United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Secretary of Energy to notify the Governor and State legislature, or the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe, of the Department of Energy's intent to explore a site for a radioactive waste storage or disposal facility to be selected within such State or tribal lands. Directs the Secretary, upon request from the Governor of any State so notified, to enter into negotiations for formal arrangements under which the State will have the right to concur or not concur in all stages in the planning, siting, development, construction, and operation of the proposed facility. Makes such arrangements binding on all Federal agencies. Prohibits the Secretary from commencing or contracting for any construction work for such a storage or disposal facility until such formal arrangements have been made.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 24 May 1979
National Water Resources Policy and Development Act of 1979 - Title I - Directs States to review periodically their water resources needs. Authorizes the States to request the Water Resources Council for detailed studies of specific water resources needs. Directs States to submit to the Council a list of authorized studies which have not been completed and which are necessary to meet identified water resources needs. Authorizes the appropriate Federal water resources agency to make detailed evaluations of specific water resources needs upon referral by the Council. Stipulates that the State or other non-Federal body must agree to pay ten percent of the costs of the study before any study may be initiated. Provides for State employees to work in coordination with the appropriate agency. Requires such agencies to assure that studies are equitably undertaken on a regional basis. Directs States to develop and submit to the Council annually a priority list of water resource needs and projects. Stipulates that such lists will be deemed approved after 60 days unless the Council finds that such list was developed without adequate public participation. Requires reports to be filed by the appropriate agency with the Council and appropriate States upon completion of studies of water resource projects. Provides for the authorization of construction of such projects upon: (1) certification by the Governors to the Council that such project is needed and entitled to priority consideration; and (2) recommendation of construction by the appropriate agency. Stipulates that if a Governor affected by such project objects to the Council within 90 days, then such project must be authorized by Congress. Requires the States or other non-Federal bodies to agree to pay specified percentages of the costs of construction and operation of such projects. Permits the use of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund to pay the non-Federal contribution for commercial inland navigation projects. Requires any revenues from such projects to be shared between the non-Federal interests and the participating Federal agencies based on their percentage contribution to the project. Sets forth the formula for allocating authorized funds by the Council among the States. Terminates projects authorized prior to this Act if: (1) construction has not begun within five years of enactment of this Act; and (2) the project is not on a State's priority list. Authorizes the Council to study and propose legislation authorizing construction of regional water resources projects which have national significance and priority. Directs the Council to select up to 25 of such projects from among projects authorized prior to enactment of this Act which shall be eligible for direct funding by Congress without regard to specific limitations in this Act. Stipulates that such projects, if authorized specifically by Congress, shall be constructed at full Federal cost. Permits States to apply to the Council for loans to finance the construction of projects authorized prior to this Act. Requires the Council to report to Congress concerning: (1) national priorities for water resources development; (2) the needs for cost-effective development of the projects; and (3) the best ways to achieve the maximum efficient use of water supplies from existing Federal projects. Prohibits the construction of water resource projects designed to bring land into production for crops receiving Federal price supports until such studies are submitted. Title II: Amends the Water Resources Planning Act to provide for an independent Water Resources Council. Revises the composition of such Council to include experts in the engineering or economics of water resources development.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the report of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare entitled "Report on Home Health Services Under Titles XVIII, XIX, and XX" is not responsive to the requirements set forth in the Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments; and (2) such report shall be returned to the Secretary and revised to comply with such requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Commends the American Broadcasting Company, the National Broadcasting Company, and the Public Broadcasting Service for their work in closed-captioned television programming for the deaf and hearing-impaired.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1979
Tribal-State Compact Act of 1979 - Title I: Authorization of Compacts and Agreements - Authorizes the States and the Indian tribes to enter into compacts on matters relating to: (1) the enforcement or application of civil, criminal, and regulatory laws of each within their respective jurisdictions; (2) the allocation or determination of governmental responsibility of States and tribes over specified subject matters or specified geographical areas, or both, including compacts providing for concurrent jurisdiction between the States and the Tribes; and (3) transfer of jurisdiction of individual cases from tribal courts to State courts or State courts to tribal courts in accordance with procedures established by the laws of the tribes and States. Allows the United States, upon agreement of the parties and the Secretary of the Interior, to provide 100 percent of the costs for personnel or administrative expenses in any agreement or compact between an Indian tribe and a State under this Act. Sets forth criteria which the Secretary may consider in determining the amount of Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations not exceeding $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter to carry out the compacts entered into in accordance with this title. Title II: Planning and Monitoring Boards - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to encourage the tribes and the States to establish councils, committees, boards, or task forces between the States and individual tribes, or on a statewide or regional basis, to discuss jurisdictional questions which exist between the parties, and to provide Federal representatives to such discussions from the Department as may be useful. Authorizes appropriations not exceeding $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter to carry out the purposes of this title. Title III: Judicial Enforcement - Grants to district courts original jurisdiction of civil actions to secure equitable relief brought by parties to an agreement entered into in accordance with this Act. Stipulates that actions for damages shall only exist as specifically provided for in such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) against the summary executions without due process in Iran; and (2) that the United States will act to prevent criminal or terrorist actions against persons in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest earned on a savings account to the extent that the rate of inflation for the calendar year exceeds the current rate of interest on a maximum account of $4,000. Limits such tax exclusion to $100.