United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Residential Energy Efficiency Program of 1979 - Amends the State residential energy conservation plan provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to institute an alternative home energy efficiency program in any State, political subdivision, utility service area, or geographical area thereof. Exempts persons subject to such program from the requirements and prohibitions contained in the utility program established under such Act. Sets forth requirements for such alternative home energy efficiency program, including: (1) a requirement that the Secretary designate a Federal, State, or local agency to negotiate a contract with an energy conservation company to undertake a home energy retrofit program in a specified geographic area for a specified per unit price to be paid by such agency; (2) a requirement that such energy conservation company comply with specified criteria concerning such home energy retrofit program; and (3) a requirement that the designated agency establish accurate normalized measurements of energy use by type of energy before and after the installation of such retrofit measures to determine the saving produced by such energy conservation company. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to designated agencies to pay energy conservation companies for energy actually saved. Requires public utilities to make periodic payments to the Secretary not to exceed the value of the savings in a given year realized by such utilities as a result of the energy actually saved. Authorizes such utilities to sell any energy available to it as a result of a home energy retrofit program to willing nonresidential buyers. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in order to finance such energy retrofit programs in the event the moneys received from public utilities under this Act are insufficient to finance such programs. Places limitations on the Secretary's authority to enter into such contracts depending on the amount of payments received from public utilities pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, prior to instituting any program authorized by this Act, to provide for public comment. Expands the definition of "residential buildings" for the purposes of this Act to include buildings having more than four dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 50 percent (not to exceed $2,000) the percentage of qualified energy conservation expenditures allowable as a residential energy credit against an individual's income tax. Eliminates the limitation that such qualified expenditures be made only with respect to the taxpayer's principal residence. Raises from $2,200 to $5,000 the maximum amount of qualified renewable energy source expenditures allowable as a residential energy tax credit. Qualifies the differential cost of renewable energy source property which is a structural component of a building as one such expenditure. Extends eligibility for the residential energy tax credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps (including water well heat pumps) eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture, and extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Includes the amount of such income tax credit in gross income for the applicable year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non-employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Expresses the wishes of the Senate to honor and pay tribute to Louis Clark Brock for his outstanding achievements in a long and distinguished career in major league baseball, and for his civic and social contributions to the Nation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Designates the following lands in the Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri, as wilderness: (1) Bell Mountain Wilderness; (2) Rockpile Mountain Wilderness; (3) Piney Creek Wilderness; and (4) Devil's Backbone Wilderness. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to file a map and legal description of each such wilderness with the appropriate congressional committees.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat property which is placed in service after December 31, 1982, as energy property, for purposes of the investment tax credit, if such property qualifies as energy property and if the taxpayer is affirmatively committed on that date to its construction, reconstruction, erection, or acquisition. Defines "affirmative commitment" as (1) the completion of detailed engineering studies and the application for construction permits of licenses with local authorities; (2) the entry into a written, binding contract for the commencement of construction, reconstruction, or erection, or for the acquisition of the property; or (3) the placement of purchase orders for the acquisition of at least 50 percent of the total cost of all items of permanent equipment necessary for the construction, reconstruction, or erection of the property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
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 · 30 July 1979
Savings and Investment Encouragement Act of 1979 - Title I: Incentives for Individual Saving - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $100 of the interest earned on a savings account. Permits an exclusion of up to $500 for interest which is reinvested in a savings account. Excludes from gross income up to $500 of dividends received which are reinvested in the stock of domestic corporations. Requires that the sum of the adjusted basis of stock in domestic corporations held by the taxpayer plus the amount held in a savings account (investment base) on the last day of a taxable year exceed the investment base of the taxpayer as of the first day of such taxable year, plus the amount of dividends and interest excludible for such taxable year. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Revises 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 a 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 cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than 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. Title III: Incentives for Research and Development - Qualifies research and development expenditures related to a trade or business for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
National Student Loan Reform Act - Declares the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) ensure capital availability for student loans by strengthening the campus-based direct loan program; (2) adjust repayment schedules, and otherwise improve collection procedures, to make repayment sensitive to ability to repay and to reduce the default rate; and (3) guarantee loans to eligible borrowers so as to facilitate providing the expected family contributions (or, in the case of independent students, the expected self-help contribution) to the cost of higher education. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Student Loan Marketing Association (Association) to enter into agreements with eligible institutions for making low-interest loans to students directly through such institutions. Sets forth the terms of such agreements. Stipulates that: (1) the conditions of such loans shall be determined by the institution, subject to any requirements or limitations prescribed by the Association; (2) the amount of such loans shall equal the cost of attendance minus any scholarships or other loans, the expected family income or self-help contribution, and any other Federal assistance; (3) such loans will be made to accepted or attending students in financial need who are carrying at least one-half the normal academic workload; and (4) such loans shall be evidenced by a written agreement. Stipulates with regard to repayment that: (1) the repayment period shall begin nine months after a student graduates or ceases to carry the required workload, and continue for a maximum of 15 years; (2) repayment may be in either equal or graduated installments at the option of the student borrower; (3) payments may be accelerated or paid in full without penalty; (4) the interest rate shall be seven percent; (5) no security or endorsement shall be required unless the student borrower is a minor; (6) the loan shall be cancelled upon the death or permanent total disability of the student borrower; (7) no repayment shall be required while the borrower is in school, or for up to three years while in the Armed Forces, Peace Corps, or a volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Act of 1973; (8) repayment extensions may be made; and (9) partial ban cancellation shall be made for certain teaching positions and combat veterans. Establishes a loan program guaranteed by the Association to meet the cost of the expected family contribution under this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to the student ban insurance fund for such loans and related expenses. Transfers such funds availability from the Commissioner of Education to the Association. Provides that the Association shall pay an eligible institution ten dollars per academic year year for each enrolled student on whose behalf such family-contribution loan is made. Limits such new family-contribution loans to fiscal years 1981-1985, and prohibits payments for existing loans after September 30, 1989. Stipulates with regard to such family-contribution loans: (1) the institution must certify to the lender the amount of the expected family contribution; (2) such loans shall be 100 percent insured; (3) the student must have been accepted, or already enrolled, on at least a half- time basis; (4) such loans will be made without security and without endorsement; (5) repayment shall begin no more than nine months after graduation or after the student ceases to be at least a half-time student, and shall be over a period of not less than five nor more than ten years; (6) principal need not be paid (but interest shall accrue) if the student is enrolled