United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Expresses the Senate's support for efforts to win the freedom of the hostages in Iran. Calls upon all nations to join in cooperative efforts to restrict relations with Iran. Declares that: (1) any trial or public exploitation of the hostages would be viewed as added provocation; and (2) the American people will not be diverted from their determination that the hostages be freed.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979
Occupational Safety and Health Improvements Act of 1980 - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to exempt employers who maintain workplaces which qualify as non-hazardous, according to specified standards, from inspections or investigations, with specified exceptions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with State workers' compensation or other appropriate State agencies under which such State agency will submit an annual list of all employers having one or more reported occupational injuries resulting in two or more lost workdays during the preceding year. Requires employers wishing to claim qualification for such exemptions to file an affidavit with the Secretary relating to the safety records of their workplaces. Limits the type or the amount of penalties which may be assessed against employers who maintain an advisory safety committee and a regular consultation program. Requires employers who qualify for exemptions from inspections or limitations on penalties to maintain records to which the Secretary has access. Provides for review by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and a U.S. court of appeals of rulings by the Secretary that workplaces do not qualify for exemptions from inspection or limitations on penalties. Prohibits considering consultant or committee reports or recommendations or employee assurances under this Act as evidence of a willful violation of such Act if the employer had a reasonable, good faith belief that the condition involved was not a violation. Prohibits specified liability claims against committees or consultants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assist State agencies to make necessary procedural modifications; (2) report to Congress on State participation; (3) advise employers and employees of the provisions of this Act; (4) require inclusion of the provisions of this Act, or of similar provisions, for approval of State plans; (5) develop and implement other means to identify workplaces qualifying for exemption, as an alternative to the affidavit process; and (6) explore and report on other means to encourage voluntary self- initiative in workplaces to improve safety and health conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to improve their administration of State workers' compensation programs. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts through fiscal year 1985 for such purpose. Declares the effective date of this Act to be January 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1979
Calls upon all followers of Islam to prevail upon their brethren to: (1) release the American hostages held in Iran; and (2) until they are released, permit them to worship regularly in accordance with their religious faiths and meet with clergy of their faiths.
United States · United States Congress · 14 December 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the adoption of any Federal budget in which expenditures exceed receipts unless approved by a rollcall vote of three-fifths of the Members of each House of Congress directed solely to that subject. Prohibits the Congress from passing and the President from signing any appropriation bill which would cause the total expenditures of the Federal Government to exceed its total receipts in any fiscal year. Permits the Congress to waive such provisions with respect to any single year in which a declaration of war is in effect. Prohibits any annual increase in the proportion of Federal receipts to the national income unless approved by a rollcall vote, directed solely to such purpose, of three-fifths of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Romania are urged: (1) to release certain political prisoners; and (2) to halt the incarceration and harassment of individuals contrary to the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) reaffirm U.S. commitment to the Helsinki Accords; (2) communicate to the Soviet Union U.S. disapproval of religious harassment of Christians in the Soviet Union and of the restrictions on such Christians' freedom to emigrate; and (3) advise the Soviet Union of U.S. expectation that the Soviet Union honor its commitments under the Helsinki Accords and under international law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Government of the United Kingdom merits commendation for reducing tensions in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and establishing a basis for peace in the region.
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
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 · 1 November 1979
Amends the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 to require congressional authorization of all sales and purchases of gold on behalf of the United States except for those effectuated to maintain or establish a permanent relationship between the dollar and a specified quantity of gold.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to stay any order, resulting from a court ordered environmental impact statement, canceling or modifying any permit or lease for grazing livestock on the public rangelands, to enable the permittee or lessee to appeal such order and exhaust all applicable administrative remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the city of American Falls, Idaho, specified lands within or adjacent to the city. Reserves all rights-of-way and oil and gas in such lands to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends the definition of the term "public institution" under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to permit individuals eligible for SSI payments who are residents of public institutions to continue to receive such payments regardless of the number of residents in such institution if there are no more than 20 eligible SSI recipients in the facility and provided that all residents are required to pay a reasonable amount for room, board, and services provided.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Prohibits the annual rate of pay for Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and the House, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives from exceeding the rate of salary payable for such office or position on September 30, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a "disabling crime." Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by the enumerated categories of individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records or documents and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Requires that resolutions of disapproval be immediately referred to only those standing committees having legislative responsibility for this Act. Allows a sponsor of any such resolution to move to discharge from further consideration a committee which does not report out the resolution within 45 days of continuous session of Congress. States that it shall be in order to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution any time after a committee has reported or has been discharged from further consideration. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 27 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President: (1) insist that the Soviet Union remove its troops expeditiously from Cuba; and (2) not agree to any concessions in exchange for such removal.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should report to Congress: (1) monthly concerning the military capabilities of Soviet troops in Cuba; and (2) annually concerning Soviet military assistance to Cuba and the military capabilities of Cuban troops.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979
Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to add a new "Title XX--Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Act" which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program in order to enable the United States to achieve net energy independence for agricultural and forestry production, processing, and marketing, and to reduce the petroleum and natural gas consumption of rural residents and communities by 50 percent by the year 2000. Directs the Secretary to establish an Agricultural, Forestry, and Rural Energy Board to assist the Secretary by: (1) making a comprehensive assessment of the Nation's agricultural, forestry and rural energy needs, resources, practices, legal authorities, programs, and related elements (such assessment to be updated at least every five years); and (2) preparing the Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program. Requires the Energy Production, Use, and Conservation Program to: (1) inventory the specific needs and opportunities for public and private investment in agricultural, forestry, and rural energy production, use, and conservation projects; (2) identify estimated costs, returns, results, and benefits associated with such investments; and (3) discuss the priorities and options for the accomplishment of such Program. Requires cooperation with Federal, State, and local agencies and organizations. Demands submission of the completed Program to the Secretary and to Congress within one year after enactment of this Act, with revision at least every five years. Requires annual reports on the Program to Congress by February 1 of each year, the first to be submitted by February 1, 1981. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement an applied research program to develop: (1) economical and energy-efficient fuel hydrocarbons, and petrochemical substitutes from biomass; (2) techniques for using energy so derived in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural commodities and forest products; (3) economical ways for rural communities to use such energy; (4) the use of wood as an energy-efficient material in building construction; and (5) energy conservation systems and techniques for farmers, owners of forest land, rural residents, and rural communities. Authorizes annual appropriations not to exceed $50,000,000 solely for applied research at State agricultural experiment stations to develop agricultural, forestry, and rural energy production, use, and conservation. Requires the Secretary to study the feasibility of alternate crop-livestock systems to produce both foodstuffs and fiber for domestic and export markets and biomass for use in the production of energy. Directs the Secretary to implement an extension program to disseminate the results of rural energy research and to encourage rural residents and communities to adopt projects for the production and use of biomass energy and energy conservation techniques. Authorizes the annual appropriation of $50,000,000 under the Smith-Lever Act, and $5,000,000 under the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 for rural and forest energy extension work by State extension services. Directs the Secretary to establish (to the extent practicable, at existing Department of Agriculture research facilities) four Wood Energy Centers and four Agricultural Biomass Energy Centers, each in a different geographic region of the United States and located in an area containing substantial amounts of private forest land or intensively used farm land, as appropriate. Requires each Center, under Board direction, to: (1) perform applied wood or agricultural biomass energy production and use and energy conservation research projects; (2) develop an information bank; (3) field-test promising research findings; (4) provide technical assistance to landowners, colleges and universities, and other interested parties; (5) make demonstration projects; (6) disseminate information on new energy technologies; (7) perform energy need analyses for rural residents and communities; (8) perform similar research, field test, and demonstration programs with respect to agricultural commodities; and (9) implement solar energy model farms and demonstration projects. Permits the Secretary to make National Forest Systems wood and residues available to assist in such research and demonstrations. Authorizes annual appropriations of $30,000,000 for Wood Energy Centers and $30,000,000 for Agricultural Biomass Energy Centers. Authorizes the Secretary to share up to 75 percent of the cost of implementing wood energy production practices set forth in agreements for such purposes with owners of nonindustrial private forest land. Requires that such agreements be based on individual forest management plans ensuring maximum development of the land for wood for energy. Authorizes annual appropriations of $100,000,000 for such program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a five-year pilot program of financial assistance to owners of nonindustrial private forest land which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the insuring and guaranteeing of loans providing periodic loan disbursements; (2) the consolidation for resale in private capital markets of the loan obligations of individual landowners; and (3) the loaning of funds to lending institutions in order to make such guaranteed loans. Declares eligible for such program any private individual, group, Indian tribe or other native group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity which owns forest land capable of producing crops of industrial wood, provided the applicant is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere. Requires borrowers to prepare, keep current, and adhere to an individual forest management plan, developed in cooperation with and approved by the State forester (or equivalent official). Limits the maximum amount of any insured or guaranteed loan to any one landowner to $50,000 annually. