United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against the personal income tax for the amount (not to exceed $2,500) received by the individual as interest on savings accounts. Requires reduction of such credit by five percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $20,000. Sets a minimum credit amount of $1,000. Requires adjustment of such dollar amounts according to a defined inflation adjustment factor. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations allocating interest credited to joint accounts.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
National Aquaculture Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, after consultation with appropriate Federal and State officials and regional fishery management councils, to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis, and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Directs the Secretaries to make periodic reviews of the operation and effectiveness of the Plan and to amend the plan as necessary. Requires the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to make a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States. Requires the Secretaries, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, or technical assistance to interested persons; (2) consult and cooperate with persons, agencies, and regional commissions; (3) encourage the implementation of aquacultural technology; and (4) prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such a program. Directs the Secretaries to: (1) establish an aquaculture information service; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) conduct a study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely affected by competition from products produced by commercial aquaculture enterprises. Directs the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, established by this Act, to prepare and submit to Congress a biennial report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Establishes the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal aquaculture research, transfer, and assistance programs. Authorizes the Secretaries, according to their responsibilities under the Plan, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Directs the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to conduct and submit to Congress, within 12 months after the enactment of this Act, a study of the capital requirements of the United States aquaculture industry which shall: (1) document and analyze any capital constraints that affect the development of aquaculture in the United States; and (2) evaluate the role that appropriate Federal financial assistance does or could play in filing gaps in the normal credit market with respect to aquaculture. Requires the Secretaries to formulate and submit to Congress a capital requirements plan, based on such study, which shall include: (1) those Federal actions, if any, found to be necessary to meet financial needs unmet through normal credit channels and existing Federal programs; and (2) recommendations for legislative actions. Requires the Secretaries, through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture, to conduct and submit to Congress a study of the State and Federal regulatory restrictions to aquaculture development in the United States and, based upon the results of such study, to formulate and submit to Congress a plan for acting on the study's findings.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
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
Amends the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 to implement a new civil defense program for the 1980's designed to: (1) enhance the survivability of the American people and its leadership; (2) enhance strategic nuclear deterrence and stability; (3) continue and strengthen the Nation's policy of relying on superior nuclear forces and conventional tactical forces; (4) include planning and population relocation during times of international and domestic crisis; and (5) utilize the structure and capabilities of the National Guard to the maximum extent practicable. Directs the President to carry out such program and specifies elements to be included in such program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act for each of the fiscal years 1980 through 1986. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to study the feasibility of using the National Guard as the principal organizing and training unit for local civil defense activities and to study the feasibility of using organizations composed of veterans, and other appropriate groups and individuals, to help in developing, staffing, and carrying out civil defense plans during periods of emergency. Requires the Director to submit the results of such studies to Congress within one year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify training films and tapes produced primarily for sale, rent, or license to industrial and commercial organizations for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that no office building should be constructed for the Senate after the date on which this resolution is agreed to, other than any office building which is under construction on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Savings and Investment Encouragement Act of 1979 - Title I: Incentives for Individual Saving - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $100 of the interest earned on a savings account. Permits an exclusion of up to $500 for interest which is reinvested in a savings account. Excludes from gross income up to $500 of dividends received which are reinvested in the stock of domestic corporations. Requires that the sum of the adjusted basis of stock in domestic corporations held by the taxpayer plus the amount held in a savings account (investment base) on the last day of a taxable year exceed the investment base of the taxpayer as of the first day of such taxable year, plus the amount of dividends and interest excludible for such taxable year. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Title III: Incentives for Research and Development - Qualifies research and development expenditures related to a trade or business for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
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
