of law which allows United States Government traffic to travel at reduced rail rates. Removes the Commission's authority to establish rules for demand-sensitive rates and distinct service pricing. Stipulates that any rate which became effective prior to January 1, 1980, shall remain in effect for no longer than five years from its effective date unless the parties agree otherwise. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, at the end of the second year after the effective date of this Act, to submit to Congress a preliminary study of competition in the provision of transportation services. Directs the Secretary to submit a final report regarding freight transportation competition two years later. Authorizes any rail carrier or other entity except a non-rail regulated carrier to construct or acquire railroad lines including an extension of an existing rail line or to construct lines which cross over another line under specified circumstances. Sets forth the conditions under which the Commission shall find that the public convenience and necessity requires or permits the abandonment of discontinuance of rail services. Requires the Commission to approve such an abandonment if no objection is filed by a shipper or user of the rail service in question within 30 days after the application for abandonment is filed. Establishes time limitations during which the Commission must act on abandonment applications. Stipulates that if such an investigation is not completed within such time frame, the certificate approving the abandonment or discontinuance must be issued. Stipulates that once an abandonment or discontinuance has been approved, any financially responsible person may offer, within ten days, to pay the carrier a subsidy to continue such rail service. Provides for binding arbitration by the Commission if the amount of the subsidy cannot be agreed upon by the offeror and the rail carrier. Establishes procedures for the purchase of rail lines where rail service abandonment or discontinuance has been approved. Provides for binding arbitration by the Commission if the purchase price cannot be agreed upon. Prohibits purchasers who acquire rail lines in such a manner from transferring such line or discontinuing such service for two years after the purchase was consummated, and prohibits the purchaser for the following three years from transferring the line to anyone except back to the carrier which sold the property. Stipulates that subsidies for approved abandonments or discontinuances may be discontinued on 60 days' notice. Sets forth considerations which the Commission is to take into account in approving pooling and other similar arrangements among carriers. Establishes time limitations during which the Commission must act on such proposed transactions. Exempts rail mergers and acquisition of control agreements or agreements where substantially all the assets of one rail carrier are acquired by another from the requirement that such transactions be approved by the Commission. Subjects such transactions to the antitrust laws. Requires that before such a transaction may take place, the Commission shall certify that specified employee protection arrangements have been made. Stipulates that such arrangements must provide employees with as much protection as was in effect before February 5, 1976. Repeals the Commission's authority to approve various types of rail carrier securities and repeals the Commission's authority to monitor and approve a change in the financial structure of rail carriers. Authorizes rail carriers to set standard per diem and demurrage charges for the use of the rolling stock or other equipment of another rail carrier. Stipulates that such agreements shall be submitted for approval to the Commission and that if approved such an arrangement shall not be subject to the antitrust laws. Requires that any discussions, agreements, or voting of rail carriers relating to the collective establishment of such rules, practices, or rates, be open to the public and that they shall be recorded or transcribed. Transfers the authority to issue orders relating to priority in transportation in times of war or threatened war from the Commission to the Secretary of Transportation. Directs the Commission, within four years, to revise all its reporting requirements affecting rail carriers to require only the minimum amount of information necessary to enable the Commission to properly perform its duties. Requires the Commission, within one year, to establish a Uniform Cost Accounting and Reporting System for rail carriers. Sets forth procedures for establishing arbitration panels within the Commission and establishes procedures for conducting such arbitration. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from imposing any type of economic regulation upon the interstate activity of railroads. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed to empower any court to grant injunctive relief with respect to any of the regulatory matters dealt with in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Amends the venue provisions of Federal law to provide that a civil action in which a defendant is the United States, a United States agency, or an officer or employee thereof acting in an official capacity may be brought in any judicial district in which the plaintiff or defendant has its principal place of business and must be brought in a judicial district in which it has been determined that a substantial portion of the impact or injury exists. Requires an appeal from a final order of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Maritime Administration to be brought in a judicial circuit in which such a determination has been made.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, unless such legislature prescribed lesser qualifications with respect to residence therein. Authorizes Congress to prescribe elector qualifications for electors in the District of Columbia. Continues electoral vote allotments to States and the District of Columbia. Directs the official custodian of the election returns of each State, within 45 days after the election, to make lists of all persons for whom votes were cast, number of votes cast, and the total vote cast by the voters. Requires that each person for whom votes were cast in each State receive such proportion of the electoral votes as he received of the total vote cast in such State. Declares the person receiving the greatest aggregate number of electoral votes, if at least 40 percent of the total, to be President. Requires in case of a tie or no one receiving 40 percent or more of the votes, that the Senate and House of Representatives choose, by ballot, the President and Vice President from the two persons receiving the greatest numbers of such votes. Repeals provisions of the Constitution relating to the Electoral College. Sets forth the effective date of this article as the first day of February following ratification.