United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Service Liability Partial Self- Insurance Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to any taxpayer furnishing professional design services for cash contributions to his service liability trust and for cash amounts paid to a captive insurer (wholly or partially-owned by the taxpayer) for service liability insurance. Defines service liability as liability for tort damages attributable to negligence in, breach of warranty regarding, or defects in the professional construction or modification design of buildings or structures on real property. Limits the allowable deduction: (1) for a taxpayer with a severe service liability problem to a maximum of $100,000, or one of two specified formula sums, whichever is least; and (2) for a taxpayer with no severe liability problem to a maximum of $25,000, or one of two formula sums, whichever is least. Penalizes unauthorized distributions from such accounts except for: (1) corrective withdrawal of excess contributions; (2) distributions when a change of circumstances renders continued maintenance of no trade or business purpose; (3) transfers of rollover amounts; (4) distributions following complete liquidation of the pertinent trade or business; and (5) certain sales deemed distributions. Limits the investment of account assets to: (1) Federal public debt securities; (2) nondefaulted State or local obligations; (3) time or demand deposits in certain Federally insured financial institutions; or (4) any other investment asset permissable under law of the State where such account is organized. Treats service liability loss reserves as amounts accumulated for the reasonably anticipated needs of a business, for purposes of avoiding the accumulated earnings tax.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for certain charges paid or incurred on agricultural operating loans (as defined by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act) in excess of a 12 percent rate. Limits the application of this Act to loans whose payout period does not exceed 12 months and whose aggregate principal does not exceed $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning with the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Members of Congress should request their States, constituents, and the Bureau of the Census to encourage older people to participate as census workers in the taking of the 1980 Decennial Census.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Amends the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 to extend the authorization of appropriations for general revenue sharing through fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that Members of Congress should request their States, constituents, and the Bureau of the Census to encourage older Americans to participate as census workers in the taking of the 1980 decennial census.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the first concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 reported by the Committee on the Budget shall limit budget outlays to 21 per cent of the gross national product.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Congratulates the members of the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympic team, its coaches and officials for a job well done. Recognizes the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and the people of the Lake Placid area for their successful efforts in organizing and producing the XIII Winter Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1980
Designates February 26, 1980, as a national day of prayer, meditation, and unity if the hostages being held in Iran are not released by February 25, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the interest rate on extended payments on estate taxes attributable to certain farms and closely held businesses, to provide that the rate of interest on qualifying deferred payments, other than those required to pay four percent, will be the lesser of six percent or 75 percent of the prime rate as determined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980
International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a new title VI of such Act: "International Education Programs." Establishes International and Foreign Studies Programs under HEA. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to or contracts with institutions of higher education for establishing, strengthening, and operating graduate and undergraduate centers for modern foreign language studies, foreign area studies, international studies, and the international aspects of professional and other fields of study. Authorizes grants to such centers to maintain important library collections. Authorizes stipends to individuals undergoing advanced training at such centers. Authorizes grants for advanced international studies centers and for undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs to institutions of higher education, combinations of such institutions, and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research and studies to contribute to such programs and the International Understanding programs established by this Act under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Directs the Secretary to publish an annual report on such matters. Directs the Secretary to make excellence the criterion of such grants and, consistent with such criterion, to seek an equitable distribution of such funds throughout the Nation. Directs the Secretary to convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such HEA programs and the ESEA International Understanding programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such HEA International and Foreign Language programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Establishes Business and International Education Programs under HEA. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the cost of such program for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such programs; and (2) publish an annual report on such matters. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the HEA Business and International Education Programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish International Understanding programs under an "International Understanding Act." Authorizes the Secretary to stimulate, by grant or contract, educational programs to increase the understanding of students and the public in the U.S. about the cultures and actions of other nations in order to better evaluate the international and domestic impact of major national policies. Allows such assistance to be made: (1) to any public or private agency or organization; (2) for inservice training and for compilation and dissemination of information and resources, but not for equipment acquisition or facility remodeling; (3) for programs at all levels, including community, adult, and continuing education; and (4) for critically important foreign language instruction by local educational agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the ESEA International Understanding programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Repeals the foreign studies and language development program of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the grant programs for advanced and undergraduate international studies of the International Education Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the earned income exclusion for United States citizens working abroad, who are bona fide residents of a foreign country, from an annual