Family Farm Occupational Safety and Health Amendment of 1979 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to exclude from such Act's coverage individuals engaged in farming who do not maintain temporary labor camps, and employ ten or less employees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Occupational Safety and Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to exempt farms or non-hazardous businesses with ten or less employees from coverage under such Act. Defines "non-hazardous business" as any business with an occupational injury incidence rate not exceeding seven percent.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer a credit against the income tax (not to exceed $5,000 per year, or $10,000 in the case of a joint return) for investment in small business participating debentures. Specifies a formula for the computation of such credit. Provides for a carryover of the excess for up to seven years. Disallows such credit for debentures: (1) issued by a small business in which the taxpayer has a defined interest; or (2) disposed of within the same taxable year in which they are acquired, and before the deadline for filing of the tax return. Limits qualified small businesses to those whose equity capital does not exceed $25,000,000. Applies long-term capital gains treatment to amounts actually paid to a taxpayer in respect of a small business participating debenture, which constitute the distribution of a share of the earnings of the issuer. Treats losses on such debentures as ordinary losses. Allows an interest deduction for interest and share-of-earnings payments made on such a debenture. Provides for complete or partial disallowance of the tax credit in specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Federal Land Banks and Associations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize any Federal land bank, under the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions (i.e., Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, and banks for cooperatives); (2) participate in loans which the land banks are authorized to make with lenders which are not Farm Credit System institutions; (3) sell interests in loans to such lenders; (4) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other extended financial assistance, and nonvoting stock; (5) make other investments; (6) accept contributions to their capital from Federal land bank associations; (7) enter into agreements with other Farm Credit System institutions to share loan and other losses; (8) issue nonvoting stock to borrowers as a patronage refund; and (9) make or participate with other lenders in long-term real estate mortgage loans not exceeding 85 percent of the appraised value of the real estate security. Makes producers and harvesters of aquatic products eligible for Federal land bank services. Authorizes Federal land bank associations to make capital contributions to a Federal land bank. States that a member of a Federal land bank association need not make the required purchases of land stock with respect to that part of a loan derived from a lender which is not a Farm Credit System institution. Authorizes the Federal land bank associations to pay dividends on a differential basis between different classes and issues of stock and participation certificates corresponding to the value of such classes and issues to the capital or earnings of the Federal land bank in its district. Permits the Federal land bank associations to agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions. Title II: Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations - Authorizes the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other extended financial assistance and nonvoting stock; (2) make other investments; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; (4) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; and (5) issue nonvoting stock to such institutions. Authorizes the Federal intermediate credit banks to discount for, or purchase from other financial institutions loans made to producers and harvesters of aquatic products. Permits any Federal intermediate credit bank to transfer more than 25 percent of its net earnings after expenses to its allocated reserve account (presently, not more than 25 percent of such earnings may be transferred to this account). Authorizes each production credit association, subject to the supervision of the intermediate credit bank in its district and the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to any bank in the Farm Credit System interests in loans, other financial assistance extended, and nonvoting stock; (2) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System Institutions; (4) issue participation certificates to eligible borrowers in lieu of nonvoting stock; and (5) issue participation certificates or nonvoting stock to any financial institution outside the Farm Credit System with which the association participates in a loan in satisfaction of the requirement that a borrower own such stock or participation certificates. Requires a borrower to own only that amount of stock or participation certificates which is proportionate to that portion of a loan retained by a production credit association when it participates with another lender in making a loan. Authorizes the production credit associations to extend loan assistance to bona fide farmers, ranchers, and producers and harvesters of aquatic products for basic processing and marketing directly related to the borrower's operations. Title III: Banks and Cooperatives - Empowers each bank for cooperatives, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; (2) deposit its securities and current funds with any domestic or foreign financial organization (presently, such deposits must be made at a member bank in the Federal Reserve System); (3) buy and sell bankers' acceptances which are obligations of member banks in the Federal Reserve System; (4) buy and sell other obligations including those which arise in the course of transactions which the bank has assisted through loans; (5) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (6) make other investments; (7) invest in foreign and domestic business entities to facilitate the obtaining of credit information and the performance of services related to international transactions; (8) maintain credit balances to assist in the transfer of funds between parties to authorized transactions; (9) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; and (10) issue participation certificates to parties who may not be issued voting stock. Requires all participation certificates, voting and nonvoting stock issued by the banks for cooperatives to be retired at par value. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to: (1) offer a currency exchange for eligible cooperative associations; and (2) extend loans, loan participation commitments, and other technical and financial assistance to any domestic or foreign party in which a member cooperative has an ownership interest or which engages with the cooperative in dealings in agricultural or aquatic products, farm supplies or the lease of property, provided such assistance substantially benefits the member cooperative. Enables cooperatives solely engaged in furnishing aquatic business services to borrow from the banks for cooperatives. Reduces the degree of ownership in a cooperative which must be held by farmers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products, or other cooperative associations in order to make such a cooperative eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives. Requires a bank for cooperatives to retire any equity held by a borrower in default or dissolution at fair market value not to exceed the par value of the equity interest of the borrower. Prohibits the retirement or cancellation of such an equity interest if the bank's capital structure would be adversely affected. Permits each bank for cooperatives to transfer more than 25 percent of its net annual savings to a surplus account. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to pay patronage refunds to borrowers in the form of participation certificates. Title IV: Provisions Applicable to Two or More Classes of Institutions of the System - Declares that interest rates established by the Farm Credit Administration for loans made by Farm Credit System institutions shall preempt any interest rate limitation imposed by State law. States that when two or more Farm Credit System institutions participate in a loan as authorized by this Act, the terms of such loan shall be those agreed upon by the institutions. Requires that such factors as borrower eligibility, membership, term, amount, loan security and purchase of stock or participation certificates by the borrower are to be governed by the provisions of law applicable to the institution originating the loan. Exempts credit transactions of Farm Credit System institutions from the provisions of any State statute or any other law or regulation which impose, with regard to a credit transaction, any duty or requirement which had been imposed by the Truth in Lending Act before amendment. Authorizes the institutions of the Farm Credit System to organize corporations to perform non-lending functions and services which such institutions are authorized to perform. Empowers the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to review and revise the charters of such corporations. States that such corporations shall be subject to supervision and examination by the Administration. Title V: District and Farm Credit Administration Organization - Revises the process for the election of farm credit district directors by reducing from three to two the number of nominees in the election poll. Establishes the rate of compensation for the Federal Farm Credit Board at the daily equivalent of the rate prescribed for grade GS-18 of the General Schedule. Authorizes the Board to fix the salary of the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration at any level not exceeding the maximum rate of basic pay in the Executive Schedule. Authorizes the Governor to appoint Deputy Governors to provide assistance in the functioning of the Farm Credit Administration. Exempts the Administration from provisions of Federal law relating to appointments in the competitive civil service, travel expenses, allowances, procurement, and property disposition. Credits employees of Farm Credit System institutions with specified leave and retirement benefits when they are transferred to Federal service in the Farm Credit Administration.
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 · 27 June 1979
United States - Mexico Good Neighbor Act of 1979 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to establish a program for the non-immigrant admission of Mexican nationals as temporary workers in the United States. Provides that: (1) the Attorney General shall establish annual and monthly quotas for temporary worker visas; (2) such temporary services or labor shall not exceed 180 days per year; (3) such visas shall not limit the geographic area within which an alien may work unless specific restrictions are requested by the Secretary of Labor in order to protect domestic workers; (4) an alien who violates the 180-day visa limitation or any imposed geographic restriction shall be ineligible for another temporary visa for five years; and (5) an alien who enters the United States illegally shall be ineligible for obtaining a temporary work visa for ten years. Excludes such temporary Mexican workers from the definition of "immigrant" for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Includes such workers within the category of aliens whose non-immigrant status may not be adjusted to that of an immigrant. Prohibits the Attorney General from consenting to the reapplication for admission of any such workers deported from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish and expand United States Consulates in Mexico in order to implement such temporary worker program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make the nature of such program known to Mexican nationals residing in the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish with Mexico an Advisory Commission on the Mexico-United States Temporary Worker Visa program to advise the Attorney General with regard to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
Trucking Competition and Safety Act of 1979 - Title I: Economic Regulation and Antitrust Immunity - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in carrying out its functions with respect to motor carriers of property and freight forwarders to consider the following as being in the public interest: (1) maximum reliance on competitive market forces to provide transportation services; (2) the improvement of truck safety; (3) reduced concentration of market power; (4) the reduction of regulatory barriers to entry into the industry; (5) the encouragement of entry to and additional service for small and isolated communities; and (6) strengthening of smaller carriers to ensure efficient service and to promote competition. Stipulates that, where a motor carrier's certificate authorizes the carrier to provide transportation between any two points but only in one direction, or between points but without authority to make intermediate stops, the Commission shall revise such authority to permit transportation between the two points in either direction and to permit intermediate stops. Authorizes a motor carrier providing regular route service to automatically add to its authority on a yearly basis in accordance with procedures and standards developed by the Commission which will emphasize increasing opportunities for new or better service to smaller and isolated communities and which will be so structured as to minimize the need for Commission intervention. Directs the Commission to develop a program to allow motor carriers of property to provide more direct service between any points authorized in their certificate, regardless of any gateway or route requirements in such certificates. Prohibits the Commission from requiring carriers to serve a single shipper or plant, or from requiring that a carrier provide transportation via a designated route or through a designated locality. Directs