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United States · Official source
3,423 records where Sen. Matsunaga, Spark M. [D-HI] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Used Machinery Investment Credit Adjustment Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $100,000 to $200,000 the cost of used property which is eligible for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Permits the voluntary withholding of State taxes from the wages of a seaman employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Small Business Tax Reduction Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the tax on corporate income: (1) from 17 percent to 15 percent of the first $25,000; (2) by increasing the range of the 30 percent rate from $50,000-$75,000 to $50,000-$100,000; (3) by increasing the range of the 40 percent rate from $75,000-$100,000-$100,000-$150,000; and (4) by including the minimum threshold for the 46 percent rate from $100,000 to $150,000.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979
Hawaiian Native Claims Settlement Study Commission Act of 1979 - Establishes the Hawaiian Native Claims Settlement Study Commission to study the culture, needs, and concerns of Native Hawaiians and recommend the means by which the United States may compensate them for injuries arising from its annexation of Hawaii. Provides that nine of the Commission's fifteen members shall be of specified degrees of Native blood, and that eight members shall be nominated from a list of suggested members from the Governor of Hawaii. Directs the Commission to publish a draft report of its findings, within one year of enactment of this Act, and make such report available to appropriate Federal and State agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations, and the public. Directs the Commission to submit a final report, within six months of the draft report, to the President and appropriate Congressional committees. Requires such report's recommendations to include provisions for financial and land compensation that will enhance Native education and culture, and administrative provisions for the distribution of any remedy. Provides that the Commission's recommendations will be designed to seek a final settlement of Native claims without creating a wardship or trusteeship or diminishing the Natives' status as United States citizens. States that this resolution shall not constitute an extension of jurisdiction or consent to Hawaiian Natives to sue the Government, or a precedent for reopening any past settlement of such claims. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve a reasonable portion of funds appropriated under this Act for the purpose of providing necessary expenses to Commission members in testifying before the Congress on their activities while serving on the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1979
Department of Peace Organization Act of 1979 - Title I: Department of Peace - Establishes a Department of Peace to: (1) develop and recommend to the President plans to foster peace; and (2) cooperate with other nations in research and planning for the peaceful resolution of international conflicts. Provides for the appointment of a Secretary of Peace. Requires the Secretary to make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of current international controversies in which the United States has or claims an interest. Directs the Secretary to establish a Cultural Exchange Division to assist the interchange of ideas between private groups in the United States and those in other countries. Provides for the appointments of an Under Secretary of Peace, four Assistant Secretaries of Peace, and a General Counsel. Transfers the following agencies and functions to the Department: (1) the International Development Cooperation Agency; (2) the ACTION Agency; (3) the functions of the President under the Peace Corps Act; (4) the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; (5) the functions of the Secretary of State relating to U.S. participation in specialized international agencies in the economic, social, cultural, educational, health, and related fields; and (6) other functions determined by the President to relate primarily to the Department's functions. Directs the Secretary to prepare and transmit to Congress a proposed codification of all laws which authorize functions transferred to the Secretary by this title. Title II: National Peace Academy - Establishes a National Peace Academy in the Department to train U.S. citizens for service in programs promoting international and domestic understanding and peace. Provides for a Director, staff, and instructors for the Academy. Establishes a Board of Trustees of the Academy to advise the Secretary on the operation of the Academy. Specifies the composition of the Board. Sets forth the duties of the Board. Authorizes 150 students at the Academy. Entitles students to stipends and travel and transportation allowances. Specifies elements to be included in the course of instruction. Requires students to agree to complete the course of instruction and accept employment for at least two years with an international organization engaged in promoting international understanding and peace. Title III: United States Peace Award Commission - Establishes the U.S. Peace Award Commission in the Department to make awards to U.S. citizens and foreign citizens who have made notable contributions to peace and conflict resolution. Directs the Commission to develop a method for distributing the awards that maximizes public awareness of the goals of the awards. Specifies the composition of the Commission. Provides for a Director and a staff of the Commission. Sets forth the administrative authority of the Commission. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth the administrative authority of the Secretary. Provides for the transfer of personnel in connection with the functions transferred to the Department. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make additional incidental dispositions that are determined to be necessary. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President for submission to Congress on the Department's activities. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Peace to advise the President on appointments to the United Nations or its related organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Establishes the Patent and Trademark Office as an independent Government agency. Designates the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks as the Chief Officer of the Office. Declares that the Commissioner shall be appointed to a six-year term of office and shall be removable from office by the President with the consent of the Senate, only for good cause. Sets forth conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979
Higher Education Military Service Student Loan Cancellation Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of Education to repay or cancel specified amounts or percents of student loans made after October 1, 1975, under the federally insured or guaranteed and the national direct student loan programs, for military service after October 1, 1980 by the borrower. Provides that, for each complete year of service, amounts eligible to be repaid or cancelled are: (1) $500 or ten percent of the loan, for enlisted members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces; or (2) $1,000 or 20 percent of the loan, whichever is greater, for enlisted members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for such purposes for fiscal year 1981 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Defense to prescribe a fund allocation schedule during any year for which such appropriation is not sufficient to pay the sum of the amounts eligible for repayment or cancellation, giving priority for service that qualifies for special pay in an area of hostilities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979