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Authorizes and directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Senate during consideration of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Artists Tax Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an estate tax credit equal to the fair market value of literary, musical, or artistic properties transferred, without restriction, by the estate of the decedent whose personal efforts created them, to Federal museums and art galleries for public exhibition. Requires the recipient of such properties to sign a written statement that such properties have significant artistic value and that they will be placed on public exhibition. Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to 30 percent of the fair market value of a literary, musical, or artistic composition created by the personal efforts of the taxpayer and contributed by such taxpayer to a tax-exempt charitable or educational organization. Limits the amount of such credit to the greater of $2,500 or 50 percent of the taxpayer's income tax liability for the taxable year. Limits the dollar amount of contributions to $35,000. Requires certification that such compositions possess significant artistic value. Disallows the credit for the contribution of a letter, memorandum, or similar property which was written by or for the taxpayer while such taxpayer held public office. Extends from five to ten years the period in which an artist must show that he has engaged in the production of artistic works for a profit in two years during such period in order to claim income tax deductions for losses related to the production of such works. Restores capital gains treatment of the gain realized from the sale of inherited artwork.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Defines the meaning of "severe energy supply interruption" as used in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for the purpose of determining the severity of shortage of petroleum supply to the United States necessary to require the President to recommend to the Congress that the Standby Gasoline Rationing Plan provided for in such Act be implemented. Declares that the commencement of international hostilities under constitutional authorities and the determination that gasoline rationing is necessary to protect the national security shall be sufficient cause for such recommendation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to allow, for households containing one or more members 60 years of age or older, an excess medical deduction for the portion of the actual cost of allowable specified medical costs in excess of $35 a month, adjustable semiannually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1979
Voluntary Broadened Stock Ownership, Job Preservation, and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, manufacturing, business, agricultural, and service organizations which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Directs the Secretary to conduct a similar program where a concern is available for purchase and the employees, or the employees and the community, wish to acquire it through certain forms of ownership and control. Directs the Economic Development Administration (EDA), with the approval of the Secretary, to provide loans for technical assistance and loan guarantees for startup and operating costs to an employee or employee-community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans upon, among other factors: (1) certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis; and (2) compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Directs the EDA, with the approval of the Secretary, to authorize guarantees of loans to approved employee organizations or employee-community organizations to provide equity funding for the purchase of the concern. Permits such organizations to adopt any ownership form they choose, provided that: (1) all employees of the concern will be offered an opportunity to participate in the ownership plan; and (2) employees subject to a collective bargaining agreement will be included in such an offering, unless the representing union waives, in writing, such participation. Provides for nondiscrimination in the programs funded by this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow: (1) greater employer contributions for certain purposes to employee stock ownership plans; and (2) residents of a political subdivision of a State to participate in a particular general stock ownership corporation if such distinction is warranted by such corporation's business and is nondiscriminatory.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Gold Coinage Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and issue gold coins in a denomination of $100, which may be increased periodically in accordance with the world market price of gold.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should appoint an ambassador-at-large to be responsible to the Secretary of State for U.S. policy on world population affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Permits any individual, association, partnership or corporation in adverse possession of public lands to obtain a patent to such lands from the Secretary of the Interior. Sets forth the information to be included in a petition for such a patent. Directs the Secretary to grant a patent to public lands if the petitioner, the petitioner's ancestors, or grantors have held such lands: (1) under color of title; (2) in good faith; (3) peacefully for at least 20 years; and (4) have improved such lands. Establishes procedures for the review of such petitions. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that the petition is sufficient, to issue a patent for the interest claimed in an area of public land 50 acres or less upon the payment of $1.25 or less per acre. Grants the Secretary the option of issuing a patent for more than 50 acres upon the payment of the required fee. Requires the Secretary to obtain the consent of other Federal agencies to a patent award if a claim under this Act interferes with functions of such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a patent to a comparable tract of land or to pay the fair market value of the interest in the land claimed if such consent is not obtained. Permits the petitioner to elect compensation in lieu of substitute land. Reserves to the United States all mineral interests in any land to which a patent is issued under this Act. Prohibits the issuance of any patent if there is an unadjudicated claim adverse to the petitioner. Establishes jurisdiction in the United States Courts of Appeals for the review of all final actions of the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Emergency Energy Conservation Act of 1979 - Directs the President, upon finding that a severe energy supply interruption exists, or is imminent, or that actions to restrain domestic energy demand are required, and transmitting same to Congress, to: (1) announce a national emergency energy conservation target; (2) notify the Governor of each State of the State emergency energy conservation target established for his State; and (3) notify the Governor of each State of the Federal implementation plan which would be imposed should such State be found in noncompliance with this Act. Directs the Governor of each State, upon notification of the State emergency conservation target, to submit a State implementation plan to the President. Directs the President to review any implementation plan submitted by a Governor, and approve it if the President finds such plan likely to achieve the conservation target in an equitable manner. Provides for the implementation of the Federal plan if a State has not submitted a plan or if an approved plan is not achieving the emergency energy conservation target of the State. Provides civil penalties for the violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this Act. Directs the President to monitor the implementation plans, make recommendations to the Governor, and submit an annual report to the Congress. Limits the effective period of any plan to 12 months unless the President finds the energy situation warrants an extension.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to authorize a waiver or reduction in the amount of any penalty imposed for a particular violation of a marketing quota for the 1978 through 1981 crops of peanuts, if such violation was unintentional or inadvertent.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any foreign government or entity from suing in any United States district court for injuries sustained from violations of the antitrust laws unless the laws of such foreign government forbid such conduct and authorizes any person, including the government and citizens of the United States, to sue in the courts of that foreign state. Limits recovery of damages of a foreign government to the actual damages and the costs of the suit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Energy-Related Economic Development Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide grants for the costs of economic development planning activities in regions suffering economic dislocation as a result of energy-related employment. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 and for each of the three succeeding fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title V of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to define additional terms used in such Act. Makes conforming and technical amendments to such Act. Provides for the reimbursement of application costs to the Secretary of the Interior by applicants for crude oil transportation systems. Removes the requirement of Presidential notification and review of proposed crude oil transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to act upon such proposals. Directs the Secretary to transmit to each Governor a copy of any environmental impact statement prepared by the Department of the Interior concerning such systems. Removes the requirement of Presidential approval or disapproval of proposed systems. Provides that actions which relate to the construction and completion of approved pipeline systems and to applications filed in connection therewith shall be taken without further action and that the actions of Federal officers shall not be subject to judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Authorizes Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarships for cadets at military junior colleges under specified conditions. Sets forth the rights and obligations of a cadet appointed under such a financial assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Local Energy Management Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Declarations of Purpose, and Definitions - Declares that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to establish a demonstration grant program applicable to localities proposing to implement energy conservation and renewable energy resource development programs; (2) to establish a local energy reference center to disseminate information on such programs; and (3) to establish a technical assistance panels program to facilitate information sharing on such programs between localities. Title II: Program Administration - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out the provisions of this Act and to report annually to the Congress on activities of the programs established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to consult and cooperate with appropriate Federal and other public and private agencies to provide a coordinated approach to the programs established under this Act. Title III: Demonstration Grant Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make nonrenewable grants to localities for the development of management programs designed to promote energy conservation and the development of renewable resources. Sets forth application and other procedures for such grant program. Title IV: Local Energy Reference Center - Directs the Secretary to establish a local energy reference center to serve as a data bank and information center for localities. Title V: Technical Assistance Panels Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a technical assistance panels program to provide technical information and assistance to localities on energy conservation and development of renewable energy resources. Title VI: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Federal Employee Parking Act - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prohibit free parking at parking facilities owned or controlled by the Federal Government. Directs the Administrator of General Services, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and the Architect of the Capitol to coordinate the activities of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches in implementing such restrictions. Stipulates that all revenues collected be deposited into the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, through its Subcommittee on Nuclear Regulation, to expend such funds as may be necessary from the contingent fund of the Senate to investigate the accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Station and to study all issues arising from the accident which have implications for the regulation and control of nuclear energy. Directs such subcommittee, in conducting its investigation and study, to utilize available studies, investigations, reports, and other relevant material.