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of that portion of the overall loan obligation which exceeds the market value of the assets securing such loan. Bases the amount of the periodic loan disbursement upon the future expected market value of the timber securing such loan, limiting the total principal and interest obligation to 80 percent of such value. Allows for adjustment of loan terms, as agreed by both landowner and lender, following periodic reviews of individual loan agreements and forest management plans. Entitles borrowers to prepayment of all or any part of an outstanding loan obligation without penalty. Sets a repayment term of up to 40 years. Allows the interest rate to be set by the lender and borrower. Directs the Secretary to appoint a program development and evaluation committee to advise him regarding the financial assistance program. Requires funding for the program to be drawn from the Rural Development Insurance Fund. Authorizes necessary appropriations for administrative expenses. Limits the total annual expenditure: (1) for insured loans to a maximum $25,000,000; and (2) for guaranteed loans to a maximum of $10,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State for the employment of additional State foresters or equivalent officials to provide technical assistance to owners of private forest land in: (1) identifying the opportunities for, and increasing the production of, wood for energy; and (2) developing individual forest management plans under programs of this Act. Requires the Secretary, in determining the amount of such assistance, to consider the underuse of forest growth in the State and the potential for use of this material in energy production in the State. Permits the Secretary to take necessary actions to make wood energy use training programs available to such foresters. Authorizes the annual appropriation of not more than $8,500,000 for such financial assistance program. Directs the Secretary to establish State advisory committees in States with significant amounts of nonindustrial private forest land to advise the Secretary and the State forester periodically about the effectiveness of Federal programs and the potential for developing markets for wood energy. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to establish concentration and distribution centers that make fuelwood available to homeowners. Authorizes the annual appropriation of $10,000,000 for five fiscal years. Directs the Secretary to implement a program disseminating information and providing technical assistance with respect to the small-scale production and use of ethanol, methanol, low and medium British thermal unit gas, and other energy forms from agricultural biomass. Requires State extension services to conduct at least 100 workshops annually instructing: (1) interested parties on construction and operation of agricultural biomass energy production facilities; and (2) county extension agents on the conduct of agricultural biomass energy extension at the local level. Directs the Secretary to establish projects for rural energy conservation and the production and use of energy from biomass through direct, insured, and guaranteed loans to finance the construction and operation of commercial or on-farm projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make up to $10,000,000 worth of grants for demonstration for the same purposes. Limits the total amount of such loans made or insured in any fiscal year to not more than $250,000,000 with at least one-third allocated for projects using wood or wood wastes, and at least one-fourth allocated for small-scale facilities for the annual production of at most 2,000,000 gallons of ethanol, or the energy equivalent of other forms of biomass energy. Limits the annual total of guaranteed loans to $1,000,000,000 similarly allocated. Requires: (1) the execution of at least 75 percent of such loans, guarantees, and grants by May 31 of the fiscal year in question; and (2) the coordination of such programs with other specified agriculture and energy loan and grant programs. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize, for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, not to exceed: (1) $25,000,000 for community facility loans for rural electric cooperatives for projects to generate electricity using nonfossil energy sources including biomass and hydropower; (2) $50,000,000 for direct, insured, or guaranteed farm ownership (real estate) loans for nonfossil energy systems used on farms; (3) $20,000,000 for direct, insured, or guaranteed farm operating loans for equipment using biomass or solar energy or increasing energy conservation; (4) $250,000,000 for guaranteed and $20,000,000 for insured industrial development loans, with authority to transfer amounts between such categories, for commercial biomass energy production projects. Authorizes the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to make grants to owners of rural electric systems, or federations of such owners, for projects demonstrating alternate energy and conservation technologies. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Farm Credit Administration to encourage the production credit associations, Federal land banks, and banks for cooperatives to use the existing authority in the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to make loans to farmers for the establishment or operation of commercially feasible biomass energy production or energy conservation projects. Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to authorize the Secretary to provide cost-sharing financial assistance and technical assistance to agricultural producers for shelter belts, minimum tillage systems, manure or other suitable fertilizer wastes, integrated pest management, energy-efficient irrigation water management, and water conservation measures necessary to improve crop yields in relation to the amount of energy used in crop production. Makes this Act effective October 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Palisades Powerplant Construction Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to design, construct, and operate the Palisades powerplant enlargement and appurtenant works, Idaho. Requires the Secretary to enter into contracts with the State for the payment of costs related to such project before construction may begin. Permits such contracts to provide for the marketing by the State of the hydroelectric power produced by such project. Requires the State to contract with the Bureau of Reclamation for the allocation of generation and operation and maintenance costs. Stipulates that such project shall not alter the release of water or operation of Palisades Reservior adversely to existing water rights. Authorizes the Secretary to provide basic outdoor recreation facilities in the vicinity of Palisades Dam.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Directs the Secretary of Labor to require contractors and subcontractors for construction or repair work on public buildings, public works, or federally financed buildings or works to submit notarized statements concerning wages to be paid or paid during the contract or subcontract period at the beginning and end of such period (rather than weekly statements on the wages paid each employee).