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amtrak Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to empower the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to hire railroad police (previously the Corporation could hire only security guards). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be deemed a common carrier by railroad under the Interstate Commerce Act with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of any obligation or liability in respect of the securities of others. Authorizes the Corporation to establish through routes and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously the Corporation could only establish such routes or fares with motor carriers). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law regarding pay periods or dates for payment to employees. Stipulates that the Corporation shall be deemed to be qualified to do business in each State in which it performs any authorized activity and that the Corporation shall accept service of process at its principal office in Washington, D.C. Stipulates that after October 1, 1979, all intercity rail passenger route additions and discontinuances of the Corporation shall be in accordance with specified criteria. Sets forth the method by which railroads shall reimburse the Corporation for its provision of free or reduced fare transportation for railroad employees if the Corporation and the railroad involved fail to agree on compensation. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 for: (1) operating expenses of the basic intercity rail system; (2) payment of the costs of capital acquisition or improvements of the basic system; and (3) the payment of the principal amount of obligations of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation, beginning with 1979, to supply the Secretary of Transportation with such information as is required by the Secretary to comply with the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921. Repeals the requirement that the Interstate Commerce Commission promulgate regulations to provide adequate service, equipment, tracks and facilities for quality intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for various expenses of the Coast Guard for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Sets forth the authorized end strength for Coast Guard personnel for fiscal year 1980. Sets forth the average military student training loads for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1980. Increases the number of commissioned officers in the Coast Guard, excluding warrant officers, which may be on active duty from 5,000 to 6,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe reasonable fees for inspections of merchant vessels not covered by the Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978 where such inspections are conducted outside the geographic limits of the United States. Increases the basic compensation payable to civilian keepers of lighthouses and civilians employed on lightships and other Coast Guard vessels from $7,500 per annum to $15,000 per annum. Authorizes the issuance of retroactive pay to civilian lighthouse keepers in an amount equal to the difference between what the keeper actually received and what he or she would have received under the General Schedule salary rates had there not been a $7,500 limitation on the individual's salary.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to schools of medicine and osteopathy for the establishment and operation of educational programs in geriatrics.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Urges (1) the International Whaling Commission to adopt a moratorium on the commercial killing of whales and (2) various countries to voluntarily comply with such moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Earth Data and Information Service Act of 1979 - Establishes the Earth Data and Information Service within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to collect, interpret, compile, and distribute data obtained by remote sensing satellites and other sources on the quality and quantity of the Earth's resources and environment. Directs the Service to: (1) provide rapid processing of, and ready access to, such data at a reasonable cost to both foreign and domestic users; (2) promote competition among suppliers of equipment and services to the Service; and (3) make available to all users remote sensing data and basis information products. Authorizes the Administrator of the NASA to plan, initiate, construct, acquire, own, manage, and operate an Earth Data and Information System to provide a reliable source of useful data and basic information products to users. Directs the Administrator to include in such system sensing satellites, ground equipment, data reception devices and other equipment designed to contribute to the understanding of the Earth's resources and environment. Authorizes the Administrator to establish communication networks to transmit such data and products to users on a timely basis and to consult with the National Telecommunications Information Agency of the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission in establishing such networks. Stipulates that the communication services needed for such networks, insofar as practicable, shall be procured from the private sector. Authorizes the Administrator, under the President's supervision, to participate in a program of international activities related to the functions of the Service. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of user charges for products and services provided under this Act. Sets forth penalties for unlawful reproduction for sale or distribution of any data or basic information products produced by the Service. Specifies procedures by which the President may transfer to the Service related functions of any other Federal department or agency. Requires the Administrator to present to the President, who shall transmit to Congress in January of each year, a report containing a description of the activities and accomplishments of the Service during the preceding year. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1980 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for use by the Department of Commerce for: (1) acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of vessels, the construction-differential subsidy, and the cost of national defense features incident to the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of ships; (2) payments of obligations incurred for the operating-differential subsidy; (3) research and development activities; (4) maritime education and training expenses; and (5) operating expenses including reserve fleet expenses. Authorizes additional appropriations for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits authorized by law, and for increased costs for public utilities, food service, and other expenses of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.
