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United States · Official source
1,080 records where Sen. Cannon, Howard W. [D-NV] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Declares that the Senate disapproves of the regulations proposed by the Federal Election Commission relating to the funding and sponsorship of candidate debates submitted to the Senate pursuant to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend tax-exempt status to veterans' organizations whose membership consists of at least 75 percent past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States (combat or noncombat veterans), with the remaining membership consisting substantially of cadets or spouses, or widows or widowers of Armed Forces personnel or cadets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Antiquities Act and Federal Land Policy and Management Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Antiquities Act to define "objects of historic or scientific interest" to include specified items. Stipulates that such objects must be directly associated with human activities. Requires congressional approval of any Presidential proclamation of a national monument before it can effect a reservation of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres. Permits the continuance of uses of public lands within a national monument which were valid uses prior to the designation of such lands as a monument, including hunting, guiding, hiking, boating, and use of motorized vehicles. Stipulates that such uses must not adversely affect the objects sought to be protected by the reservation. Grants such provisions governing the proclamation of national monuments retroactive effect as of October 14, 1978. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require congressional approval of withdrawals of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Western Lands Distribution and Regional Equalization Act of 1979 - Title I: Short Title; Findings and Declaration of Policy; Definitions - States that the practice of retaining Federal ownership to territory within the borders of States located west of the one-hundredth meridian as a condition precedent to their admission into the Union, has impinged on the sovereignty of such States in derogation of the tenth amendment to the Constitution. Declares that the United States shall hold all such States federally owned, unreserved, and unappropriated lands in trust for such States and shall transfer ownership and administration of such lands to such States when they have adopted legislation which provides a uniformity of State and Federal law relating to land administration, conservation and use. Excludes from transfer in implementing such policy all Federal lands within national parks, national monuments, and national wildlife and migratory bird sanctuaries established prior to January 1, 1979, lands within Indian or military reservations, and lands necessary for the operation of Federal reclamation projects, shipyards docks, defense establishments and other Federal buildings. Title II: Federal Land Transfer Board - Authorizes the Governor of any State seeking to acquire such unreserved and unappropriated lands to petition the President within 60 months of the enactment of this Act to establish a Federal Land Transfer Board for such State. Directs the President to establish such a Board consisting of State and Federal members within 90 days of the receipt of such an application. States that the Board shall serve until all conveyances of such lands within the State are carried out. Requires each Federal Land Transfer Board to coordinate its activities with the State land commission established pursuant to this Act. Directs each Board to carry out the required land transfers within two years of its determination that a State's application meets the requirements of this Act. Empowers the Land Transfer Boards to resolve land claims and disputes arising from the implementation of this Act. Grants any State aggrieved by a decision of a Land Transfer Board on its application the right to a public hearing and review before the Board. Empowers the United States courts of appeals to hear appeals from final orders of the Boards. States that judicial review shall be on the record made before the Board and that the Board's findings shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. States that the judgment of the court of appeals shall be subject to review only by the United States Supreme Court upon a writ of certiorari or certification. Title III: State Land Commissions - Requires each State seeking the conveyance of unreserved and unappropriated land under this Act, to establish a State land commission board to: (1) hold any transferred lands in trust for all people of the United States; (2) manage such lands to maximize conservation and permit compatible land uses; (3) protect the interests of persons who have acquired rights in such land under Federal law; (4) collect fees, rents, and royalties, issue licenses, conduct surveys and perform other administrative functions relating to such lands; (5) transfer to the United States those property interests necessary to continue lawful, Federal activities; and (6) continue to administer lands previously administered by the United States pursuant to a treaty or interstate compact in conformance with the terms of such treaty or compact. Directs each State land commission board to coordinate its activities with the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Board. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Declares that the United States shall retain control over the oceans, seas, navigable rivers, streams, and lakes, and projects of the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Directs the President to modify agreements with other nations if necessary to implement this Act. Grants the consent of Congress to any interstate compact relating to the management and use of such lands if it has been approved by the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Boards. Sets forth provisions to assist individuals whose employment is disrupted by implementation of this Act. Authorizes each Federal agency with jurisdiction over lands conveyed to a State under this Act, to extend low interest loans to such State to insure that it is financially able to comply with the provisions of this Act. Limits the amount of such loans to the anticipated mineral, timber, and grazing revenues derived from such transferred lands over a ten-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the rate of tax imposed on fuel used in noncommercial aviation. Imposes a six percent tax on retail sales of such fuel used by an owner, lessee, or other operator of an aircraft (repealing the current seven cents per gallon tax). Reduces the airline ticket tax for individual travel from eight to two percent. Increases the tax rate for individual travel to five percent after September 30, 1990, and terminates such tax for the transportation of property by air after such date. Revises the tax on the use of civil aircraft for the period beginning on July 1, 1990, and ending on September 30, 1990. Amends the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970 to extend the authorization of such tax levels and the life of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund from October 1, 1980, through October 1, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to budget funds for certain specified purposes to assist the Civil Air Patrol. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to give, sell, or lend to the Civil Air Patrol excess property acquired by the Air Force under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Aquaculture Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, after consultation with appropriate Federal and State officials and regional fishery management councils, to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis, and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Directs the Secretaries to make periodic reviews of the operation and effectiveness of the Plan and to amend the plan as necessary. Requires the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to make a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States. Requires the Secretaries, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, or technical assistance to interested persons; (2) consult and cooperate with persons, agencies, and regional commissions; (3) encourage the implementation of aquacultural technology; and (4) prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such a program. Directs the Secretaries to: (1) establish an aquaculture information service; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) conduct a study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely affected by competition from products produced by commercial aquaculture enterprises. Directs the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, established by this Act, to prepare and submit to Congress a biennial report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Establishes the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal aquaculture research, transfer, and assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretaries, according to their responsibilities under the Plan, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Directs the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to conduct and submit to Congress, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, a study of the capital requirements of the United States aquaculture industry which shall: (1) document and analyze any capital constraints that affect the development of aquaculture in the United States; and (2) evaluate the role that appropriate Federal financial assistance does or could play in filing gaps in the normal credit market with respect to aquaculture. Requires the Secretaries to formulate and submit to Congress a capital requirements plan, based on such study, which shall include: (1) those Federal actions, if any, found to be necessary to meet financial needs unmet through normal credit channels and existing Federal programs; and (2) recommendations for legislative actions. Requires the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to conduct and submit to Congress a study of the State and Federal regulatory restrictions to aquaculture development in the United States and, based upon the results of such study, to formulate and submit to Congress a plan for acting on the study's findings.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Airport and Airway System Development Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and revise the existing national airport system plan to provide for the development of public-use airports in the United States. Stipulates that such plan shall include the type and estimate cost of eligible airport development considered by the Secretary to be necessary to provide a safe and efficient system of public-use airports to anticipate and meet the needs of civil aeronautics, to meet requirements in support of the national defense, and to meet the needs of the Postal Service. Directs the Department of Defense to make military airports and airport facilities available for civil use to the extent feasible. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport development and planning in the form of project-grants or block-grants. Sets forth the aggregate funding level for such grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Authorizes appropriations out of such fund for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for: (1) the establishment of air navigation facilities; (2) airport research engineering and development, and demonstration projects; (3) training State and local government employees to carry out the purposes of this Act; (4) costs of services provided under international agreements relating to the joint financing of air navigation services; (5) costs incurred by the Secretary in administering this title; and (6) costs incurred in operating and maintaining the national airspace system in a safe and efficient condition. Sets forth the method for apportioning the funds made available under this title. Sets forth conditions which must be met to be eligible to receive funding under this Act. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in the development of airport plans and programs which are formulated on the basis of overall transportation needs and coordinated with other transportation planning with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land-use and access plans and overall social, economic, environmental, system performance, and energy conservation goals and objectives. Sets forth procedures for the submission of project-grant and block grant airport development applications and requirements which must be satisfied to approve such applications. Requires a sponsor of an airport project to hold public hearings where the project-grant application involves the location of an airport, and airport runway, or a major runway extension. Stipulates that such a grant shall not be made unless the Governor of the State in which the project is to be located certifies in writing to the Secretary that there is a reasonable assurance that the project will be located, designed, constructed, and operated so as to comply with applicable air and water quality implementation plans. Subjects block-grant airport development project applications for States to the same conditions and requirements as those for project-grant applications. Authorizes the Secretary to approve standards (other than standards for safety of approaches) established by a State for airport development at public-use airports which enplane less than .01 percent of the total number of passengers enplaned annually at all commercial service airports. Directs the Secretary, in determining compliance with this Act and other Federal laws, to accept conclusionary certificates from participating States and project sponsors that they have complied or will comply with all of the statutory, regulatory and procedural requirements imposed under this Act or any other Federal law. Stipulates that the United States share of allowable project costs for a project approved under this Act shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Establishes lower percentages for such