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 · 1 August 1979
Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that no office building should be constructed for the Senate after the date on which this resolution is agreed to, other than any office building which is under construction on such date.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Savings and Investment Encouragement Act of 1979 - Title I: Incentives for Individual Saving - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $100 of the interest earned on a savings account. Permits an exclusion of up to $500 for interest which is reinvested in a savings account. Excludes from gross income up to $500 of dividends received which are reinvested in the stock of domestic corporations. Requires that the sum of the adjusted basis of stock in domestic corporations held by the taxpayer plus the amount held in a savings account (investment base) on the last day of a taxable year exceed the investment base of the taxpayer as of the first day of such taxable year, plus the amount of dividends and interest excludible for such taxable year. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Title III: Incentives for Research and Development - Qualifies research and development expenditures related to a trade or business for the investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
National Student Loan Reform Act - Declares the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) ensure capital availability for student loans by strengthening the campus-based direct loan program; (2) adjust repayment schedules, and otherwise improve collection procedures, to make repayment sensitive to ability to repay and to reduce the default rate; and (3) guarantee loans to eligible borrowers so as to facilitate providing the expected family contributions (or, in the case of independent students, the expected self-help contribution) to the cost of higher education. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Student Loan Marketing Association (Association) to enter into agreements with eligible institutions for making low-interest loans to students directly through such institutions. Sets forth the terms of such agreements. Stipulates that: (1) the conditions of such loans shall be determined by the institution, subject to any requirements or limitations prescribed by the Association; (2) the amount of such loans shall equal the cost of attendance minus any scholarships or other loans, the expected family income or self-help contribution, and any other Federal assistance; (3) such loans will be made to accepted or attending students in financial need who are carrying at least one-half the normal academic workload; and (4) such loans shall be evidenced by a written agreement. Stipulates with regard to repayment that: (1) the repayment period shall begin nine months after a student graduates or ceases to carry the required workload, and continue for a maximum of 15 years; (2) repayment may be in either equal or graduated installments at the option of the student borrower; (3) payments may be accelerated or paid in full without penalty; (4) the interest rate shall be seven percent; (5) no security or endorsement shall be required unless the student borrower is a minor; (6) the loan shall be cancelled upon the death or permanent total disability of the student borrower; (7) no repayment shall be required while the borrower is in school, or for up to three years while in the Armed Forces, Peace Corps, or a volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Act of 1973; (8) repayment extensions may be made; and (9) partial ban cancellation shall be made for certain teaching positions and combat veterans. Establishes a loan program guaranteed by the Association to meet the cost of the expected family contribution under this Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to the student ban insurance fund for such loans and related expenses. Transfers such funds availability from the Commissioner of Education to the Association. Provides that the Association shall pay an eligible institution ten dollars per academic year year for each enrolled student on whose behalf such family-contribution loan is made. Limits such new family-contribution loans to fiscal years 1981-1985, and prohibits payments for existing loans after September 30, 1989. Stipulates with regard to such family-contribution loans: (1) the institution must certify to the lender the amount of the expected family contribution; (2) such loans shall be 100 percent insured; (3) the student must have been accepted, or already enrolled, on at least a half- time basis; (4) such loans will be made without security and without endorsement; (5) repayment shall begin no more than nine months after graduation or after the student ceases to be at least a half-time student, and shall be over a period of not less than five nor more than ten years; (6) principal need not be paid (but interest shall accrue) if the student is enrolled at least half-time (including graduate school), in a rehabilitation training program, or unable to find (for up to 12 months) full-time employment; (7) interest, at a rate of one percent less than the Treasury rate, shall accrue and paid during the term of the loan, except that such interest may be deferred until repayment of the principal starts; and (8) payments may be accelerated without penalty. Provides that, upon application by an eligible lender, the Association shall issue certificates of insurance covering the loan and setting forth the amount and terms of the insurance. Authorizes the Association to issue to a lender a certificate of comprehensive coverage to cover all qualifying loans made by such lender within a specified cutoff date and up to a specified aggregate maximum. Sets forth lender recovery procedures for defaulting loans. Provides that the Association shall repay the loans of bankrupt, diseased, or disabled borrowers. Revises provisions regarding special allowance payments to lenders to: (1) change the formula for computing such allowance; and (2) extend the five percent limit on such allowance from October 1, 1977, to October 1, 1980. Eliminates the provision providing for a District of Columbia student loan insurance program. Authorizes Federal credit unions to make family-contribution loans to eligible borrowers. Terminates existing lending programs (Guaranteed Student Loan Program and the National Direct Student Loan Program) six months after the enactment of this Act. Provides for the dissolution of the existing Student Loan Marketing Association and the assumption, and expansion, of such Association's functions by a newly created Association. Includes within such new Association's functions: (1) the authority to continue to purchase, sell, collect or otherwise deal in specified existing student loan programs; (2) the authority to contract with State guaranty agencies (and compensate them for services) for collecting student loans, distributing loan funds to institutions, monitoring and auditing student loan programs, and providing technical assistance and information regarding such loans. Authorizes the Association to issue notes, bonds, or other obligations, with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury. Provides that the obligations of the Association shall constitute general obligations of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Amends the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from implementing an allotment management plan which would reduce grazing rights under outstanding permits or licenses by more than ten percent in any one year or more than 20 percent in any ten-year period. Permits greater reductions in livestock grazing if it can be shown after notice to all interested parties and a hearing that irreparable damage will occur to the rangeland.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to prohibit pay increases for Members of Congress under any law, or plan or recommendation transmitted by the President, during a Congress unless such increases take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