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
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 · 12 March 1979
Communications Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: General - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that such Act applies to, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has jurisdiction over: (1) all interexchange and international telecommunications and all transmission of electromagnetic energy by radio, which originates and/or is received within the United States; (2) all commerce in telecommunications and electronics equipment and services, information software, and information services; (3) the licensing and regulating of all radio stations; and (4) all persons engaged within the United States in such telecommunications or such transmission of energy by radio or such commerce. Directs the FCC to collect annual public resource fees based on the fair market value of licenses granted for the exclusive or shared use of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum, with specified exceptions. Directs the FCC to establish separate fee schedules according to each class of service, considering certain factors. Sets forth formulas for determining fees for VHF and UHF television and full-time radio broadcast licensees. Title II: Domestic and International Telecommunications; Rural Telecommunications Development - Directs the FCC to revise, reduce, or eliminate rules with respect to telecommunication services or carriers operating in a market as competition develops, such that the need for regulation or supervision accordingly diminishes. Declares that the sale, lease, or other provision of telecommunications equipment, information software, or information services (the creation, manipulation, and marketing of information in electronic form) shall not be deemed a telecommunications service (the electronic transfer of information from one location to another). Prohibits Category II carriers (as such term is defined in this Act), and carriers providing an exchange telecommunications service not subject to effective competition, from selling, leasing or otherwise marketing, and from producing or providing telecommunications equipment or electronic equipment, information software, or information service, except through a fully separated entity (not having common directors, officers, employees, or facilities and dealing at arms-length), unless the FCC determines that effective competition and consumer interests can be protected through certain accounting or structural safeguards. Authorizes State commissions having regulatory jurisdiction with respect to exchange services of carriers to permit certain exchange carriers to engage in such sales, leases, and marketing within such States. Prohibits Category II carriers from offering telecommunications equipment as an integral part of telecommunications service, with certain exceptions. Authorizes the FCC to set certain standards and labeling requirements for such equipment and to foster competition in such markets, but otherwise prohibits the FCC from regulating suppliers (that are not telecommunications carriers) of telecommunications or electronics equipment or of information software or services. Prohibits States from imposing special requirements, other than those generally applicable for electronics equipment, on the manufacture or marketing of such equipment for use with any telecommunications system. Sets forth criteria for determining regulation classification categories for entities providing telecommunications services as separable or integral parts of information or other nontelecommunications services. Requires the classification and regulation of all telecommunications carriers as either: (1) Category I carriers which provide only services subject to effective competition and which are not affiliated with a Category II carrier; or (2) Category II carriers, which provide national or regional telecommunications or other class of services not subject to effective competition. (Changes the term "common carrier" to "Category II carrier" throughout such Act). Directs the FCC to designate and regulate as Category II, any carrier authorized to provide telecommunications service both essential to the public interest and unlikely to be generally available at reasonable rates under competitive conditions. Sets forth criteria and procedures for such classification by the FCC. Limits the FCC to imposing only those requirements specifically set forth in this Act on Category I carriers. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe necessary and appropriate requirements for Category II carriers. Directs the FCC to order a Category II carrier not to provide or to discontinue providing a telecommunications service, whenever the FCC determines that such provision of service would be inconsistent with the purposes of this Act. Prohibits certain carriers which provide, without effective competition, "exchange" services (within a local area having a community of interest for economic, social and other purposes) from also providing certain interexchange services, or vice versa, except by means of a fully separate carrier or by permission of the FCC. Requires telecommunications carriers which provide exchange, interexchange, or international telecommunications services or facilities not subject to effective competition to establish: (1) physical connections with any other carrier upon request; and (2) through-routes (with charges, facilities, and regulations for such through-routes) upon an FCC order for joint operations. Authorizes the FCC to determine just and reasonable arrangements for such physical connections, through-routes, charges, or division of charges, whenever such carriers are unable to reach agreement. Prohibits the FCC from imposing requirements as to charges, practices, or conditions for services of Category I carriers. Requires Category II carriers: (1) to make available, on reasonable request, any of their interexchange telecommunications services which are not subject to effective competition; and (2) to establish just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory tariffs for such services. Requires all telecommunications carriers to provide to the FCC (and to the public, with certain exceptions) telecommunications operations information to enable: (1) the FCC and the public to monitor the activities of such carriers within the markets in which they operate; and (2) the FCC to carry out its duties under this Act. Authorizes the FCC to impose different information requirements on different categories of carriers. Requires Category II carriers to make public schedules showing charges, practices, and regulations for interexchange telecommunications services and through-routes. Requires that new or revised tariffs proposed by Category II carriers for telecommunications services not subject to effective competition be conditionally accepted or finally approved by the FCC before taking effect. Authorizes the FCC to facilitate public negotiation between such carriers and interested parties opposing such tariffs. Directs the FCC to hold hearings for good cause shown upon request, with the burden of proof on the carrier to show that such tariff is just and reasonable. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by a Category II carrier in establishing a new or revised tariff. Requires all such carriers providing interexchange telecommunications services subject to effective competition to file any new or revised tariff with the FCC. Permits interested parties to petition for hearing concerning the lawfulness of such tariff. Requires Category II carriers to file with the FCC copies of contracts, agreements, or arrangements with other carriers relating to traffic affected by such Act. Authorizes the Commission to require filing of other Category II carrier contracts and to waive filing requirements for minor contracts. Prohibits employees, officers, or directors of any Category II carrier, or persons directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by such carrier, from being officers or directors of: (1) significant customers expending more than $100,000 per year for such carrier's telecommunications services or equipment; (2) suppliers to such carrier of goods or services; (3) financial institutions; or (4) Category I carriers. Prohibits employees, officers, or directors of entities (except not-for-profit education institutions) with gross expenditures of more than $100,000 per year for telephone service or equipment purchase or rental from being officers or directors of Category II carriers, except with FCC permission by rule. Authorizes the FCC to make valuations of property owned or used by Category II carriers. Requires such carriers to notify the FCC of facilities construction, acquisition, or operation. Authorizes the FCC: (1) to require such carriers to obtain FCC certificates or other FCC authorization for such activities; and (2) to authorize long-term facilities construction plans for such carriers. Permits court injunction of such activities or of their effects on services when such activities or effects are contrary to the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the FCC to require such carriers to provide themselves with adequate or extended facilities to perform essential services. Requires that joint planning by two or more carriers for facilities for switched public message telephone service be done under FCC auspices. Authorizes the FCC to permit temporary or emergency augmentation, discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of facilities or services. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe the forms of accounts, records, and memoranda to be kept by carriers. Directs the FCC to prescribe guidelines to accomplish a complete accounting divestiture of competitive services or products from the non-competitive services of carriers. Directs the FCC to notify State authorities and interested parties of the application of one or more carriers to consolidate properties or to acquire any part of the property of or control of another carrier. Requires a public hearing in such cases when requested by a carrier, an association of carriers, a State commission, or local governmental authority. Authorizes the FCC to order such hearings on its own motion or upon the request of a member of the public, where the FCC determines that substantial questions are raised as to whether the purposes of this Act are being served by such consolidation, acquisition, or control. Terminates, 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, all practices and procedures prescribed by the FCC for allocating the costs of exchange operations among local exchange, intrastate toll, and interstate toll services. Requires, thereafter, all interexchange carriers to reimburse local exchange carriers directly for actual costs. Establishes a basic exchange maintenance program consisting of surcharges on all interexchange carriers, with proceeds going to local exchange facility operators. Grants jurisdiction to the FCC over intraexchange facilities used to originate, terminate, or transfer interexchange telecommunications. Authorizes the FCC to ensure that there is no unlawful discrimination in the use and pricing of exchange facilities. Directs the FCC to establish a special permanent Joint Board to implement and manage the basic exchange maintenance program established by this Act. Directs the Board to establish and collect into a fund fees from all interexchange carriers and to disburse amounts to each local exchange operator according to specified formulas. Extends pole attachment regulations to cover cooperative telephone companies. Requires utility pole owners to provide reasonable access to telecommunications carriers providing cable television services. Requires States to define the geographic configuration of exchange telecommunications areas within their borders, or, in conjunction with other States where any such area extends outside of State borders. Requires that exchange area boundaries not extend beyond those of any standard metropolitan statistical area and that every point within a State be included in an exchange area. Authorizes the FCC to redefine exchange areas in certain cases. Prohibits telecommunications carriers which provide telecommunications service not subject to effective competition from providing cable television services, unless specifically permitted by the FCC. Directs the FCC to require conditions adequate to achieve separation of cable television services from noncompetitive telecommunications services. Declares, for purposes of a 1956 American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) consent decree, that any information or telecommunications equipment or telecommunications services provided by AT&T be deemed regulated common carrier communications services or equipment. Directs the FCC: (1) to limit the number of facilities of telecommunications carriers owned or controlled in common by any person; and (2) to limit or prohibit ownership or control of such facilities alone or in combination with other media interests so as to promote telecommunications media diversity and competition and avoid excessive concentrations of media control. Authorizes the establishment of the International Facilities Management Corporation, a nonprofit corporation separate from the Federal Government. Transfers to the Corporation all the duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges heretofore assigned: (1) to Comsat for satellite international telecommunications; and (2) to all other U.S. telecommunications carriers for other international telecommunications. Requires annual Corporation reports to Congress and the President. Requires that the U.S. portion of all international transmission facilities of the corporation be owned by a consortium of those international carriers which have established requisite operating agreements with foreign correspondents, subject to the planning, management, and operational control of the Corporation. States that, in return for the transfer of assets to the consortium, carriers shall be entitled to use a proportionate share of the available capacity for services provided by the consortium. Provides for the acquisition by the consortium of the Government's interest in the Corporation. Directs the President to supervise the Corporation in foreign policy matters. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to assist the Corporation in specified ways. Authorizes and directs the FCC to regulate the Corporation in specified instances and matters. Requires the Corporation to notify the Department of State of any foreign business negotiations. Establishes provisions for equitable relief from any violations of this Act by the Corporation or any other person. Requires international telecommunications carriers: (1) to establish physical connections with any domestic telecommunications carrier, upon reasonable request, on nondiscriminatory terms; and (2) to allocate foreign-originated traffic and unrouted domestically-originated international traffic (and an appropriate share of revenues therefrom ) among domestic carriers according to a specified FCC formula. Designates every international carrier as a Category II carrier (not subject to effective competition), subject to FCC regulation of tariffs, interconnections, and other conditions. Requires telecommunications carriers seeking to provide both domestic and international telecommunications services to establish fully separated entities for either of such services, such entities to be also subject to FCC regulation. Prohibits international telecommunications carriers which provide international public message telephone service not subject to effective competition from providing any other international telecommunications service. Establishes the Rural Telecommunications Planning Program, administered jointly by the Secretaries of Commerce and of Agriculture. Makes available to regional, State, and local applicants planning project grants for the development and improvement of rural telecommunications services. Limits the amounts of such grants to 75 percent of the reasonable and necessary costs of a planning project. Provides for review of such planning projects. Directs such Secretaries, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and with other public service agencies, to establish additional criteria to be used by the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration in determining eligibility for rural telecommunications construction project loans (also amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to add such criteria). Directs the FCC to compile and publish, and then revise or eliminate, all rules, regulations, and policies having a direct and significant effect on the provision of telecommunications services to rural populations, weighing the benefits from diversity of ownership or control of telecommunications and other media and from intramedia competition with the necessity of permitting common ownership or control in areas where telecommunications and other public services would not otherwise be likely to be or become available. Title III: Broadcasting - Increases the terms of broadcast licenses to: (1) indefinite periods of time for radio stations; (2) no longer than five years for television stations; and (3) no longer than ten years for any other class of stations. Provides for the renewal of such licenses. Directs the FCC to conduct a random review of five percent of the radio broadcast stations which have been licensed for at least one year. Prohibits the FCC from considering as basis for license revocation or other disciplinary action, any failures or violations of a radio or television licensee or permittee which occurred more than five years before coming to FCC attention. Prohibits the FCC, in considering broadcast station license renewal applications where there are duly filed competing applications for the same facilities, from considering: (1) ownership interests or official connections of the applicant in other broadcast stations or other nonbroadcast communications media (unless the FCC does not have in effect a generally applicable rule prohibiting or restricting such interests or connections); or (2) the degree of ownership participation in station management. Stipulates that: (1) any broadcast station construction begun prior to the grant of an FCC permit shall be at the risk of the applicant; and (2) the FCC may grant a permit for construction undertaken prior to grant. Prohibits the FCC from considering the fact of such construction or the costs incurred thereby in determining whether to grant such a permit. Authorizes the FCC to prescribe or continue in force such rules and regulations governing the terms and conditions of broadcast signal retransmission by telecommunications carriers or channel programmers as are necessary to preserve local broadcast program origination by a radio or television broadcasting licensee or group of licensees within a local market. Requires an FCC evidentiary finding that such origination would be diminished in the absence of such rules limiting or restricting the number or source, or requiring deletion, of such signals. Authorizes the FCC to exempt from such rules certain carriers or categories of carriers or channel programmers whenever such rules are unnecessary to preserve local broadcast program origination. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes certain conforming amendments to the procedural and administrative provisions of this Act. Title V: National Commission on Spectrum Management - Establishes the National Commission on Spectrum Management as an independent instrumentality of the United States. Directs such Commission to study, investigate, and recommend appropriate administrative action and legislation to improve the allocation, assignment, and authorization of use of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum. Directs such Commission to report to Congress and the President within 18 months after the confirmation of its chairman. Title VI: Conforming Amendments; Repealer; Reference - Makes certain conforming amendments in the U.S. Criminal Code and the Clayton Act. Repeals Titles I through IV of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. Provides for a transition of FCC authority.