Declares that a named individual shall be classified as a treaty investor under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Ida Nudel and allow her to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President to: (1) express U.S. opposition to the exile of Ida Nudel to Siberia; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law, particularly concerning human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Military Manpower Study Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive study of the immediate and long-term military manpower needs. Establishes the National Commission on Military Manpower Needs to conduct a similar study.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all countries and all people be urged to respond generously to Cambodian relief efforts; (2) Cambodian authorities be encouraged to allow the use of all possible avenues for delivering food and medical supplies; and (3) the United States and the United Nations should express their expectation that the great power supporters of the factions in Cambodia share in international responsibility for averting famine.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to revise the circumstances under which a qualified pension plan may invest in employer real property. Redefines "eligible individual account plan" for purposes of the provision limiting the acquisition of employer real property by certain plans to include a money purchase plan which on the date of enactment of this Act invested in qualifying employer real property or invested primarily in qualifying employer securities (current law only provides for the latter). Redefines "qualifying employer real property" to include one parcel of employer real property. Stipulates that the current requirement that employer real property be dispersed geographically applies only to a holding of more than one parcel. Requires, when a pension plan holds only one parcel of employer real property, that: (1) the parcel be subject to a lease containing specified provisions; (2) the cost of the property or acquisition indebtedness not exceed a specified proportion of the value of plan assets; (3) the annual rate of return on the property be as favorable as if the property was leased to an unrelated party; (4) legal title be held by and the property be administered by an independent professional trustee; and (5) the lease be approved by an independent fiduciary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, Gun Control - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to revise and add definitions used in the Act. Defines "handgun" to include handgun parts. Defines "Department" to mean the Department of Justice (current law is under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury). Prohibits non-licensees from engaging in the business of repairing firearms or ammunition. Stipulates that certain otherwise lawful activities, such as the returning of a firearm by a licensee to the person from whom it was received and the mailing of a firearm to a licensee for the purpose of repair, shall be unlawful with respect to "easily concealable handguns" (that is, those handguns not approved by the Attorney General under this Act). Prohibits the loan or rental of an easily concealable handgun to another person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes. Prohibits a licensee from selling a handgun to a person who does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises. Prohibits a licensee from selling or delivering a firearm or ammunition to any person if such sale or delivery violates a public ordinance at the place of residence of the purchaser. Revises the statement which must be submitted to a licensee by a purchaser not appearing at such licensee's business premises to provide that such purchaser be 18 years of age with respect to all firearms (current law requires a purchaser of any firearm other than a shotgun or rifle to be 21 years of age). Prohibits a licensee from manufacturing, assembling, selling, or transferring any handgun, other than a curio or relic, which has not been approved by the Attorney General. Prohibits any person from transferring such a handgun unless such person has reasonable cause to believe that the handgun has been approved. Excepts the mailing of handguns to comply with approved standards under certain circumstances. Prohibits the modification of an approved handgun resulting in the failure of such handgun to meet the approved standards. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of individuals transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt of any firearm or ammunition; and (2) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Includes such categories in the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain classes of individuals. Prohibits any person from transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of a State law in a place to or through which the firearm was transported. Prohibits a licensee from transferring three or more handguns to the same non-licensee within a period of one year, without prior approval of the Attorney General. Prohibits a non-licensee from receiving three or more handguns within one year without such approval. Prohibits any person who has knowledge of the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his control or possession to fail to report such incident to a law enforcement officer and the Attorney General. Specifies the circumstances under which a person in lawful possession of a license or permit to: (1) carry handguns issued under a State licensing or permit granting program approved by the Attorney General, may purchase or receive a handgun in any State from a licensed dealer or non-licensee; and (2) purchase handguns issued under an approved program, may purchase or receive a handgun in the State issuing the license or permit. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for licenses or permits to carry or purchase handguns and to certify as approved those satisfying specified requirements. Specifies the circumstances under which (except as provided by other sections of the Act) a licensed dealer or non-licensee may transfer a handgun to another non-licensee. Sets new annual licensing fees of $5,000 for a manufacturer or importer of handguns, $500 for a dealer in handguns, $100 for a dealer in ammunition for handguns that is not also used in rifles, and $100 for a dealer who is a gunsmith. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition and such dealers from conducting business from the premises of a pawnbroker. Imposes additional requirements for the approval of a license application by the Attorney General. Increases from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license, or subject a licensee who violates any provision of the Act to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Sets forth new recordkeeping requirements for licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers in handguns. Provides for the transfer of records where a licensee loses his license, transfers the business to another person, or in any way ceases doing business. Directs the Attorney General to appoint a 15-member Handgun Criteria Commission to develop criteria for the evaluation of handgun models according to frame size and other appropriate factors for determining whether such models are easily concealable, have potential for criminal use, or are particularly suitable for sporting purposes. Requires the Commission to submit a report containing such criteria within one year of enactment and to evaluate biannually the effectiveness of existing criteria. Directs the Attorney General to revise the criteria upon a determination by the Commission that handguns satisfying existing criteria are significantly involved in handgun crime. Requires final criteria to be transmitted to Congress, which may disapprove by resolution the criteria within 60 days of continuous session. Directs the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer any handgun model which satisfies the established criteria after representative samples of such model are evaluated and tested. Authorizes exceptions with respect to handguns which are particularly appropriate for law enforcement purposes. Directs the Attorney General, prior to the time that criteria have been established, to evaluate samples of all handgun models and approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer handgun models which meet specified requirements. Sets forth procedures for the administrative review of a