United States Motor Fuel Independence Act of 1979 - Amends the Clean Air Act to exempt industrial hydrocarbons and alcohols used in any fuel from the fuel registration and limitation on distribution requirements of such Act. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide information to the public concerning alcohol fuels, including information on loans for production of such fuels and construction of alcohol fuel plants and technical and nontechnical information. Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to make grants to educational, governmental, and nongovernmental institutions for research into the production and marketing of: (1) specified coal derivatives for the manufacture of agricultural chemicals, methanol, methyl fuel, and alcohol-blended motor fuel; and (2) alcohol and other industrial hydrocarbons made from agricultural commodities and forest products. Requires that special emphasis be placed on research into new and undeveloped crops suitable for conversion to alcohol fuels, human and animal consumption of digestible byproducts of alcohol production, and reduction of nitrous oxide emissions from combustion of alcohol fuels. Increases from four to 35 the number of pilot projects for the production of alcohols and industrial hydrocarbons from agricultural commodities and forest products for which the Secretary may guarantee loans. Eliminates specified conditions placed upon such guaranteed loans. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to permit all or any part of the acreage set aside from the production of any commodity to be devoted to the production of any commodity for conversion into industrial hydrocarbons and to authorize the Secretary to establish a program for such commodity production in the event there is no set-aside or diversion of acreage during any particular year. Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit to the Congress a comprehensive list of all private, State, or Federal loans, grants, incentives, rebates and other financial benefits which can or have been used for alcohol and alcohol-blended fuel research, facility construction, and production. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide an additional ten percent investment tax credit for alcohol fuel production and property. Revises definitions of qualified alcohol fuel property, buildings and structural components used in alcohol fuel production, qualified alcohol fuel expenditures, and applicable percentage available for such credits. Amends the Energy Tax Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to any State which adopts a fuel tax reduction on the sale of alcohol-blended fuel in the amount that such State's fuel tax receipts have been reduced resulting from such tax reduction. Eliminates the requirement that only sales of alcohol fuels taking place before October 1, 1984, shall be exempt from motor fuels excise taxes. Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to require that the mandatory allocation program be structured so as to result in the allocation of crude oil and refined petroleum products to refineries and other persons engaged in alcohol fuel production or marketing in amounts sufficient to meet the demands for such fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue operating permits for distilled spirit plants established solely for producing and otherwise handling distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Sets forth requirements for issuing such permits and makes various amendments to such Act concerning distilled spirits for fuel use.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Family Welfare Demonstration Program Act - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to permit a State to participate in a block grant program and receive payments under this Act in order to conduct such activities and provide such assistance as in its judgment will most effectively benefit and promote the social welfare of children and families with children in the State. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and evaluation of the block grant program and to report to Congress concerning such study and evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations should seek to persuade the European Economic Community (EEC) to cease subsidizing wheat exports from member countries. Sets forth actions to be taken by the United States if the EEC refuses to stop such subsidies, including subsidizing U.S. wheat exports.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Gives the consent of the Congress to the amended Bear River Compact between the States of Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming which establishes the Bear River Commission to regulate the diversion of water from the Bear River.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1979
Farm Credit Act Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Federal Land Banks and Associations - Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to authorize any Federal land bank, under the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions (i.e., Federal land banks, Federal land bank associations, Federal intermediate credit banks, production credit associations, and banks for cooperatives); (2) participate in loans which the land banks are authorized to make with lenders which are not Farm Credit System institutions; (3) sell interests in loans to such lenders; (4) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other extended financial assistance, and nonvoting stock; (5) make other investments; (6) accept contributions to their capital from Federal land bank associations; (7) enter into agreements with other Farm Credit System institutions to share loan and other losses; (8) issue nonvoting stock to borrowers as a patronage refund; and (9) make or participate with other lenders in long-term real estate mortgage loans not exceeding 85 percent of the appraised value of the real estate security. Makes producers and harvesters of aquatic products eligible for Federal land bank services. Authorizes Federal land bank associations to make capital contributions to a Federal land bank. States that a member of a Federal land bank association need not make the required purchases of land stock with respect to that part of a loan derived from a lender which is not a Farm Credit System institution. Authorizes the Federal land bank associations to pay dividends on a differential basis between different classes and issues of stock and participation certificates corresponding to the value of such classes and issues to the capital or earnings of the Federal land bank in its district. Permits the Federal land bank associations to agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions. Title II: Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations - Authorizes the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other extended financial assistance and nonvoting stock; (2) make other investments; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; (4) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; and (5) issue nonvoting stock to such institutions. Authorizes the Federal intermediate credit banks to discount for, or purchase from other financial institutions loans made to producers and harvesters of aquatic products. Permits any Federal intermediate credit bank to transfer more than 25 percent of its net earnings after expenses to its allocated reserve account (presently, not more than 25 percent of such earnings may be transferred to this account). Authorizes each production credit association, subject to the supervision of the intermediate credit bank in its district and the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) buy from and sell to any bank in the Farm Credit System interests in loans, other financial assistance extended, and nonvoting stock; (2) participate in loans with other Farm Credit System institutions; (3) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System Institutions; (4) issue