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 Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to notify the Governor and other State officials, or the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe, of its intent to explore a site for a radioactive waste storage and disposal facility to be selected within such State or tribal lands. Directs the Chairman to establish a Federal and State Radioactive Materials Management Commission upon the request of such Governor or Tribal Council, to allow for State or Tribal participation and to obtain concurrence with the Department of Energy regarding site selection and construction of such facilities. Prohibits any Federal agency from proceeding with any such project without resolution of any objections of a State or Tribal Council.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Nuclear Waste Transportation Safety Act of 1979 - Declares it the policy of Congress that the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), has principal responsibility for the transportation of nuclear waste and radioactive commercial spent fuel. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to define the terms used in such Act. Designates commercial spent fuel and transuranic waste in quantities greater than one kilogram as hazardous material. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of Transportation concerning nuclear materials transportation. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the NRC, to formulate and send to Congress a national emergency response plan to deal with emergency situations that may occur during the shipment of radioactive material. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to any State to assist it in conducting a review of the safety and logistics of shipment associated with any proposal to develop a long-term storage or disposal facility which would result in nuclear waste or commercial spent fuel being shipped within the State. Limits grants to $50,000. Sets forth notification procedures for the acceptance of nuclear waste or commercial spent fuel from any non-domestic source. Requires the annual report on the transportation of hazardous materials to include the following items relating to radioactive materials: (1) a review of shipment safety requirements; (2) a compilation of data to aid in risk assessment; (3) recommendations for Federal routing guidelines or requirements; and (4) an assessment of the Nation's inventory of containers, packages, and vehicles suitable for the shipment of nuclear waste or commercial spent fuel.
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 · 1 March 1979
Directs the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint two individuals to serve as cochairpersons of a team of observers of the election in Rhodesia. Requires the team to observe such election and to report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on wagers and the occupational tax on bookmakers any wager or bookmaker authorized under State law (or in the case of a bookmaker, under local law as well).
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the United States Railway Association for the purposes of carrying out its administrative expenses under such Act for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 - Title I: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a single system of measuring noise and the impact of noise on individuals to be used to measure noise at airports and their surrounding areas and to establish land uses for such areas which are compatible with such noise levels. Allows airport operators to submit noise impact maps to the Secretary setting forth the noncompatible uses in each area of the map, a description of the projected aircraft operations during 1985, and the ways in which such operations will affect such map. Requires the revision of such maps when changes in airports operations would create any new noncompatible use in areas surrounding an airport. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to qualified airports for noise compatibility planning. Defines "noise compatibility planning" as the preparation of noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs under this Act. Sets forth limitation regarding the amounts which may be obligated through such grant program. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1980 and beyond to carry out such grant program. Stipulates that noise compatibility programs be filed with the Secretary. Sets forth factors under which the Secretary may disapprove noise compatibility programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of an approved program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to operators of airports for projects to carry out a noise compatibility program developed prior to the enactment of this Act or the promulgation of its implementing regulations under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate up to $75,000,000 out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal year 1980 to carry out approved noise compatibility programs. Requires the Secretary to prepare noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs for specified airports near the District of Columbia. Limits suits for damages resulting from airport noise by individuals acquiring property in an area surrounding an airport for which a noise impact map has been submitted. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the effectiveness of airport noise compatibility planning and programs which were funded pursuant to this Act. Title II: Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to increase specified appropriations authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1980. Increases the Federal share for specified airport development projects under such Act. Title III: Directs the Secretary to require foreign aircraft operating in the United States to meet specified noise standards if the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) does not adopt noise standards which are the same as or substantially similar to the noise standards prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations issued by the Secretary which were in effect on January 1, 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to provide waivers from the noise regulations in effects on January 1, 1977, where the operator has made a good faith effort to comply with such regulations for such a period as the Secretary determines to be reasonable to permit compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a waiver for the operation of aircraft which do not meet such noise standards beyond January 1, 1985, if the operator has a plan or contract for the replacement of such aircraft by a specified date. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board to require aircraft operators to impose a specified noise abatement surcharge on domestic or international flights which shall be retained and utilized by an aircraft operator until its fleet is in compliance with applicable Federal noise abatement regulations. Authorizes the Board to modify such surcharge under specified circumstances. Terminates all noise abatement charges 60 months after the enactment of this Act. Title IV: Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the implementation of collision avoidance systems in the national air traffic control system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 - Title I: Natural Gas - Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act Amendments of 1979 - Declares the finding of Congress that the purposes of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 will be more effectively realized by amendments thereto providing the Secretary of Transportation with preconstruction design approval authority for pipeline facilities and with improved investigation and enforcement powers. Amends such Act to include liquid natural gas within the definition of "gas". Provides the Secretary with preconstruction design approval authority for pipeline facilities. Stipulates that such approval shall be contingent on compliance with applicable safety standards and other terms and conditions determined by the Secretary. Allows safety standards generally applicable to new pipeline facilities to be applied to existing facilities considered hazardous to life or property. Amends the provision authorizing waivers of compliance with standards established under this Act by allowing such waivers only by order of the Secretary. Abolishes the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee. Requires certified State agencies to encourage and promote programs to prevent damage to pipeline facilities from certain demolition and construction activities. Amends the reporting and investigation requirements imposed on State agencies certified under this Act. Establishes procedures for the collection of civil penalties assessed for violations of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, and imposes criminal penalties for willful violations of such Act or regulations issued thereunder, or for willful destruction of interstate gas transmission facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to issue orders directing compliance with such Act or regulations, and provides for enforcement of such orders by petitioning the appropriate U.S. District Court. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary, to seek equitable relief to correct violations of such Act. Title II: Liquid Pipeline Safety - Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 - Declares the policy of Congress to improve the Secretary's ability to protect life and property from risks inherent in hazardous liquid transportation by pipeline. Defines "hazardous liquid" as a liquid substance which may pose an unreasonable risk to life or property when transported by pipeline facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to issue Federal safety standards for the transportation of hazardous liquids and for pipeline facilities. Provides the Secretary with preconstruction design approval authority for such pipeline facilities. Stipulates that such approval shall be contingent on compliance with applicable safety standards and other terms and conditions determined by the Secretary. Allows safety standards generally applicable to new pipeline facilities to be applied to existing facilities considered hazardous to life or property. Authorizes the Secretary to waive compliance with standards established under this title. Grants to States safety authority over intrastate hazardous liquid pipeline facilities. Allows persons aggrieved by standards or orders issued under this title to obtain judicial review thereof by filing a petition with the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of provisions of this title and for willful destruction of interstate pipeline facilities. Establishes procedures for the collection of such civil penalties. Authorizes the Secretary to issue orders directing compliance with this title or regulations, and provide for enforcement of such orders by petitioning the appropriate U.S. District Court. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary, to seek equitable relief to correct violations of this title. Requires each person engaged in the transportation of hazardous liquids or who owns or operates pipeline facilities to file with the Secretary or with the appropriate State agency a maintenance and inspection plan designed to meet the need for pipeline safety. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct investigations, make reports, issue subpoenas, conduct hearings, and perform other specified administrative duties to carry out the provisions of this title. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit a report on the administration of this title for the preceding calendar year. Authorizes citizens civil actions for injunctive relief against violators of provisions of this title, or regulations and orders issued thereunder, upon giving prior notice to the Secretary of such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Air Transportation Tax Reduction Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce: (1) the general excise tax rate on air transportation of persons in the United States, during the period from October 2, 1979, through June 30, 1980, from eight percent to six percent; and (2) the excise tax on the use of international air travel facilities, during the same period, from $3 to $1. Reduces the general excise tax rate on air transportation of property during such period from five percent to three percent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) find Rhodesia in compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978; (2) find that approval for the Zimbabwe Constitution has been secured; and (3) revoke sanctions against Zimbabwe within ten days of the scheduled free elections.