rate of $20,000 to: (1) $50,000; or (2) $65,000, if such persons have been working abroad for more than two years. Allows separate exclusions to married individuals who are both working overseas, although one's excess exclusion cannot be used against income earned by the other. Allows an exclusion from gross income for housing allowances or housing expenses which exceed 20 percent of earned income (determined without regard to such allowance). Repeals current provisions of the Code allowing tax deductions to such persons for certain living expenses abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an exclusion from income of interest on an advance-refunding issue of an industrial development bond, provided such issue is secured by a pledge of substantial revenues of the issuer derived from at least 20 separate facilities operated or leased by the issuer, and that such pledge is on a parity of lien with other issues. Requires the issuer to be an established political subdivision created for the express purpose of, and primarily engaged in, promoting economic development. Prohibits the issuer from passing through any debt-service savings to a non-exempt person.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the estate tax, to provide that the basis of an interest in farming or small business property in the hands of a person acquiring such interest from the decedent shall be the fair market value of the property. Requires an increase in the basis of property acquired in a generation-skipping transfer before the transferor's death by an amount equal to the generation-skipping tax imposed.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 70 percent to 50 percent the maximum rate of income tax for individuals. Requires separate computation of personal service income and non-personal service (unearned) income, applying each category to the lowest tax rates initially. Prohibits separate computations in the case of any individual with more than $10,000 in tax-preference.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate for the forceful action of Colonel Ishmail Kahn and Mr. Bill Hamidullah in repelling the attackers of the International School of Islamabad in Pakistan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1980
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the U.S. Olympic Committee should petition the International Olympic Committee to relocate the 1980 summer games; and (2) the United States should not participate, if such games are not relocated.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Exempts from public disclosure specified items contained in shipper's export declarations or in any successor documents submitted in lieu thereof for Bureau of the Census statistical purposes, unless the Secretary of Commerce determines that withholding would be contrary to the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the Senate's support for efforts to win the freedom of the hostages in Iran. Calls upon all nations to join in cooperative efforts to restrict relations with Iran. Declares that: (1) any trial or public exploitation of the hostages would be viewed as added provocation; and (2) the American people will not be diverted from their determination that the hostages be freed.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1979
Calls upon all followers of Islam to prevail upon their brethren to: (1) release the American hostages held in Iran; and (2) until they are released, permit them to worship regularly in accordance with their religious faiths and meet with clergy of their faiths.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979
Senior Cryptologic Executive Service Act of 1979 - Title I: Senior Cryptologic Executive Service - Authorizes the Security of Defense to establish within the National Security Agency a Senior Cryptologic Executive Service (Service) comparable to the Senior Executive Service created pursuant to the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. Authorizes the Director of the Agency: (1) to adopt such administrative and pay provisions of such Act as necessary to administer the Service; and (2) to appoint individuals to the Service without regard to civil service laws. Sets forth provisions governing the awarding of rank, employee sabbaticals, accrual of annual leave, and employee eligibility for civil service annuities for appointees to the Service which are similar to provisions of such Act governing such areas for members of the Senior Executive Service. Directs the Agency to submit to specified congressional committees during each odd-numbered fiscal year a report on the service which includes: (1) the percentage of senior executives at each pay rate; (2) the amount and distribution of performance awards paid during the preceeding year; and (3) the number of individuals removed from the Service for unsatisfactory performance. Title II: Merit Pay and Cash Awards - Authorizes the Director to establish a merit pay and cash awards system for employees of the Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979
Declares that the Senate: (1) supports the efforts of the Secretary of State to secure the cooperation of other governments in securing the release of the hostages in Iran; (2) appreciates those actions already taken by foreign governments to secure the release of the hostages; (3) deplores companies seeking to profit by American economic measures against Iran; and (4) urges Japan to take affirmative measures to support American economic actions against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Senate, effective October 1, 1979, to make payment out of the Senator's Official Expense Account to a Senator or employee in his or her office whenever such Senator or employee has incurred an expense for which reimbursement may be made out of such account. Subjects such payment to the existing terms and conditions that apply to such accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the age requirement for youths participating in the qualified cooperative education program from 16- 19 to 14-22 for purposes of the targeted jobs tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Public Buildings Act of 1979 - Title I: General Authorities - Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA), acting through the Public Buildings Service, to acquire, design, construct, lease, manage, maintain, repair, renovate, and assign space in public buildings. Establishes in GSA a Public Buildings Service to be headed by a Superintendent of Public Buildings. Creates the position of Supervising Architect to supervise all design activities of the Public Buildings Service. Permits the Administrator to delegate any of the aforementioned authorities after first explaining the scope and reasons for such delegation to specified congressional committees. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to annually report to Congress concerning activities undertaken to meet the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Specifies lists to be included in such report. Repeals the Public Buildings Act of 1959. Title II: Locations for Federal Agency Offices - Sets forth requirements for the location of Federal agency offices. Requires the headquarters offices of each Federal agency to be located in the Washington, D.C. area. Requires other Federal agency offices, designated as being located outside of Washington, D.C., to be evenly distributed throughout the country. Permits agency heads to appeal locations assigned by the Administrator. Title III: Design and Management of Public Buildings - Sets forth requirements for the design and maintenance of public buildings, including quality of architecture, longevity, conformity with existing buildings, furnishings, and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish design and construction standards to make buildings fully accessible to handicapped persons. Requires the annual plan to Congress to include a schedule for making all existing public buildings fully accessible to handicapped persons. Title IV: Mixed Use and Adaptive Use in Public Buildings - Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 to direct the Administrator to design, construct, and lease out space for commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Sets forth conditions for space so leased. Repeals provisions requiring the Administrator to: (1) identify existing buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance suitable for meeting Federal public buildings needs; and (2) notify Congress of the use or nonuse of such buildings. Title V: Exhibitions and Works of Art - Federal Building Enhancement Act of 1979 - Directs the General Services Administrator to: (1) acquire works of art by living American artists to be exhibited in Federal buildings; (2) develop exhibitions for Federal buildings which reflect the heritage or development of the United States; and (3) commission works of art by American artists for Federal buildings. Sets forth standards such works of art and exhibitions shall meet. Authorizes the Administrator to use one-half of one percent of the sums available for the construction, repair, and acquisition of public buildings for such purposes. Title VI: Architectural Services - Directs the Superintendent of Public Buildings to employ architects, designers, and urban planners to prepare, under the supervision of the Supervising Architect, plans for at least 25 percent of the dollar value of public building projects each year. Requires those architectural designs not prepared in accordance with the above to be procured in accordance with the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and a method to select the best qualified architectural firm. Directs the Administrator to provide competing firms the evaluation criteria and the reasons for the selection made. Title VII: Leasing - Permits the Administrator to lease space only in limited circumstances. Specifies that within the next ten years at least 80 percent of Federal employees shall have their principal offices in public buildings, with such percentage being maintained uniformly throughout the country. Prohibits leasing space for specified Federal functions. Exempts buildings leased pursuant to this Act from provisions requiring money consideration and limiting the amount of rent. Prohibits rental rates from exceeding 105 percent of average commercial rates for space of nearest comparable quality. Requires the Administrator to publicly solicit competitive bids to procure space by lease for the Government. Directs the Administrator to provide a copy of the lease agreement to the highest ranking official of each Federal agency in leased buildings. Sets forth information to be submitted to Congress concerning leased buildings and space. Title VIII: Congressional Authorization - Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a program of necessary projects and actions for the coming fiscal year. Prohibits the obligation of any appropriation for a public building without congressional authorization. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) carry out public building construction, renovation, and acquisition projects; (2) execute leases; and (3) issue obligations to the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes and for alterations, maintenance, planning and designs, and administration of the Public Buildings Service. Authorizes the Administrator to increase expenditures or decrease the amount of space to be constructed, up to specified limits, if the project costs exceed the estimated maximum cost authorized. Requires approval by specified committees for any other action. Title IX: Public Building Financing - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require rates and charges for public buildings and buildings leased in behalf of the United States to be established annually at a level equal to the costs of providing space and services, but no more than commercial rates and charges. Requires all proceeds from the disposal of real property, parking fees, and dressing room fees to be deposited into the fund for real property management established in the Treasury. Authorizes the Administrator to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury in order to finance the acquisition, construction, or renovation of any public building. Provides for payment of principal and interest on such obligations from the fund for real property management.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Directs the United States Postal Service, in cooperation with election agencies: (1) to make available to the public envelopes within which requests for absentee ballots may be mailed free of postage to an election agency; and (2) to provide the election agencies with envelopes which may be used by persons requesting absentee ballots for the postage-free return of such ballots. States that this Act does not apply to mail transmitted under provisions of the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 or the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975. Authorizes $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny an income tax exclusion of the interest paid on mortgage revenue bonds. Defines "mortgage revenue bonds" as any obligations which are issued to finance single family housing and which are not secured by the general obligation of any State or local government. Provides for an exception to this rule for bond issues in connection with: (1) assisted housing, redevelopment and renewal programs; (2) State programs; and (3) low and moderate income housing programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, together with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Comptroller General of the United States, to conduct a joint study of: (1) the effectiveness of tax exempt mortgage revenue bond programs as compared to existing private and Federal mortgage activities; (2) the accessibility of the mortgage revenue bond program to those who would not otherwise have home ownership opportunities; and (3) measures taken by bond issuers to mitigate the displacement of low and moderate income families resulting from the development of mortgage revenue bond programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the partial exclusion of dividends from the gross income of an individual from $100 to $500 ($1000 in the case of a married couple filing a joint return), by increments of $100 ($200 in the case of a married couple filing jointly) over the five year period from 1981 through 1985. Excludes from the gross income of an individual any amount received as interest or dividends on a time or demand deposit with a federally-insured bank, savings and loan association, or credit union. Limits the amount of such interest excluded to a maximum $500 ($1000 in the case of a married couple filing a joint return). Provides for incremental exclusions of interest over a four year transition period from 1981 through 1984. Sets the maximum investment income that may be excluded under this Act at an aggregate $200 ($400 in the case of a married couple filing a joint return).