projects under specified circumstances. Stipulates that construction work on projects funded under this Act shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Secretary and shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Stipulates that contracts in excess of $2,000 for such construction projects shall include provisions establishing minimum rates of wages to be predetermined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires that construction contracts for airport development projects grant employment preferences to Vietnam and disabled veterans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in the event that a public airport project will require the use of Federal lands, to request the head of the Federal agency or department controlling such lands to transfer the necessary property interests to the public agency sponsoring the project or which owns or controls the airport involved, Requires the head of such an agency or department to notify the Secretary within four months of its decision with respect to such a request. Exempts from such requests lands under the administration of the National Park Service, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System or similar areas under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, or within any national forest or Indian reservation. Sets forth criminal penalties for fraudulent acts committed with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping and auditing requirements with respect to projects under this Act. Directs the Secretary to take affirmative action to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with funds received from any grant made under this Act. Stipulates that no obligation for airport development shall be incurred by the Secretary after September 30, 1981, at any airport which enplanes more than .25 percent of the total number of passengers enplaned annually at all commercial service airports. Authorizes other airports after such date to elect not to receive such assistance. Repeals sections of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 relating to airport development funding.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
United States Olympic Development Fund Checkoff Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to designate on their income tax returns that either $1 of any tax refund or $1 of any contribution which the taxpayer forwards with his return shall be payable to the United States Olympic Development Fund. Establishes the United States Olympic Development Fund under the auspices of the Secretary of the Treasury for the receipt of tax contributions and payment to the United States Olympic Development Fund. Directs the United States Olympic Committee to use such funds for a program to expand and improve amateur athletics in the United States. Requires reports on the expenditure of such funds to be submitted by the United States Olympic Committee and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that no office building should be constructed for the Senate after the date on which this resolution is agreed to, other than any office building which is under construction on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and revise the existing national airport system plan to provide for the development of public-use airports in the United States. Directs that such plan shall include the type and estimated cost of eligible airport development considered by the Secretary to be necessary to provide a safe and efficient system of public-use airports to anticipate and meet the needs of civil aeronautics, to meet requirements in support of the national defense, and to meet the needs of the postal service. Directs the Department of Defense to make military airports and airport facilities available for civil use to the extent feasible. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a single method for measuring airport generated noise. Makes airport noise assessment plans and noise impact abatement plans eligible for funding as airport planning projects under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport development and planning in the form of project-grants or block-grants. Sets forth the aggregate funding level for such grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Authorizes appropriations out of such fund for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for: (1) the establishment of air navigation facilities; (2) airport research engineering and development, and demonstration projects; (3) training State and local government employees to carry out the purposes of this Act; (4) costs of services provided under international agreements relating to the joint financing of air navigation services; (5) costs incurred by the Secretary in administering this title; and (6) costs incurred in operating and maintaining the national airspace system in a safe and efficient condition. Sets forth the method for apportioning the funds made available under this title. Sets forth conditions which must be met to be eligible to receive funding under this Act. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in the development of airport plans and programs which are formulated on the basis of overall transportation needs and coordinated with other transportation planning with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land-use and access plans and overall social, economic, environmental, system performance, and energy conservation goals and objectives. Sets forth procedures for the submission of project-grant and block grant airport development applications and requirements which must be satisfied to approve such applications. Requires a sponsor of an airport project to hold public hearings where the project-grant application involves the location of an airport, and airport runway, or a major runway extension. Directs that such a grant shall not be made unless the Governor of the State in which the project is to be located certifies in writing to the Secretary that there is a reasonable assurance that the project will be located, designed, constructed, and operated so as to comply with applicable air and water quality implementation plans. Subjects block-grant airport development project applications for States to the same conditions and requirements as those for project-grant applications. Authorizes the Secretary to approve standards (other than standards for safety of approaches) established by a State for airport development at public-use airports which are not primary airports. Authorizes the Secretary, in connection with any project under this Act, to require the project sponsor to certify that all of the statutory and administrative requirements imposed by this Act will be complied with. Directs that the United States share of allowable project costs for a project approved under this Act shall not exceed 80 percent of its cost. Establishes lower percentages for such projects under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, as allowable costs of an airport development project, terminal development in nonrevenue producing public-use areas which are directly related to the movement of passengers and baggage. Directs that