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
Parking Fees Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to require parking fees to be charged at all parking facilities owned or controlled by any Federal agency, with certain exceptions. Stipulates that any excess funds, after paying operating and maintenance expenses, are to be deposited in the general revenues of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Establishes a ceiling on the number of persons to be employed by the Senate at a level no greater than the number of persons so employed as of March 31, 1979. Directs the Secretary of the Senate to report such number as of March 31, 1979, and at the end of each quarter thereafter. Directs the Secretary to report to the Senate on the benefits of reducing the Senate staff by ten percent.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Entitles certain employees of Indian tribal organizations, the Indian Health Service (IHS), or the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to an annuity if separated from service after completing 25 years of service or after attaining 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service, if such employee is not an Indian entitled to an employment preference by law. States that employees entitled to Indian preference and military preference shall be retained in preference to employees entitled to only military preference during reductions in force within the BIA or the IHS. Declares that reassignments of individuals within the BIA or the IHS shall not be subject to the Indian preference laws where the Commissioner of Indian Affairs determines that the reassignment is necessary to: (1) assure the health or safety of an individual or his family; (2) avoid the displacement of an Indian during a reduction in force; or (3) prevent the deterioration of an individual's operation or of a necessary service to the Indian people. Forbids the application of Indian preference laws to any personnel action respecting an individual if the tribal organization served by the unit in which the position exists grants a waiver of those laws. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Health, Education, and Welfare to report annually to Congress on their actions to recruit and train Indians for positions subject to Indian preference laws and to place non-Indian employees of the BIA and the IHS in other Federal positions.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Removes the requirement that a blind veteran must also have suffered the loss or loss of use of one lower extremity to be eligible for specially adapted housing benefits. Reduces from $30,000 to $12,500 the limitation on specially adapted housing benefits for veterans who cannot walk without the aid of braces, crutches, cane, or wheelchair. Provides a maximum flat rate of $12,500 on such benefits for eligible veterans who are building or remodeling a home.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend eligibility for the earned income credit to members of the armed forces assigned to duty outside the United States.
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 · 27 March 1979
Provides that members of the Armed Forces Reserves shall not be denied employment because of membership in a Reserve unit. Excludes employers of less than ten employees from such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Hispanic Affairs Act of 1979 - Establishes the Office of Hispanic Affairs (Office) in the Executive Office of the President to: (1) advise the executive branch on appropriate actions to assure that Federal programs are providing needed assistance to Hispanic Americans; (2) advise Hispanic American groups on receiving Federal assistance; (3) establish an Hispanic information clearinghouse to disseminate information on the social and economic conditions of such individuals; and (4) evaluate Federal laws, policies, and practices concerning equal opportunities for such persons. Permits the Director of the Office to appoint advisory task forces to advise the Director on Office functions. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Director including coordinating the programs of the Offices of Hispanic Affairs established in Federal agencies. Transfers to such Office all functions, personnel, and property of the Office of Personnel Management which relate to equal employment opportunity of Hispanic individuals, as determined by the Office of Management and Budget. Requires the Director to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Office. Establishes an Office of Hispanic Affairs in each of specified agencies to insure that the policies and practices of the Federal Government provide equal opportunities for Hispanics in all areas. Authorizes the President to instruct chairpersons of the ten Federal Regional Councils established by previous Executive Order to insure that the needs of Hispanics are taken into account in decisions related to Federal assistance to State and local governments. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to insure that existing information clearinghouse functions within the Department of Commerce encompass the collection and dissemination of information concerning the social needs and conditions of Hispanics. Prohibits the use of any funds authorized to carry out this Act to influence the outcome of any Federal election or voter registration activity.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 22 March 1979
Atomic Energy Community Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Atomic Energy Community Act of 1955 to provide assistance payments to Los Alamos, New Mexico, and to affected school districts at or near Los Alamos. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,391,800 for fiscal year 1980 and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year to provide payments to the City of Los Alamos. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,482,590 for fiscal year 1980 and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year to provide payments to affected school districts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Amends the venue provisions of Federal law to provide that a civil action in which a defendant is the United States, a United States agency, or an officer or employee thereof acting in an official capacity may be brought in any judicial district in which the plaintiff or defendant has its principal place of business and must be brought in a judicial district in which it has been determined that a substantial portion of the impact or injury exists. Requires an appeal from a final order of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Maritime Administration to be brought in a judicial circuit in which such a determination has been made.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to schools of medicine and osteopathy for the establishment and operation of educational programs in geriatrics.