participation certificates to eligible borrowers in lieu of nonvoting stock; and (5) issue participation certificates or nonvoting stock to any financial institution outside the Farm Credit System with which the association participates in a loan in satisfaction of the requirement that a borrower own such stock or participation certificates. Requires a borrower to own only that amount of stock or participation certificates which is proportionate to that portion of a loan retained by a production credit association when it participates with another lender in making a loan. Authorizes the production credit associations to extend loan assistance to bona fide farmers, ranchers, and producers and harvesters of aquatic products for basic processing and marketing directly related to the borrower's operations. Title III: Banks and Cooperatives - Empowers each bank for cooperatives, subject to the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration, to: (1) participate with other Farm Credit System institutions in making loans; (2) deposit its securities and current funds with any domestic or foreign financial organization (presently, such deposits must be made at a member bank in the Federal Reserve System); (3) buy and sell bankers' acceptances which are obligations of member banks in the Federal Reserve System; (4) buy and sell other obligations including those which arise in the course of transactions which the bank has assisted through loans; (5) buy from and sell to Farm Credit System institutions interests in loans, other financial assistance extended and nonvoting stock; (6) make other investments; (7) invest in foreign and domestic business entities to facilitate the obtaining of credit information and the performance of services related to international transactions; (8) maintain credit balances to assist in the transfer of funds between parties to authorized transactions; (9) agree to share loan and other losses with other Farm Credit System institutions; and (10) issue participation certificates to parties who may not be issued voting stock. Requires all participation certificates, voting and nonvoting stock issued by the banks for cooperatives to be retired at par value. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to: (1) offer a currency exchange for eligible cooperative associations; and (2) extend loans, loan participation commitments, and other technical and financial assistance to any domestic or foreign party in which a member cooperative has an ownership interest or which engages with the cooperative in dealings in agricultural or aquatic products, farm supplies or the lease of property, provided such assistance substantially benefits the member cooperative. Enables cooperatives solely engaged in furnishing aquatic business services to borrow from the banks for cooperatives. Reduces the degree of ownership in a cooperative which must be held by farmers, producers or harvesters of aquatic products, or other cooperative associations in order to make such a cooperative eligible to borrow from a bank for cooperatives. Requires a bank for cooperatives to retire any equity held by a borrower in default or dissolution at fair market value not to exceed the par value of the equity interest of the borrower. Prohibits the retirement or cancellation of such an equity interest if the bank's capital structure would be adversely affected. Permits each bank for cooperatives to transfer more than 25 percent of its net annual savings to a surplus account. Authorizes the banks for cooperatives to pay patronage refunds to borrowers in the form of participation certificates. Title IV: Provisions Applicable to Two or More Classes of Institutions of the System - Declares that interest rates established by the Farm Credit Administration for loans made by Farm Credit System institutions shall preempt any interest rate limitation imposed by State law. States that when two or more Farm Credit System institutions participate in a loan as authorized by this Act, the terms of such loan shall be those agreed upon by the institutions. Requires that such factors as borrower eligibility, membership, term, amount, loan security and purchase of stock or participation certificates by the borrower are to be governed by the provisions of law applicable to the institution originating the loan. Exempts credit transactions of Farm Credit System institutions from the provisions of any State statute or any other law or regulation which impose, with regard to a credit transaction, any duty or requirement which had been imposed by the Truth in Lending Act before amendment. Authorizes the institutions of the Farm Credit System to organize corporations to perform non-lending functions and services which such institutions are authorized to perform. Empowers the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration to review and revise the charters of such corporations. States that such corporations shall be subject to supervision and examination by the Administration. Title V: District and Farm Credit Administration Organization - Revises the process for the election of farm credit district directors by reducing from three to two the number of nominees in the election poll. Establishes the rate of compensation for the Federal Farm Credit Board at the daily equivalent of the rate prescribed for grade GS-18 of the General Schedule. Authorizes the Board to fix the salary of the Governor of the Farm Credit Administration at any level not exceeding the maximum rate of basic pay in the Executive Schedule. Authorizes the Governor to appoint Deputy Governors to provide assistance in the functioning of the Farm Credit Administration. Exempts the Administration from provisions of Federal law relating to appointments in the competitive civil service, travel expenses, allowances, procurement, and property disposition. Credits employees of Farm Credit System institutions with specified leave and retirement benefits when they are transferred to Federal service in the Farm Credit Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct feasibility studies of the following hydroelectric power projects: (1) Black Canyon Dam powerplant, Idaho; (2) Cle Elum and Tieton Dams powerplants, Washington; (3) Hungary Horse powerplant enlargement and reregulating reservoir, Montana; (4) Headgate Rock powerplant, Arizona; (5) Owyhee Dam powerplant, Oregon; (6) Potholes Canal Chute-Station 3480+45 powerplant, Washington; (7) Wickiup Dam powerplant, Oregon; (8) Tiber Dam powerplant, Montana; (9) New Siphon Drop powerplant, California; (10) Green Mountain Afterbay, Colorado; and (11) Alcova pumped-storage plant, Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the following hydroelectric powerplant projects and the necessary transmission facilities: (1) Friant powerplant, California; (2) Whiskeytown powerplant, California; (3) Canyon Ferry powerplant enlargement, Montana; (4) Yellowtail Afterbay powerplant, Montana; (5) Colorado-Big Thompson powerplant, Colorado; (6) Hoover Dam outlet works powerplant, Arizona and Nevada; (7) Buffalo Bill Dam powerplant replacement, Wyoming; (8) Red Bluff powerplant, California; (9) Stony Gorge powerplant, California; (10) Monticello powerplant, California; (11) Boca powerplant, California and Nevada; (12) Prosser powerplant, California and Nevada; and (13) Blue Mesa powerplant, Colorado. Stipulates that the hydroelectric power generated by such facilities shall be marketed by the Secretary of Energy through the existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Capital Cost Recovery Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the capital cost recovery period. Permits a taxpayer to deduct less the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