finding that a sample submitted has failed to meet the approved standards. Requires a list of handgun models which have been tested and the test results. Deems approved any handgun model not in manufacture on or after October 21, 1968, and which has not been tested. Revises the penalties under such Act. Disallows, with respect to a person who uses or carries a firearm during the commission of any felony and receives an additional sentence, the suspension of such sentence, the giving of probation, or the concurrent running of a term of imprisonment (under current law such prohibitions apply only to a second or subsequent offense). Sets forth a mandatory period of parole ineligibility for such offense, unless the court finds specified mitigating circumstances. Makes any person (including a licensee) who negligently sells or transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury suffered by an individual as a result of the use of the handgun by the transferee in the commission of an offense that causes death or personal injury to that individual. Stipulates that certain exceptions to the provisions of the Act shall only apply with respect to handguns which have been approved by the Attorney General in accordance with the Act. Allows a mental incompetent to be relieved from the disabilities of the Act with respect to the possession, acquisition, or transfer of firearms upon specific findings by a court. Authorizes the Attorney General to permit the importation of approved handguns. Directs the Attorney General to make annual grants for each fiscal year and supplemental grants at his discretion for compensation of victims of handgun crime to qualifying State programs for the compensation of victims of handgun crime. Specifies eligibility criteria for such programs and the amount of authorized payments. Requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the congressional judiciary committees concerning such programs. Establishes a nine-member Advisory Committee on Victims of Handgun Crime to advise the Attorney General on the administration of the programs and policies relating to the compensation of victims of handgun crimes. Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Authorizes the President to transfer additional functions of other agencies to the Department which relate to the functions transferred by this Act. Establishes within the Department of Justice the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration to administer the functions of the Attorney General under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Directs the Attorney General to transmit to Congress as part of the annual report of the Department of Justice a report on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application for a user permit or a license to import, manufacture, or deal in explosive materials must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license, or subject a licensee who violates any statutory requirement to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Directs the Postal Service to promulgate regulations for the conveyance of handguns in the mails. Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations established by the Act of September 24, 1959, in consultation with the United States Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, to report within six months of enactment on: (1) intergovernmental problems in controlling illicit handgun traffic; and (2) the effectiveness of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Gun Control 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). Makes this Act effective 120 days after enactment, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Designates the month of July 1980 as "National Porcelain Art Month."
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 · 28 September 1979
Omnibus Solar Commercialization Act of 1979 - Title I: Renewable Energy Initiatives - Establishes a national goal for the increased use of renewable energy resources as a part of the Nation's total energy supply in the year 2000. States that it shall be the policy of the Secretary of Energy to utilize State and local government organizations, Energy Extension Services, regional Solar Energy Research Centers, and other such entities in providing information services, training, education and other services to the public and to persons involved in the development and commercialization of solar energy systems. Directs the Secretary to establish a Solar Energy and Conservation Information Center to provide information services to the public and to the entities listed above, including: (1) retrieval and dissemination of solar energy development and commercialization materials; (2) development of materials specifically designed to assist architects, builders, installers, manufacturers and others involved in solar energy development and commercialization; and (3) development of training and education programs specifically designed for such purposes. Directs Federal agency heads responsible for construction of new civilian Federal buildings to require the utilization of active and passive solar energy systems unless it is determined that such systems are not cost effective, according to a specified formula. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense a ten percent alcohol and gasoline mixture. Authorizes the Administrators of the Alaska Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Western Area Power Administration to purchase power from proposed non-federally constructed generating facilities utilizing renewable energy resources. Authorizes such Administrators to construct and operate non-hydroelectric generating facilities, provided that the Administrator has made a public offer to purchase or guarantee the purchase of power from a comparable non-federally constructed facility and has received no offer from a non-federal entity to construct such a facility. Authorizes those Administrators to renegotiate existing power sales to customers who undertake energy conservation programs. Directs the Secretary to establish programs: (1) to promote the development and utilization of synergistic combinations of different renewable energy resources; (2) to initiate energy self-sufficiency at appropriate levels of government to accelerate the development of such resources; and (3) of Federal assistance to stimulate private industry participation in energy self-sufficiency initiatives. Establishes an Office of Energy Self-Sufficiency to undertake such programs. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan setting forth the responsibilities of such Office. Title II: Wind Energy Initiatives - Establishes program objectives for the development and commercialization of wind energy. Directs the Secretary to establish programs designed to promote research, development, demonstration, field experimentation, and commercialization of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes criteria for program selection under this title. Directs the Secretary to monitor the performance and operation of wind energy systems installed under this title and to collect and evaluate data derived therefrom, as well as to conduct studies and take such other actions to assure the effectiveness of such programs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a Federal Applications Study for Wind Energy Systems in cooperation with appropriate Federal agencies to determine potential uses of wind power in Federal facilities and to identify potential sites for such systems at specified agencies. Directs the Secretary to conduct other specified studies and analyses related to wind energy. Establishes a wind energy utilization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive plan and program of research, development, and demonstration of ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive commercialization plan designed to realize the goal of producing 10,000 megawatts of electrical capacity or energy product equivalent from ocean thermal energy conversion systems by the year 1999. Sets forth criteria for the selection of programs and the establishment of priorities concerning ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Establishes an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on the implementation and conduct of the programs established under this Act and on other matters concerning ocean thermal energy conversion. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for plant and capital equipment for specified ocean thermal energy conversion demonstration plants.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
