United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Defines the terms used in the patent dated June 29, 1911, which conveyed from the United States to the State of Idaho certain lands now encompassing the Heyburn State Park to permit the leasing of certain parcels of land up to and including January 1, 1979 for recreational homesites.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend from 18 months to 54 months after the date of enactment the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not take specified actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress prior to granting any license, permit, or other authorization or permission for the transportation or storage of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste to or on any territory or possession of the U.S. by any Federal agency or instrumentality. Prohibits the granting of any such license, permit, or other authorization or permission unless the proposed transportation or storage plan has been specifically authorized by Act of Congress. Exempts the cleanup and rehabilitation of Bikini and Enewetak Atolls from the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Authorizes and directs the Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for television and radio coverage of proceedings in the Senate during consideration of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals bilingual election requirements that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Permits any individual, association, partnership or corporation in adverse possession of public lands to obtain a patent to such lands from the Secretary of the Interior. Sets forth the information to be included in a petition for such a patent. Directs the Secretary to grant a patent to public lands if the petitioner, the petitioner's ancestors, or grantors have held such lands: (1) under color of title; (2) in good faith; (3) peacefully for at least 20 years; and (4) have improved such lands. Establishes procedures for the review of such petitions. Directs the Secretary, upon a determination that the petition is sufficient, to issue a patent for the interest claimed in an area of public land 50 acres or less upon the payment of $1.25 or less per acre. Grants the Secretary the option of issuing a patent for more than 50 acres upon the payment of the required fee. Requires the Secretary to obtain the consent of other Federal agencies to a patent award if a claim under this Act interferes with functions of such agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a patent to a comparable tract of land or to pay the fair market value of the interest in the land claimed if such consent is not obtained. Permits the petitioner to elect compensation in lieu of substitute land. Reserves to the United States all mineral interests in any land to which a patent is issued under this Act. Prohibits the issuance of any patent if there is an unadjudicated claim adverse to the petitioner. Establishes jurisdiction in the United States Courts of Appeals for the review of all final actions of the Secretary under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to revise the definition of "small hydroelectric power project" to mean any such project located at an existing dam which has not more than 25,000 kilowatts of installed capacity (present law limits to 15,000 kilowatts).
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that actions for judicial review of any final detailed environmental impact statement be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction within a statute of limitations of 180 days after the date on which such final statement is published in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title V of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to define additional terms used in such Act. Makes conforming and technical amendments to such Act. Provides for the reimbursement of application costs to the Secretary of the Interior by applicants for crude oil transportation systems. Removes the requirement of Presidential notification and review of proposed crude oil transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to act upon such proposals. Directs the Secretary to transmit to each Governor a copy of any environmental impact statement prepared by the Department of the Interior concerning such systems. Removes the requirement of Presidential approval or disapproval of proposed systems. Provides that actions which relate to the construction and completion of approved pipeline systems and to applications filed in connection therewith shall be taken without further action and that the actions of Federal officers shall not be subject to judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare, for distribution to taxpayers, brief but comprehensive pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of taxpayers during an audit; (2) the procedures which the Internal Revenue Service may use in enforcing revenue laws; and (3) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file taxpayer complaints. Requires a copy of such pamphlet to accompany the first communication from the Service to any taxpayer regarding tax liability. Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an Office of Taxpayer Services, directed by an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue, whose primary responsibilities shall include: (1) assisting taxpayers with information about tax returns, audits corrections, appeals procedures, and payment or document location; and (2) receiving and evaluating complaints of improper, abusive, or inefficient service by Internal Revenue Service personnel. Authorizes the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order prohibiting the Secretary, for up to 60 days after such issuance, from taking any assessment, collection, or other action adverse to a taxpayer if the Assistant Commissioner determines that such taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of such action. Prescribes criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by employees of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws which inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual which are not directly related to such tax laws; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action for any taxpayer aggrieved by a prohibited investigation, or by the deprivation of any civil rights. Permits the award of a judgment of costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, to a prevailing taxpayer in any proceeding before the Tax Court. Requires the Internal Revenue Service, upon a taxpayer's request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment in the taxpayer's residence or place of business, at a reasonable time convenient to the taxpayer. Requires the officer or employee conducting such interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement he makes may be used against him; and (3) he has the right to the presence of an attorney. Exempts certain income producing property from levy for nonpayment of taxes. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to establish, and to report annually to Congress on, a program to provide for a continuing audit and investigation of the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the administration of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Designates the year 1979 as the "Food for Peace Year" to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with interested organizations, to provide for the protection and maintenance of the John Sack Cabin and associated structures in the Targhee National Forest, Idaho. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with, or to issue a special use permit to, an appropriate person or organization which shall provide such protection and maintenance. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to develop and maintain comprehensive programs to insure widespread public involvement in formulating regional electric power programs and policies. Establishes a Bonneville Consumers' Council and a Bonneville Utilities Council with which the Administrator is directed to consult, together with the Governors of the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and the general public, in preparing a regional power planning and conservation program. Exempts such councils from the purview of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and exempts their members' actions from constituting potential violations of Federal or State antitrust laws. Directs the Administrator to offer to sell electric power to specified customers at rates to be established and periodically modified, in accordance with specified criteria, and establishes amounts of power such customers are to receive. Directs the Administrator to implement feasible and cost-effective measures to conserve electric power, and to assist governmental authorities in promoting conservation of electric power. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire additional electric power resources where regional electric power obligations cannot be met by employing conservation measures, but specifically directs the Administrator to give priority to developing renewable energy resources where additional resources are needed. Authorizes acquisition or the construction and operation of other types of electric power resources where needed to assure transmission system reliability. Sets forth procedural instructions for such acquisitions. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to authorize such expenditures as are necessary to implement this Act. Authorizes the issuance of bonds and other debt obligations for the purpose of financing activities arising from the implementation of this Act. Stipulates that such obligations shall bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate applicable to such obligations if purchased by the Federal Financing Bank. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations incurred under such Act which are outstanding at any one time to include the principal amount of obligations incurred and outstanding which were issued to assist in financing the activities of this Act. Extends the definition of "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Exempts from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any "person" or "company," as therein defined, connected with electric generating facilities, which sell 75 percent or more of their power to the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Excess Petroleum Profits Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excess profits tax on petroleum corporations equal to 90 percent of the amount by which the taxable income of such corporations exceeds the surcharge exemption for the taxable year. Defines the "surcharge exemption" as the percentage rate of return on the capital investment of a petroleum corporation equal to the average rate of return on capital investment for all manufacturing corporations for the taxable year. Exempts from the tax: (1) petroleum corporations which have an invested capital structure of less than $2,500,000; and (2) corporate income which is set aside in a fund for purposes of investment in petroleum research and development. Permits a deduction from corporate income, for purposes of computing the tax imposed by this Act, for investments in: (1) exploration or development of new domestic fuel; (2) increased domestic productive capacity; and (3) research and development of new domestic energy sources and of energy technology. Allows an investment tax credit for investment in facilities for research and development of new domestic energy sources and for facilities to increase the domestic energy supply.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for 50 percent (not in excess of $500 per vehicle) of the costs to convert automobile engines to use alcohol fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should seek the good offices of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the purpose of establishing a special investigatory commission charged with the responsibility of securing a full accounting of Americans listed as missing in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to declare a "public charge" any alien, except a political refugee, who receives within three years of entry into the United States, benefits under titles I (Old Age and Medical Assistance for the Aged), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), XIX (Medicaid), or IV, part A (Aid to families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act, or under any other State or Federal public assistance program based on need. Requires aliens to have resided in the United States for three years before becoming eligible for benefits under titles I, X, XIV, XVI, XIX, or IV, part A of the Social Security Act. Exempts from this requirement political refugees and individuals who became blind or disabled after the date of the admission of such individuals to the United States. Provides that the income and resources of an individual who sponsors an alien for admission to the United States shall be imputed to such alien during the period of sponsorship, but not longer than three years, for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits under titles I, X, XIV, XVI, XIX, or IV, part A of the Social Security Act. Exempts aliens who became blind or disabled after the date of their admission to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Amends the venue provisions of Federal law to provide that a civil action in which a defendant is the United States, a United States agency, or an officer or employee thereof acting in an official capacity may be brought in any judicial district in which the plaintiff or defendant has its principal place of business and must be brought in a judicial district in which it has been determined that a substantial portion of the impact or injury exists. Requires an appeal from a final order of the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Atomic Energy Commission, the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Maritime Administration to be brought in a judicial circuit in which such a determination has been made.