construction work on projects funded under this Act shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Secretary and shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Directs that contracts in excess of $2,000 for such construction projects shall include provisions establishing minimum rates of wages to be predetermined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires that construction contracts for airport development projects grant employment preferences to Vietnam and disabled veterans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in the event that a public airport project will require the use of Federal lands, to request the head of the Federal agency or department controlling such lands to transfer the necessary property interests to the public agency sponsoring the project or which owns or controls the airport involved. Requires the head of such an agency or department to notify the Secretary within four months of its decision with respect to such a request. Exempts from such requests lands under the administration of the National Park Service, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System or similar areas under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, or within any national forest or Indian reservation. Sets forth criminal penalties for fraudulent acts committed with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping and auditing requirements with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act or regulations thereunder. Directs the Secretary to take affirmative action to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with funds received from any grant made under this title. Repeals the provisions of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 pertaining to airport development projects and funding.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax of six percent on the sale of new aircraft, new aircraft parts, and new avionics for use in noncommercial aviation. Stipulates that a lease of such an article shall be considered a sale for purposes of such tax. Exempts from such tax any article for export or for shipment to a possession of the United States. Terminates such tax on October 1, 1990. Imposes a tax of ten percent on the retail sale price of fuel used in noncommercial aviation (previously such tax rate was seven cents on each gallon of such fuel). Terminates such tax on October 1, 1990. Postpones the reduction of the tax on the transportation of persons and property by air which is scheduled to go into effect on June 30, 1980, until September 30, 1990. Sets forth the tax on the use of civil aircraft for the period from July 1, 1990, to September 30, 1990. Amends the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970 to stipulate that funds received from the tax on noncommercial aircraft and avionics established by this Act shall be placed in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to set forth restrictions on obligations incurred by the Secretary of Transportation for airport development grants after September 30, 1980. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to stipulate that any landing area or navigation facility which has received Federal funds shall be eligible for public use on fair and reasonable terms and without discrimination. Sets forth administrative adjudicatory procedures with respect to complaints alleging such discrimination. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a system for limiting the number of aircraft operations reservations at any airport to insure the safety of aircraft, the efficient utilization of navigable airspace, or the control of congestion in the airspace in the vicinity of the airport.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Department of Commerce and Trade Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Enumerates the following functions of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade (hereinafter "Secretary") as such office is defined in this Act: (1) the coordination of the development and implementation of United States international trade policy; (2) the promotion of U.S. exports; (3) the gathering and dissemination of information regarding foreign investment in the United States and United States investment abroad; (4) the maintenance of free and fair trade; (5) the administration of U.S. trade agreements, foreign assets control, and trade embargo responsibilities; and (6) the administration of tariff classification and statistical reporting functions. Title II: Department of Commerce and Trade - Redesignates the Department of Commerce as the Department of Commerce and Trade. Redesignates the officials of the Department of Commerce accordingly. Provides for the appointment of: (1) a Deputy Secretary to act for the Secretary during the Secretary's absence; (2) an Under Secretary for International Trade; (3) an Under Secretary for Technology and Industry; (4) an Assistant Secretary for Productivity; (5) an Assistant Secretary for Industrial Policy and Planning; and (6) an Assistant Secretary for Service Industries. Specifies the functions of such Assistant Secretaries. Title III: Transfers and Reorganization - Transfers to the Secretary specified trade-related functions of: (1) the Department of State; (2) the Department of the Treasury; (3) the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations; (4) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; (5) the International Trade Commission; (6) the Federal Trade Commission; (7) the Federal Energy Administration; (8) the Department of Energy; and (9) the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers to the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations the functions of the Department of State relating to the negotiation of trade or commercial agreements with foreign nations. Directs the Special Representative to participate in all international negotiations involving Federal agencies. Transfers to the Secretary of Agriculture the functions of: (1) the Office of Food Policy and Programs; (2) administration of trade agreements with respect to agricultural products under specified acts; and (3) enforcement of trade agreements and protection against certain foreign trade practices with respect to agricultural products under specified provisions of the Trade Act of 1974. Title IV: Council for International Economic Coordination - Establishes the Council for International Economic Coordination within the Executive Office of the President. Sets forth the duties of the Council which include: (1) the review of policies and activities of the United States relating to international economics, trade, and commerce; (2) reporting to the President authoritative information and forecasts on all aspects of international economic matters; (3) making recommendations to the President for domestic and international programs to promote consistency between international economic policy and domestic economic and industrial policy; and (4) coordinating the activities of Federal agencies and organizations which are engaged in the development, analysis, or implementation of international economic or political policy. Directs the President to transmit to