at least half-time (including graduate school), in a rehabilitation training program, or unable to find (for up to 12 months) full-time employment; (7) interest, at a rate of one percent less than the Treasury rate, shall accrue and paid during the term of the loan, except that such interest may be deferred until repayment of the principal starts; and (8) payments may be accelerated without penalty. Provides that, upon application by an eligible lender, the Association shall issue certificates of insurance covering the loan and setting forth the amount and terms of the insurance. Authorizes the Association to issue to a lender a certificate of comprehensive coverage to cover all qualifying loans made by such lender within a specified cutoff date and up to a specified aggregate maximum. Sets forth lender recovery procedures for defaulting loans. Provides that the Association shall repay the loans of bankrupt, diseased, or disabled borrowers. Revises provisions regarding special allowance payments to lenders to: (1) change the formula for computing such allowance; and (2) extend the five percent limit on such allowance from October 1, 1977, to October 1, 1980. Eliminates the provision providing for a District of Columbia student loan insurance program. Authorizes Federal credit unions to make family-contribution loans to eligible borrowers. Terminates existing lending programs (Guaranteed Student Loan Program and the National Direct Student Loan Program) six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides for the dissolution of the existing Student Loan Marketing Association and the assumption, and expansion, of such Association's functions by a newly created Association. Includes within such new Association's functions: (1) the authority to continue to purchase, sell, collect or otherwise deal in specified existing student loan programs; (2) the authority to contract with State guaranty agencies (and compensate them for services) for collecting student loans, distributing loan funds to institutions, monitoring and auditing student loan programs, and providing technical assistance and information regarding such loans. Authorizes the Association to issue notes, bonds, or other obligations, with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides that the obligations of the Association shall constitute general obligations of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
State Social Security Deposit Act of 1979 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct a State to pay to the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days following the end of each month, OASDI contributions related to the employment of State employees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the formula for computation of the residential energy tax credit for individuals to increase the maximum amount of such credit from $2,200 to $3,000. Extends eligibility for such credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Allows owners of various residences to take such credit for a prorated share of the costs of jointly purchased equipment. Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture. Extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non- employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the payment of excise tax on the sale of certain sporting goods at the close of the quarter immediately following the quarter in which sale of such goods was made.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $100 of the interest earned on a savings account. Permits an exclusion of up to $500 for interest which is reinvested in a savings account. Excludes from gross income up to $500 of the dividends which are reinvested in the stock of domestic corporations. Requires that the sum of the adjusted basis of stock in domestic corporations held by the taxpayer plus the amount held in a savings account (investment base) on the last day of a taxable year exceed the investment base of the taxpayer as of the first day of such taxable year, plus the amount of dividends and interest excludible for such taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979
Health Maintenance Organizations Medicare Reimbursement Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions relating to payments to and contractual arrangements with health maintenance organizations (HMO) on behalf of individuals eligible for Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to determine annually a per capita rate of payment for each class of individuals entitled to benefits under such title who are enrolled pursuant to this Act with a HMO. Directs the Secretary to define classes of members based on such factors as age, sex, institutional status, disability status and place of residence. Provides a rate for each class equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for that class. Defines the term "adjusted average per capita cost" to mean the average per capita amount that the Secretary estimates would be payable for services furnished under the Medicare program, if the services were to be furnished by other than an HMO. Provides that every individual entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or part B only shall be eligible to enroll with an HMO with which the Secretary has contracted to provide services. Sets limits on an HMO's premium rate and the actuarial value of its other charges for individuals enrolled under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with any HMO that can provide the benefits required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit common carriers by railroad (including a railroad switching company or a terminal company) to use the retirement-replacement-betterment method of accounting for determining depreciation allowances for income tax deduction purposes.
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
Paperwork and Redtape Reduction Act of 1979 - Title I: Central Management and Control Responsibility - Requires Federal agencies to utilize methods of collecting information which: (1) impose a minimum burden on business; (2) require a minimum cost to the Government; and (3) eliminate any unnecessary duplication of efforts. Establishes, within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Federal Information Management Policy (OFIMP) to have government-wide responsibility for setting policies and coordinating procedures governing the planning, budgeting, management, and control of Federal information management activities and of the measurement of the burdens imposed by such activities on businesses, State and local governments, and individuals. Requires the Administrator of OFIMP to: (1) publish, annually, a report of the burdens imposed by the reporting requirements of each agency; (2) review, at least every three years, the information management activities and the paperwork reduction activities of each agency; (3) establish goals for the reduction of reporting requirements; (4) assist agencies in developing information management programs; (5) recommend policies to Congress, the President, and agencies concerning the confidentiality and security of information; (6) study and develop improved information and paperwork cost accounting and reduction techniques; and (7) promulgate standards concerning recordkeeping requirements imposed on the public. Sets forth procedures which enable the Administrator to designate one agency to collect information for two or more agencies requiring similar data. Prohibits any agency from collecting information which: (1) is collected by a designated agency; or (2) the Administrator determines is unnecessary. Authorizes the Administrator to order the exchange of information among agencies. Requires an agency, before collecting any information, to: (1) eliminate reporting requirements which seek information which is available through another Government source; (2) minimize the compliance burden on respondents; (3) plan the tabulation of the information in a manner which maximizes its usefulness to other agencies; and (4) obtain the Administrator's approval of such collection. Directs the Administrator to approve a collection request within 60 days after its receipt for a period not to exceed two years. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress annually on the activities of OFIMP. Grants access to all records of such Office to the Comptroller General. Requires that formal meetings of OFIMP to establish policies and regulations be open to the public. Specifies conditions under which confidential information may be released from one agency to another. Delegates specified information management duties of the Director of the OMB to the Administrator. Title II: Elimination of Unnecessary Duplication - Establishes, within OFIMP, a Federal Locator System composed of an information locator, a data element dictionary, and an information referral service. Directs the System to serve as the authoritative register for all recordkeeping requirements and all public use, interagency, and intra-agency reports. Directs the Administrator to: (1) design and operate the system; (2) require the head of each agency to insert into the system a synopsis of the questions of each report and the information maintained for each reporting requirement of that agency; (3) compare the information sought by proposed reporting requirements to information in the System; and (4) make available the comparison results to agencies and the public. Requires the Administrator to insure that no actual data is contained within the locator system, except descriptive data profiles necessary to identify duplicative data or to locate information. Requires that any information holding which contains a data element of a personal or proprietary nature within the meaning of the Privacy Act of 1974 be identified as such and restricted in access and use. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that this Act shall take effect 60 days after its enactment.