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
Catastrophic Health Insurance Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Entitles every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where the individual is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits, including therein hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health services. Provides for a general deductible from: (1) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past 60 days; and (2) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (A) $2,000 or (B) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertaken to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Creates a tax on self-employment income and an excise tax on employers. Allows a tax credit up to the entire amount of such taxes under the Internal Revenue Code for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - Establishes a program, under the Social Security Act, under which any insurer may submit any health insurance policy to the Secretary for examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall deny certification of any such insurance policy. Requires the Secretary to offer basic Federal health insurance to individuals residing in States in which no private health insurance program has been certified. Title III: Other Amendments - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowance basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Increases the amount of reimbursement under Medicare for outpatient mental health care. Reduces the monthly premium for optional coverage under the Medicare hospital insurance programs. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act, 1979, to authorize a supplemental appropriation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Entitles every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where the individual is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits, including hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health services. Provides for a general deductible from: (1) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past 60 days; and (2) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (A) $2,000; or (B) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertaken to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Creates a tax on self- employment income and an excise tax on employers. Allows a tax credit up to the entire amount of such taxes for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Replaces the Medicaid program with a plan of medical assistance for low-income people. Requires assistance for low-income individuals and families, for the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) medical and other health services; (3) skilled nursing facility services; (4) home health services; (5) intermediate care services; (6) mental health services; (7) pre-natal and well-baby care; (8) family planning assistance; (9) early and periodic screening diagnosis, and treatment for eligible children under age 18; and (10) payment for Medicare Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for recipients of aid under this title. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and procedures of persons eligible for benefits. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund within the Treasury. Makes provisions for State contributions to the Fund. Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - Establishes a program, under the Social Security Act, under which any insurer may submit any health insurance policy to the Secretary for examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall deny certification of any such insurance policy. Requires the Secretary to offer basic Federal health insurance to individuals residing in States in which no private health insurance program has been certified. Title IV: Other Amendments - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowable basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Increases the amount of reimbursement under Medicare for outpatient mental health care. Reduces the monthly premium for optional coverage under the Medicare hospital insurance programs. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Family Farm Antitrust Act of 1979 - Finds that: (1) vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing, and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the demise of rural communities; (2) the potential for foreign investment in productive agricultural land remains an imminent threat to the family farm; and (3) there is a serious lack of information available on corporate investments in farmland. Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any person engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $15,000,000, from controlling or attempting to control, directly or indirectly, the production of raw farm products through the ownership or long-term leasing of agricultural land. Specifies exceptions to such prohibition including family farms as defined in this Act, farmer owned or controlled cooperatives, and acquisitions of land for research, experimental, and agricultural and resource development purposes. Prohibits any foreign person, as defined in the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978, from acquiring agricultural land unless such land is put to a nonfarming use within five years from its acquisition and is leased during such interim period to a family farm. Requires any entity, the nonfarming business assets of which exceed $15,000,000 and which holds an equity interest in agricultural land to file an annual statement with the Secretary of Commerce on its agricultural activities, the number of acres involved, and the names and addresses of major shareholders in such entity. Prescribes a civil penalty for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Space Policy Act of 1979 - Establishes a national space policy to enable the United States to maintain leadership in space science and technology. Declares such policy, including that the United States: (1) is committed to space exploration for peaceful purposes and the benefit of mankind; (2) rejects claims of sovereignty over outer space and celestial bodies; and (3) will continue to participate in cooperative international space activities. Directs the President to assure that the space program proceed toward enumerated goals in space and terrestrial application and in space science. Details the goals to be achieved within ten years, including: (1) design of prototype electric power generation transmission systems; (2) design of space technologies determining the feasibility of space-based manufacturing; (3) establishment of remote-sensing and communications structures; and (4) the pursuit of planetary and lunar science and exploration. Requires the President to submit to Congress a five-year schedule, within annual revisions, identifying missions, projects, and programs to achieve the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Authorizes additional expenditures by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for inquiries and investigations, not to exceed $2,652,800 from the period from March 1, 1979, through February 29, 1980. Directs that such expenditures be made from the contingent fund of the Senate. Directs the committee to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later than February 29, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens, estates, trusts, partnerships, and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Armed Services with amendment, S. Rept. 96-226) Amends the Military Selective Service Act to direct the President to commence registration of male citizens in accordance with provisions of such Act by January 2, 1980. Authorizes the President to suspend such registration only for the purpose of revising or instituting new procedures. Stipulates that such suspension shall not exceed 90 consecutive days nor occur more than once in any one-year period. Prohibits the President from classifying or examining any person registered under the provisions of such Act after the date or enactment and before January 1, 1981, unless he determines that it is in the national interest to do so. Directs the President to submit a written report on the Military Selective Service Act to Congress by July 1, 1980, containing recommendations for: (1) revisions of categories and standards for deferment or exemption; (2) the revision of registration and classification procedures; and (3) revisions he determines necessary to improve the fairness and effectiveness of such Act. Requires that the President include in such report a certification to the effect that such Act, including any changes recommended by him, is in his judgment equitable and capable of providing the means necessary to effectively meet the military manpower needs of the United States. Directs the Secretary of Defense to include in the annual manpower requirements written report an assessment of the capability of mobilizing military manpower to meet national security requirements during national emergencies.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for the services of a clinical psychologist under the supplementary medical insurance program.
![Official portrait of Sen. Cannon, Howard W. [D-NV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000120_200.jpg)