Congress an annual report on the international economic position of the United States. Specifies the contents of such report. Creates the Office for International Economic Coordination to provide services for the Council. Requires the Executive Director of such Office to keep specified congressional committees informed of the activities of the Office and the Council. Authorizes appropriations for the Office and the Council for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Title V: Commercial Counselors and Commercial Attaches - Authorizes the Secretary to appoint commercial counselors and attaches to serve abroad to: (1) promote U.S. exports; (2) report on economic conditions and commercial developments in their assigned areas; (3) report on the implementation of trade agreements involving the United States; (4) report on the commercial standing of a specific foreign firm or individual; (5) protect and promote U.S. trade and commercial interests and assist U.S. businesses in their assigned districts; (6) assist in the adjustment of trade disputes involving U.S. firms; and (7) assist Federal agencies and U.S. firms in international trade and commercial exhibitions. Declares that such persons shall receive the rank and privileges of other counselors and attaches in U.S. embassies and consulates. Requires the Secretary of State, upon the request of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, to attach such persons to the diplomatic mission of the U.S. in the country where they are assigned. Directs the President to prescribe regulations to insure that such counselors and attaches perform their activities: (1) consonant with U.S. foreign policy objectives; (2) in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade regarding trade and commercial matters; and (3) in cooperation with other Government representatives in each country. Requires that the reports of such counselors and attaches be made available to the Department of State. Requires the commercial reports of Foreign Service offices to be made available to the Secretary. Authorizes payment of a representation allowance to such counselors and attaches. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide orientation and language training to families of such persons; and (2) authorize advance payments for rent or other services in a foreign country where advance payments are required. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions concerning the appointment and transfer of personnel and the reorganization of the Department of Commerce and Trade. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to do that which is necessary to carry out the reorganization required by this Act. Authorizes appropriations, subject to specified limitations, as necessary to carry out the functions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Increases the limitation of expenditures by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for the training of professional staff from $2,300 to $5,600.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Declares that, for purposes of a specified Act, two named individuals shall be deemed to have posted their mining claim and filed for record in a required manner.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to extend the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to provide war risk insurance for American vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to extend the construction-differential subsidy for the construction of new vessels to be used in the foreign commerce of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Amends title 11 of the United States Code (Bankruptcy) to declare that the bankruptcy courts do not have power to affect any rights of the United States as a creditor under a preferred ship mortgage as defined in the Ship Mortgage Act, 1920.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Authorizes the President to: (1) transfer and appoint any commissioned officer of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (CCNOAA) to any armed force; and (2) transfer and appoint any commissioned officer of an armed force to the CCNOAA. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to work with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Secretary of Defense in establishing procedures for such transfers and appointments. Declares that a transferred officer shall receive credit, for purposes of retirement and pay, for his or her creditable service as of the day before the transfer. Includes the CCNOAA as an "armed force" for purposes of provisions of Federal law governing pay advances to members of the armed forces. Includes service in the CCNOAA as "Federal service" under provisions governing unemployment compensation for ex-servicemen.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies of the following hydroelectric power projects: (1) Black Canyon Dam powerplant, Idaho; (2) Cle Elum and Tieton Dams powerplants, Washington; (3) Hungary Horse powerplant enlargement and reregulating reservoir, Montana; (4) Headgate Rock powerplant, Arizona; (5) Owyhee Dam powerplant, Oregon; (6) Potholes Canal Chute-Station 3480+45 powerplant, Washington; (7) Wickiup Dam powerplant, Oregon; (8) Tiber Dam powerplant, Montana; (9) New Siphon Drop powerplant, California; (10) Green Mountain Afterbay, Colorado; and (11) Alcova pumped-storage plant, Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Taxpayer Protection and Reimbursement Act - Title I: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to award reasonable court costs, including attorneys' fees, to the prevailing party (other than the United States or a creditor of the prevailing party) in any civil action in any court of the United States for the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, interest, or penalty imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Limits the amount of such award to $20,000 for any one civil action. Includes within the definition of "attorneys' fees" amounts paid to an individual who is not an attorney, but who is authorized to practice before the Tax Court. Defines "prevailing party" as a party who recovers all, or all but an insignificant portion of the amount in controversy in a civil tax proceding, or whose position is sustained as to all, or all but an insignificant portion, of the issues involved, and who establishes that the position of the United States in the civil action was unreasonable. Disallows costs and attorneys' fees for certain civil actions involving declaratory judgments. Title II: Amendments to Title 28 - Incorporates into title 28 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the United States Code the amendments set forth in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the following hydroelectric powerplant projects and the necessary transmission facilities: (1) Friant powerplant, California; (2) Whiskeytown powerplant, California; (3) Canyon Ferry powerplant enlargement, Montana; (4) Yellowtail Afterbay powerplant, Montana; (5) Colorado-Big Thompson powerplant, Colorado; (6) Hoover Dam outlet works powerplant, Arizona and Nevada; (7) Buffalo Bill Dam powerplant replacement, Wyoming; (8) Red Bluff