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 · 19 June 1979
Trade Agreements Act of 1979 - Approves specified trade agreements and the statements of administrative action proposed to implement such agreements. Authorizes the President to accept the final legal instruments embodying such agreements. Limits the President's acceptance authority. Requires the President to submit regulations and any amendments of existing statutes necessary to implement such agreements to Congress. Directs the Special Representative for trade negotiations to keep the Congressional delegates to trade negotiations informed of any requirements of, amendments to, or recommendations under, such agreements. Title I: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that a countervailing duty be imposed on imported merchandise if: (1) the administering authority determines that such merchandise receives any subsidy from a country subject to the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures or a similar agreement; and (2) the U.S. International Trade Commission determines that U.S. industry is materially injured or retarded by reason of such imports. Stipulates that such countervailing duty equal the amount of the net subsidy. Directs the administering authority to investigate whether such a subsidy is being provided to imported merchandise upon receiving: (1) information that such a situation exists; or (2) a petition from an interested party alleging such a situation exists. Stipulates that such petition be filed with the Commission in addition to the administering authority. Requires the administering authority to notify the Commission of any investigation in order that the Commission determine whether there is any indication of material injury to U.S. industry. Requires preliminary and final determinations to be made within specified time periods. Provides for the termination or suspension of such an investigation upon: (1) withdrawal of the petition by the petitioner; or (2) the country which allegedly provides subsidies, agreeing to eliminate such subsidy, cease exports of such merchandise, or (in extraordinary circumstances) eliminate the injurious effect of exports to the United States. Sets forth limitations to such agreements. Requires the administering authority to publish a countervailing duty order upon final affirmative determinations by the administering authority and the Commission concerning subsidies on imported merchandise. Requires that an antidumping duty be imposed on imported merchandise if: (1) the administering authority determines that such merchandise is, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less than its fair value; and (2) the Commission determines that U.S. industry is materially injured or retarded by reason of such imports. Stipulates that such an antidumping duty equal the amount by which the foreign market value exceeds the U.S. price for such merchandise. Sets forth procedures for investigations by the administering authority and the Commission into sales at less than fair value similar to the countervailing duty investigations. Requires the administering authority to publish an antidumping duty order upon final affirmative determinations by the administering authority and the Commission that imported merchandise is being sold in the United States at less than fair value. Directs the administering authority to review annually: (1) the amounts of countervailing and antidumping duties; and (2) any agreements suspending countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Requires the results of such review to be published along with any adjustments in the amounts of duty. Authorizes the administering authority to: (1) revoke a countervailing or antidumping duty order; or (2) terminate a suspended investigation after such review. Sets forth methods for determining the amounts of subsidies, material injury, U.S. prices, and foreign market value. Requires the administering authority and the Commission to hold a hearing during the course of any investigation at the request of a party to such investigation. Provides for the establishment of a library of information concerning foreign subsidy practices and countervailing measures. Requires specified information be available to the public. Provides for the confidentiality of certain information. Stipulates that interest be paid on overpayments and underpayments of amounts deposited on imported merchandise subject to countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commission to terminate pending investigations into subsidies or sales at less than market value and continue such investigations pursuant to this title. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make existing provisions concerning countervailing duty investigations applicable only to imported articles from countries not parties to the Agreement. Revises the existing investigation procedures to conform with this title, with specified exceptions. Requires the administering authority to notify the Commission of specified countervailing duty orders. Directs the Commission to determine whether U.S. industry has been materially injured. Directs the administering authority to terminate the waiver of countervailing duties upon being notified by the Commission of an affirmative determination. Stipulates that countervailing duty orders issued under existing provisions shall remain in effect, but subject to review under this title. Continues the waiver of countervailing duty orders applicable to imported merchandise from countries under the Agreement, until the Commission determines whether U.S. industry has been materially injured. Repeals the Antidumping Act, 1921. Continues the effectiveness of findings made under such Act, subject to review under this title. Title II: Customs Valuation - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the methods for appraising imported merchandise based on the transaction value, deductive value, computed value, or similar value. Repeals the existing alternative valuation standards. Directs the President to report to Congress with an evaluation of the domestic and international operation of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Specifies the effective dates of the revised valuation standards which vary depending on particular circumstances. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the rate of duties on ball and roller bearings and pneumatic tires. Repeals provisions stipulating that the duties on clams, footwear, wool knit gloves, and chemicals be based on the American selling price. Increases the rate of duties on such products. Authorizes the President to modify the descriptions of chemicals contained in the Tariff Schedules in specified circumstances. Title III: Government Procurement - Authorizes the President to waive government procurement regulations for eligible products of designated countries, if such regulations result in less favorable treatment than that accorded to U.S. products or products from countries which are parties to the Agreement. Directs the President to prohibit the procurement of otherwise eligible products from countries which are not designated. Authorizes deferrals and waivers from such prohibition in specified circumstances. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) the effects on the U.S. economy of the refusal to allow the Agreement to cover governmental entities which are principal purchasers of goods and recommendations of alternative means; and (2) actions to establish reciprocity with industrialized countries in the area of government procurement. Authorizes the President to waive application of the Buy American Act in the case of procurement of civil aircraft and related articles from countries which are parties to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, specifies objectives, including more open market access abroad, to be sought in the renegotiations provided for in the Agreement. Directs the President to report to Congress if the renegotiations are not progressing satisfactorily. Requires the President to give careful consideration to monitoring and enforcing the requirements of the Agreement and this title. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) administrative practices in the United States and other industrial countries regarding country of origin determinations; and (2) the economic impact on labor surplus areas of the waiver of the Buy American Act. Requires the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations to make procurement information available to the designated congressional advisors. Title IV: Technical Barriers to Trade (Standards) - Permits private persons and Federal and State agencies to engage in standards related activities that do not create unnecessary obstacles to U.S. foreign commerce. Requires Federal agencies which are engaged in such activities to: (1) ensure nondiscriminatory treatment of domestic and imported products; (2) take into consideration international standards; and (3) develop standards based on performance criteria. Gives the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations responsibility for: (1) coordinating and developing international trade policy; and (2) coordinating negotiations with foreign countries concerning standards-related activities. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to establish technical offices within their Departments to carry such functions as the President prescribes to implement this title. Requires the Secretary concerned to consult and coordinate, with the Special Representative, international standards-related activities. Stipulates that private organization members shall represent U.S. interests before any private international standards organization, unless the Secretary concerned has reason to believe such representation will be inadequate. Directs the Secretary concerned to encourage cooperation among interested Federal agencies which are the U.S. representatives to any international standards organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a standards information center to serve as a national collection facility. Authorizes the Special Representative and the Secretary concerned to make grants, enter into contracts, or provide other assistance for assisting appropriate standards-related activities. Requires such officials to solicit technical and policy advise from the trade policy advisory committees. Permits parties to the Agreement and countries extending similar rights and privileges to the United States to make a representation to the Special Representative alleging that a standards-related activity violates U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Directs the interagency trade organization established by the President to review any findings by an appropriate international forum that a standards-related activity violates U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Permits Federal agencies to consider petitions against standards-related activity in specified circumstances. Exempts specified standards activity from this title. Requires the Special Representative to report to Congress concerning international and domestic operation of the Agreement. Title V: Implementation of Certain Tariff Negotiations - Authorizes aggregate reductions in the rates of duty which exceed the maximum specified in the Trade Act of 1974 in specified circumstances. Directs the President to increase the rates of duty on textile products if the Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Textiles, or substitute Arrangement, ceases to be effective. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide for the separate tariff treatment of sheep, goats, and prepared beef and veal. Authorizes the President to reduce the rate of duty applicable to yellow dent corn below statutory limitations. Revises the tariff provisions for carrots, dinnerware, watches, and brooms. Authorizes the duty-free entry of agricultural or horticultural machinery, equipment, implements, and parts, with specified exceptions. Continues the duty-free entry of certain wool through June 30, 1985. Converts various specific rates of duty to ad valorem equivalents. Title VI: Civil Aircraft Agreement - Authorizes the President to proclaim duty-free treatment for specified articles certified for use in civil aircraft when the conditions for acceptance of the Agreement on Trade Civil Aircraft are fulfilled. Title VII: Certain Agricultural Measures - Directs the President to limit the amount of quota cheese which may enter the United States. Requires the administering authority, with the Secretary of Agriculture, to determine whether countries are providing subsidies to quota cheese. Permits any person to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging that a quota cheese is being: (1) offered for sale at less than the U.S. domestic market price; and (2) subsidized by a foreign government. Directs the Secretary to investigate such complaint and report the determinations to the President. Requires the President to: (1) impose a fee on the imported article to insure that the price will not be less than the U.S. price; or (2) prohibit or limit the entry of such articles. Stipulates that the countervailing duty provisions under title I of this Act shall be inapplicable with regard to quota cheese from countries with whom we have entered into cheese agreements. Directs the President to increase the quota for chocolate crumb. Establishes limits on the aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be imported into the United States. Title VIII: Treatment of Distilled Spirits - Distilled Spirits Tax Revision Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to repeal: (1) the wine-gallon method for determining the excise tax on distilled spirits; (2) the rectification taxes on such spirits; and (3) the occupational taxes on rectifiers. Revises the method for determining the tax on distilled spirits and the time for paying such tax. Revises the provisions concerning the establishment, operations, and bonding of distilled spirits plants to require that all operations of distillers, warehousemen, or processors be conducted only on bonded premises by qualified persons. Revises the procedure for tax refunds for loss of distilled spirits. Permits distilled spirits to be denatured on the bonded premises of a qualified distilled spirits plant. Limits the transfer of wine between bonded premises. Sets forth transitional rules for collecting the distilled spirits taxes. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the wine-gallon method for assessing duties on distilled spirits, imports and instead, uses the internal revenue standard. Revises the rates of duty on distilled spirits to reflect such change. Directs the President to review foreign barriers to U.S. exports of alcoholic beverages and report the results to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim a lower rate of duty on a proof gallon basis upon receiving adequate reciprocal trade concessions. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the transfer of specified liquor products between bonded warehouses, regardless of their location. Title IX: Enforcement of United States Rights - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the President to take all feasible action to: (1) enforce U.S. rights under any trade agreement; and (2) respond to foreign practices which are inconsistent with trade agreements or are unreasonable or discriminatory. Permits the President to take such action even if no petition requesting such action has been filed. Sets forth the procedures for processing petitions filed by interested persons with the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. Requires the Special Representative to recommend actions to the President after investigating such a petition and consulting with the foreign country concerned. Requires the Special Representative to provide information to private persons about foreign trade practices and trade agreements. Repeals provisions permitting congressional disapproval of such Presidential actions. Title X: Judicial Review - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth procedures for judicial review of countervailing and antidumping duty proceedings. Permits any interested party to petition for judicial review. Gives the U.S. Customs Court exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action brought to review a final determination concerning government procurement. Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the President's authority to enter into agreements to reduce nontariff barriers or other distortions to trade until January 3, 1988. Authorizes the President to sell import licenses at public auction. Directs the President to seek advice from the private sector concerning the operation of trade agreements and trade policy administration in general. Provides for the establishment of advisory committees representing service interests. Repeals the requirement that advisory committees report to Congress in 1980. Stipulates that committee members shall be consulted before and during negotiations. Exempts committees from reporting requirements contained in the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977. Requires the President to study and report to Congress concerning mutual expansion of market opportunities with other North American countries. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the International Trade Commission to investigate matters involving countervailing duty or antidumping law only if such matters in part involve acts independently establishing a basis for relief under the unfair trade practices provisions. Provides for civil penalties for violations of cease and desist orders issued in response to such unfair trade practices. Makes technical amendments to the Trade Act of 1974 and the Tariff Schedules of the United States. Requires monthly reports on the port of entry value of each item in the Tariff Schedules of the United States and the aggregate values of U.S. imports and exports based on such values. Requires the reporting of rates of duty which would be imposed on dutiable imports based on such values. Directs the President to submit a proposal to Congress concerning a restructuring of the executive branch's international trade functions. Requires the President to report to Congress with a review of export promotion and disincentives. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include regional economic organizations within the meaning of beneficiary developing country. Permits certain nations which are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to be designated beneficiary developing countries. Revises limitations on the value of goods qualifying for duty-free treatment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, at the request of any U.S. possession, to determine whether trade concessions have adversely affected tax revenues of such possessions. Authorizes the President to include amounts in the budget to offset such reduced revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should call upon Paraguay to apprehend and extradite Josef Mengele to stand trial in the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the research and experimental expenditures incurred by a taxpayer in connection with his trade or business. Limits the amount of expenditures eligible for the credit to those research and experimental expenditures which exceed 102 percent, but which do not exceed 150 percent, of the expenditures for the preceding taxable year. Allows a three year carryback and a seven year carryover of credit amounts which exceed the limitations on the credit for any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Work and Training Opportunities Act of 1979 - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) to provide financial assistance to States for the conduct of job search assistance programs run by the States and Native American entities; and (2) federally assisted work and training opportunities, beyond such eight-week programs, run by State and local CETA prime sponsors and Native American entities. Directs the Secretary of Labor to apportion funds for search assistance programs among State and Native American entities according to specified criteria, including the relative numbers of recipients of aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) under the Social Security Act in each State and in geographical areas within each State. Limits Federal assistance for such State programs to 90 percent of costs. Requires that eligible individuals for such programs be (1) adults in families which meet AFDC eligibility standards or (2) registered under the work incentive program (WIN) of the Social Security Act. Requires that job search program services provided through cooperative arrangements between States and local CETA prime sponsors include: (1) instruction in job search techniques; (2) group job search activities; (3) private sector job development; (4) referrals to unsubsidized jobs; (5) supportive services, such as child care, transportation, and medical care; (6) short term remedial services; (7) employability development planning; and (8) referral of eligible individuals to federally-assisted work or training after an eight-week job search period or continuing job search assistance for individuals not so placed or not so eligible. Directs the Governor of each State requesting assistance for such programs to submit a comprehensive State plan to the Secretary. Sets forth criteria for such plans. Directs the Secretary, after consulting the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to approve such plans and annual program modifications thereof only if certain criteria are met. Requires that such plans and modifications be prepared and developed with the active participation of the State employment and training councils established under CETA, all local CETA prime sponsors, and specified State agencies. Permits prime sponsors to appeal to the Secretary if dissatisfied with arrangements for such programs in their areas. Directs the Secretary, in cases of nonexistent or unapproved State plans or unsatisfactory implementation of State or area programs to make direct payments to public agencies or private nonprofit organizations to carry out such programs in such States or areas. Directs the Secretary to issue certain regulations for such programs only after the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare agrees to such regulations. Directs the Secretary to apportion funds for federally assisted work and training opportunities among State and local CETA prime sponsors and Native American entities according to specified criteria, including the relative numbers of AFDC recipients in each area served by such prime sponsors. Require that eligible participants for such work and training positions: (1) have participated in a job search program for the prior eight weeks; (2) have not refused a bona fide job offer since the beginning of the job search period; and (3) be the principal earner in a family with a child. Limits administrative and related costs of such opportunity programs to 20 percent of costs. Requires remaining funds to be used for wages (including training time compensation) and employment benefits to persons placed in such positions. Stipulates that such federally assisted work and training opportunities shall include: (1) public service employment; (2) vocational, remedial, and on-the-job training positions in the private sector; (3) supportive services; (4) flexible working arrangements; (5) provision for return to a similar work and training position after absence due to incapacity or a short-term job; and (6) referrals to other private or public employment. Limits individual participation in such subsidized work or training positions to a maximum of 78 weeks, renewable upon completion of another eight-week job search. Requires prime sponsors receiving such financial assistance to include satisfactory provisions for such work and training opportunities in their CETA comprehensive plans and to make arrangements with the job search assistance program to assure a continuous sequence of services for participating individuals. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards and procedures for determining whether an individual has refused a bona fide job offer without good cause. Sets forth certain conditions under which an individual shall not be found to have so refused such an offer. Directs the Secretary to apportion 62.5 percent of CETA funds currently available to prime sponsors for specified employment programs to provide public service employment for certain individuals from welfare eligible families.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the limitation on outside income for beneficiaries age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Social Welfare Reform Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Aid to Families with Dependent Children; Assistance to Meet Emergency Needs; Earned Income Credit - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, hereinafter AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide that, in determining the income and resources of individuals claiming AFDC: (1) the first $70 per month of earned income plus one-third of the remainder of such income shall be disregarded from the earned income of any child or relative receiving AFDC; and (2) a certain amount of the total income, as determined by a formula set forth in this Act, shall be disregarded. Defines the term "income" for purposes of part A to include all income from whatever source, excluding certain items, including: (1) the cost of producing self-employment income and 20 percent of wages, salary, or self-employment income; and (2) an amount of earned income equal to the monthly cost of care for a child up to a limit of $160 per month. Requires that specified portions of the income of the stepparents of a dependent child be included as income for purposes of determining eligibility under part A. Repeals provisions of part A which: (1) require AFDC payments to be reduced by any unemployment compensation received by a child's parent; (2) require that training incentives and income derived from a special work project under the Work Incentive Program (WIN) be disregarded in determining eligibility under part A based on income; and (3) require that in determining an individual's needs, the additional expenses attributable to participation in the WIN program shall be taken into account. Provides for the payment of reasonable work expenses, in addition to the incentive payment already authorized, under the WIN program. Excludes such work expenses and incentive payments from income under any Federal or federally assisted program. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe the types and maximum allowable amounts of financial resources which an eligible AFDC family may own. Stipulates that such maximum may be not less than $750 nor more than $1,750. Excludes from such resources, among other things: (1) any licensed vehicle but only such portion of the fair market value that is below $4,500; (2) a home; (3) burial plots; (4) household goods and personal effects; and (5) resources of which the cash value cannot be readily realized. Prohibits the imposition of a lien against the property of any individual because of AFDC aid received. Prohibits an individual from receiving AFDC benefits for specified periods if within 24 months of applying for benefits such individual disposed of property having an uncompensated value of more than $3,000 and which, if retained, would have caused such individual to be ineligible for benefits. Eliminates the term "unemployed father" and substitutes the term "unemployed parent. Repeals the requirement, in the case of a dependent child of an unemployed parent, that such parent must have been employed for at least six out of 13 work period quarters in the period ending one year prior to applying for benefits. Stipulates that only the "principal earner" need register for manpower services, training, and employment as a condition of eligibility for AFDC. Permits a State to pay reduced benefits, in the case of an AFDC child living with a relative who is not legally responsible for such child, based upon the costs of shelter and utilities for such child. Includes within the definition of AFDC payments to a pregnant woman who, following the child's birth, would become eligible for AFDC. Requires a State plan to cover the parent of a dependent child who lives in the same home as the child, and, both parents, if the child is deprived by reason of the incapacity or unemployment of one parent. Sets forth a formula for determining monthly AFDC payments based in part on a family's "monthly cash needs standard." Directs each State to establish a monthly cash needs standard for a family with dependent children such that, for any such family with no income other than AFDC payments the monthly cash needs standard plus the value of the monthly allotment of food stamp coupons shall equal an amount that is not less than 65 percent of the income poverty guidelines for a family with the same number of members as such family. Permits a State to vary its monthly cash needs standard so as to take into account differences in the cost of living in different geographical regions of the State. Defines the term "income poverty guidelines. Directs a State to pay benefits for a specified period to an AFDC applicant who is presumptively eligible if a determination of eligibility cannot be made within 30 days of an application for benefits. Requires a State to replace a lost or stolen check within ten days from the date replacement was requested. Requires a State to provide a fair hearing to any applicant whose claim for AFDC benefits is denied. Sets forth State plan requirements concerning: (1) the effective date of the application; (2) the period for determination of eligibility; (3) the time of the month at which payment must be made; and (4) an annual review of eligibility. Permits an individual to refuse employment yet remain eligible for AFDC if acceptance of such employment would result in a reduction of such individual's income. Authorizes appropriations under part C (Work Incentive Programs) of title IV to be made directly to the Secretary of Labor. Requires a State to provide an administrative system for coordinating employment and training services required by title IV and similar services of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Sets forth provisions relating to the coordination of the WIN and CETA programs. Establishes a national committee to coordinate such programs. Requires a State, under part A of title IV, to provide "assistance to meet emergency needs" to an AFDC or low-income family with children faced with extraordinary expenses or needs caused by or arising from an accident, natural disaster or other unpredictable event. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the Federal payment to a State, according to a specified formula, for AFDC payments in the case of a child deprived of parental support due to: (1) the death, absence, or incapacity of a parent; or (2) the unemployment of a parent. Directs the Secretary to pay to a State for fiscal years 1982-1986 an amount equal to the excess of the State's "allowable expenditures for AFDC" if such expenditures exceed 95 percent of the State's "fiscal liability base." Provides for a declining proportion of the amount paid in FY 1986 to be paid to a State for FY's 1987 through 1989. Defines the terms "allowable expenditures for AFDC" and "fiscal liability base." Permits a State to increase its "allowable expenditures for AFDC" according to guidelines set forth in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to issue regulations pertaining to the administration of the aid to families with dependent children program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to a State, under part A: (1) 90 percent of the expenditures for development of mechanized claims processing and information retrieval systems to provide for the effective administration of the State plan under such part; and (2) 75 percent of State expenditures for the operation of such systems. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to grant funds to assist a State agency in meeting the cost of developing and implementing systems, techniques, or other innovative approaches designed to improve the administration of an AFDC plan. Stipulates that such funds will be available only to a State agency that demonstrates a substantial likelihood of achieving comprehensive improvements in the administration of a State plan. Requires a State AFDC plan to provide for: (1) the recovery of aid incorrectly paid; (2) the payment of aid incorrectly denied or underpaid; and (3) the cooperation of all State agencies administering AFDC plans in reviewing case records and providing information to identify AFDC recipients who are receiving AFDC benefits in more than one State and benefits under any other federally supported program. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop measures for monitoring and assessing the performance, at least annually, of the effectiveness of the requirements for the approval of a State AFDC plan. Sets forth amendments relating to incentive payments made to a State with a low rate of erroneous AFDC payments. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to restrict automatic eligibility of AFDC recipients for Medicaid benefits in any month to: (1) an individual who had been eligible for such benefits on the basis of receipt of AFDC in one of the four months preceding such month; or (2) an individual who would qualify for AFDC on the basis of low income without deducting specified earnings which may be disregarded in determining eligibility for AFDC. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that when determining whether an individual is self-supporting or supported by another individual, or is maintaining a household, any benefit provided under any public assistance program used for the support of the individual or for the maintenance of the household shall not be taken into account. Increases the tax credit allowed on earned income not in excess of $5,000. Excludes from earned income earnings performed in a public service job if such earnings are paid in whole or in part from funds provided under title II (Comprehensive Employment and Training Services) of CETA. Title II: Supplemental Security Income - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make to an SSI recipient, in addition to the SSI benefits currently provided, a cash payment in lieu of food stamps to an eligible individual who lives alone or with other eligible individuals. States that an individual shall cease to qualify for SSI as an eligible spouse after a couple has been living apart for more than one month. States that a husband and wife who are living in the same medical care facility shall be considered to be living apart for the purposes of title XVI. Includes renumeration received for services performed in a sheltered workshop or work activities center as earned income, for the purpose of determining eligibility under title XVI based on income. Excludes a burial plot, certain burial expenses, and certain unearned income received in the form of real or personal property from the resources of an individual when determining the eligibility of such individual for SSI. Increases the amount of the cash advances available to an individual who is presumptively eligible for SSI and who is faced with a financial emergency. Permits an individual, if hospitalized outside the United States, to remain eligible for SSI if the foreign hospital was substantially more accessible than the nearest hospital within the United States. Repeals the definition of the term "child" for purposes of the SSI program and deletes the use of such term from the program. Substitutes conditions of age and occupation for the use of the term "child. Repeals the requirement that a State pay a mandatory supplement to an SSI recipient who was a recipient in December 1973. Prohibits an individual from receiving SSI benefits for specified periods if within 24 months of applying for benefits such individual disposed of property having an uncompensated value of more than $3,000 and which if retained would have caused such individual to be ineligible for benefits. Provides that when an individual who was represented by an attorney obtains a favorable judicial decision in a claim for past-due SSI benefits, the court may allow as part of the judgment a fee for such representation not to exceed 25 percent of such benefits. Provides that eligibility and the benefit amount for SSI will be determined on a monthly rather than quarterly basis. Specifies situations in which optional supplementation of SSI benefits may be authorized. Requires that SSI benefits received during the period in which an individual's application for benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act is pending be recovered from any payment of OASDI benefits which is made retroactive to the date of application. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for the prompt replacement of SSI benefit checks which have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or not delivered within two mail delivery days following the day regularly designated for delivery. Title III: Amendments Applicable to Two or More Programs Under the Social Security Act - Sets forth provisions establishing time periods within which claims for Federal reimbursement to a State for expenditures under the Social Security Act must be made. Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to authorize expenditures from any or all of the Trust Funds for the administrative costs of carrying out the OASDI and Medicare (title XVIII) programs. Requires that such sums be transferred from the Trust Funds to separately identified accounts in the Treasury. Increases from $4,000,000 to $20,000,000 the amount available under part A of title XI to make additional Federal payments to States for certain demonstration projects under the Act. Deletes the requirement that all experimental and demonstration projects under the Act financed from Federal funds be personally approved by the Secretary or the Under Secretary. Amends titles I (Old Age Assistance and Medical Assistance), IV part A, X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), and XVI of the Act to provide for a Federal matching rate of 75 percent of the sums expended under the State plans of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Doubles the applicable funding limitations for such payments as set forth in title XI part A for fiscal years 1972 and thereafter, with the exception of fiscal year 1979 which shall remain the same. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit an immigrant from entering the country unless: (1) there is in effect with respect to such immigrant an agreement providing that an approved sponsor shall furnish such financial support as is necessary to prevent the immigrant from qualifying for SSI benefits, AFDC, or other public assistance based on need for the five years following the entry of such immigrant into the United States; (2) such immigrant has other means to support himself or herself; or (3) such immigrant is a political refugee. States that such agreement shall be excused if: (1) the sponsor dies or becomes bankrupt; (2) the immigrant is under age 65 and becomes blind or disabled after entering the United States; or (3) the sponsor cannot fulfill the agreement due to circumstances that were not forseeable at the time the agreement was made. Amends title III (Unemployment Compensation Administration) of the Act to set forth provisions concerning the disclosure of information relating to unemployment compensation which an individual has applied for, is receiving, or has received. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit officers and employees of the Social Security Administration to disclose tax return information disclosed to them to officers and employees of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare or to an appropriate State agency for the purpose of determining eligibility for benefits or the amount of such benefits under specified programs of the Social Security Act. Title IV: Child Support Enforcement - Amends part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for the enforcement of support obligations owed by absent parents not only to their children, as is presently provided for, but also to the spouse, or former spouse, with whom such child is living. Makes permanent the requirement that a State plan provide child support collection or paternity determination services to an individual not otherwise eligible for such services under the plan. Permits a State, for purposes of determining eligibility for AFDC, to disregard for up to three consecutive months support payments received under part D of title IV. Prohibits payments to a State for child support services under part D of title IV unless the State submits to the Secretary a report specifying: (1) the amount of child and spousal support collected and disbursed; and (2) all expenditures made with respect to such services.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to include within the coverage of the OASDI program the Vice President, all Members of Congress, and employees of the legislative branch. Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to undertake a study of the problems involved and alternatives available in reconciling coverage for Members of Congress and employees of the legislative branch under the Civil Service Retirement System and under the OASDI program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Child Health Assurance Act of 1979 - Title I: Child Health Assurance Program; Medicaid Eligibility of Poor Children - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State's Medicaid program to provide medical assistance to any individual under the age of 18 whose resources do not exceed specified levels. Requires a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX to provide for a child health assurance program (CHAP). Requires each such program to: (1) assure the availability to each eligible child of child health assessments which may only be performed by a health care provider who has entered into a specified written agreement with a State; (2) provide, with respect to certain medical services, for the continuing care of eligible children; (3) assure that all eligible children are informed of the need for and availability of dental services, and are referred to providers of such care and services on a timely and periodic basis; and (4) provide for "outreach" to children eligible for assessments. Requires a State's Medicaid program to provide the following services for individuals under the age of 18: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) outpatient hospital services; (3) rural health clinic services; (4) certain laboratory and X-ray services; (5) child health assessment services and the continuing care services of a CHAP; (6) immunizations; (7) prescribed drugs and insulin; (8) diagnosis and treatment of vision and hearing problems, including eyeglasses and hearing aids; (9) certain ambulatory mental health services; (10) routine dental care services; and (11) physicians' services furnished by a physician. Exempts the individuals eligible for such services from any enrollment fee, premium, deductible, cost sharing, or similar charges with respect to any such services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations establishing a formula for measuring the effectiveness of a State's CHAP. Directs the Secretary to publish a formula to determine a State's Federal medical assistance percentage for an ambulatory care and services for children based on the effectiveness of its program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate at least biannually the effectiveness of each State's program based on specified standards. Requires States under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to inform all families receiving AFDC benefits of the availability of child health assurance services under title XIX. Title II: Medicaid Eligibility of Pregnant Women - Requires a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX to make medical assistance available for care and services provided during pregnancy aid and for 60 days following the termination of pregnancy to women whose resources do not exceed specified levels. Title III: Effective Dates; Regulations - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979