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Jurisdictional Amendments Act of 1979 - Abolishes the amount in controversy requirement in Federal question cases. Authorizes a district court, in suits for damages brought under the Consumer Product Safety Act in which the plaintiff is adjudged to recover less than $10,000, to deny or to impose costs on such plaintiff. Abolishes diversity of citizenship as a basis of jurisdiction of Federal district courts, but retains as a basis of jurisdiction "alienage," involving foreign states or citizens of foreign states. Increases the amount in controversy requirement in such cases from $10,000 to $25,000. Retains as a basis for Federal jurisdiction statutory interpleader, which includes actions between citizens of different States. Permits venue for a Federal civil action in any judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or in which a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated. Provides that a civil action brought in a State court of which the Federal district courts have original jurisdiction based upon diversity of citizenship may be removed to the Federal court only by a party in interest joined and served as a defendent who is a citizen or subject of a foreign state.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate upon the retirement of the Honorable Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, as chief legislative spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to revise the computation of employee, spouse, and survivor annuities, with respect to railroad employees who as of December 31, 1974, had at least ten years of service and were fully insured under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that the provisions of such Act shall not apply to stone mining or sand and gravel mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to establish a formula for calculating the corporate average fuel economy standards for motor vehicle manufacturers which include electric vehicles in their fleets.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Small Business Administrative Review Court Act - Establishes the Small Business Administrative Review Court, as an independent agency within the executive branch of the Government. Grants to the Court jurisdiction over small businesses challenging certain administrative orders, citations, and fines having a dollar value of $2,500 or less. Requires, for the Court to have jurisdiction, that a small business file a petition with the Court within 60 days of receiving notice of a fine, citation or order. Allows the Court to rescind or modify any such fine, citation, or order. Stipulates that a determination by the Court or a determination of lack of jurisdiction, may not be reviewed by any agency or court. Prohibits a small business concern that elects to have its case heard by the Court from pursuing agency review of the fine, citation or order until the Court renders a decision, or determines lack of jurisdiction. Permits a small business upon the Court's decision, or determination that it is without jurisdiction, to pursue agency review of the fine, citation, or order as if the petition had not been filed with the Court. Outlines the organization of the Court, its divisions, and its sessions. Describes the administration of the Court and the rules of procedure and service of process of the Court. Requires the chief judge of the Court to submit to the President and the Congress not later than four years after enactment a report including an assessment of the success of the Court in fulfilling its functions. Requires all fees received by the Court to be deposited into the Treasury. Makes this Act effective on January 1 of the year following the date of enactment. Makes the expiration date five years from the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Food and Nutrition Program Optional Consolidation and Reorganization Act of 1979 - Provides the States with the option of consolidating and reorganizing the following food assistance programs: (1) the food stamp program of the Food Stamp Act of 1964; (2) the child feeding programs of the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (3) the food and nutrition education program of the Smith-Lever Act; and (4) the commodity supplemental food program. Allows any State to participate in the consolidation program, and guarantees that a participating State shall receive the funds it would otherwise have received under the above-mentioned programs. Stipulates the procedure by which a State may withdraw from the program. Permits a State to receive a planning grant of up to two percent of the amount that State presently receives under the four existing programs, in order to prepare a consolidated plan conforming to this Act. Sets forth requirements for receiving such a grant. Requires each State desiring to receive funds for the consolidation program to: (1) designate a State agency to ascertain the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy population, to formulate and monitor the State consolidation plan and to receive and apportion State and Federal funds earmarked for the program; (2) publish, prior to consolidated assistance and every fourth year thereafter, a four-year comprehensive State plan which conforms to the requirements of this Act, and update the plan annually; (3) certify to the Secretary of Agriculture that the requirements of (2) have been complied with; and (4) provide for an annual audit of expenditures, and to report the findings of that audit to the Secretary. Provides that a State participating in a consolidated program is eligible to receive an additional grant for carrying out that program equal to 10 percent of its total entitlement, provided that such amount is matched by the State with an equal amount of non-Federal funds. Requires the Secretary to furnish the same services-in-kind which would have been furnished to the State had the State not participated in the consolidated program. Permits the States to purchase food-service equipment and facilities with funds made available under this Act. Forbids any State from using more than 2 1/2 percent of the funds made available under this Act for administrative expenses. Provides for evaluations and monitoring of the program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which consolidate under this Act for purposes of interstate cooperation. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private of Indian tribal schools if a State is prohibited by law from providing for their participation. Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who embezzles, steals, or fraudulently obtains any funds authorized by this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Domenici, Pete V. [R-NM]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000407_200.jpg)