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 · 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.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979
Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause the vessel Alaskan Shores to be documented as a vessel of the United States with the privilege of engaging in the coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Federal Buildings Enhancement Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to direct 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.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Alaska Federal-Civilian Energy Efficiency Swap Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of any of the departments of the United States to sell or contract to sell surplus federally generated electrical power produced in Alaska if such action will result in reduced electrical costs to Federal or civilian consumers, and in the case of electrical energy produced at coal-fired powerplants, will result in reduced consumption of oil and natural gas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 50 percent (not to exceed $2,000) the percentage of qualified energy conservation expenditures allowable as a residential energy credit against an individual's income tax. Eliminates the limitation that such qualified expenditures be made only with respect to the taxpayer's principal residence. Raises from $2,200 to $5,000 the maximum amount of qualified renewable energy source expenditures allowable as a residential energy tax credit. Qualifies the differential cost of renewable energy source property which is a structural component of a building as one such expenditure. Extends eligibility for the residential energy tax credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps (including water well heat pumps) eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture, and extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Includes the amount of such income tax credit in gross income for the applicable year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non-employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Postal Service Employees' Political Activities Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage employees of the United States Postal Service to exercise their rights to participate or refrain from participating in political processes. Prohibits such employees from: (1) using their official authority to influence the result of any election or the political action of any person; (2) using any information obtained through employment and not publicly available for any political purpose; (3) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (4) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (5) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; or (7) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities or from any person who has or is seeking business relations with the employee's agency. Directs the Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission to prescribe certain exemptions to such prohibitions. Prohibits employees from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Requires a postal employee to notify his or her agency (U.S. Postal Service or the Postal Rate Commission, as applicable) upon becoming a candidate for elective office. Permits such employee to take annual leave or leave without pay to engage in activities related to his or her candidacy. Sets forth the penalties to be imposed against any employee who is found by the Merit Systems Protection Board to have violated provisions of this Act. Requires the Postal Service to study and report to Congress on the effects of this Act on the political activities of employees, the merit system, and matters generally contributing to the improper use of official authority or information by employees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Antiquities Act and Federal Land Policy and Management Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Antiquities Act to define "objects of historic or scientific interest" to include specified items. Stipulates that such objects must be directly associated with human activities. Requires congressional approval of any Presidential proclamation of a national monument before it can effect a reservation of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres. Permits the continuance of uses of public lands within a national monument which were valid uses prior to the designation of such lands as a monument, including hunting, guiding, hiking, boating, and use of motorized vehicles. Stipulates that such uses must not adversely affect the objects sought to be protected by the reservation. Grants such provisions governing the proclamation of national monuments retroactive effect as of October 14, 1978. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require congressional approval of withdrawals of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Domestic Refinery Development and Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: Office of Refinery Development - Establishes in the Department of Energy an Office of Refinery Development under the control of a presidentially-appointed Director. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Director, including the administration of programs established under this Act to provide for the development, improvement, and operation of domestic petroleum refineries capable of reducing foreign oil imports. Establishes in the United States Treasury the Refinery Development Fund into which shall be deposited fees levied on imported refined petroleum products. States that such fund is to be used to make payments to: (1) purchasers of domestically refined and shipped petroleum products of small and independent refiners; or (2) such refiners under specified circumstances; to increase competition in refined petroleum products imported into import-dependent regions of the United States. Sets forth qualifications for eligibility for and amounts of such payments. Imposes fees on every barrel of imported refined petroleum products. Removes import fees on crude oil and petroleum products imposed under authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, but maintains the President's authority to impose or remove fees under such Act, so long as he takes into account fees imposed under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exemptions from such fees to small or independent refiners or owners of new storage capacity, and to exempt new refineries from any or all petroleum pricing and allocation regulations of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Directs the President to amend the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 regulations affecting entitlements treatment for imports of refined petroleum products, subject to congressional approval in specified circumstances. Title II: Loan Guarantees - Establishes a Federal Independent and Small Refinery Loan Guarantee Fund to be used by the Secretary to carry out this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make loan guarantees for the financing of construction of new, expanded, or retrofitted refineries, for the financing of purchases of independent and small refineries, and for the refinancing of obligations issued for such purposes. Imposes restrictions on such guarantees. Sets forth procedures in the event of default by the obligor of principal or interest due under a guaranteed obligation. Imposes criminal penalties for specified offenses related to the loan guarantee program. Authorizes the Secretary to hold in escrow under an appropriate agreement a portion of the proceeds of an obligation guaranteed under this title to be used as security for the Secretary's guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary to issue rules and regulations necessary to carry out this title. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out this title. Title III: Priority Refinery Project Act - Authorizes the Secretary to designate priority refinery projects based on specified criteria. Directs any person planning such a facility to apply for such a designation. Exempts such designations from the impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to transmit to the Secretary various information and items needed for final approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Refinery Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to a priority refinery project and states that such schedule shall constitute the lawful decision-making deadlines for the project. Sets forth sanctions applicable to a Federal agency that does not meet a deadline in a Refinery Project Decision Schedule. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action in the cases of exceptional national needs which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation. Requires the Secretary to request information from the Governor of a State in which a priority refinery project is located so as to permit the Secretary to establish a decision schedule for State and local agencies. Enumerates sanctions to be applied against a State whose agency or local government is unable or unwilling to implement a schedule for timely review and decision. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any provision of Federal, State, or local law which the Secretary determines must be waived to permit construction or operation of such projects. Prohibits such waivers of laws determining the use of surface or underground water rights. Exempts such waivers from the environmental impact statement provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. States that the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this title are not subject to judicial review except as provided in this title. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions taken pursuant to this title, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which 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 to the greatest extent practicable. Gives the Supreme Court exclusive authority to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the 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 title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States through the Office of Refinery Development to support the establishment of a uniform, expedited procedure for granting State and local government permits relating to the siting, construction, expansion, and retrofit of refineries and the construction of new storage capacity. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 and 1982 for such purposes. Title IV: Crude Oil Allocation for Small Refiners - Enumerates the conditions under which a small refiner is eligible for a crude oil allocation under this title, including lack of access to imported crude oil. Defines the size of the allocation which a qualified small refiner may purchase under this title. Permits small refiners to apply to the Secretary for an emergency allocation and sets forth eligibility criteria and amounts of such emergency allocations. Establishes the method for determining how much crude oil a refiner-seller, as defined under this Act, is obligated to sell to a small refiner. Limits the price for crude oil that a refiner-seller may charge a refiner-buyer pursuant to this title. Authorizes the Secretary to review eligibility for allocations, adjustments to purchase opportunities, and emergency allocations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Western Lands Distribution and Regional Equalization Act of 1979 - Title I: Short Title; Findings and Declaration of Policy; Definitions - States that the practice of retaining Federal ownership to territory within the borders of States located west of the one-hundredth meridian as a condition precedent to their admission into the Union, has impinged on the sovereignty of such States in derogation of the tenth amendment to the Constitution. Declares that the United States shall hold all such States federally owned, unreserved, and unappropriated lands in trust for such States and shall transfer ownership and administration of such lands to such States when they have adopted legislation which provides a uniformity of State and Federal law relating to land administration, conservation and use. Excludes from transfer in implementing such policy all Federal lands within national parks, national monuments, and national wildlife and migratory bird sanctuaries established prior to January 1, 1979, lands within Indian or military reservations, and lands necessary for the operation of Federal reclamation projects, shipyards docks, defense establishments and other Federal buildings. Title II: Federal Land Transfer Board - Authorizes the Governor of any State seeking to acquire such unreserved and unappropriated lands to petition the President within 60 months of the enactment of this Act to establish a Federal Land Transfer Board for such State. Directs the President to establish such a Board consisting of State and Federal members within 90 days of the receipt of such an application. States that the Board shall serve until all conveyances of such lands within the State are carried out. Requires each Federal Land Transfer Board to coordinate its activities with the State land commission established pursuant to this Act. Directs each Board to carry out the required land transfers within two years of its determination that a State's application meets the requirements of this Act. Empowers the Land Transfer Boards to resolve land claims and disputes arising from the implementation of this Act. Grants any State aggrieved by a decision of a Land Transfer Board on its application the right to a public hearing and review before the Board. Empowers the United States courts of appeals to hear appeals from final orders of the Boards. States that judicial review shall be on the record made before the Board and that the Board's findings shall be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. States that the judgment of the court of appeals shall be subject to review only by the United States Supreme Court upon a writ of certiorari or certification. Title III: State Land Commissions - Requires each State seeking the conveyance of unreserved and unappropriated land under this Act, to establish a State land commission board to: (1) hold any transferred lands in trust for all people of the United States; (2) manage such lands to maximize conservation and permit compatible land uses; (3) protect the interests of persons who have acquired rights in such land under Federal law; (4) collect fees, rents, and royalties, issue licenses, conduct surveys and perform other administrative functions relating to such lands; (5) transfer to the United States those property interests necessary to continue lawful, Federal activities; and (6) continue to administer lands previously administered by the United States pursuant to a treaty or interstate compact in conformance with the terms of such treaty or compact. Directs each State land commission board to coordinate its activities with the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Board. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Declares that the United States shall retain control over the oceans, seas, navigable rivers, streams, and lakes, and projects of the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Directs the President to modify agreements with other nations if necessary to implement this Act. Grants the consent of Congress to any interstate compact relating to the management and use of such lands if it has been approved by the appropriate Federal Land Transfer Boards. Sets forth provisions to assist individuals whose employment is disrupted by implementation of this Act. Authorizes each Federal agency with jurisdiction over lands conveyed to a State under this Act, to extend low interest loans to such State to insure that it is financially able to comply with the provisions of this Act. Limits the amount of such loans to the anticipated mineral, timber, and grazing revenues derived from such transferred lands over a ten-year period.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified lands located near Fairbanks, Alaska, to the University of Alaska subject to a restriction on further conveyances. Requires that the University receive title free of mining claims.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Small Hydroelectric Power Development Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to allot funds for the planning, design, and construction of small hydroelectric projects, when deemed advisable by the Chief of Engineers. Requires the Secretary to enter into a written agreement with a non-Federal entity concerning the operation, maintenance, and repayment of the costs of such projects. Limits the size of and the Federal contribution to any such project.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to budget funds for certain specified purposes to assist the Civil Air Patrol. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to give, sell, or lend to the Civil Air Patrol excess property acquired by the Air Force under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Fishery Development Act - Amends the Act of August 11, 1939, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer moneys made available to encourage exportation and domestic consumption of agriculture products to the Secretary of Commerce in amounts equal to 30 percent of the gross receipts from duties collected under custom laws on fishery products. Declares that such funds shall be maintained in a separate fund and used by the Secretary of Commerce to carry out a national program of fisheries research and development which promotes the free flow of domestically produced fishery products in domestic and international commerce by conducting fishery educational, technological, biological, and related research programs, and to provide financial assistance for fisheries development projects. Allows any person, regional fishery development foundation, or organization involved with the commercial fishing industry to make application to the Secretary of Commerce for such funds. Requires the person or organization obtaining such funds to submit periodic project status reports to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to include as part of the annual report to the National Marine Fisheries Service an analysis and evaluation of all programs funded under this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to transmit to specified House and Senate committees, 60 days in advance of each fiscal year, a list of projects and a budget for each project which is proposed under this Act. Requires that not less than 50 percent of the moneys in the fund shall be made available annually to fund the projects and programs, and that the remainder of such moneys be made available to implement the national fisheries research and development program. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to appoint not fewer than six officers who shall, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, serve abroad to promote United States fishing interests. Requires the Secretary of State, upon the request of the Secretary of Commerce, to officially assign the officers to the diplomatic mission of the United States in the country in which such officers are placed, and to obtain for them diplomatic privileges and immunities. Transfers any balance of funds remaining in the fisheries loan fund created by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as of September 30, 1980, to the Federal Ship Financing Fund established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide for the guarantee of obligations relating to fishing vessels engaged in developing fisheries which might not otherwise meet the normal economic soundness criteria established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Water Research and Development Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to require State institutes to review proposals and advise the Secretary of the relevance of such proposals to the State's water resources research and development needs. Makes any State or local government agency or academic institution eligible to participate in the matching grant program activities of their State institute. Authorizes appropriations as necessary through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Removes the limitation on the number of desalting plants demonstrating the engineering and economic viability of membrane and phase-change desalting processes to be constructed by the Secretary of the Interior. Specifies conditions such plants must meet. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such demonstrations by means of cooperative agreements with non-Federal public entities. Requires reports to Congress concerning such plants to include information on how the proposed plant differs from others already constructed. Revises the terms of proposed contracts or cooperative agreements between the Secretary and a non-Federal entity to require such entity to provide between 15 and 50 percent of the total cost of the demonstration (presently such entity must pay all costs). Limits the Secretary's participation in the operation and maintenance of such demonstrations to four years. Repeals the requirement that the proposed contract provide for a future right to re-enter the facility by the Federal Government. Increases the authorization of appropriations for such demonstration plants effective September 30, 1978 (presently 1980).
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to: (1) determine whether a wrong was committed against American citizens and permanent resident aliens who were subjected to relocation or internment as a result of Executive Order Numbered 9066 dated February 9, 1942, and other associated Government acts; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies. Directs the Commission: (1) to hold public hearings in specified cities; and (2) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President. Terminates the Commission six months after such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Water Resources Planning Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I - Amends the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 to specify in greater detail the coverage of such Act. Title II - Changes the composition of the Water Resources Council to provide for members and associate members, who may vote on issues directly affecting their responsibilities. Provides for a Chairman to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairman to appoint the Chairman of the State Advisory Committee, who shall be an associate member. Decreases the frequency of water supply assessments required of the Council. Increases the duties of the Council to: (1) advise the President on water and related land resources investments; (2) review water resources projects to insure compliance with statutory requirements; and (3) identify and resolve conflicting regulations controlling water and related land resources programs. Establishes a State Advisory Committee to provide for broad national representation in the area of water management. Title III - Stipulates that the Council Chairman, (presently the President) shall appoint the chairman of each river basin commission. Title IV - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 for the expenses of the Council Chairman and the State Committee and its chairman. Requires that Federal appropriations for water and related land resource management studies to be conducted by and through the Council be made to the Council.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Fish Restoration Act of 1979 - Title I: Fish Restoration Program - Directs that Federal moneys apportioned to a coastal State for aid in fish restoration and management be equitably allocated by such a State between marine and fresh water fish projects. Amends the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act to: (1) define the term "coastal State" for the purposes of such Act; (2) authorize appropriations in the amount equal to the revenue accruing from taxes relating to sport fishing equipment and certain recreational boats and boating equipment for fiscal year 1980 and each fiscal year thereafter; (3) increase the percentage of the annual appropriation deducted for administrative expenses; (4) eliminate the notification by a State of intent to accept such apportionment funds requirement; (5) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to finance up to 75 percent of the costs of the acquisition of lands or interests therein and the construction of structures or facilities; and (6) permit each State to utilize up to ten percent of its apportionment for an aquatic resource education program. Title II: Tax on Sale of Sport Fishing Equipment and Certain Recreational Boats and Boating Equipment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any article of sport fishing equipment, recreational boats, and boating equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Directs any court having naturalization jurisdiction under the Immigration and Nationality Act to admit a named individual to citizenship and issue such individual a certificate of naturalization, upon the presentation of such individual to such court and the taking of an oath by such individual in open court.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Federal Water Projects Financing Act of 1979 - Requires States to agree in writing to fund the total State financing share of any Federal water resource project involving the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority. Sets forth the formula for determining the State's share. Provides for States to receive a share of the net operating revenues from the sale of vendible outputs. Requires non-Federal entities to agree in writing to pay 20 percent of the costs of flood control projects involving the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Soil Conservation Service, or the Tennessee Valley Authority. Directs the Chairman of the Water Resources Council to promulgate guidelines for the Federal agencies' rules necessary to implement this Act in order to insure uniformity. Encourages voluntary State financing of projects authorized prior to enactment of this Act in order to assist Federal authorities in setting priorities. Stipulates that the abovementioned financing requirements be in addition to any other financing requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