Youth Employment Initiatives Act of 1979 - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) to establish a Prime Sponsor Initiative Program to provide incentives to CETA prime sponsors and others to train, employ, and place for subsequent employment 16 to 21 year old youths who: (1) are out of school; (2) have been unemployed for at least eight weeks immediately prior to eligibility determination; (3) are unemployed at the time of such determination; and (4) have a family income no greater than 70 percent of the lower living standard income level. Allocates, from sums available for such program: (1) 80 percent to prime sponsors; (2) five percent to Governors; (3) at least two percent for Native American Youths; (4) at least two percent for youth in migrant and seasonal farmworker families; and (5) the remainder for discretionary projects of the Secretary of Labor. Allocates, for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, amounts available for prime sponsors and Governors among the States according to a formula based on the number in each State of: (1) unemployed persons; (2) unemployed persons residing in areas of substantial unemployment; and (3) persons in families with annual incomes below the low-income level. Directs the Secretary to use the best available data in determining such allocations. Allocates, for fiscal years 1983 and for succeeding fiscal years thereafter, amounts available for prime sponsors including special State programs and sponsors of Native American programs so that each such sponsor shall receive: (1) $400 for each month that each eligible participant spends in an authorized program; (2) $2,000 for each eligible former participant who has (a) been employed in at least three out of four of the quarters following completion of the program or (b) returned to school and completed a grade of schooling in the four quarters or the next school year following completion of the program; and (3) $500 for each eligible former participant who receives a wage of over 75 percent of the average industrial wage in the area or of over 1.2 times the minimum wage, whichever is higher, in the year following completion of the program. Requires that such sums be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the national average industrial wage. Directs the Secretary to increase the sum for employed former participants to adjust for certain increased difficulties in placement. Requires ratable reduction of such allocations in any fiscal year according to appropriations for such year and ratable increase of such reduced amounts whenever additional funds become available. Directs the Secretary to select for such programs only prime sponsors assuring that: (1) only economically disadvantaged youth will be served; (2) certain required wage levels will be met; (3) participants have experienced certain severe handicaps in obtaining employment; (4) participating youth are not relatives of those hiring them; (5) certain additional training by employers meet certain wage standards; and (6) special efforts will be made to recruit youth from families receiving public assistance, including parents of dependent children. Requires that funds for special State programs and for seasonal farmworker programs be used in accordance with specified plans, approved by the Secretary, for specified purposes. Requires Government agencies to provide employment, unemployment, and wage information on former program participants for fund allocation purposes. Sets forth certain wage standards for employment programs under this Act. Limits the CETA Youth Employment and Training Program to in-school youth. Authorizes appropriations for necessary sums for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 to carry out all CETA Youth Programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Extends the reduced postage rates currently in effect for classroom publications to the home delivery of publications which are designed for use at home as educational reading by children and which contain no paid advertising.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat a library established by State or Federal law as a charitable institution for purposes of the charitable income tax deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the special tax treatment of church agency pension plans as qualified church plans. Provides that plans maintained by groups or associations of churches include individuals "substantially all" of whom are qualified beneficiaries. Allows such plans to retain accrued benefits, according to their terms, or to continue receiving contributions for up to five years for separated employees. Allows any plan which is determined to have failed to meet church plan requirements a grace period of 270 days, or any other period specified by the Secretary of the Treasury or a court in an adjudication of such an issue, to bring itself into compliance without becoming disqualified. Applies these provisions retroactively to 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a corporation (other than a small business corporation) an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of its contribution to an institution of higher education for basic research in the physical sciences. Reduces the allowable amount of such credit by the amount of charitable contributions made by such corporations for purposes other than basic research.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to permit the President to designate as a beneficiary developing country, eligible for duty-free treatment, a country which is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), unless the Congress disapproves such designation within 30 days. Prohibits the President from designating as a beneficiary developing country those countries which aid terrorists. Permits motions to discharge committees from further consideration of a resolution disapproving the designation of an OPEC country as a beneficiary developing country, if such committee has not reported it within ten days of introduction.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the functions, powers, and duties of the Federal Trade Commission for fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an individual who holds government bonds an election to include interest earned from such bonds in his gross income. Allows such individual a nonrefundable (refundable, in the case of tax-exempt charitable and educational organizations and pension and profit-sharing trusts) income tax credit equal to 67 percent of the interest earned on such bonds for a taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the foreign bad debt loss deduction shall not exceed the greater of 15 percent of the taxpayer's taxable income from exports, or two percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding at the close of the taxable year. Provides that the amount of bad debt losses that may be added to a bad debt reserve shall not exceed five percent of the taxpayer's export receivables outstanding as of the close of the taxable year. Permits the amortization, based on a period of 60 months, of: (1) foreign market studies; (2) foreign marketing expenses; and (3) foreign patents. Permits an income tax deduction for currency fluctuation losses on export credit which have not been repaid by the end of the taxable year.
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 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 · 5 April 1979
Federal Assistance Reform and Small Community Act of 1979 - Defines a "small community" as used in this Act as a local government which has a population of less than 50,000. Title I: Standardization of Requirements Generally Applicable to Federal Assistance - Adds a new title to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. Directs the President to designate Federal agencies to establish standardized requirements which condition Federal assistance in the areas of: (1) labor practices; (2) public employee standards; (3) equal employment opportunity; (4) equal services; (5) access to Government information; (6) citizen participation; (7) environmental protection; (8) relocation; (9) real property acquisition; and (10) procurement standards. Requires such requirements to be submitted for review by the President and published for comment in the Federal Register. Requires each designated agency to issue final requirements not later than one year following enactment of this title. Directs Federal departments and agencies to conform their program requirements with such standard requirements within 180 days after such standard requirements are issued. Requires that each designated agency: (1) secure compliance with such requirements by State and local governments; (2) monitor affected Federal agencies; and (3) report annually to the President and Congress on the standardization process. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (hereinafter referred to as the "Director") to oversee the administration of this title. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Assistance Programs - Directs the President to: (1) examine Federal assistance programs; and (2) prepare and transmit to Congress a plan for consolidating functionally related programs upon determining that such consolidation would improve the administration or efficiency of such programs. Requires that such a plan: (1) designate one agency to administer a consolidated program; (2) expire no later than six years after becoming effective; and (3) be transmitted to Congress before December 31, 1984. States that any such plan shall become effective upon approval by the President of a congressional resolution approving such plan. Sets forth House and Senate procedure for considering such a resolution. Title III: Financial Management and Audit of Federal Assistance Programs - Requires the Director to establish standard accounting, auditing, and financial management procedures to be used by all Federal agencies in the administration of Federal assistance to State and local governments. Requires an independent audit of State and local governments receiving Federal assistance to be conducted at least once every two years to determine whether such governments are: (1) conducting their financial operations properly; and (2) using Federal funds for intended purposes. Stipulates that any such government which receives less than $50,000 per year in Federal assistance shall be subjected to such an audit at least once every five years but not more than once every three years. Permits such governments to assume responsibility for such audits. Makes the Federal Government responsible for other specified audits. Directs the Director to establish a quality review process to assure the proper performance of audits. Requires the Federal Government to reimburse State and local governments for the costs of conducting audits for the Federal Government. Title IV: Advance Appropriations - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, and the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 to establish procedures for multi- year funding of Federal assistance programs. Title V: Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations - Increases from 26 to 29 the membership of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Stipulates that such additional members shall be three elected officials from small communities. Title VI: Set-Asides for Small Communities - States that at least ten percent of the funds available for making grants to local governments under Federal assistance programs shall be available only for making grants to small communities. Requires the head of each agency which makes grants to local governments to report to Congress the amount of such grants made to small communities. Title VII: Option for Small Communities to Receive Payments in lieu of Grants - Authorizes any small community which has received grants under Federal assistance programs for two fiscal years to elect to receive cash payments in lieu of such grants during a fiscal year. States that the payments shall be equal to 90 percent of such averaged grants, and shall be subject to the terms and conditions for payments under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972. Title VIII: Waiver of Regulations - Permits the Director, after consulting with the head of the affected agency, to waive any agency rule which conditions Federal assistance to State and local governments. Title IX: Authorizations of Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Federal Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Administration of Generally Applicable Federal Assistance Requirements - Adds a new title to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. Defines "generally applicable requirements" as requirements which are placed on assistance recipients by Federal legislation or administrative rules and regulations, and which apply to two or more assistance programs. Directs the President to designate Federal agencies to establish standard rules and regulations for, and to report on the implementation of, generally applicable requirements in the areas of: (1) labor practices; (2) public employee standards; (3) equal services requirements based on prohibitions of discrimination; (4) access to government information; (5) relocation and real property acquisition; (6) procurement standards; (7) planning; (8) finance and administration; (9) citizen participation; and (10) environmental protection when such requirements are part of a Federal assistance program. Directs Federal departments and agencies to comply with those rules within 120 days after such a rule is issued. Permits a designated agency to submit for review by the President and subsequently, by Congress a legislative proposal to exclude certain Federal assistance programs from all or part of its standard rules. Directs the President to designate the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to oversee the the administration of this title. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Assistance Programs - Directs the President to: (1) examine Federal assistance programs; and (2) prepare and transmit to Congress a plan for consolidating functionally related programs upon determining that such consolidation would improve the administration or efficiency of such programs. Requires that such a plan: (1) designate one agency to administer a consolidated program; (2) expire no later than six years after becoming effective; and (3) be transmitted to Congress before December 31, 1984. States that any such plan shall become effective upon approval by the President of a congressional resolution approving such plan. Sets forth House and Senate procedure for considering such a resolution. Requires the President to report to Congress annually on consolidation plans which are proposed and implemented under this title. Title III: Integrated Grant Development - Repeals the Joint Funding Simplification Act of 1974 and institutes in lieu thereof the Integrated Grant Development Act of 1979. Requires Federal agencies to take specified measures previously authorized by the Joint Funding Simplification Act to provide for joint funding by and management of Federal assistance programs which have common interests. Directs the President to designate the OMB to take specified measures to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Advance Appropriations - Amends the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 and the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 to provide for multi-year funding of Federal financial assistance programs. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires Federal agencies, under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, to provide the officials of a State or local government receiving Federal assistance with information concerning the amount and purpose of that assistance. Directs the OMB to develop the system of providing such information and to oversee agency compliance with this title. Authorizes Congress to include in Federal assistance legislation a provision which prohibits a State or local government from using Federal assistance to replace funding previously provided by that government. Authorizes the head of an agency to waive such a prohibition upon determining that it would cause extraordinary fiscal hardship.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Export Trade Association Act of 1979 - Amends the Webb-Pomerene Act to exempt certified export trade associations from the antitrust laws. Authorizes Federal agencies to enforce only the provisions regarding such associations. Permits third parties to file petitions requesting enforcement action with the Secretary of Commerce. Limits the prohibition against unfair methods of competition to domestic competitors engaged in export trade. Sets forth the procedure for obtaining certification as an organization engaged solely in export trade. Provides for appeal of the Secretary's denial of certification. Requires the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission to publish guidelines for determining whether an association will meet the certification requirements. Requires certified associations to submit annual reports to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Commerce an office to promote export trade associations. Provides for automatic certification of existing associations. Stipulates that all applications for certification be kept confidential with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary to require an association to modify its operation to be consistent with international obligations of the United States. Directs the President to appoint, with the Senate's advice and consent, a task force seven years after enactment to examine the effect of this Act and to make recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should seek the good offices of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the purpose of establishing a special investigatory commission charged with the responsibility of securing a full accounting of Americans listed as missing in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretaries which proves clearly and convincingly that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretaries determine that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which has essentially the same effect on meat products as nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) will not impose an unreasonable economic burden on consumers or meat processors. Requires the Secretaries to conduct or support (by grant or contract) research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medicare Improvements Act of 1979 - Title I: Medicare Improvements - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) remove the 150 day limitation on inpatient hospital services; and (2) remove the 100 visit limitation on home health services. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a requirement for receiving home health services. Extends to 30 days the period within which an individual must be admitted to a skilled nursing facility in order to receive Medicare coverage for post-hospital extended care, following a hospital stay of at least three consecutive days. Reduces the requirement of confinement to the home to one of substantial confinement to the home in order for an individual to receive Medicare coverage for home health services. Authorizes payments for home health services in cases where a physician certifies that occupational therapy is needed. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop standards for home health agencies with respect to health, safety, and the quality and appropriateness of services, including the training of home health aides. Eliminates copayment requirements for: (1) inpatient hospital services; and (2) post-hospital extended care services. Increases to a maximum of $937.50 the amount of incurred expenses for outpatient mental treatment for which payment will be made under the Medicare program. Authorizes reimbursement under the Medicare program for a reasonable number of visits per year to a community mental health center. States that such number shall be determined by the Secretary. Establishes "catastrophic illness" coverage under the Medicare program. Defines a "catastrophic illness" as one in which an individual has either: (1) had out-of-pocket expenses for coinsurance for services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII which exceed $1,000 in a 15 month period; or (2) incurred expenses for covered services under part B which exceed, in the aggregate, $5,000 in a 15 month period. Provides that eligible drugs: (1) which require a physician's prescription (excluding insulin); (2) which are necessary to treat a common crippling or life-threatening chronic disease; and (3) which are dispensed from a "participating pharmacy" (except in an emergency), shall be included among the items covered under the Medicare program. Defines the term "reasonable allowance" when used in reference to an eligible drug. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Medicare Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provision for selecting drugs for the Formulary. Title II: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Amends the Social Security Act by adding a new title XXI: Catastrophic Illness Insurance. Declares it to be the purpose of such title to make available insurance against high-cost catastrophic illness. Requires every employer to make available to each full-time employee the option to participate in a catastrophic health insurance plan which provides coverage for the employee, the employee's spouse and unmarried dependents under the age of 26 which includes: (1) a "hospital benefit period" which begins following the 60th day of the 15 month period (consisting of a calendar year and the last three months of the preceding year) in which such employee or such employee's family received inpatient hospital services under part B of title XVIII and which ends following the first period of 90 consecutive days in such calendar year during which inpatient hospital services were not received; and (2) a "medical benefit period" which begins when expenses incurred for services under part B of title XVIII aggregate more than $5,000 in a 15 month period and which ends following the first period of 90 consecutive days in such calendar year in which such expenses total less than $500. Sets forth penalties for employers not in compliance with the catastrophic illness insurance plan. Authorizes employees to commence civil actions against such employers. Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with private health insurance carriers under which such carriers shall make available catastrophic health insurance policies for eligible individuals which provide benefits on a level with those provided by employers in their catastrophic health insurance plans. Directs the Secretary to pay a portion or all of the premium on such a policy for those individuals whose income is below a certain level as determined according to standards set forth in this Act. Authorizes the States to purchase catastrophic health insurance plans for Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) recipients who are not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under the Medicare hospital insurance program. Establishes a Federal Actuarial Committee to prepare annually a table of values of catastrophic health insurance coverage to be used to evaluate the actuarial value of such insurance coverage and the costs of premiums for such coverage. Requires States, under the Medicaid program, to provide catastrophic illness services to all eligible individuals. Title III: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize tax deductions for individuals and businesses for amounts paid for catastrophic health insurance. Authorizes a tax credit for employers for certain catastrophic health insurance costs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Permits State and local governments to collect taxes on the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products on military and other Federal reservations. Requires the proprietors of facilities which sell alcoholic beverages and tobacco products on Federal installations to report to the States or localities in which such installations are located the amount of such commodities with respect to which taxes are payable.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the investment tax credit to research and experimental expenditures in connection with the taxpayer's trade or business.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
States that the total funds which the executive branch may obligate for the travel and transportation expenses of its officers and employees during fiscal year 1980 shall not exceed an amount which is $500,000,000 less than the amount proposed therefor in the Budget of the United States for such fiscal year.