the Commission to provide for the gradual phaseout over a three year period of all Commission restrictions on commodities or categories of commodities that may be carried by motor carriers of property. Authorizes a motor carrier to petition the Commission to remove a commodity restriction, to broaden the categories that the carrier may transport or to allow it to provide transportation over a less circuitous route or in a less costly fashion. Directs the Commission to approve such an application within 90 days unless it is proven by an opponent to the application that such a change is not consistent with the public convenience and necessity as determined by this Act. Revises the conditions for certification of motor carriers of property. Stipulates that a finding that an application for certification is consistent with the public convenience and necessity shall not be required in order to provide service between points not served by another certified motor carrier of property, to provide service as a substitute for abandoned rail service, or to transport shipments weighing no more than 500 pounds. Directs the Commission in determining whether service is consistent with the public convenience and necessity to disregard any possible diversions of revenues or traffic of other carriers. Directs the Commission to accord substantial weight in favor of an application where such service would be reasonably likely to: (1) lower the applicant's average operating costs; (2) improve the applicant's equipment utilization, fuel efficiency, or service; (3) meet user or consumer preference; (4) improve service to small communities; or (5) generally improve the competitive climate of the area to be served. Places the burden of showing that an application for service is inconsistent with the public convenience and necessity on an opponent of such application. Places restrictions on the right of a motor carrier of property to challenge such applications. Sets forth time limits during which the Commission must reach a decision on such applications. Stipulates that if a decision is not reached within such period the application shall be deemed so granted. Exempts, with specified exceptions, motor vehicles controlled by cooperative associations from the Commission's jurisdiction. Exempts from the Commission's jurisdiction: (1) food and edible products whether processed or not which are intended for human consumption; (2) livestock and poultry feed; (3) agricultural seeds, plants, limestone, soil conditioners, fertilizers, and chemicals; and (4) farm tractors and farm machinery. Authorizes the Commission to make further exemptions if such an exemption is consistent with the transportation policy set forth in this Act. Authorizes contract carriers of property to establish through routes and joint rates with other carriers. Stipulates that with regard to applications to become a motor contract carrier or freight forwarder the applicant shall have the burden of showing that he or she is fit, willing, and able to perform such service. Stipulates that in determining whether or not the application is consistent with the public interest and national transportation policy, the opponent, if any, shall have the burden of proof. Sets forth a range of rate increases and decreases for motor common carriers of property or freight forwarders which the Commission may not find to be unreasonable. Sets forth factors which the Commission is to take into account when prescribing a rate, classification, rule, or practice for transportation or service by carriers or freight forwarder. Stipulates that the Commission may only investigate motor carrier rates upon complaint. Makes rate bureaus for motor carriers of property and freight forwarders subject to the antitrust laws. Prohibits the Commission from suspending any proposed rate increase or decrease if such proposed new rate falls within the zone of reasonable rates established by this Act. Prohibits the Commission from suspending any other proposed rate changes unless it can be shown by a verified complaint of a person that the complainant would incur substantial injury without such a suspension and that it is likely that the complainant will prevail on the merits. Limits such a suspension to a maximum period of three months. Stipulates that with respect to rates filed before January 1, 1984, the Commission may not require more than 15 days prior notice of any rate change by a motor common carrier of property or freight forwarder. Authorizes the Commission to reduce such time period if it finds that such a reduction would be in the public interest. Stipulates that after January 1, 1984, all such rates may become effective upon publication. Prohibits the Commission from approving consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control agreements with respect to motor carriers of property if the Commission finds that as a result of such a transaction there is likely to be a substantial lessening of competition, creation of a monopoly, or a restraint of trade unless the Commission finds that the anticompetitive effects of the transaction are outweighed by significant transportation needs that cannot be satisfied by a reasonably available alternative having materially less anticompetitive effects. Removes the Commission's jurisdiction with regard to such transactions five years after the enactment of this Act. Exempts from the Commission's jurisdiction motor transportation to and from a domestic air carrier that is part of a combined surface and air movement of freight. Removes entry and rate controls over truckload motor carriers two years after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Department of Justice, to prepare and submit to Congress by January 1, 1983, a report on the implementation of this Act and whether continued regulation of the trucking industry is required. Removes the Commission's authority over securities for motor carriers of property. Title II: Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety - Directs the Commission to seek the advice of the Secretary of Transportation with regard to the safety-related aspects of whether a person is fit, willing, and able to provide transportation services. Stipulates that the Commission shall be bound by the Secretary's determination. Stipulates that this requirement shall not apply to transportation brokers or water carriers. Sets forth time limits and procedures regarding such determinations by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend the transportation authority of individuals who, because of safety-related matters, are no longer fit, willing, and able to provide transportation services. Sets forth procedural requirements for such suspensions. Provides for judicial review of determinations made by the Secretary pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations regarding safety-related aspects of transportation services. Directs the Secretary to establish rules, regulations, and standards to assure the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such research, development, demonstration, and training activities as may be necessary to develop such rules and regulations. Grants the Secretary the authority to enter upon, inspect, and examine facilities, equipment, operations, and records without advance notice to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under this Act. Requires a warrant for such an entry or inspection except under specified circumstances. Sets forth procedures and requirements for obtaining such warrants. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title, violations of regulations issued under this Act, or violations of any other regulations administered by the Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety. Authorizes a State to regulate commercial motor vehicle safety unless the Secretary has adopted a rule, regulation, standard, or order regulating that aspect of motor vehicle safety. Authorizes a State to adopt additional or more stringent regulations so long as they do not create an undue burden on interstate commerce and are not incompatible with Federal regulations. Requires the Secretary to timely investigate nonfrivolous complaints alleging material violations of commercial vehicle safety rules or regulations. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee for making such a complaint, for testifying with regard to such a complaint, or for refusing to operate a vehicle where such operation would constitute a violation of Federal motor carrier safety standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the development or implementation of programs for the enforcement of Commercial motor vehicle safety standards. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983 to carry out such grant program. Title III: Miscellaneous - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Family Welfare Improvement Act - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to set forth a new formula for determining the amount of payments to a State under such part. Provides: (1) for an annual cost-of-living increase in such amount; and (2) that such amount shall be changed in accordance with a State's population increase or decrease. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to each State with an "excess unemployment percentage" greater than zero, as determined according to this Act, a supplemental grant based on a specified formula. Permits a State to require any individual whose needs are taken into account in determining AFDC eligibility to work as a condition of AFDC eligibility. Establishes a five year, eight State demonstration project in which payments made to participating States pursuant to the AFDC program may be used without regard to the requirements and limitations otherwise applicable under the AFDC program. Directs the Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations to report to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare concerning such project.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to engage in feasibility studies concerning: (1) enlarging Shasta Dam and Reservoir, California, or replacing such dam; and (2) using the Sacramento River for conveying water downstream from such enlarged dam and reservoir. Requires State participation in the studies and the costs of the studies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Suisun Marsh Preservation and Restoration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, to enter into a cooperative agreement with California to mitigate the adverse effects of the Central Valley project on the fish and wildlife resources of the Suisun Marsh, and for the preservation and restoration of such resources. Specifies the requirements of such agreement and stipulates that the Federal share of the costs of implementing such agreement shall be 50 percent. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for the Federal share of the construction and the initial operation and maintenance of facilities in the Marsh.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to accelerate the development of geothermal energy in the United States. Title II: Amendments to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970-Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to expand the acreage limitation on holders of geothermal leases to 51,200 acres, except as specified. Provides for an expedited bidding and leasing system for lands within any known geothermal resources area. Establishes the Interagency Geothermal Leasing Committee to review the activities of the several agencies and departments pursuant to this Act and to take such action as necessary to fully implement this Act. Directs such Committee to report to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council in response to any requests for information or recommendations. Directs such Committee to commission a training and education program on geothermal leasing and operations for Federal surface management field managers in the appropriate departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe amendments to existing rules and regulations and to issue any necessary new rules and regulations to carry out this Act, and exempts such actions from being construed as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to develop cooperative agreements with the Governor of each State in which are located lands subject to this Act for coordination of Federal, State, and local decision making related to environmental analyses, permit approvals, and land use planning. Sets forth geothermal lease application and permit procedures. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, to establish annual goals for five future fiscal years for geothermal leasing. Requires the development of an expedited procedure for consideration and approval of permits for exploration and testing for geothermal resources. Stipulates that the establishment of such procedure shall be deemed to satisfy any requirements of NEPA applicable to any such exploration and testing activities. Permits any applicant for a geothermal lease to use a conditioned development lease with a phased environmental assessment and leasing procedure which shall limit the scope of consideration by the Secretary of the Interior as to compliance with the requirements of NEPA. Stipulates that any lessee seeking to conduct any operations of a developmental nature must prepare a detailed plan of development and utilization in accordance with requirements specified by the Secretary. Sets deadlines for review and final action on such plans. Permits exploration and testing activities on lands subject to this Act included in wilderness study areas pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act, so long as such activities are not conducted in a manner which would permanently impair wilderness values. Authorizes the Secretary to grant no-cost permits to specified surface owners or occupants of lands subject to this Act or to the Stock Raising Homestead Act for use of geothermal resources within such lands. Authorizes any Federal agency with an installation or facility located on or contiguous to lands subject to this Act to apply for a geothermal lease for use of geothermal resources by such installation or facility, provided that a determination has been made that such lease will not discourage or preclude commercial development of geothermal resources on such lands. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement orderly and expeditious procedures for the processing of all lease and permit applications pursuant to this Act. Title III: Amendments to the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 - Geothermal Research, Development, and Demonstration Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to establish the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council to be assisted by an Advisory Committee on Geothermal Energy. Extends the period of guaranties and interest assistance under the loan guaranty program of such Act to ten years beyond September 3, 1979. Authorizes guaranties of up to 90 percent of the aggregate cost of a geothermal resource project conducted by a publicly owned utility. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Administrator of the Rural Electric Administration, the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, with the approval of the Secretary of Energy, to utilize funds in the Geothermal Resources Development Fund established by such Act for loan or loan guaranty assistance for geothermal energy development and directly related activity by means of loan and loan guarantee programs otherwise authorized by law in such agencies and departments. Limits the total amount of such fund available for such purposes to $50,000,000 per fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for the accelerated development of geothermal resources for non-electric applications by geothermal utility districts, geothermal industrial development districts and projects, and other persons. States that such loans shall be funded by the Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to such fund for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement expeditious procedures for the processing of loan guarantee applications under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a complete review of all considerations associated with the accelerated development of geopressured methane in the United States and on the Outer Continental Shelf, addressing legal, institutional, and regulatory barriers to such development and the current status of technology development to support such accelerated development. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a similar review of accelerated development of the energy potential of hot dry rock systems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Inter-agency Geothermal Coordinating Committee and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a complete review of the need for environmental control technology, generic or specialized for a particular form of geothermal energy, to support the accelerated development of all forms of geothermal energy. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a program in cooperation with the insurance and reinsurance industry to provide reservoir insurance to any qualified eligible applicant having a total direct investment of not less than $1,000,000 in the development and use of a geothermal resource associated with a reservoir. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for the purposes of such program. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the utilization of geothermal energy in Federal buildings, facilities, and installations in the United States, to be developed in full coordination with existing programs for solar utilization and energy conservation. Title IV: Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act - Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious process for Federal approval of geothermal energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority geothermal energy projects based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such project. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency of department fails to meet its deadline. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions 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 where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title V: Geothermal Amendments of 1979 to the National Energy Act of 1978 - Geothermal Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Energy Tax Act of 1978 to: (1) qualify geothermal equipment for the investment tax credit; (2) provide that the time period during which geothermal equipment may qualify for such credit shall extend to December 31, 1989; (3) eliminate as an item of tax preference, for purposes of the minimum tax, the amount by which the intangible drilling costs incurred with respect to geothermal properties exceed the net income of the taxpayer from such properties for the taxable year; and (4) permit the deduction of intangible drilling and development costs related to geothermal reinjection wells in the taxable year in which such costs are incurred. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to include facilities which produce energy from geothermal resources within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to exclude from the definition of "employee" any person engaged in the manufacture, repair, servicing, or sale of recreational or fishing boats, unless such person is: (1) so engaged on or over the navigable waters of the United States (as defined prior to the enactment of P.L. 92-576); and (2) not otherwise covered by State workers' compensation law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the limitation on outside income for beneficiaries age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit distilled spirits plants to be established solely for producing, processing, storing, using, and distributing distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt such distilled spirits plants from the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to distilled spirits, wines, and beers (except requirements pertaining to the payment of the excise tax) when necessary to facilitate the production of fuel. Permits distilled spirits to be withdrawn free of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirit plant exclusively for fuel use. Prohibits distilled spirits to be withdrawn, used, sold, or disposed of for any purpose other than fuel use. Specifies that the term "distilled spirits" does