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1979
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission Act - Establishes the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Compensation Commission to fairly and expeditiously hear, determine, and pay claims against the United States for individuals who contracted such syndrome after immunization pursuant to the swine flu program. Sets forth the composition and operating procedures of such Commission. Authorizes the Commission to appoint a director and staff and procure other necessary personnel. Directs the Commission to hold hearings at times and places necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to issue subpenas relative to procuring evidence of the liability of the United States for damages to a claimant. Provides judicial procedures for refusal to obey such subpenas. Authorizes the Chairperson of the Commission to secure any information from Federal agencies not exempted from disclosure by rule of law. Directs that any claim for relief under this Act shall be submitted to the Commission within 12 months after the date of enactment of such Act. Requires the Commission, within 120 days of receipt of such claim, to hold a hearing to determine the eligibility and amount of damages due any such claimant. Declares a claimant eligible for damages if: (1) a timely claim has been filed; (2) the Guillain-Barre Syndrome was contracted within 20 weeks after immunization; and (3) the claimant has not received a full settlement of such claim against the United States. Specifies time periods under which the Commission shall make a final determination pursuant to any claim and payment of damages due any claimant. Declares that any payment to a claimant shall be in full settlement of all claims of such claimant against the United States arising out of the swine flu program. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and each House of Congress pursuant to its operations under this Act, within three years after the date of enactment of such Act. Declares that the Commission shall terminate on a date determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to disregard, for the purposes of determining OASDI benefits based on income: (1) renewal commissions received by an insurance salesman from life insurance policies which such salesman sold before reaching age 65; and (2) self-employment income received from the sale of certain agricultural or horticultural commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Armed Forces Earned Educational Assistance Act - Entitles any individual who enlists or reenlists for the first time in the armed forces for a period of two or more years and who possesses a critical military skill, as determined by the Secretary concerned, to specified educational benefits. Stipulates that such assistance may be for a period of up to 36 months of full time educational assistance. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a joint report containing their respective plans for implementing such program. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress semiannually on the operation of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all countries and all people be urged to respond generously to Cambodian relief efforts; (2) Cambodian authorities be encouraged to allow the use of all possible avenues for delivering food and medical supplies; and (3) the United States and the United Nations should express their expectation that the great power supporters of the factions in Cambodia share in international responsibility for averting famine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1979
Estate and Gift Tax Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an unlimited marital deduction for estate and gift tax purposes. Increases from 50 percent to 65 percent the amount of the adjusted value of a gross estate which a qualified farm property must constitute before the special use valuation for farms and other closely held businesses is applicable to such estate. Eliminates the "material participation" requirements for the application of such special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted for application of the special use valuation. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held following decedent's death before it can be sold or otherwise disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Exempts from such recapture requirements any exchange of qualified real property, within the ten year period, for other qualified real property. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such a conversion. Provides for valuation of qualified real property for estate tax purposes on the basis of net share rentals (the excess of the value of the produce received by the lessor of the land over the cash operating expenses of growing such produce), whenever the average gross cash rental basis would be inappropriate. Increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Includes only the excess of such exclusion in the value of the gross estate of a decedent where the gift was made within three years before such decedent's death.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to increase benefits under the home health services program by: (1) providing for the services of a homemaker-home health aide in lieu of a home health aide; and (2) providing home health services to an individual while in a nonprofit adult day care center if such individual cannot leave his or her residence without the assistance of another person.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend to permanently and totally disabled persons the one-time exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of a principal residence which is currently limited to persons who have attained age 55.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979