National Endowment for Children's Television Act of 1979 - Establishes a National Endowment for Children's Television. Authorizes such Endowment to enter into contracts and provide grants to individuals or groups engaged in upgrading children's programming. Establishes within such Endowment a National Council on Children's Television.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Residential Energy Efficiency Program of 1979 - Amends the State residential energy conservation plan provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to institute an alternative home energy efficiency program in any State, political subdivision, utility service area, or geographical area thereof. Exempts persons subject to such program from the requirements and prohibitions contained in the utility program established under such Act. Sets forth requirements for such alternative home energy efficiency program, including: (1) a requirement that the Secretary designate a Federal, State, or local agency to negotiate a contract with an energy conservation company to undertake a home energy retrofit program in a specified geographic area for a specified per unit price to be paid by such agency; (2) a requirement that such energy conservation company comply with specified criteria concerning such home energy retrofit program; and (3) a requirement that the designated agency establish accurate normalized measurements of energy use by type of energy before and after the installation of such retrofit measures to determine the saving produced by such energy conservation company. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to designated agencies to pay energy conservation companies for energy actually saved. Requires public utilities to make periodic payments to the Secretary not to exceed the value of the savings in a given year realized by such utilities as a result of the energy actually saved. Authorizes such utilities to sell any energy available to it as a result of a home energy retrofit program to willing nonresidential buyers. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in order to finance such energy retrofit programs in the event the moneys received from public utilities under this Act are insufficient to finance such programs. Places limitations on the Secretary's authority to enter into such contracts depending on the amount of payments received from public utilities pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, prior to instituting any program authorized by this Act, to provide for public comment. Expands the definition of "residential buildings" for the purposes of this Act to include buildings having more than four dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1979
Alternative Energy Source and Conservation Tax Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 15 percent to 50 percent (not to exceed $2,000) the percentage of qualified energy conservation expenditures allowable as a residential energy credit against an individual's income tax. Eliminates the limitation that such qualified expenditures be made only with respect to the taxpayer's principal residence. Raises from $2,200 to $5,000 the maximum amount of qualified renewable energy source expenditures allowable as a residential energy tax credit. Qualifies the differential cost of renewable energy source property which is a structural component of a building as one such expenditure. Extends eligibility for the residential energy tax credit to: (1) a landlord for installation of alternative energy equipment on rental residential property; and (2) a builder for installation of such equipment in a house built for sale (reserving such builder the option to pass such credit through to the first purchaser). Applies such credit to lease payments on such equipment (so long as the lessor certifies that he has not taken the credit himself). Permits a homeowner to file an amended return for his previous taxable year and receive such credit against the previous year's taxes for eligible energy expenditures in his current taxable year. Extends the tax credit for photovoltaic systems to homeowners. Revises the eligibility for such credit of the costs of drilling geothermal wells (but only if no deduction is taken for intangible drilling and development costs). Extends coverage of the ten percent business investment tax credit to all solar and wind energy property, including structural modifications and components. Allows an additional 20 percent energy investment tax credit for solar, wind, and geothermal expenditures. Makes hydroelectric properties (other than dams) eligible for such additional 20 percent credit. Makes wind-powered mechanical energy eligible for both credits. Makes utilities and private enterprises eligible: (1) for the additional 20 percent credit for purchase and installation of all wind and solar equipment; and (2) for a further ten percent credit for purchase and installation of cogeneration equipment. Makes heat pumps (including water well heat pumps) eligible for the 15 percent residential conservation credit and the ten percent energy tax credit for business. Extends the expiration date for such credits through fiscal year 2000. Increases the current four cents per gallon to a 40 cents per gallon exemption from the Federal special fuels diesel and gasoline excise taxes for each gallon of alcohol sold in an alcohol-gasoline (gasohol) mixture, and extends the expiration date of such exemption through fiscal year 2000. Allows a credit against income tax for any amount in excess of the excise taxes refunded or credited pursuant to such exemption. Includes the amount of such income tax credit in gross income for the applicable year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury's annual gasohol report to Congress to include: (1) a calculation of the need for continued gasohol incentives (and the appropriate level); and (2) a comparison of the cost of alcohols produced from corn, wheat, wood and other substances. Allows van pools operated by non-employers (third parties or owner-operators) to take the same ten percent investment tax credit currently available to employers only.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 11 September 1979
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the duty-free entry of field glasses, opera glasses, and prism binoculars.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any employee who is a member of and adheres to a bona fide religion, body, or sect historically holding conscientious objection to joining or financially supporting a labor organization shall not be required to do so. Allows such employee to be required in an employment contract to pay sums in lieu of and equal to dues and initiation fees to a nonreligious, nonlabor, charitable organization chosen by the employee. Authorizes the labor organization to charge such employee the reasonable cost of any grievance-arbitration procedure instigated by and for such employee's benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax exclusion from personal income earned abroad by an individual performing qualified charitable services for a tax-exempt employer. Limits such exclusion to an amount not to exceed a figure computed on a daily basis at an annual rate of $20,000. Sets a formula for the maximum amount of exclusion for an individual who performs such charitable services and also performs other services while residing in a camp located in a hardship area.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Provides that the regularly scheduled work week of each Federal firefighter shall be an average of 56 hours per week, computed on the basis of a period of 21 consecutive days. States that in lieu of premium pay provided for by present law, such firefighters shall be entitled to 25 percent of so much of their annual rate of basic pay as does not exceed the minimum rate of basic pay for GS-10.