State Social Security Deposit Act of 1979 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct a State to pay to the Secretary of the Treasury, within 30 days following the end of each month, OASDI contributions related to the employment of State employees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the formula for computation of the residential energy tax credit for individuals to increase the maximum amount of such credit from $2,200 to $3,000. Extends eligibility for such credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Allows owners of various residences to take such credit for a prorated share of the costs of jointly purchased equipment. Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture. Extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non- employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Motor Carrier Efficiency and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the findings of Congress that: (1) a safe, sound, and fuel efficient motor carrier system is vital to the maintenance of a strong national economy and defense system; and (2) the Interstate Commerce Commission must administer such regulatory system through the issuance of certificates and permits when it finds that they are necessary to meet the public need for service and shall take such other actions as will assure a responsive transportation system in the public interest. Title II: Motor Carrier Entry - Requires the Commission, before issuing any certificate authorizing motor carrier transportation, to make specific findings including the degree of existing competition, the energy efficiency of the applicant's requested route authority, and the effect of such authority on highway safety. Stipulates that lower rates proposed by an applicant may not be the sole or principal basis of a grant of operating authority by the Commission. Stipulates that a motor common carrier may provide transportation under a certificate only if the carrier renders to the public reasonably continuous, safe, and adequate service. Directs the Commission, in determining whether to grant a permit to provide transportation as a motor contract carrier or freight forwarder, to consider the energy efficiency of the proposed service and the effect that granting such a permit would have on highway safety. Stipulates that a person may not hold a certificate of a motor common carrier of property or a permit of a motor contract carrier of property if the person performing the transportation is doing so in the furtherance of a non transportation primary business. Title III: Motor Carrier Rates - Prohibits the Commission from disapproving motor carrier rate bureau agreements unless it finds that such an agreement would violate or would not further the national transportation policy. Exempts such approved agreements from the antitrust laws. Directs the Commission, in determining the reasonableness of motor property carrier rate levels, to approve and maintain revenue levels that are adequate to cover total operating expenses, including the operation of leased equipment and depreciation based upon the replacement cost of useful equipment and facilities at current prices, plus a reasonable profit. Prohibits the Commission from suspending a motor carrier rate on the basis that it exceeds or is below a just and reasonable if: (1) the rate changes are not of general applicability to all or substantially all classes of traffic; (2) the rate change is filed within five years after the enactment of this Act; and (3) the rate increase or decrease is not more than seven percent annually. Title IV: Operations of Carriers - Stipulates that where a motor common carrier of property uses a motor vehicle and a driver of another, the driver shall be considered an employee of the carrier if the Commission finds that the safety of operations, control, and responsibility of such carrier for the driver will be improved by an employer- employee relationship.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Motor Carrier Regulatory Improvement Act of 1979 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the findings of Congress that: (1) a safe, sound, competitive and fuel efficient motor carrier system is vital to the maintenance of a strong national economy and defense system; (2) the objective of a motor carrier system serving the Nation as a whole can best be achieved through the plan of regulation adopted in 1935; and (3) the Interstate Commerce Commission must administer such regulatory system through the issuance of certificates and permits necessary to implement more effectively the standards of public convenience and necessity and of consistency with the public interest. Title II: Motor Carrier Entry - Requires the Commission, before issuing any certificate authorizing motor carrier transportation, to make specific findings including the degree of existing competition and fuel conservation with respect to an applicant's requested route authority. Prohibits the Commission from considering an applicant's level of proposed rates in making a determination regarding such requested route authority but directs the Commission to consider whether the level of rates of existing carriers is so high as to constitute an embargo of the traffic. Authorizes the Commission to require a carrier which is protesting a grant of operating authority to show that: (1) it is able to handle the traffic contained in the application; (2) it is willing to provide such service; and (3) it has either performed service or solicited business within the scope of the application. Stipulates that a contract carrier does not have to limit its operations to carriage for a particular industry or within a particular geographic area. Removes the requirement that the Commission, in deciding whether to grant a permit to a motor contract carrier, consider the number of shippers to be served by the carrier or the nature of the transportation to be provided. Stipulates that an application for conversion of motor contract carrier authority to motor common carrier authority must be filed with the Commission when the operations of the contract carrier in fact become common carriage. Stipulates that a person may not hold a certificate of a motor common carrier of property or a permit of a motor contract carrier of property if the person performing the transportation is doing so in the furtherance of a nontransportation primary business. Authorizes one corporation to provide transportation services for another corporation without a certificate or a permit under specified conditions. Directs the Commission to approve pooling and division of transportation or earnings agreements between common carriers, without a hearing, unless it finds that the agreement is of major transportation importance or there is a substantial likelihood that the agreement will unduly restrain competition. Stipulates that, if the Commission finds that either of such factors exist, it shall conduct a hearing to determine if the agreement will be in the interest of better service to the public or of economy in operation. Exempts from the Commission's jurisdiction certain carriage of property by motor vehicle which is incidental to transportation by aircraft. Title III: Motor Carrier Rates - Prohibits the Commission from disapproving motor carrier rate bureau agreements unless it finds that such an agreement would violate the national transportation policy. Exempts such approved agreements from the antitrust laws. Revises the voting processes within rate bureau meetings. Directs the Commission, in determining the reasonableness of motor property carrier rate levels, to approve and maintain revenue levels that are adequate to cover total operating expenses, including the operation of leased equipment, and depreciation based upon the replacement cost of useful equipment and facilities at current prices, plus a reasonable profit. Prohibits the Commission from suspending a motor carrier rate on the basis that it exceeds or is below a just and reasonable if: (1) the rate changes are not of general applicability to all or substantially all classes of traffic; (2) the rate change is filed within five years after the enactment of this Act; and (3) the rate increase or decrease is not more than seven percent annually. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe through routes and joint fares for motor carriers of property. Prohibits the Commission from requiring such a carrier, without its consent, to embrace in a Commission mandated through route substantially less than the entire length of its route and of any intermediate carrier operated in conjunction or under a common management which lies between the termini of such proposed through route unless: (1) such inclusion of lines would make the through route unreasonably circuitous; or (2) the proposed through route is needed to provide adequate, more efficient or more economic transportation. Grants the Commission the exclusive authority to prescribe an intrastate rate for a motor carrier of property if: (1) the carrier files a change in such a rate with the appropriate State authority; and (2) the State does not act finally on such proposed change within 120 days. Limits a State's power to assess or collect ad valorem taxes on motor carriers of property. Title IV: Expediting Motor Carrier Proceedings - Establishes time limitations for actions of the Commission regarding motor carriers of property proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979
Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to extend, by 12 months, the deadline for completion (by the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, and the Cook Inlet Regional Corporation) of the nomination of Federal lands or property for such Corporation in exchange for other Federal lands which such Corporation would otherwise receive out of the Cook Inlet Area.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
States that the first 250,000 pieces of an issue of a publication which is eligible for second-class postage shall qualify for a reduced per piece rate currently in effect for presorted mail, regardless of whether such pieces meet weight or volume requirements for the presorted rate (thus extending such rate to small publications).