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Reclamation Act of 1979 - Establishes a 1,600 acre limitation on a landholding to be served with reclamation project water. States that in order for an individual, which term includes brothers and sisters, spouse, and dependents, who has farmed the land for less than five years to be eligible to receive reclamation water, one of three tests must be met as follows: (1) residence within 50 miles of the land; (2) provision of more than one-half of the capital and labor to operate the land; or (3) derivation of primary income from the land. Allows family corporations and small businesses to be eligible if their beneficial owners meet the three test requirements. Exempts certain lands owned by States and political subdivisions and agencies and lands owned by charitable, religious, tax-exempt organizations from the acreage limitation provisions of the Federal reclamation laws. Permits larger acreages, equivalent to 1,600 acres of class I land, to receive project water where the land is of lesser productive potential. Exempts landholdings from acreage limitations if the contracting entity has made full payment or will make an immediate lump-sum payment of the balance remaining on the construction repayment obligation. Applies a 4,800 acre limitation on a landholding if the contracting entity enters into an amendatory contract agreeing to pay the United States an amount equal to the remaining unpaid share of construction costs for such project together with interest compounded annually on the construction costs and the cost of the project irrigation benefits. Permits an owner of excess land to designate which land shall receive project water as nonexcess land. Allows excess lands to be sold at the fair market value. Allows the seller to retain interest in mineral rights, surface rights, and security rights. Stipulates that two years after the date of the enactment all recipients must meet the acreage limitation requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to amend any existing contract which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits any law varying the compensation of Senators and Representatives from taking effect earlier than the following Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Directs the transmission to the Smithsonian Institution for inclusion in the national numismatic collection of two specimens of specified pieces used in the production of coins and dollars produced by the Bureau of the Mint. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to lend other specimens of such pieces for exhibition purposes to nonprofit educational associations, societies, and museums.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate upon the retirement of the Honorable Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, as chief legislative spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Farm Water Act of 1979 - Replaces the existing acreage limitation of 160 acres of reclaimed land per individual with a limitation of 320 acres. Permits larger acreages where the land is less productive or other factors make it less valuable for agriculture. Lists specified lands to which the acreage limitations shall not apply including land within a water district which has paid construction charges of the reclamation project relating to the delivery of water to such landholding. Prevents the delivery of water to irrigable land in excess of 320 acres held in private ownership by a single landowner if such landowner refuses to execute a valid contract for the sale of such excess land within ten years. Permits delivery of project water to excess land after the effective date of this Act only if the title to such land is made subject to a condition that the land shall not be sold at a price greater than the landowner's costs increased only by the rate increase of the consumer price index for the period between the dates of purchase and sale. Abolishes the requirement that a qualified recipient must reside on or near a landholding in order for such landholding to be eligible to receive water.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 to provide that the provisions of such Act shall not apply to stone mining or sand and gravel mining operations.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to establish a formula for calculating the corporate average fuel economy standards for motor vehicle manufacturers which include electric vehicles in their fleets.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust law provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products for the same general class in the relevant market or markets. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Amends the Act providing for a national dam inspection program to repeal the provision limiting the coverage of such Act to dams of a specified size. Exempts dams located in States with an approved dam safety program from the Secretary of the Army's national inspection program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act through fiscal year 1982. Sets forth the formula for distributing such funds among the States. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States maintaining approved dam safety programs. Specifies the standards such program must meet. Directs the Secretary to provide guarantees to insurers in order to enable dam owners, in States with approved dam safety programs, to obtain liability insurance at reasonable rates. Requires the Secretary, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to report to Congress with any recommendations for a more comprehensive dam safety insurance program. Authorizes appropriations for a revolving fund to be used for loans to dam owners making dam repairs or other safety improvements. Authorizes the establishment of a Federal Dam Safety Review Board to be responsible for reviewing dam safety procedures and monitoring State implementation of this Act. Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide training for State dam safety inspectors; and (2) to develop improved dam inspection techniques.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) national water resources policies should be implemented through congressional action, and (2) alterations of such programs shall not be implemented through unilateral executive action but shall be subject to congressional concurrence.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Deep Seabed Mineral Resources Act - Title I: Regulation of Exploration and Commercial Recovery by United States Citizens - Disclaims extraterritorial sovereignty by the United States over deep seabeds. Prohibits any United States citizen from engaging in exploration of or commercial recovery from, the deep seabed unless authorized: (1) under a license issued pursuant to this Act; (2) under a license issued by a reciprocating state; or (3) pursuant to an international agreement. Permits the continuation of existing exploration upon timely application for such license. Prohibits interference with the activities of a licensee under this Act. Stipulates activities which are exempted from this Act. Sets forth procedures for the issuance of, and limitations upon, licenses for exploration and commercial recovery under this Act. Declares any United States citizen eligible for a license for exploration. Establishes a formula for the determination of priority of right for issuance. Sets forth findings which must be made prior to issuance of a license of exploration or commercial recovery. Permits modifications or suspension of operations upon order of the Secretary of the Interior. Provides for an antitrust review by the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission of any such license application. Stipulates procedures and effects of denial, suspension, modification, or revocation of a license. Requires the preparation of environmental impact statements with respect to the areas likely to be developed by United States citizens. Specifies criteria for the size of areas of exploration or commercial recovery. Requires the Secretary to impose performance requirements upon licensees. Permits relinquishment or surrender of such licenses. Permits license restrictions pertaining to the conservation of natural resources. Requires certain record keeping, environmental impact statements, navigational safety procedures and disclosure by licensees. Prohibits licensees from interfering with reasonable uses of the seas. Permits the Secretary to monitor exploration or commercial recovery operations. Permits the Secretary to designate "reciprocating states" as defined by this Act. Title II: Transition to an International Agreement - Declares the intent of Congress regarding any international seabed agreements to which the United States may become a party to be: (1) to provide reasonable access to the deep seabed mineral resources for United States citizens; and (2) to recognize certain continuing seabed mining rights of United States citizens who have begun such mining operations prior to any such international agreement. Sets forth the effect upon specified provisions of this Act resulting from subsequent international agreements. Title III: Enforcement Authority - Makes unlawful any violations of this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for such violations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to have exclusive responsibility for enforcement measures carried out at sea which affect the operation of vessels under a license or permit. Makes vessels in violation of this Act liable in rem for such violation and subject to civil forfeiture. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the implementation of this Act and to submit to the Congress an annual report on the implementation of this Act. Title V: Taxation of Removal of Deep Seabed Hard Minerals - Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Removal Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose an excise tax on the removal of hard mineral resources from the deep seabed. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Deep Seabed Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct hydroelectric powerplants at the Buffalo Bill Dam powerplant, Wyoming, and the Hoover Dam powerplant, Arizona and Nevada. Stipulates that the power generated by such facilities shall be delivered to the Secretary of Energy for distribution and marketing through existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week beginning with the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor-management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1987. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the House Committee on Government Operations or the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs in cooperation with the committees of Congress which have legislative jurisdiction over such areas, shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maixmum aggregate quantity of specified meat articles which may be entered, or withdrawn from warehouses, for consumption in the customs territory of the United States in any calendar year after 1979 to 1,204,600,000 pounds, adjustable according to a specified formula. Excludes from the domestic commercial production factor in such formula the carcass weight of live cattle specified in certain Tariff Schedules. Requires a further adjustment of such annual aggregate quantity by multiplying it by a ratio of: (1) the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef during a calendar year (as estimated) and the four preceding calendar years; and (2) to the average annual per capita production of domestic cow beef in the calendar year (as estimated) and the preceding calendar year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, for each calendar year after 1979, to estimate and publish the aggregate quantity of meat articles prescribed for such year as well as the quantity that would be entered into the United States but for the limitations. Directs the President to limit by proclamation, upon giving 30 days notice in the Federal Register, the total quantity of meat articles entered into the United States, whenever such quantity equals or exceeds 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate; but prohibits any limitation below 1,200,000,000 