United States - Mexico Good Neighbor Act of 1979 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General to establish a program for the non-immigrant admission of Mexican nationals as temporary workers in the United States. Provides that: (1) the Attorney General shall establish annual and monthly quotas for temporary worker visas; (2) such temporary services or labor shall not exceed 180 days per year; (3) such visas shall not limit the geographic area within which an alien may work unless specific restrictions are requested by the Secretary of Labor in order to protect domestic workers; (4) an alien who violates the 180-day visa limitation or any imposed geographic restriction shall be ineligible for another temporary visa for five years; and (5) an alien who enters the United States illegally shall be ineligible for obtaining a temporary work visa for ten years. Excludes such temporary Mexican workers from the definition of "immigrant" for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Includes such workers within the category of aliens whose non-immigrant status may not be adjusted to that of an immigrant. Prohibits the Attorney General from consenting to the reapplication for admission of any such workers deported from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish and expand United States Consulates in Mexico in order to implement such temporary worker program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make the nature of such program known to Mexican nationals residing in the United States. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish with Mexico an Advisory Commission on the Mexico-United States Temporary Worker Visa program to advise the Attorney General with regard to such program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to extend the time periods within which: (1) the regulatory authority is required to process and decide upon permit applications submitted by the operators of surface coal mines in expectation of operating such mines; (2) each State must submit to the Secretary of the Interior a State program which demonstrates that such State has the capability of carrying out the provisions of such Act; (3) the Secretary must prepare, promulgate and implement a Federal program for a State which failed to submit an acceptable program within the specified time; and (4) each State must submit a program covering surface coal mining and reclamation operations. Eliminates the time extension for States which require an Act of the State legislature to achieve compliance with such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1979
Fuel Energy Conservation Act of 1979 - Establishes uniform national standards for weight and length of vehicles using the Interstate and Defense Highway System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Omnibus Geothermal Energy Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to accelerate the development of geothermal energy in the United States. Title II: Amendments to the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970-Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to expand the acreage limitation on holders of geothermal leases to 51,200 acres, except as specified. Provides for an expedited bidding and leasing system for lands within any known geothermal resources area. Establishes the Interagency Geothermal Leasing Committee to review the activities of the several agencies and departments pursuant to this Act and to take such action as necessary to fully implement this Act. Directs such Committee to report to the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council in response to any requests for information or recommendations. Directs such Committee to commission a training and education program on geothermal leasing and operations for Federal surface management field managers in the appropriate departments and agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe amendments to existing rules and regulations and to issue any necessary new rules and regulations to carry out this Act, and exempts such actions from being construed as a "major Federal action" for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to develop cooperative agreements with the Governor of each State in which are located lands subject to this Act for coordination of Federal, State, and local decision making related to environmental analyses, permit approvals, and land use planning. Sets forth geothermal lease application and permit procedures. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, to establish annual goals for five future fiscal years for geothermal leasing. Requires the development of an expedited procedure for consideration and approval of permits for exploration and testing for geothermal resources. Stipulates that the establishment of such procedure shall be deemed to satisfy any requirements of NEPA applicable to any such exploration and testing activities. Permits any applicant for a geothermal lease to use a conditioned development lease with a phased environmental assessment and leasing procedure which shall limit the scope of consideration by the Secretary of the Interior as to compliance with the requirements of NEPA. Stipulates that any lessee seeking to conduct any operations of a developmental nature must prepare a detailed plan of development and utilization in accordance with requirements specified by the Secretary. Sets deadlines for review and final action on such plans. Permits exploration and testing activities on lands subject to this Act included in wilderness study areas pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act, so long as such activities are not conducted in a manner which would permanently impair wilderness values. Authorizes the Secretary to grant no-cost permits to specified surface owners or occupants of lands subject to this Act or to the Stock Raising Homestead Act for use of geothermal resources within such lands. Authorizes any Federal agency with an installation or facility located on or contiguous to lands subject to this Act to apply for a geothermal lease for use of geothermal resources by such installation or facility, provided that a determination has been made that such lease will not discourage or preclude commercial development of geothermal resources on such lands. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement orderly and expeditious procedures for the processing of all lease and permit applications pursuant to this Act. Title III: Amendments to the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 - Geothermal Research, Development, and Demonstration Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 to establish the Interagency Geothermal Coordinating Council to be assisted by an Advisory Committee on Geothermal Energy. Extends the period of guaranties and interest assistance under the loan guaranty program of such Act to ten years beyond September 3, 1979. Authorizes guaranties of up to 90 percent of the aggregate cost of a geothermal resource project conducted by a publicly owned utility. Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Administrator of the Rural Electric Administration, the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, with the approval of the Secretary of Energy, to utilize funds in the Geothermal Resources Development Fund established by such Act for loan or loan guaranty assistance for geothermal energy development and directly related activity by means of loan and loan guarantee programs otherwise authorized by law in such agencies and departments. Limits the total amount of such fund available for such purposes to $50,000,000 per fiscal year. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for the accelerated development of geothermal resources for non-electric applications by geothermal utility districts, geothermal industrial development districts and projects, and other persons. States that such loans shall be funded by the Geothermal Resources Development Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to such fund for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement expeditious procedures for the processing of loan guarantee applications under such Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a complete review of all considerations associated with the accelerated development of geopressured methane in the United States and on the Outer Continental Shelf, addressing legal, institutional, and regulatory barriers to such development and the current status of technology development to support such accelerated development. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a similar review of accelerated development of the energy potential of hot dry rock systems in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Inter-agency Geothermal Coordinating Committee and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a complete review of the need for environmental control technology, generic or specialized for a particular form of geothermal energy, to support the accelerated development of all forms of geothermal energy. Directs the Secretary to establish and implement a program in cooperation with the insurance and reinsurance industry to provide reservoir insurance to any qualified eligible applicant having a total direct investment of not less than $1,000,000 in the development and use of a geothermal resource associated with a reservoir. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for the purposes of such program. Directs the Secretary to initiate a program for the utilization of geothermal energy in Federal buildings, facilities, and installations in the United States, to be developed in full coordination with existing programs for solar utilization and energy conservation. Title IV: Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act - Priority Geothermal Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious process for Federal approval of geothermal energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority geothermal energy projects based on specified criteria, and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such project. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency of department fails to meet its deadline. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Secretary to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal, State, and local governments. Directs the Secretary to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions pursuant to this title and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located, and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title, and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title V: Geothermal Amendments of 1979 to the National Energy Act of 1978 - Geothermal Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Energy Tax Act of 1978 to: (1) qualify geothermal equipment for the investment tax credit; (2) provide that the time period during which geothermal equipment may qualify for such credit shall extend to December 31, 1989; (3) eliminate as an item of tax preference, for purposes of the minimum tax, the amount by which the intangible drilling costs incurred with respect to geothermal properties exceed the net income of the taxpayer from such properties for the taxable year; and (4) permit the deduction of intangible drilling and development costs related to geothermal reinjection wells in the taxable year in which such costs are incurred. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to include facilities which produce energy from geothermal resources within the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable income tax credit equal to ten percent of the cost of acquiring an electric automobile, or ten percent of the cost of converting an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine to the use of electrical power. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $1,000.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) undertake an emergency study of the current state of the economy and of the problems relating thereto, with special reference to productivity; and (2) provide the Congress with specific recommendations for legislation to remedy the existing ills and improve the performance of the economy. Directs the joint committee to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate not later than December 31, 1980. Authorizes funds, not to exceed $150,000, to carry out the purpose of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to repeal the limitation on outside income for beneficiaries age 65 or older.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Permits any person holding a patent to lands as a qualified entryman under the homestead laws, and any successor to such person, to apply to the Secretary of the Interior for the conveyance of the mineral rights to such lands, if the minerals therein were reserved to the United States. Requires the Secretary to determine whether the original patentee of such lands was wrongfully deprived of the mineral rights therein and to convey such rights to the applicant upon a finding that such rights had been wrongfully withheld. Sets forth conditions to which such rights shall be subject.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit distilled spirits plants to be established solely for producing, processing, storing, using, and distributing distilled spirits exclusively for fuel use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt such distilled spirits plants from the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code pertaining to distilled spirits, wines, and beers (except requirements pertaining to the payment of the excise tax) when necessary to facilitate the production of fuel. Permits distilled spirits to be withdrawn free of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirit plant exclusively for fuel use. Prohibits distilled spirits to be withdrawn, used, sold, or disposed of for any purpose other than fuel use. Specifies that the term "distilled spirits" does not include distilled spirits produced from petroleum, natural gas, or coal.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1979
Tribal-State Compact Act of 1979 - Title I: Authorization of Compacts and Agreements - Authorizes the States and the Indian tribes to enter into compacts on matters relating to: (1) the enforcement or application of civil, criminal, and regulatory laws of each within their respective jurisdictions; (2) the allocation or determination of governmental responsibility of States and tribes over specified subject matters or specified geographical areas, or both, including compacts providing for concurrent jurisdiction between the States and the Tribes; and (3) transfer of jurisdiction of individual cases from tribal courts to State courts or State courts to tribal courts in accordance with procedures established by the laws of the tribes and States. Allows the United States, upon agreement of the parties and the Secretary of the Interior, to provide 100 percent of the costs for personnel or administrative expenses in any agreement or compact between an Indian tribe and a State under this Act. Sets forth criteria which the Secretary may consider in determining the amount of Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations not exceeding $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter to carry out the compacts entered into in accordance with this title. Title II: Planning and Monitoring Boards - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to encourage the tribes and the States to establish councils, committees, boards, or task forces between the States and individual tribes, or on a statewide or regional basis, to discuss jurisdictional questions which exist between the parties, and to provide Federal representatives to such discussions from the Department as may be useful. Authorizes appropriations not exceeding $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter to carry out the purposes of this title. Title III: Judicial Enforcement - Grants to district courts original jurisdiction of civil actions to secure equitable relief brought by parties to an agreement entered into in accordance with this Act. Stipulates that actions for damages shall only exist as specifically provided for in such agreements.
![Official portrait of Sen. McClure, James A. [R-ID]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000346_200.jpg)