not include distilled spirits produced from petroleum, natural gas, or coal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Sohio Pipeline Expediting Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue all remaining State and Federal permits necessary for construction and operation of the Long Beach-Midland crude oil transportation pipeline project from Long Beach, California, to Midland, Texas. Sets forth procedures for the application and issuance of permits not yet applied for by the project sponsor. Limits judicial review of actions taken by State and Federal officials to claims alleging denial of Federal constitutional rights. Sets forth an expedited procedure for judicial review of such actions, including the establishment of a statute of limitations, the granting of exclusive original jurisdiction to the United States district court in such cases, priority consideration on such court's docket of such cases, and the barring of injunctive relief against the issuance of any State or Federal permit except in specified circumstances. Stipulates that any review of an interlocutory or final judgment or other order of the district court may be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to delete references to the Long Beach-Midland Project relating to waiver of Federal law, expedited procedures for issuance of permits, and judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Time-Sensitive Business Communications Act of 1979 - Permits letters of a trade or business which must be delivered within 12 hours or by noon of the next business day to be carried out of the mails whenever there is no available service of the Postal Service which assures delivery within such time at a cost equal to or lower than that for private carriage. Subjects any individual who knowingly sends letters out of the mails under this Act which are not time-sensitive to a fine not to exceed $500.
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 · 17 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) against the summary executions without due process in Iran; and (2) that the United States will act to prevent criminal or terrorist actions against persons in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 to delay for one year certain provisions relating to areas which fail to meet national ambient air quality standards.
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 · 9 May 1979
Youth Opportunity Wage Act of 1979 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow employers to employ youths between 16 and 20 years of age, without prior or special certification by the Secretary of Labor, at 85 percent of the minimum wage (or the applicable wage in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) for 180 days, with the exception of youths employed by an employer at the minimum wage before the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure against violations of such provisions. Prohibits employers from engaging in a pattern and practice of: (1) substituting younger workers employed at less than the minimum wage for older workers employed at or above the minimum wage; or (2) terminating the employment of some youths and employing other youths in order to gain continual advantage from the youth opportunity wage. Establishes rates of compensation and fines for such violations. Eliminates special subminimum wage provisions for full-time students.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require that aged, blind, or disabled aliens, as defined in title XVI, must have resided in the United States during the three years immediately preceding such aliens' application for benefits under title XVI. Exempts from the three-year requirement those aliens: (1) who are political refugees or parolees into this country; (2) with respect to whom the support agreement under the Immigration and Nationality Act is excused; and (3) certain blind or disabled individuals. Stipulates that such three-year requirement shall apply only to aliens applying for supplemental security income benefits under title XVI. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to stipulate that no immigrant shall be admitted into the United States unless: (1) at the time of application for admission a support agreement exists which states that the immigration sponsor shall provide such financial support as is necessary to maintain the immigrants' income at a dollar amount equal to the dollar amount such immigrant would receive under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, if such immigrant is aged, blind, or disabled as defined in title XVI, during the three-year period beginning on the date of admission of the immigrant; (2) such immigrant presents evidence of other means to provide the required support; or (3) such immigrant is designated as a parolee or political refugee without available means of private support. Authorizes the Attorney General, the immigrant, or any State which is making payments to such immigrant under any program based on need, to enforce such agreements in a civil action. Declares a support agreement excused and unenforceable if: (1) the sponsor dies or is adjudicated as bankrupt; (2) the alien becomes blind or disabled from causes arising after admission to the U.S.; (3) the sponsor can affirmatively demonstrate that his or her financial resources have diminished beyond the sponsor's control and that the sponsor is financially incapable of supporting the alien; or (4) judgment cannot be obtained in court because of circumstances unforeseeable to the alien at the time of admission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals bilingual election requirements that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that every effort be made to preserve Rhodes Tavern, Keith's Theatre and Albee Building, and the National Metropolitan Bank Building in the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, whenever it is necessary to reduce food stamp allotments to comply with appropriation requirements, to ensure that such reductions reflect the ratio of household income to the income standards of eligibility for households of equal size prescribed by such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe: (1) special provisions applicable to persons 60 years of age or over and handicapped or disabled persons; and (2) minimum allotments after any reductions. Requires the Secretary to provide the appropriate congressional committees with a statement setting forth the basis of his belief and a description of the manner in which allotments will be reduced whenever he has reason to believe such reductions will be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Declares that Zimbabwe Rhodesia has: (1) demonstrated its willingness to negotiate in good faith at an all parties conference; and (2) approved through elections transferring power to a black majority government. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) should determine that Zimbabwe Rhodesia is in substantial compliance with the International Security Assistance Act of 1978; and (2) should not enforce sanctions against Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the Internal Revenue Service may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such pamphlet to accompany the first communication from the Service to any taxpayer regarding tax liability. Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an Office of Taxpayer Services, directed by an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue, whose primary responsibilities shall include: (1) assisting taxpayers with information about tax returns, audits corrections, appeals procedures, and payment or document location; and (2) receiving and evaluating complaints of improper, abusive, or inefficient service by Internal Revenue Service personnel. Authorizes the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order prohibiting the Secretary, for up to 60 days after such issuance, from taking any assessment, collection, or other action adverse to a taxpayer if the Assistant Commissioner determines that such taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of such action. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual which are not directly related to such tax laws; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation, or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Requires the Internal Revenue Service, upon a taxpayer's request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment in the taxpayer's residence or place of business, at a reasonable time convenient to the taxpayer. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney. Exempts certain income producing property from levy for nonpayment of taxes. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to establish, and to report annually to Congress on, a program to provide for a continuing audit and investigation of the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the administration of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the flood control project on Redbank and Fancher Creeks, California.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit the waiver of residency requirements for individuals residing in a foreign country who claim income tax deductions for living expenses incurred in such country, if such individuals are prevented from conducting normal business in such country due to war, civil unrest, or similar adverse conditions, and such individuals prove to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that they would have met such residency requirements under normal conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to declare a "public charge" any alien, except a political refugee, who receives within three years of entry into the United States, benefits under titles I (Old Age and Medical Assistance for the Aged), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XIX (Medicaid), or IV, part A (Aid to families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act, or under any other State or Federal public assistance program based on need. Requires aliens to have resided in the United States for three years before becoming eligible for benefits under titles I, X, XIV, XVI, XIX, or IV, part A of the Social Security Act. Exempts from this requirement political refugees and individuals who became blind or disabled after the date of the admission of such individuals to the United States. Provides that the income and resources of an individual who sponsors an alien for admission to the United States shall be imputed to such alien during the period of sponsorship, but not longer than three years, for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits under titles I, X, XIV, XVI, XIX, or IV, part A of the Social Security Act. Exempts aliens who became blind or disabled after the date of their admission to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretaries which proves clearly and convincingly that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretaries determine that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which has essentially the same effect on meat products as nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) will not impose an unreasonable economic burden on consumers or meat processors. Requires the Secretaries to conduct or support (by grant or contract) research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Motor Carrier Ratemaking Reform Act of 1979 - Stipulates that the antitrust laws shall not apply to pipeline or water carriers that are parties to a rate agreement approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Applies antitrust laws, relating to unlawful restraints and monopolies, to parties to a rate agreement where one of the parties to such an agreement is a motor carrier or freight forwarder. Declares to be reasonable a rate decrease or increase proposed by a motor carrier or freight forwarder which is no greater than seven percent above, or 20 percent below, the rate in effect on January 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Stipulates that the Senate shall not grant its advice and consent on the appointment of an Ambassador to Afghanistan until the President certifies to Congress that Afghanistan apologizes for the death of the former U.S. Ambassador and agrees to provide adequate protection for U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Farm Water Act of 1979 - Replaces the existing acreage limitation of 160 acres of reclaimed land per individual with a limitation of 320 acres. Permits larger acreages where the land is less productive or other factors make it less valuable for agriculture. Lists specified lands to which the acreage limitations shall not apply including land within a water district which has paid construction charges of the reclamation project relating to the delivery of water to such landholding. Prevents the delivery of water to irrigable land in excess of 320 acres held in private ownership by a single landowner if such landowner refuses to execute a valid contract for the sale of such excess land within ten years. Permits delivery of project water to excess land after the effective date of this Act only if the title to such land is made subject to a condition that the land shall not be sold at a price greater than the landowner's costs increased only by the rate increase of the consumer price index for the period between the dates of purchase and sale. Abolishes the requirement that a qualified recipient must reside on or near a landholding in order for such landholding to be eligible to receive water.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hayakawa, Samuel Ichiye [R-CA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000384_200.jpg)