powerplant, California; (9) Stony Gorge powerplant, California; (10) Monticello powerplant, California; (11) Boca powerplant, California and Nevada; (12) Prosser powerplant, California and Nevada; and (13) Blue Mesa powerplant, Colorado. Stipulates that the hydroelectric power generated by such facilities shall be marketed by the Secretary of Energy through the existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President shall call as soon as possible an Energy Summit Conference to bring together representatives of the oil industry, consumer representatives knowledgeable on energy matters, officials of the executive branch and other levels of government, and such other persons as the President deems necessary to review any data submitted and report to the President on current and expected energy shortages, a prognosis for the future, and recommendations for public and private action to meet those shortages. Directs the Conference to consider the establishment of a national energy council. Directs the President to report to the American people the results of the Conference along with his recommendations for a national energy policy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to extend, past fiscal year 1980, the authorization of appropriations to the President, the Secretary of the Interior, and the National Science Foundation which are necessary to carry out the purpose of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the National Climate Program Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1982 to carry out the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Extends the authorization of appropriations for the reporting of weather modification activities through fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to grant an additional allotment of funds for the construction of publicly owned waste treatment works to any State which has obligated 90 percent or more of the funds previously allotted to it for such purpose by March 31 of any fiscal year. Makes such additional funds available for the fiscal year for which such funds were authorized, and for the succeeding 12 months. Provides that any funds unobligated at the end of such period be allotted equally among the other States. Makes adjustments in the amount of additional funds allocated for a State where funds previously authorized proved inadequate. Authorizes appropriations for such additional funds. Sets the amount of funds authorized to be reserved each fiscal year to two percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for allotments to States under this program. Makes funds allotted to the States for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 available for the next succeeding 24 months. Provides for the reallotment of funds not obligated at the end of such period to all States except those which failed to obligate any of the funds being realloted. Stipulates that such realloted funds be in addition to those otherwise allotted to such State for grants under this program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to utilize the same public policy interests which are applicable to interstate and overseas air transportation in carrying out its functions with respect to foreign air transportation including placing maximum reliance on competitive market forces to provide the needed air transportation. Removes the requirement that a certificate to engage in foreign air transportation may only be granted if the transportation applied for is required by the public convenience and necessity. Stipulates that an application for such service need only be consistent with the public convenience and necessity. Authorizes the Board to suspend an air carrier's certificate and to grant such operating authority to another carrier if: (1) restrictions contained in a bilateral air transport agreement with a foreign country, or imposed by a foreign country, preclude or make it impracticable for the Board to authorize an additional carrier in a particular foreign air transportation market; and (2) the alternative carrier has demonstrated that it will provide substantially improved service, substantially lower fares or rates, or a substantially improved combination of service and fares. Sets forth administrative procedures for such suspensions. Authorizes the Board to issue a permit to foreign air carriers if either the applicant has been designated by its government to perform such foreign air transportation under the terms of an agreement with the United States or that such transportation will be in the public interest. Removes the requirement that a public hearing be held with respect to the issuance of such permits. Authorizes the Board, without a public hearing but subject to the approval of the President, to suspend or modify the permits of the air carriers of a foreign country if it finds that the country, over the objections of the United States, has impaired the operating rights of United States carriers, or has engaged in unfair, discriminatory, or restrictive practices with a substantial adverse competitive impact upon United States carriers. Authorizes the Board to also restrict the operations between such foreign country and the United States by any foreign air carrier of a third country. Authorizes the Board to require foreign air carriers to file such reports as the Board may require. Removes the requirement that foreign air carriers file copies of every agreement or contract between such a carrier and any other carrier which affects foreign air transportation. Authorizes the Board to exempt any foreign air carrier from the requirements of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to the extent necessary to allow the carrier to lease or charter aircraft to a United States direct carrier for the performance of air transportation services under an agreement approved by the Board. Authorizes the Board to dispense with hearings regarding the suspension or rejection of any tariff filed by a foreign air carrier. Stipulates that if any air carrier or foreign air carrier has its initial tariff suspended or rejected by the Board, it may file a tariff which embodies the current rate structure of any other carrier engaged in the same foreign air transportation. States the intent of Congress that, in formulating United States air transportation policy, the appropriate Federal officials should develop a negotiating policy which emphasizes the greatest degree of competition that is compatible with a well-functioning international air transportation system. Establishes an International Aviation Advisory Council to assist the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Civil Aeronautics Board in developing such international aviation negotiating policy. Directs the President to grant to at least one representative of each House of Congress the privilege of attending international aviation negotiations as an observer if such privilege is requested in advance in writing. Removes the requirement that air transportation financed by the Federal Government be provided by domestic carriers if such transportation is provided pursuant to an air transport agreement between the United States and a foreign government and such agreement provides reciprocal rights for the transportation by domestic carriers of passengers or cargo financed by such foreign government. Amends the International Air Transportation Fair Competitive Practices Act of 1974 to allow the Board to take such action as it deems necessary to eliminate the practices or restrictions of any foreign government (including its air carriers) which result in discriminatory or anticompetitive practices against a United States carrier or which impose unreasonable restrictions on the access of a United States carrier to foreign markets.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