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
National Aquaculture Organic Act of 1979 - Establishes a National Aquaculture Council consisting of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, or the designee of any such Secretary. Directs the Council to: (1) establish and maintain an information service for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of scientific, technical, legal, and economic information relating to aquaculture; (2) conduct surveys, in coordination with other Federal departments and agencies, of public and private aquacultural activities; (3) arrange with foreign nations for the exchange of information relating to aquaculture; (4) conduct a continuing study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely affected by competition from products produced by commercial aquacultural enterprises; and (5) report such findings to Congress. Requires the Council to prepare and submit to Congress a biennial report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Directs the Council to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis, and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Stipulates that each such program shall be implemented either individually, jointly, or collectively by the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture and the Interior according to responsibilities vested in the respective Secretaries by law, or on the basis of departmental expertise and resources. Directs the Council, and any Federal or State agency which has significant functions which relate to aquaculture, to make annual reviews of: (1) each aquatic species not identified as a priority aquatic species; and (2) the success of aquaculture development programs. Requires the Council to revise and amend the plan as necessary. Directs the Council to make a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States and to complete an initial assessment within six months after the enactment this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of Agriculture, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, or technical assistance to interested persons; (2) consult and cooperate with persons, agencies, and regional commissions; (3) encourage the implementation of aquacultural technology; (4) prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such a program; and (5) produce and sell, at cost, seed stock for the priority aquatic species when privately produced seed stock is unavailable, unreliable, or not sufficient to meet production. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquaculture programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior, according to their powers under this Act, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Allows the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior to provide financial assistance for aquacultural demonstration projects in the form of grants in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide essential stock or liability insurance to owners of aquaculture facilities at reasonable rates upon a determination that the issuance of such insurance is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund to enable the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to guarantee obligations, make disaster loans, and implement the insurance program established under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979
Trade Agreements Act of 1979 - Approves specified trade agreements and the statements of administrative action proposed to implement such agreements. Authorizes the President to accept the final legal instruments embodying such agreements. Limits the President's acceptance authority. Requires the President to submit regulations and any amendments of existing statutes necessary to implement such agreements to Congress. Directs the Special Representative for trade negotiations to keep the Congressional delegates to trade negotiations informed of any requirements of, amendments to, or recommendations under, such agreements. Title I: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that a countervailing duty be imposed on imported merchandise if: (1) the administering authority determines that such merchandise receives any subsidy from a country subject to the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures or a similar agreement; and (2) the U.S. International Trade Commission determines that U.S. industry is materially injured or retarded by reason of such imports. Stipulates that such countervailing duty equal the amount of the net subsidy. Directs the administering authority to investigate whether such a subsidy is being provided to imported merchandise upon receiving: (1) information that such a situation exists; or (2) a petition from an interested party alleging such a situation exists. Stipulates that such petition be filed with the Commission in addition to the administering authority. Requires the administering authority to notify the Commission of any investigation in order that the Commission determine whether there is any indication of material injury to U.S. industry. Requires preliminary and final determinations to be made within specified time periods. Provides for the termination or suspension of such an investigation upon: (1) withdrawal of the petition by the petitioner; or (2) the country which allegedly provides subsidies, agreeing to eliminate such subsidy, cease exports of such merchandise, or (in extraordinary circumstances) eliminate the injurious effect of exports to the United States. Sets forth limitations to such agreements. Requires the administering authority to publish a countervailing duty order upon final affirmative determinations by the administering authority and the Commission concerning subsidies on imported merchandise. Requires that an antidumping duty be imposed on imported merchandise if: (1) the administering authority determines that such merchandise is, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less than its fair value; and (2) the Commission determines that U.S. industry is materially injured or retarded by reason of such imports. Stipulates that such an antidumping duty equal the amount by which the foreign market value exceeds the U.S. price for such merchandise. Sets forth procedures for investigations by the administering authority and the Commission into sales at less than fair value similar to the countervailing duty investigations. Requires the administering authority to publish an antidumping duty order upon final affirmative determinations by the administering authority and the Commission that imported merchandise is being sold in the United States at less than fair value. Directs the administering authority to review annually: (1) the amounts of countervailing and antidumping duties; and (2) any agreements suspending countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Requires the results of such review to be published along with any adjustments in the amounts of duty. Authorizes the administering authority to: (1) revoke a countervailing or antidumping duty order; or (2) terminate a suspended investigation after such review. Sets forth methods for determining the amounts of subsidies, material injury, U.S. prices, and foreign market value. Requires the administering authority and the Commission to hold a hearing during the course of any investigation at the request of a party to such investigation. Provides for the establishment of a library of information concerning foreign subsidy practices and countervailing measures. Requires specified information be available to the public. Provides for the confidentiality of certain information. Stipulates that interest be paid on overpayments and underpayments of amounts deposited on imported merchandise subject to countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commission to terminate pending investigations into subsidies or sales at less than market value and continue such investigations pursuant to this title. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make existing provisions concerning countervailing duty investigations applicable only to imported articles from countries not parties to the Agreement. Revises the existing investigation procedures to conform with this title, with specified exceptions. Requires the administering authority to notify the Commission of specified countervailing duty orders. Directs the Commission to determine whether U.S. industry has been materially injured. Directs the administering authority to terminate the waiver of countervailing duties upon being notified by the Commission of an affirmative determination. Stipulates that countervailing duty orders issued under existing provisions shall remain in effect, but subject to review under this title. Continues the waiver of countervailing duty orders applicable to imported merchandise from countries under the Agreement, until the Commission determines whether U.S. industry has been materially injured. Repeals the Antidumping Act, 1921. Continues the effectiveness of findings made under such Act, subject to review under this title. Title II: Customs Valuation - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the methods for appraising imported merchandise based on the transaction value, deductive value, computed value, or similar value. Repeals the existing alternative valuation standards. Directs the President to report to Congress with an evaluation of the domestic and international operation of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Specifies the effective dates of the revised valuation standards which vary depending on particular circumstances. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the rate of duties on ball and roller bearings and pneumatic tires. Repeals provisions stipulating that the duties on clams, footwear, wool knit gloves, and chemicals be based on the American selling price. Increases the rate of duties on such products. Authorizes the President to modify the descriptions of chemicals contained in the Tariff Schedules in specified circumstances. Title III: Government Procurement - Authorizes the President to waive government procurement regulations for eligible products of designated countries, if such regulations result in less favorable treatment than that accorded to U.S. products or products from countries which are parties to the Agreement. Directs the President to prohibit the procurement of otherwise eligible products from countries which are not designated. Authorizes deferrals and waivers from such prohibition in specified circumstances. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) the effects on the U.S. economy of the refusal to allow the Agreement to cover governmental entities which are principal purchasers of goods and recommendations of alternative means; and (2) actions to establish reciprocity with industrialized countries in the area of government procurement. Authorizes the President to waive application of the Buy American Act in the case of procurement of civil aircraft and related articles from countries which are parties to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, specifies objectives, including more open market access abroad, to be sought in the renegotiations provided for in the Agreement. Directs the President to report to Congress if the renegotiations are not progressing satisfactorily. Requires the President to give careful consideration to monitoring and enforcing the requirements of the Agreement and this title. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) administrative practices in the United States and other industrial countries regarding country of origin determinations; and (2) the economic impact on labor surplus areas of the waiver of the Buy American Act. Requires the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations to make procurement information available to the designated congressional advisors. Title IV: Technical Barriers to Trade (Standards) - Permits private persons and Federal and State agencies to engage in standards related activities that do not create unnecessary obstacles to U.S. foreign commerce. Requires Federal agencies which are engaged in such activities to: (1) ensure nondiscriminatory treatment of domestic and imported products; (2) take into consideration international standards; and (3) develop standards based on performance criteria. Gives the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations responsibility for: (1) coordinating and developing international trade policy; and (2) coordinating negotiations with foreign countries concerning standards-related activities. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to establish technical offices within their Departments to carry such functions as the President prescribes to implement this title. Requires the Secretary concerned to consult and coordinate, with the Special Representative, international standards-related activities. Stipulates that private organization members shall represent U.S. interests before any private international standards organization, unless the Secretary concerned has reason to believe such representation will be inadequate. Directs the Secretary concerned to encourage cooperation among interested Federal agencies which are the U.S. representatives to any international standards organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a standards information center to serve as a national collection facility. Authorizes the Special Representative and the Secretary concerned to make grants, enter into contracts, or provide other assistance for assisting appropriate standards-related activities. Requires such officials to solicit technical and policy advise from the trade policy advisory committees. Permits parties to the Agreement and countries extending similar rights and privileges to the United States to make a representation to the Special Representative alleging that a standards-related activity violates U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Directs the interagency trade organization established by the President to review any findings by an appropriate international forum that a standards-related activity violates U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Permits Federal agencies to consider petitions against standards-related activity in specified circumstances. Exempts specified standards activity from this title. Requires the Special Representative to report to Congress concerning international and domestic operation of the Agreement. Title V: Implementation of Certain Tariff Negotiations - Authorizes aggregate reductions in the rates of duty which exceed the maximum specified in the Trade Act of 1974 in specified circumstances. Directs the President to increase the rates of duty on textile products if the Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Textiles, or substitute Arrangement, ceases to be effective. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide for the separate tariff treatment of sheep, goats, and prepared beef and veal. Authorizes the President to reduce the rate of duty applicable to yellow dent corn below statutory limitations. Revises the tariff provisions for carrots, dinnerware, watches, and brooms. Authorizes the duty-free entry of agricultural or horticultural machinery, equipment, implements, and parts, with specified exceptions. Continues the duty-free entry of certain wool through June 30, 1985. Converts various specific rates of duty to ad valorem equivalents. Title VI: Civil Aircraft Agreement - Authorizes the President to proclaim duty-free treatment for specified articles certified for use in civil aircraft when the conditions for acceptance of the Agreement on Trade Civil Aircraft are fulfilled. Title VII: Certain Agricultural Measures - Directs the President to limit the amount of quota cheese which may enter the United States. Requires the administering authority, with the Secretary of Agriculture, to determine whether countries are providing subsidies to quota cheese. Permits any person to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging that a quota cheese is being: (1) offered for sale at less than the U.S. domestic market price; and (2) subsidized by a foreign government. Directs the Secretary to investigate such complaint and report the determinations to the President. Requires the President to: (1) impose a fee on the imported article to insure that the price will not be less than the U.S. price; or (2) prohibit or limit the entry of such articles. Stipulates that the countervailing duty provisions under title I of this Act shall be inapplicable with regard to quota cheese from countries with whom we have entered into cheese agreements. Directs the President to increase the quota for chocolate crumb. Establishes limits on the aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be imported into the United States. Title VIII: Treatment of Distilled Spirits - Distilled Spirits Tax Revision Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to repeal: (1) the wine-gallon method for determining the excise tax on distilled spirits; (2) the rectification taxes on such spirits; and (3) the occupational taxes on rectifiers. Revises the method for determining the tax on distilled spirits and the time for paying such tax. Revises the provisions concerning the establishment, operations, and bonding of distilled spirits plants to require that all operations of distillers, warehousemen, or processors be conducted only on bonded premises by qualified persons. Revises the procedure for tax refunds for loss of distilled spirits. Permits distilled spirits to be denatured on the bonded premises of a qualified distilled spirits plant. Limits the transfer of wine between bonded premises. Sets forth transitional rules for collecting the distilled spirits taxes. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the wine-gallon method for assessing duties on distilled spirits, imports and instead, uses the internal revenue standard. Revises the rates of duty on distilled spirits to reflect such change. Directs the President to review foreign barriers to U.S. exports of alcoholic beverages and report the results to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim a lower rate of duty on a proof gallon basis upon receiving adequate reciprocal trade concessions. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the transfer of specified liquor products between bonded warehouses, regardless of their location. Title IX: Enforcement of United States Rights - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the President to take all feasible action to: (1) enforce U.S. rights under any trade agreement; and (2) respond to foreign practices which are inconsistent with trade agreements or are unreasonable or discriminatory. Permits the President to take such action even if no petition requesting such action has been filed. Sets forth the procedures for processing petitions filed by interested persons with the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. Requires the Special Representative to recommend actions to the President after investigating such a petition and consulting with the foreign country concerned. Requires the Special Representative to provide information to private persons about foreign trade practices and trade agreements. Repeals provisions permitting congressional disapproval of such Presidential actions. Title X: Judicial Review - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth procedures for judicial review of countervailing and antidumping duty proceedings. Permits any interested party to petition for judicial review. Gives the U.S. Customs Court exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action brought to review a final determination concerning government procurement. Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the President's authority to enter into agreements to reduce nontariff barriers or other distortions to trade until January 3, 1988. Authorizes the President to sell import licenses at public auction. Directs the President to seek advice from the private sector concerning the operation of trade agreements and trade policy administration in general. Provides for the establishment of advisory committees representing service interests. Repeals the requirement that advisory committees report to Congress in 1980. Stipulates that committee members shall be consulted before and during negotiations. Exempts committees from reporting requirements contained in the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977. Requires the President to study and report to Congress concerning mutual expansion of market opportunities with other North American countries. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the International Trade Commission to investigate matters involving countervailing duty or antidumping law only if such matters in part involve acts independently establishing a basis for relief under the unfair trade practices provisions. Provides for civil penalties for violations of cease and desist orders issued in response to such unfair trade practices. Makes technical amendments to the Trade Act of 1974 and the Tariff Schedules of the United States. Requires monthly reports on the port of entry value of each item in the Tariff Schedules of the United States and the aggregate values of U.S. imports and exports based on such values. Requires the reporting of rates of duty which would be imposed on dutiable imports based on such values. Directs the President to submit a proposal to Congress concerning a restructuring of the executive branch's international trade functions. Requires the President to report to Congress with a review of export promotion and disincentives. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include regional economic organizations within the meaning of beneficiary developing country. Permits certain nations which are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to be designated beneficiary developing countries. Revises limitations on the value of goods qualifying for duty-free treatment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, at the request of any U.S. possession, to determine whether trade concessions have adversely affected tax revenues of such possessions. Authorizes the President to include amounts in the budget to offset such reduced revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate with respect to the adoption of transitional rules for the elimination of the tax exclusion of interest from Government bonds issued to finance mortgages on owner-occupied and multifamily residences. Provides that interest from Government bonds issued after April 25, 1979, shall be excludable from gross income if official actions had been taken by such date indicating an intent to issue such bonds. Permits the rollover of bonds outstanding on April 24, 1979, where the maturity date of such bonds is no longer than the life of the initial mortgages on the property. Permits the use of the tax-exempt bonds for the financing of projects which had reached specified stages of development prior to April 25, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should call upon Paraguay to apprehend and extradite Josef Mengele to stand trial in the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979
Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from implementing the proposed revenue procedure published in the Federal Register on February 13, 1979, which sets forth guidelines for determining whether private schools have forfeited their tax-exempt status through the adoption of racially discriminatory policies, until Congress enacts specific guidelines for making such determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to authorize Federal credit unions to permit withdrawals from share draft accounts by negotiable or non-negotiable drafts subject to terms, rates, and conditions prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax effect known as the marriage penalty by permitting the deduction, without regard to whether deductions are itemized, of ten percent of the earned income of the spouse whose earned income is lower than that of the other spouse. Limits such tax deduction to $2,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Employees Stock Ownership Improvements Act of 1979 - Amends the Revenue Act of 1978 and the Internal Revenue Code to establish, without expiration dates, a credit against the corporate income tax for contributions by an employer to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Sets the amount of such credit at a sum equal to the amount transferred to such a plan, not to exceed the taxpayer's income tax liability. Excludes certain taxes from the calculation of such liability. Provides for the carryover of any credit in excess of such liability. Denies such credit to certain regulated public utilities. Denies business expense, production of income expense, or contribution to deferred-payment plan deductions for amounts required to be transferred to a tax credit ESOP. Provides for an additional tax credit for contributions to certain ESOPs. Allows an income tax deduction to an employer for any dividend paid with respect to employer securities held by a tax credit ESOP, if the dividend is distributed to the employees participating in the plan. Deems contributions, bequests, or similar transfers of employer securities, under certain conditions, to a tax credit ESOP as a deductible charitable contribution. Eliminates specified voting rights and stock distribution demand rights requirements for certain qualifying ESOPs. Allows a special income tax credit to a small business employer who establishes an ESOP in an amount equal to the actual cost of establishing the plan, not to exceed $5,000. Continues to allow a deduction for retirement savings to individuals, including certain married individuals who also participate in tax credit ESOPs. Allows an employer unlimited deductions for qualified matching employee contributions on behalf of its employees made to a tax credit ESOP. Excludes from the gross income of a tax credit ESOP participant any lump-sum distribution of employer securities (not to exceed $5,000) made from a qualified trust which is part of a tax credit ESOP. Prescribes the use of investing stock acquired by a tax credit ESOP. Eliminates limitations on deductions for employer contributions to a combination of one or more stock bonus and one or more profit-sharing plans. Requires one of the alternative benefits in a qualified cafeteria plan to be cash, property, or another currently taxable benefit. Defines a cafeteria plan to include deferred compensation plans which are part of a qualified profit-sharing or stock bonus plan.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Antiquities Act and Federal Land Policy and Management Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Antiquities Act to define "objects of historic or scientific interest" to include specified items. Stipulates that such objects must be directly associated with human activities. Requires congressional approval of any Presidential proclamation of a national monument before it can effect a reservation of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres. Permits the continuance of uses of public lands within a national monument which were valid uses prior to the designation of such lands as a monument, including hunting, guiding, hiking, boating, and use of motorized vehicles. Stipulates that such uses must not adversely affect the objects sought to be protected by the reservation. Grants such provisions governing the proclamation of national monuments retroactive effect as of October 14, 1978. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require congressional approval of withdrawals of public lands in excess of 5,000 acres by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to plan and implement a demonstration project for the removal and disposal of debris and obsolete buildings in the vicinity of Fort Glenn on Umnak Island, Alaska. Stipulates that such project shall use local resources in order to reduce the high rate of unemployment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Integrated Environmental Assistance Act of 1979 - States that the objective of this Act is to provide a mechanism to encourage recipients of assistance under programs administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to design integrated environmental programs tailored to their specific needs which will result in a more effective and efficient method of dealing with inter-related environmental problems. Authorizes the Administrator of EPA to award assistance to support proposals intended to meet such objective. Sets forth requirements for approval of such integrated environmental programs, including the requirement that an integrated environmental plan address the objectives of at least two programs covered by EPA categorical grants. Provides that in the event an integrated environmental plan is not acceptable, the applicant is still permitted to apply for categorical assistance for the particular program. Requires the Governor of a State and the chief executive officer of a local government to sign integrated assistance applications to assure high level support and involvement in program integration. Authorizes the Administrator to award integrated assistance in lieu of categorical assistance. Limits the use of such integrated assistance funds. Limits the number of States and local governments which may participate in such program. Authorizes EPA to directly award integrated assistance to local governments and interstate agencies when the State either does not apply for integrated assistance or does not make adequate provision for the local government or interstate agency. Directs States to consult with local governments during the process of developing such program plans. Authorizes the Administrator to permit applicants flexibility in proposing to transfer funds among the covered programs in their approved plans, with specified limitations. Allows each applicant for integrated assistance to compete with others for supplementary assistance for nonrecurring projects which are innovative, of special national significance, or which address other special environmental needs. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to unobligated sums and maintenance of effort. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for supplementary assistance for fiscal year 1980 and authorizes appropriations of necessary sums for each of fiscal years 1981-1984, in addition to funds authorized to be appropriated under the covered programs. Authorizes the Administrator to detail EPA personnel to a recipient to assist in carrying out approved integrated program plans. Terminates this Act on September 30, 1984. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such integrated assistance programs, including an evaluation of such programs and recommendations concerning their continuation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 months to 54 months after the date of enactment the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not take specified actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
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 · 7 May 1979
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to allow parties injured by a nuclear accident to recover damages in excess of the limits on liability imposed by such Act according to the ordinary rules of tort law.
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 · 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.
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