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 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
Designates the Department of Labor Building in Washington, D.C., as the Frances Perkins Department of Labor Building.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer election to amortize, on the basis of 60 months, business start-up expenditures incurred prior to the commencement of such business on an ongoing basis. Defines "start-up expenditures" as expenditures which are incurred in the investigation, formation, and creation of a trade or business, are chargeable to capital account, and are of a character which, if expended incident to the investigation, formation, and creation of a trade or business having a determinable life, would be amortized over such life.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Exempts inflatable boats and rafts used for carrying passengers for hire from the provisions of the coastwise laws requiring vessels to be built in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Reaffirms the support of Congress for the right of political self-determination of the people of Puerto Rico.
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 · 25 July 1979
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to assign to the Secretary of the Army for disposal such surplus real property or personal property as is suitable, desirable, or necessary for the development, improvement, operation, or maintenance of a public harbor, including property needed to develop sources of revenue from nonmaritime businesses at a harbor. Requires that the deed of conveyance of such property provide that the property shall be used for the purpose for which it was conveyed in perpetuity or, at the Secretary's option, it shall revert to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, subject to the disapproval of the Administrator, to: (1) enforce compliance with the terms of any instrument governing such transfer; (2) reform any such instrument; (3) grant releases from any of the terms of such an instrument; or (4) convey to the transferee any right or interest reserved to the United States by such an instrument upon determining that such conveyance shall not prevent the accomplishment of the purpose of the transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Designates the period of April 13 through April 19, 1980, as "Days of Remembrance of Victims of Holocaust."
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1979
Veteran Senior Citizen Health Care Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the increasing demand for geriatric and extended health care and medical services being placed on the Veterans' Administration (VA) hospital system; and (2) to make the VA hospital system foremost in the area of geriatric health care and the repository of gerontology medical knowledge. Directs that within the Office of the Chief Medical Director of the VA one Assistant Chief Medical Director shall be doctor of geriatrics, and shall be responsible for the VA's geriatric services. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to designate 15 VA hospitals as demonstration centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical operations. Stipulates that such centers shall operate until September 30, 1983. Directs the Administrator to provide that: (1) each hospital operating as a geriatric center on the date of enactment of this Act be designated as the location for a demonstration center; and (2) such designated hospitals be geographically dispersed across the United States. Directs the Administrator to establish a Geriatrics and Extended Care Task Force within the VA's Special Medical Advisory Group. Stipulates that such Task Force shall assess: (1) the VA's capability to provide geriatric services on a sustained and growing basis to eligible veterans; and (2) the current and projected needs for geriatric and extended health services among eligible veterans. Requires such Task Force to submit a report to the Administrator and the Special Medical Advisory Group within 18 months after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Administrator to transmit such report, (within 90 days of receipt) along with any comments, to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Requires a final report to be submitted by such Task Force within four years of the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of: (1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1980; (2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1981; (3) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1982; and (4) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act - Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with countries, which are parties to the "Convention on the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property," to apply import restrictions on the archaeological or ethnological materials of requesting countries. Directs the President to seek a commitment of the requesting country to permit the exchange of such materials. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning such agreements. Authorizes the President to apply import restrictions if it is determined that an emergency condition applies with respect to such materials. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate a list of the archaeological or ethnological materials covered by such agreements or emergency actions. Establishes a Cultural Property Advisory Committee to review requests and recommend whether an agreement should be consummated or an emergency action implemented. Requires the Committee to review the effectiveness of such agreements or emergency actions. Prohibits the importation into the United States of: (1) designated archaeological or ethnological materials unless the appropriate country issues a document of lawful exportation; or (2) cultural articles stolen from a museum or a religious or secular institution. Sets forth procedures for temporary disposition, seizure, and forfeiture of articles under this Act. Exempts certain articles from this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that when determining an individual's net earnings from self-employment, for the purpose of computing an individual's benefit amount, if at least 50 percent of the total self-employment income was earned in a year prior to the year in which benefits are being paid, then that amount shall not be considered as net earnings from self-employment.