National Technology Innovation Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain an Office of Industrial Technology to enhance technological innovation for the improvement of the economic, environmental and social well-being of the United States. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President and Congress, within three years after the date of enactment of this Act, a report on the progress, findings, recommendations, and conclusions of activities conducted. Requires the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Director of the Office who shall provide assistance for the establishment of Centers of Industrial Technology, whose activities shall include: (1) research supportive of technology and industrial innovation including cooperative industry-university basic and applied research; (2) assistance in the evaluation and development of technological ideas supportive of industrial innovation and new business ventures; (3) technological assistance and advisory services to industry; and (4) curriculum development and instruction in invention, entrepreneurship, and industrial innovation. Declares that such centers shall be affiliated with a university or nonprofit institution, and authorizes the Director to make available nonrenewable planning grants to such universities or nonprofit institutions for the purpose of developing a plan for the management and evaluation of the activities proposed within the particular Center, including the consideration of means to place the Center on a self-sustaining basis. Declares that each Center has the option of acquiring title to any invention conceived under the auspices of the Center that was supported at least in part by Federal funds and that the Secretary shall obtain title to any invention for which such option is not exercised. Authorizes the Director to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements to assist any activity established under this Act. Prohibits any such grant or cooperative agreement from exceeding 75 percent of the total cost of the program or project involved. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such grants or cooperative agreements. Requires the Director to seek the advice and cooperation of departments and agencies whose missions contribute to or are affected by the programs established under this Act. Authorizes the Director to receive moneys from other departments and agencies to support activities of the Centers. Establishes an independent committee to be known as the Industrial Technology Review Panel which shall review annually the activities of the Office and advise the Secretary and the Director with respect to such activities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act through fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Title I: Policy - Declares the purpose of this Act to be: (1) to establish and maintain a Federal policy for the use and management of the results of federally-sponsored science and technology research and development programs; and (2) to monitor the impact of such programs on innovation and technology development. Title II: Implementation - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate, direct, and review the utilization and protection of rights in Government-owned inventions. Directs each Federal agency to develop and implement programs for the transfer of Government-owned innovative technology for application and use in industry, agriculture, medicine, transportation, and other critical sectors of the economy. Title III: Allocation of Rights - Government Contractors - Requires each Federal agency to acquire, on behalf of the United States, title to any invention made under Federal contract if the agency determines: (1) the contractor's services are for the operation of a Government-owned research or production facility; (2) the work performed is of a classified nature; (3) Government retention of title is necessary for protection of the public health, safety, or welfare; (4) a nonprofit organization under contract does not have a qualified technology transfer program; and (5) the contract's principal purpose is to develop products, processes, or methods for general public use. Authorizes an agency to waive all or any part of the right of the United States to an invention if it is in the interest of the Government and the general public. Reserves to the contractor the option of acquiring title to any invention in all other situations. Provides that if a contractor has acquired title to an invention the Federal agency may, in the interest of public safety or specified economic needs, require the contractor to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license to a responsible applicant. Title IV: Allocation of Rights-Federal Employees - Directs the Government to obtain the entire right, title, and interest in and to any invention made by a Federal employee if the agency determines that the invention was conceived in the normal course of employment duties, unless the Government's interest in such invention is negligible. Provides for a review by the Secretary, if requested, for determination as to the right of title. Authorizes incentive awards to Federal employee-inventors for any inventions of significant value. Title V: Miscellaneous - Repeals certain existing statutory authorizations. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish an Inventions and Contributions Board to hear, and make findings and recommendations with respect to, every proposal for any waiver of patent rights held by the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit distilled spirits plants to be established solely for producing, processing, storing, using, and distributing distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt such distilled spirits plants from the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to distilled spirits, wines, and beers (except requirements pertaining to the payment of the excise tax) when necessary to facilitate the production of fuel. Permits distilled spirits to be withdrawn free of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirit plant exclusively for fuel use. Prohibits distilled spirits to be withdrawn, used, sold, or disposed of for any purpose other than fuel use. Specifies that the term "distilled spirits" does not include distilled spirits produced from petroleum, natural gas, or coal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Designates the week commencing with the third Monday in February of each year as "National Patriotism Week."