Title I: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require an annual cost-of-living adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to the individual income tax rates, the personal exemption amount, and the withholding tables. Title II: Requires annual inflation adjustments (based on gross national product deflator adjustments) to corporate income tax rates. Title III: Requires inflation adjustments (based on the CPI) to specified capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss. Title IV: Eliminates the declining balance and sum-of-the-years digits methods of computing allowable depreciation expenses. Limits deductions for such depreciation to amounts determined by a replacement cost straight line method, as formulated by this Act, or by any other consistent method which does not yield an amount which exceeds the total amount allowed under the property's useful life. Revises the formula for the adjusted basis for determining property gain.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1979
Health Incentives Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include in a taxpayer's gross income any contribution to him or on his behalf by his employer to a health benefit plan, or dental benefit plan, or both, for any month: (1) to the extent that such contribution amount exceeds a specified limitation; or (2) if such employer fails to comply during that month with any of certain specified requirements. Limits the employer's contribution to: (1) $50 for employee-only coverage, adjusted according to a specified formula for fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index medical care component; (2) $100 for employee-and-spouse coverage, adjusted similarly; and (3) $125 for family group-coverage, adjusted similarly. Requires any employer having a total of more than 100 employees covered under any health benefit plan offered by such employer to provide that such plan offers at least three options for coverage, each of them offered by a separate carrier. Prescribes application of such requirement to component members of a controlled group of corporations. Requires the employer to make the same amount of contribution for each option offered, regardless of differences. Requires continuity of coverage for family members following the death, termination, or divorce of the employee. Requires minimum benefits from each plan (or option thereof) which comprise the same types of services for which coverage is provided under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Requires each plan (or option) to provide for payment of 100 percent of the cost of services during a catastrophic benefit period.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act - Authorizes the bankruptcy court to allow the abandonment of the lines of the Milwaukee Railroad if an employee ownership or employee-shipper ownership arrangement is not implemented by a specified date. Stipulates that, pending the expiration of the time for appeal of such an order, the court may authorize the termination of service on a line to be abandoned. Stipulates that such order may not be stayed. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to give preference to proceedings involving the sale or transfer of a line of a railroad in reorganization. Sets forth time limits regarding such proceedings. Authorizes a bankruptcy court, upon the date of enactment of this Act, to authorize the abandonment of lines of railroad in any case pending under the Bankruptcy Act. Stipulates that, pending the expiration of the time for appeal of such an order, the court may authorize the termination of service on a line to be abandoned. Stipulates that such an order may not be stayed. Authorizes an association of representatives of national railway labor organizations, employee coalitions, and shippers to submit to the Commission a single plan for converting all or substantially all of the Milwaukee Railroad into an employee or employee-shipper-owned company. Stipulates that such a plan must be submitted by December 1, 1979. Directs the Commission, within 30 days, to approve such a plan if: (1) adequate financing is available to the proponents of such plan; (2) the plan is fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors; (3) implementation of such plan will occur by March 1, 1980; (4) the railroad can be operated on a self-sustaining basis; and (5) the plan contains an assessment of all operating practices including the implementation of changes designed to achieve the greatest possible labor productivity increases consistent with safe operations and adequate service. Directs the Commission, upon finding that the plan meets such criteria, to submit its findings to the bankruptcy court. Directs the court, within ten days, to determine whether the plan is fair and equitable to the estate of the Milwaukee Railroad. Stipulates that if the court approves such plan the proponents shall implement the plan by March 1, 1980. Amends the Emergency Rail Services Act of 1970 to remove the requirement that Federally guaranteed railroad certificates of railroads in reorganization be treated as an expense of administration and receive the highest priority in bankruptcy if the railroad involved is actively engaged in formulating an employee ownership plan or an employee-shipper ownership plan. Increases the aggregate principal amount of all certificates which may be guaranteed under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to immediately guarantee trustee certificates of the Milwaukee Railroad to allow the railroad to maintain its rail system. Stipulates that such certificates shall be subordinated to the claims of any creditor's of the railroad which exist on the date of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that an employee of such railroad who elects to receive a separation allowance shall be entitled to receive from the Railroad Retirement Board expenses for training in qualified institutions for new career opportunities. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Directs the Secretary, pursuant to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to guarantee obligations of such railroad in order to provide protection for employees affected by restructuring, transactions, or reductions in service by such railroad. Directs the Secretary to guarantee obligations of the railroad to finance an equipment repair program for the railroad, or its successors, during the remainder of 1979 and 1980. Stipulates that the obligations guaranteed for such repair program and for employee protection arrangements shall be subordinated to the claims of any creditor of the railroad existing on the date of enactment of this Act. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary to purchase redeemable preference shares or trustee certificates which are convertible to such shares to facilitate the rehabilitation and improvement of Milwaukee Railroad property that has been sold to another person prior to November 1, 1980, or retained by such railroad so long as such property will be used for continuing rail service. Stipulates that the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not apply to transactions carried out pursuant to this Act. Directs the Milwaukee Railroad to maintain its entire railroad system and continue its level of service until: (1) an employee or employee-shipper ownership plan is not submitted to the Commission in the allotted time; (2) the Commission finds the plan not to be feasible; (3) the bankruptcy court finds that the plan is not fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors; or (4) the plan is not implemented within the allotted time. Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to stipulate that the United States Railway Association may increase the principal amount of a loan, in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 if the railroad is establishing an employee stock ownership plan, that assures by December 31, 1980, the railroad will contribute a specified sum to such plan. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to stipulate that rail service assistance funds which are available for reallocation as of October 1, 1979, shall be reallocated solely to States which require supplementary assistance to mitigate the effects caused by the filing of large-scale abandonments by railroads in liquidation on reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Authorizes the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul, and Pacific Railroad Company (Milwaukee Railroad), in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to sell all or any portion of its system. Authorizes the Secretary to develop plans and participate in negotiations for, and make recommendations to the trustee of the railroad regarding, the sale or transfer of any portion of such system. Directs the Secretary, in developing such plans and entering into such negotiations, to give preference to financially responsible persons, including governmental entities, negotiating for the purchase of any line with the intent of providing common carrier service. Stipulates that any such proposal shall be submitted to the court having jurisdiction over the reorganization of the Milwaukee Railroad. Sets forth the conditions under which such bankruptcy court may approve the sale of such a line. Stipulates that by January 1, 1980, an association composed of representatives of national railway labor organizations, employees, and shippers may submit to the Interstate Commerce Commission a plan for converting all or a substantial part of the Milwaukee Railroad into an employee or employee-shipper owned company along with a method for implementing such a plan. Directs the Commission to approve such a plan if: (1) adequate financing is available to the proponents of such plan; (2) the plan is fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors; (3) implementation of such plan will occur by May 10, 1980; and (4) that portion of the railroad covered by the plan can be operated on a self-sustaining basis. Directs the Commission, upon approving such plan, to submit its findings to the bankruptcy court. Directs the court, within ten days, to determine whether such plan is fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors. Stipulates that the Commission's determination with respect to such issue shall be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence. Amends the Emergency Rail Services Act of 1970 to remove the requirement that federally guaranteed railroad certificates of railroads in reorganization be treated as an expense of administration and receive the highest priority in payment under the Bankruptcy Act if the railroad involved is actively engaged in formulating an employee ownership plan or an employee-shipper ownership plan. Increases the aggregate principal amount of all certificates which may be guaranteed under such Act. Directs the Secretary to immediately guarantee trustee certificates of the Milwaukee Railroad to allow the railroad to maintain its rail system. Stipulates that such guaranteed certificates shall not have priority in bankruptcy over the claim of any creditor of such railroad which exists as of the date of the enactment of this resolution. Requires each rail carrier to give preference in hiring to any employee of the Milwaukee Railroad who is separated from his employment by reason of any reduction of service by such railroad occurring prior to March 1, 1981. Entitles employees of the Milwaukee Railroad who, by April 1, 1981, are required to change their residence to maintain employment with such railroad or to obtain employment with another rail carrier, to moving expenses. Stipulates that such expenses shall be paid by the Milwaukee Railroad and shall be treated as administrative expenses of such railroad's estate. Entitles employees of such railroad who are separated from that employment by reason of any reduction of service prior to March 1, 1984, to supplemental unemployment insurance. Grants such benefits to individuals who are separated from such railroad and become employed by another rail carrier by March 1, 1981, and are separated from that employment prior to March 1, 1984. Sets forth the amounts of such benefits. Directs the Milwaukee Railroad, at specified periods, to submit to the Railroad Retirement Board a list of those individuals separated from the railroad subsequent to the enactment of this resolution. Directs the Board to mail copies of such lists to other rail carriers. Requires rail carriers to submit lists of their available employment positions with the Board. Allows displaced employees of the Milwaukee Railroad access to such lists. Allows such an individual to bid on such an available position. Requires rail carriers to accept such a bid by the individual who has the most seniority in the class or craft within which such a position is listed. Entitles individuals who are employed by the restructured Milwaukee