pounds. Requires the termination of any limitation as of the first day of a calendar quarter, under most circumstances, if before such quarter the aggregate quantity is less than 110 percent of the Secretary's estimate. Permits the President, upon giving 30 days notice in the Federal Register, to suspend any proclamation or increase any amount proclaimed as required by the preceding provision if: (1) required by economic or national security interests; (2) supplies are inadequate to meet domestic demand at reasonable prices; or (3) trade agreements ensure the execution of the policy. Stipulates that such suspensions: (1) shall terminate after two consecutive calendar quarters unless renewed by the President; and (2) may be made only if the average index ratio for the two preceeding calendar quarters is greater than 1.10. Requires the Secretary to compute and publish the average index ratio quarterly. Permits the President to suspend any proclamation or increase any amount proclaimed if: (1) a period of national emergency is declared; or (2) supplies are inadequate because of a natural disaster to meet demand at reasonable prices. Prohibits such suspension or increase from extending beyond the termination of the national emergency. Requires the Secretary to allocate the entry quota of meat articles proclaimed by the President among supplying countries on the basis of their respective shares of the United States market for meat articles during the representative period, taking into account any special factors. Directs the Secretary to study the regional economic impact of imports of meat articles and report any recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress by December 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Federal Administrative Improvements in Reports Act - Title I: Review of Reporting Forms - Terminates, three years after enactment of this Act, all reporting requirements imposed on small businesses by Federal agencies. Requires each agency to review its reporting forms within such period and to propose and submit to Congress new forms to become effective on such date. Directs each agency to: (1) consult with small business representatives; (2) consider the impact of proposed forms on small businesses; and (3) reduce the number of forms previously required by 50 percent. Prohibits the use of any proposed form which is disapproved by either House of Congress within 60 calendar days of continuous session after submission. Implements the provisions of this title every seven years after the end of the initial three-year period. Exempts the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from specified provisions of this title. Requires the Commissioner of the IRS to: (1) review its reporting forms; (2) eliminate any forms which require responses by small businesses more than once each year; (3) propose new forms; (4) reduce the number of forms required; (5) consult small business representatives; and (6) report to Congress every two years on action taken to implement these provisions. Title II: Pilot Testing Programs - Requires specified reporting forms required by a final rule to be distributed to a selected cross sample of small businesses in a pilot test survey. Specifies the information to be solicited through such survey which includes: (1) a description of any problems the respondent encounters in completing form requirements; and (2) an identification of any requirements which duplicate requirements of other forms. Directs each agency to: (1) maintain a file of survey responses; and (2) publish the problems identified through the survey and the planned agency actions to alleviate such problems. Subjects the reporting forms to the provisions of the Federal Reports Act and requires the submission of all forms to the Office of Advocacy in the Small Business Administration. Makes it the responsibility of the Office of Management and Budget to oversee the implementation of this Act and to certify that reporting forms submitted to Congress are not duplicative of existing forms.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain married individuals, who do not file a single joint return with their spouses, to elect the same tax rates currently applicable to unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of households), without regard to any community property laws. Entitles any married individual making such an election to claim the income tax credit for dependent care services paid for under specified circumstances, even though such individual did not contribute over half of the support of the dependent concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Authorizes the enlistment of citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands into the Armed Forces of the United States if such an individual indicates in writing an intent to become a citizen, and not a national of the United States upon the full implementation of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Soft Drink Bottlers' Protection Act of 1979 - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class; (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product pursuant to the Trademark Act of 1946.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the television broadcasting of programs portraying nudity, obscenity, explicit sexual activity, gross physical violence, or morbid torture. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations prohibiting broadcasting of such portrayals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Exempts the Board, its property, and its income from present and future Federal, State, and local taxation, with specified exceptions. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to the awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject nonresident aliens, estates, trusts, partnerships, and foreign corporations to a tax on the gain from the sale or exchange of farm or rural lands situated in the United States. Requires foreign corporations which hold United States farm lands comprising 20 percent of their assets to make reports on such holdings as the Secretary of the Treasury may require.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Makes the term "person", with respect to due process and equal protection, applicable to human beings irrespective of age, health, function or condition of dependency, including the unborn. Prohibits the deprivation of life of an unborn person, except under laws permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
![Official portrait of Sen. McClure, James A. [R-ID]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000346_200.jpg)