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 · 21 June 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Commercialization Act of 1979 - Title I - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make loans from funds available from the Geothermal Resources Development Fund to any municipality, electric cooperative, industrial development agency, nonprofit organization, or person for exploration for or confirming the economic viability of a geothermal energy reservoir. Sets forth requirements for amount, term, interest, and repayment of such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to cancel the balance of any loan upon determining that such reservoir is unacceptable for commercial development. Terminates such loan program on September 30, 1986. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 to be deposited in such Fund for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for such loan program. Title II: Technical Amendments to Public Law 93-410 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to transfer to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council all of the functions of the Geothermal Energy Coordination and Management Project. Revises, in relation to such transfer, the membership of such Council. Directs such Council to carry out its responsibilities by acting through the following agencies and departments: Department of Energy; National Science Foundation; Department of the Interior; Department of Commerce; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Department of Defense; Environmental Protection Agency; Department of the Treasury; and Department of Agriculture. Amends the loan guaranty program under such Act to guarantee up to 90 percent of the costs of loans made to an electric, housing, or other cooperative, or to a municipality for projects to foster commercial development of geothermal resources. Title III - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to include submerged lands on the Outer Continental Shelf and any lands withdrawn or acquired in aid of the functions of any department or agency of the Federal Government, including the Department of Defense. Revises the competitive bidding procedures of such Act. Increases the acreage limitation for geothermal leases to 266,560 acres in any one State, except as specified for leases in the State of Alaska. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consult with the head of any Federal agency or department to determine appropriate terms or conditions prior to issuing leases for lands under the jurisdiction of such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the use of geothermal resources in lands administered by him without requiring a lease or compensation therefor, upon his determination that such permit would be in the public interest, except that no such permit may be issued for generating electricity or for commercial applications. Authorizes the head of each Federal agency to develop for the use and benefit of such agency any geothermal energy resource within lands under his jurisdiction, provided that the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy concur that such use is in the public interest and will not deter commercial development. Sets forth procedures for applying for exploration permits. Makes various definitional changes in the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Geothermal Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979
Trade Agreements Act of 1979 - Approves specified trade agreements and the statements of administrative action proposed to implement such agreements. Authorizes the President to accept the final legal instruments embodying such agreements. Limits the President's acceptance authority. Requires the President to submit regulations and any amendments of existing statutes necessary to implement such agreements to Congress. Directs the Special Representative for trade negotiations to keep the Congressional delegates to trade negotiations informed of any requirements of, amendments to, or recommendations under, such agreements. Title I: Countervailing and Antidumping Duties - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require that a countervailing duty be imposed on imported merchandise if: (1) the administering authority determines that such merchandise receives any subsidy from a country subject to the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures or a similar agreement; and (2) the U.S. International Trade Commission determines that U.S. industry is materially injured or retarded by reason of such imports. Stipulates that such countervailing duty equal the amount of the net subsidy. Directs the administering authority to investigate whether such a subsidy is being provided to imported merchandise upon receiving: (1) information that such a situation exists; or (2) a petition from an interested party alleging such a situation exists. Stipulates that such petition be filed with the Commission in addition to the administering authority. Requires the administering authority to notify the Commission of any investigation in order that the Commission determine whether there is any indication of material injury to U.S. industry. Requires preliminary and final determinations to be made within specified time periods. Provides for the termination or suspension of such an investigation upon: (1) withdrawal of the petition by the petitioner; or (2) the country which allegedly provides subsidies, agreeing to eliminate such subsidy, cease exports of such merchandise, or (in extraordinary circumstances) eliminate the injurious effect of exports to the United States. Sets forth limitations to such agreements. Requires the administering authority to publish a countervailing duty order upon final affirmative determinations by the administering authority and the Commission concerning subsidies on imported merchandise. Requires that an antidumping duty be imposed on imported merchandise if: (1) the administering authority determines that such merchandise is, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less than its fair value; and (2) the Commission determines that U.S. industry is materially injured or retarded by reason of such imports. Stipulates that such an antidumping duty equal the amount by which the foreign market value exceeds the U.S. price for such merchandise. Sets forth procedures for investigations by the administering authority and the Commission into sales at less than fair value similar to the countervailing duty investigations. Requires the administering authority to publish an antidumping duty order upon final affirmative determinations by the administering authority and the Commission that imported merchandise is being sold in the United States at less than fair value. Directs the administering authority to review annually: (1) the amounts of countervailing and antidumping duties; and (2) any agreements suspending countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Requires the results of such review to be published along with any adjustments in the amounts of duty. Authorizes the administering authority to: (1) revoke a countervailing or antidumping duty order; or (2) terminate a suspended investigation after such review. Sets forth methods for determining the amounts of subsidies, material injury, U.S. prices, and foreign market value. Requires the administering authority and the Commission to hold a hearing during the course of any investigation at the request of a party to such investigation. Provides for the establishment of a library of information concerning foreign subsidy practices and countervailing measures. Requires specified information be available to the public. Provides for the confidentiality of certain information. Stipulates that interest be paid on overpayments and underpayments of amounts deposited on imported merchandise subject to countervailing or antidumping duty investigations. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commission to terminate pending investigations into subsidies or sales at less than market value and continue such investigations pursuant to this title. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to make existing provisions concerning countervailing duty investigations applicable only to imported articles from countries not parties to the Agreement. Revises the existing investigation procedures to conform with this title, with specified exceptions. Requires the administering authority to notify the Commission of specified countervailing duty orders. Directs the Commission to determine whether U.S. industry has been materially injured. Directs the administering authority to terminate the waiver of countervailing duties upon being notified by the Commission of an affirmative determination. Stipulates that countervailing duty orders issued under existing provisions shall remain in effect, but subject to review under this title. Continues the waiver of countervailing duty orders applicable to imported merchandise from countries under the Agreement, until the Commission determines whether U.S. industry has been materially injured. Repeals the Antidumping Act, 1921. Continues the effectiveness of findings made under such Act, subject to review under this title. Title II: Customs Valuation - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to revise the methods for appraising imported merchandise based on the transaction value, deductive value, computed value, or similar value. Repeals the existing alternative valuation standards. Directs the President to report to Congress with an evaluation of the domestic and international operation of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Specifies the effective dates of the revised valuation standards which vary depending on particular circumstances. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase the rate of duties on ball and roller bearings and pneumatic tires. Repeals provisions stipulating that the duties on clams, footwear, wool knit gloves, and chemicals be based on the American selling price. Increases the rate of duties on such products. Authorizes the President to modify the descriptions of chemicals contained in the Tariff Schedules in specified circumstances. Title III: Government Procurement - Authorizes the President to waive government procurement regulations for eligible products of designated countries, if such regulations result in less favorable treatment than that accorded to U.S. products or products from countries which are parties to the Agreement. Directs the President to prohibit the procurement of otherwise eligible products from countries which are not designated. Authorizes deferrals and waivers from such prohibition in specified circumstances. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) the effects on the U.S. economy of the refusal to allow the Agreement to cover governmental entities which are principal purchasers of goods and recommendations of alternative means; and (2) actions to establish reciprocity with industrialized countries in the area of government procurement. Authorizes the President to waive application of the Buy American Act in the case of procurement of civil aircraft and related articles from countries which are parties to the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, specifies objectives, including more open market access abroad, to be sought in the renegotiations provided for in the Agreement. Directs the President to report to Congress if the renegotiations are not progressing satisfactorily. Requires the President to give careful consideration to monitoring and enforcing the requirements of the Agreement and this title. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) administrative practices in the United States and other industrial countries regarding country of origin determinations; and (2) the economic impact on labor surplus areas of the waiver of the Buy American Act. Requires the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations to make procurement information available to the designated congressional advisors. Title IV: Technical Barriers to Trade (Standards) - Permits private persons and Federal and State agencies to engage in standards related activities that do not create unnecessary obstacles to U.S. foreign commerce. Requires Federal agencies which are engaged in such activities to: (1) ensure nondiscriminatory treatment of domestic and imported products; (2) take into consideration international standards; and (3) develop standards based on performance criteria. Gives the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations responsibility for: (1) coordinating and developing international trade policy; and (2) coordinating negotiations with foreign countries concerning standards-related activities. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to establish technical offices within their Departments to carry such functions as the President prescribes to implement this title. Requires the Secretary concerned to consult and coordinate, with the Special Representative, international standards-related activities. Stipulates that private organization members shall represent U.S. interests before any private international standards organization, unless the Secretary concerned has reason to believe such representation will be inadequate. Directs the Secretary concerned to encourage cooperation among interested Federal agencies which are the U.S. representatives to any international standards organization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a standards information center to serve as a national collection facility. Authorizes the Special Representative and the Secretary concerned to make grants, enter into contracts, or provide other assistance for assisting appropriate standards-related activities. Requires such officials to solicit technical and policy advise from the trade policy advisory committees. Permits parties to the Agreement and countries extending similar rights and privileges to the United States to make a representation to the Special Representative alleging that a standards-related activity violates U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Directs the interagency trade organization established by the President to review any findings by an appropriate international forum that a standards-related activity violates U.S. obligations under the Agreement. Permits Federal agencies to consider petitions against standards-related activity in specified circumstances. Exempts specified standards activity from this title. Requires the Special Representative to report to Congress concerning international and domestic operation of the Agreement. Title V: Implementation of Certain Tariff Negotiations - Authorizes aggregate reductions in the rates of duty which exceed the maximum specified in the Trade Act of 1974 in specified circumstances. Directs the President to increase the rates of duty on textile products if the Arrangement Regarding International Trade in Textiles, or substitute Arrangement, ceases to be effective. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to provide for the separate tariff treatment of sheep, goats, and prepared beef and veal. Authorizes the President to reduce the rate of duty applicable to yellow dent corn below statutory limitations. Revises the tariff provisions for carrots, dinnerware, watches, and brooms. Authorizes the duty-free entry of agricultural or horticultural machinery, equipment, implements, and parts, with specified exceptions. Continues the duty-free entry of certain wool through June 30, 1985. Converts various specific rates of duty to ad valorem equivalents. Title VI: Civil Aircraft Agreement - Authorizes the President to proclaim duty-free treatment for specified articles certified for use in civil aircraft when the conditions for acceptance of the Agreement on Trade Civil Aircraft are fulfilled. Title VII: Certain Agricultural Measures - Directs the President to limit the amount of quota cheese which may enter the United States. Requires the administering authority, with the Secretary of Agriculture, to determine whether countries are providing subsidies to quota cheese. Permits any person to file a complaint with the Secretary alleging that a quota cheese is being: (1) offered for sale at less than the U.S. domestic market price; and (2) subsidized by a foreign government. Directs the Secretary to investigate such complaint and report the determinations to the President. Requires the President to: (1) impose a fee on the imported article to insure that the price will not be less than the U.S. price; or (2) prohibit or limit the entry of such articles. Stipulates that the countervailing duty provisions under title I of this Act shall be inapplicable with regard to quota cheese from countries with whom we have entered into cheese agreements. Directs the President to increase the quota for chocolate crumb. Establishes limits on the aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be imported into the United States. Title VIII: Treatment of Distilled Spirits - Distilled Spirits Tax Revision Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to repeal: (1) the wine-gallon method for determining the excise tax on distilled spirits; (2) the rectification taxes on such spirits; and (3) the occupational taxes on rectifiers. Revises the method for determining the tax on distilled spirits and the time for paying such tax. Revises the provisions concerning the establishment, operations, and bonding of distilled spirits plants to require that all operations of distillers, warehousemen, or processors be conducted only on bonded premises by qualified persons. Revises the procedure for tax refunds for loss of distilled spirits. Permits distilled spirits to be denatured on the bonded premises of a qualified distilled spirits plant. Limits the transfer of wine between bonded premises. Sets forth transitional rules for collecting the distilled spirits taxes. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the wine-gallon method for assessing duties on distilled spirits, imports and instead, uses the internal revenue standard. Revises the rates of duty on distilled spirits to reflect such change. Directs the President to review foreign barriers to U.S. exports of alcoholic beverages and report the results to Congress. Authorizes the President to proclaim a lower rate of duty on a proof gallon basis upon receiving adequate reciprocal trade concessions. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the transfer of specified liquor products between bonded warehouses, regardless of their location. Title IX: Enforcement of United States Rights - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the President to take all feasible action to: (1) enforce U.S. rights under any trade agreement; and (2) respond to foreign practices which are inconsistent with trade agreements or are unreasonable or discriminatory. Permits the President to take such action even if no petition requesting such action has been filed. Sets forth the procedures for processing petitions filed by interested persons with the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. Requires the Special Representative to recommend actions to the President after investigating such a petition and consulting with the foreign country concerned. Requires the Special Representative to provide information to private persons about foreign trade practices and trade agreements. Repeals provisions permitting congressional disapproval of such Presidential actions. Title X: Judicial Review - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to set forth procedures for judicial review of countervailing and antidumping duty proceedings. Permits any interested party to petition for judicial review. Gives the U.S. Customs Court exclusive jurisdiction of any civil action brought to review a final determination concerning government procurement. Title XI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend the President's authority to enter into agreements to reduce nontariff barriers or other distortions to trade until January 3, 1988. Authorizes the President to sell import licenses at public auction. Directs the President to seek advice from the private sector concerning the operation of trade agreements and trade policy administration in general. Provides for the establishment of advisory committees representing service interests. Repeals the requirement that advisory committees report to Congress in 1980. Stipulates that committee members shall be consulted before and during negotiations. Exempts committees from reporting requirements contained in the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977. Requires the President to study and report to Congress concerning mutual expansion of market opportunities with other North American countries. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the International Trade Commission to investigate matters involving countervailing duty or antidumping law only if such matters in part involve acts independently establishing a basis for relief under the unfair trade practices provisions. Provides for civil penalties for violations of cease and desist orders issued in response to such unfair trade practices. Makes technical amendments to the Trade Act of 1974 and the Tariff Schedules of the United States. Requires monthly reports on the port of entry value of each item in the Tariff Schedules of the United States and the aggregate values of U.S. imports and exports based on such values. Requires the reporting of rates of duty which would be imposed on dutiable imports based on such values. Directs the President to submit a proposal to Congress concerning a restructuring of the executive branch's international trade functions. Requires the President to report to Congress with a review of export promotion and disincentives. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include regional economic organizations within the meaning of beneficiary developing country. Permits certain nations which are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to be designated beneficiary developing countries. Revises limitations on the value of goods qualifying for duty-free treatment. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, at the request of any U.S. possession, to determine whether trade concessions have adversely affected tax revenues of such possessions. Authorizes the President to include amounts in the budget to offset such reduced revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should call upon Paraguay to apprehend and extradite Josef Mengele to stand trial in the Federal Republic of Germany.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this Act, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1979
Stipulates that the steamship United States may operate in the domestic and foreign commerce of the United States and between foreign ports.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Declares an individual lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Energy Antimonopoly Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any entity, or subsidiary thereof, which produced or had an interest in a total of 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids in 1975 from acquiring control or a majority of the assets of any other entity whose assets exceed $100,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Entitles any individual covered by a Federal health benefits program which provides payment for the services of a psychiatric nurse practitioner to unrestricted selection of, and access to, such practitioner.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include the services of a qualified professional psychiatric nurse among those services provided under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.