Railroad or individuals who are separated from such railroad and obtain employment with another rail carrier by March 1, 1981, to employee relocation incentive compensation. Sets forth the amount and the conditions under which such compensation may be granted. Entitles an employee of such railroad, by April 1, 1981, to elect to receive a separation allowance from such railroad in an amount equal to $2,000 for each year of completed service up to a maximum of $25,000. Entitles individuals making such an election to receive from the Board expenses for training in qualified institutions for new career opportunities. Stipulates that any individual who receives moving expense benefits, supplementary unemployment compensation or employee relocation incentive compensation under this resolution shall not be eligible for such separation allowance or new career training assistance. Stipulates that any individual who receives any assistance under this Act shall be deemed to have waived any employee protection benefits otherwise available under specified laws or any applicable contract or agreement. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to carry out the various provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to guarantee certificates of such railroad in order to provide moving expenses, employee relocation incentive compensation and separation allowances pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to guarantee obligations to finance an equipment repair program for the Milwaukee Railroad, or its successors, during the remainder of 1979 and 1980. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to immediately purchase redeemable preference shares or trustee certificates convertible to such shares to facilitate the rehabilitation and improvement of Milwaukee Railroad property which has been sold to another person or retained by such railroad that will be used for common carrier rail service. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment of the present and potential coal hauling needs in the area served by the Milwaukee Railroad and to report such findings to Congress within 30 days. Stipulates that the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act shall not apply to transactions carried out pursuant to this joint resolution. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to publish and make available for distribution by the Milwaukee Railroad to its employees a document describing the rights of employees as established by this joint resolution. Directs the Board to submit periodic reports to Congress on its activities pursuant to this joint resolution. Directs the Milwaukee Railroad to continue its operations as they existed on May 1, 1979, until: (1) an employee or employee-shipper ownership plan is not submitted to the Commission within the alloted time; (2) such a proposed plan is found to be not feasible by the Commission; (3) the proposed plan is found by the bankruptcy court not to be fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors; or (4) the plan is not implemented within the time frame prescribed in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the charitable deduction allowable for the expenses of operating a motor vehicle to require the amount of such deduction to be the same as the amount the taxpayer would have received if he were engaged on official business for the Government and reimbursed accordingly.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a "disabling crime." Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by the enumerated categories of individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records or documents and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Requires that resolutions of disapproval be immediately referred to only those standing committees having legislative responsibility for this Act. Allows a sponsor of any such resolution to move to discharge from further consideration a committee which does not report out the resolution within 45 days of continuous session of Congress. States that it shall be in order to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution any time after a committee has reported or has been discharged from further consideration. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1979
Makes the Federal tort claims procedure the exclusive remedy in medical malpractice actions resulting from federally authorized National Guard training activities (repeals the current provision covering such liability).
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the weeks of January 21 through January 27, 1979, and January 20 through January 26, 1980, as "Junior Achievement Week" in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to the American enterprise system and service to youth.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires each State receiving assistance to report annually to the Secretary on the implementation of programs and projects under this Act. Directs the Secretary to designate within the Office of the Secretary an administrative unit to serve as the National Center on Domestic Violence, to be responsible for: (1) the coordination (through the interagency council established by this Act) of all Federal programs relating to domestic violence; (2) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (3) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (4) keeping Congress informed with respect to the implementation of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the programs authorized by this Act. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and report to Congress within two years of the first obligation of State grants on the effectiveness of the programs under this Act. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director of the National Center in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to report within 90 days of the end of fiscal year 1981 and of each subsequent fiscal year to certain congressional committees specific information relating to applications for assistance for domestic violence research. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 to carry out this Act.
![Official portrait of Sen. Durenberger, Dave [R-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000566_200.jpg)