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Grants a Federal charter to the Gold Star Wives of America.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Antiquities Act and Federal Land Policy and Management Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Antiquities Act to define "objects of historic or scientific interest" to include specified items. Stipulates that such objects must be directly associated with human activities. Requires congressional approval of any Presidential proclamation of a national monument before it can effect a reservation of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres. Permits the continuance of uses of public lands within a national monument which were valid uses prior to the designation of such lands as a monument, including hunting, guiding, hiking, boating, and use of motorized vehicles. Stipulates that such uses must not adversely affect the objects sought to be protected by the reservation. Grants such provisions governing the proclamation of national monuments retroactive effect as of October 14, 1978. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require congressional approval of withdrawals of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations in specified amounts to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 for: (1) bumper standards; (2) automobile consumer information studies; and (3) odometer requirements. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the President for transmittal to Congress, as a separate part of the annual comprehensive report required by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, a report on the progress made in carrying out automobile bumper standards including the cost savings realized on account of such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt from odometer standards those classes of vehicles for which the Secretary finds that odometer readings have no meaningful relation to value or performance. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring dealers or distributors of tires to compile lists of purchasers to notify them of subsequently discovered tire defects but directs the Secretary to require such dealers or distributors to furnish the first purchaser of a tire with a form which the purchaser may fill out and return to the tire manufacturer.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Adds specified lands to the Moapa Indian Reservation, Moapa, Nevada, to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit and use of the Moapa Band of Paiutes. Allows restricted lands (whether tribally or individually owned) of such Band to be leased, with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, by the Indian owners for a term of 99 years or less.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations to the Department of Commerce for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 for acquisition, development, and operation of marine sanctuaries.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for: (1) activities under the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974; and (2) the Fire Research Center. Amends such Act to direct the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration to study and report to Congress and the President on smoke detectors, heat detectors, and sprinkling suppression systems, including recommendations on the Federal role in creating incentives for the use of such devices or systems.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Rail Restructuring Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance through repayable credits constituting a debt or equity financing to any class I railroad (except ConRail) or subsidiary thereof to pay any share of the cost of restructuring its facilities and acquiring securities pursuant to such a restructuring. Stipulates that such assistance shall only be made available if: (1) it will result in significant restructuring and such restructuring could not be achieved without such assistance; and (2) the railroad has agreed to a restructuring plan in accordance with the provisions of this Act or the assistance will be used with respect to activities relating to a unification or coordination of operations and facilities of two or more railroads under the Department of Transportation Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to any class I railroad (other than ConRail) to cover up to 100 percent of the railroad's payments to any employee or former employee to whom the railroad is obligated to make payments under a labor-management agreement which results in a significant change in railroad operating practices and work rules and which the Secretary determines will significantly improve manpower effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1980 through 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1979
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for research programs on the effects of ocean dumping.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1979
Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to exceed $4,300,000 for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 months to 54 months after the date of enactment the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not take specified actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of H. R. 1787 (National Aeronautics and Space Administration funding).
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to prohibit any benefit check issued under such title from being honored for payment after 180 days have elapsed following the day on which it was issued. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to investigate the eligibility of any individual whose check was not presented for payment within the 180 day period and to issue another check if it is determined that such individual is eligible for such check.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Boulder City Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Boulder City Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to Boulder City, Nevada, portions of the Federal interest in the water supply system if such municipality agrees to reimburse the United States for the operating and maintenance costs of the water delivery system. Repeals: (1) the ceiling on the costs of supplying water; (2) the provisions concerning the costs of operating such system; (3) the requirement that the Secretary determine the number of employees on such project; and (4) the requirement that the Secretary report to Congress every five years concerning the need for assistance to such municipality.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.