The world's political record
Person
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
2,300 records where Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate June 27, 1980, as "Helen Keller Day."
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 · 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 · 12 December 1979
Cancels all coal leases and permits issued under the Act of May 11, 1938, including those involving the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to receive, consider, and pay claims for damages arising out of such cancellation. Directs the Secretary to file an annual report with Congress relative to claims submitted under this Act. Requires all such claims to be filed with the Secretary within 12 months of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that parity for women's track and field events be achieved prior to the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979
Exempts nonprofit veterans' organizations and nonprofit fraternal organizations from the requirement that certain musical performance royalties be paid to copyright holders.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny an income tax exclusion of the interest paid on mortgage revenue bonds. Defines "mortgage revenue bonds" as any obligations which are issued to finance single family housing and which are not secured by the general obligation of any State or local government. Provides for an exception to this rule for bond issues in connection with: (1) assisted housing, redevelopment and renewal programs; (2) State programs; and (3) low and moderate income housing programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, together with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Comptroller General of the United States, to conduct a joint study of: (1) the effectiveness of tax exempt mortgage revenue bond programs as compared to existing private and Federal mortgage activities; (2) the accessibility of the mortgage revenue bond program to those who would not otherwise have home ownership opportunities; and (3) measures taken by bond issuers to mitigate the displacement of low and moderate income families resulting from the development of mortgage revenue bond programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 November 1979
Animal Cancer Research Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Science and Education Administration of the Department of Agriculture for the conduct of research on cancer in animals and birds.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the established price for wheat at $3.63 per bushel for the 1979 crop and at $4.08 per bushel for the 1980 crop. Sets the established price for corn at $2.35 per bushel for the 1979 crop and at $2.64 per bushel for the 1980 crop. Declares that the payment rate for grain sorghums and barley shall be such rate as the Secretary of Agriculture determines fair and reasonable in relation to the payment rate for corn. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to extend to the 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice, the farm and prevented planting disaster payment programs. Denies eligibility for such payments to anyone electing to be covered by crop insurance paid for in part by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Requires the Secretary to notify producers of such commodities of their right to elect between disaster payments and crop insurance coverage. Authorizes the Secretary to require, as a condition of eligibility for specified loans, purchases, and payments, that producers of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice not exceed the normal crop acreage for the 1980 and 1981 crops adjusted to be fair and equitable among producers. Authorizes the Secretary, in making such requirement, to increase the established price for any such commodity to compensate producers for participation in such commodity program. Directs the Secretary, in making such increases, to take into account consideration changes in production costs resulting from such participation.
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 · 9 November 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program using "residue removal incentives" to pay timber purchasers for their costs in the removal and processing of wood residues from National Forest System timber sales areas, to points of prospective use as fuel, or conversion to use as industrial hydrocarbons, alcohols, petrochemical substitutes, or wood products. Authorizes the Secretary to require such purchasers to process and remove wood residues to points of prospective use, in specified instances. Authorizes the Secretary to make available wood and its wastes and residues from the National Forest System for use in specified research, field tests, and demonstrations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all countries and all people be urged to respond generously to Cambodian relief efforts; (2) Cambodian authorities be encouraged to allow the use of all possible avenues for delivering food and medical supplies; and (3) the United States and the United Nations should express their expectation that the great power supporters of the factions in Cambodia share in international responsibility for averting famine.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1979
Estate and Gift Tax Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an unlimited marital deduction for estate and gift tax purposes. Increases from 50 percent to 65 percent the amount of the adjusted value of a gross estate which a qualified farm property must constitute before the special use valuation for farms and other closely held businesses is applicable to such estate. Eliminates the "material participation" requirements for the application of such special use valuation. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the reduction of the value of qualified real property permitted for application of the special use valuation. Reduces from 15 to ten years the length of time a qualified property must be held following decedent's death before it can be sold or otherwise disposed of without incurring a recapture of estate tax benefits. Exempts from such recapture requirements any exchange of qualified real property, within the ten year period, for other qualified real property. Repeals the requirement that an heir elect special treatment for involuntary conversions of qualified real property, thus making such treatment automatic upon such a conversion. Provides for valuation of qualified real property for estate tax purposes on the basis of net share rentals (the excess of the value of the produce received by the lessor of the land over the cash operating expenses of growing such produce), whenever the average gross cash rental basis would be inappropriate. Increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the annual gift tax exclusion. Includes only the excess of such exclusion in the value of the gross estate of a decedent where the gift was made within three years before such decedent's death.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1979
Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to make indemnity payments to producers, growers, and processors of poultry, eggs, poultry or egg products, swine, swine products, livestock, livestock products, and animal feeds who suffer losses because of contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such payments. Authorizes the Secretary to use the funds and facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Resource Conservation and Development Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a resource conservation and development program to assist States, local units of government, and local nonprofit organizations to operate and maintain a planning process for land conservation and utilization, natural resources development, and rural economic and environmental improvement. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide technical assistance in developing area plans for designated rural areas; (2) cooperate in conducting surveys and inventories, disseminating information, and developing area plans; (3) assist in the carrying out of approved area plans by local public agencies and nonprofit organizations designated by States; (4) enter into specified agreements; and (5) assist local governments in acquiring land or interest in land for rehabilitation or reclamation which will eliminate a threat to the public health or welfare, subject to specified conditions. Sets forth terms and conditions of agreements which must be met if the Secretary is to provide any technical or financial assistance, including loans, to a State agency, local government, or local nonprofit organization in carrying out works of improvement specified in an approved area plan. Permits the identification of groups or problems for special consideration in area plans. Declares that the authority of the Secretary under this Act shall be supplemental and not in lieu of any authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Agriculture a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Board to advise the Secretary regarding the administration of this Act. Directs the Secretary to evaluate the program provided for in this Act and to report on such evaluation, with recommendations. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act, with specified annual limits on technical and financial assistance and on loans.
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 · 19 October 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior: (1) to convey by patent to Miles City, Montana, specified lands presently encumbered by the Miles City public water system; and (2) to convey to Miles City and to the county of Custer, Montana, such evidence as is necessary to remove reversionary provisions for certain public lands previously patented. Requires any document issued pursuant to such conveyances to contain a reservation to the United States of all mineral rights in such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979
Cooperative Rangeland Research Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with States and provide eligible State-certified institutions of higher learning with matching funds to carry out programs of rangeland research. Directs an appropriate State representative designated by the State's Governor to certify such institutions and determine the proportionate amount of assistance to be extended. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to apportion funds after consultation with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Users Advisory Board. Authorizes the Secretary to issue rules and regulations to implement this Act and to coordinate this Act with title XIV of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (the "National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act").
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Designates the month of July 1980 as "National Porcelain Art Month."
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979
Authorizes the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul, and Pacific Railroad Company (Milwaukee Railroad), in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to sell all or any portion of its system. Authorizes the Secretary to develop plans and participate in negotiations for, and make recommendations to the trustee of the railroad regarding, the sale or transfer of any portion of such system. Directs the Secretary, in developing such plans and entering into such negotiations, to give preference to financially responsible persons, including governmental entities, negotiating for the purchase of any line with the intent of providing common carrier service. Stipulates that any such proposal shall be submitted to the court having jurisdiction over the reorganization of the Milwaukee Railroad. Sets forth the conditions under which such bankruptcy court may approve the sale of such a line. Stipulates that by January 1, 1980, an association composed of representatives of national railway labor organizations, employees, and shippers may submit to the Interstate Commerce Commission a plan for converting all or a substantial part of the Milwaukee Railroad into an employee or employee-shipper owned company along with a method for implementing such a plan. Directs the Commission to approve such a plan if: (1) adequate financing is available to the proponents of such plan; (2) the plan is fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors; (3) implementation of such plan will occur by May 10, 1980; and (4) that portion of the railroad covered by the plan can be operated on a self-sustaining basis. Directs the Commission, upon approving such plan, to submit its findings to the bankruptcy court. Directs the court, within ten days, to determine whether such plan is fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors. Stipulates that the Commission's determination with respect to such issue shall be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence. Amends the Emergency Rail Services Act of 1970 to remove the requirement that federally guaranteed railroad certificates of railroads in reorganization be treated as an expense of administration and receive the highest priority in payment under the Bankruptcy Act if the railroad involved is actively engaged in formulating an employee ownership plan or an employee-shipper ownership plan. Increases the aggregate principal amount of all certificates which may be guaranteed under such Act. Directs the Secretary to immediately guarantee trustee certificates of the Milwaukee Railroad to allow the railroad to maintain its rail system. Stipulates that such guaranteed certificates shall not have priority in bankruptcy over the claim of any creditor of such railroad which exists as of the date of the enactment of this resolution. Requires each rail carrier to give preference in hiring to any employee of the Milwaukee Railroad who is separated from his employment by reason of any reduction of service by such railroad occurring prior to March 1, 1981. Entitles employees of the Milwaukee Railroad who, by April 1, 1981, are required to change their residence to maintain employment with such railroad or to obtain employment with another rail carrier, to moving expenses. Stipulates that such expenses shall be paid by the Milwaukee Railroad and shall be treated as administrative expenses of such railroad's estate. Entitles employees of such railroad who are separated from that employment by reason of any reduction of service prior to March 1, 1984, to supplemental unemployment insurance. Grants such benefits to individuals who are separated from such railroad and become employed by another rail carrier by March 1, 1981, and are separated from that employment prior to March 1, 1984. Sets forth the amounts of such benefits. Directs the Milwaukee Railroad, at specified periods, to submit to the Railroad Retirement Board a list of those individuals separated from the railroad subsequent to the enactment of this resolution. Directs the Board to mail copies of such lists to other rail carriers. Requires rail carriers to submit lists of their available employment positions with the Board. Allows displaced employees of the Milwaukee Railroad access to such lists. Allows such an individual to bid on such an available position. Requires rail carriers to accept such a bid by the individual who has the most seniority in the class or craft within which such a position is listed. Entitles individuals who are employed by the restructured Milwaukee Railroad or individuals who are separated from such railroad and obtain employment with another rail carrier by March 1, 1981, to employee relocation incentive compensation. Sets forth the amount and the conditions under which such compensation may be granted. Entitles an employee of such railroad, by April 1, 1981, to elect to receive a separation allowance from such railroad in an amount equal to $2,000 for each year of completed service up to a maximum of $25,000. Entitles individuals making such an election to receive from the Board expenses for training in qualified institutions for new career opportunities. Stipulates that any individual who receives moving expense benefits, supplementary unemployment compensation or employee relocation incentive compensation under this resolution shall not be eligible for such separation allowance or new career training assistance. Stipulates that any individual who receives any assistance under this Act shall be deemed to have waived any employee protection benefits otherwise available under specified laws or any applicable contract or agreement. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to carry out the various provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to guarantee certificates of such railroad in order to provide moving expenses, employee relocation incentive compensation and separation allowances pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to guarantee obligations to finance an equipment repair program for the Milwaukee Railroad, or its successors, during the remainder of 1979 and 1980. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to immediately purchase redeemable preference shares or trustee certificates convertible to such shares to facilitate the rehabilitation and improvement of Milwaukee Railroad property which has been sold to another person or retained by such railroad that will be used for common carrier rail service. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment of the present and potential coal hauling needs in the area served by the Milwaukee Railroad and to report such findings to Congress within 30 days. Stipulates that the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act shall not apply to transactions carried out pursuant to this joint resolution. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board to publish and make available for distribution by the Milwaukee Railroad to its employees a document describing the rights of employees as established by this joint resolution. Directs the Board to submit periodic reports to Congress on its activities pursuant to this joint resolution. Directs the Milwaukee Railroad to continue its operations as they existed on May 1, 1979, until: (1) an employee or employee-shipper ownership plan is not submitted to the Commission within the alloted time; (2) such a proposed plan is found to be not feasible by the Commission; (3) the proposed plan is found by the bankruptcy court not to be fair and equitable to the railroad's creditors; or (4) the plan is not implemented within the time frame prescribed in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Amends the Act incorporating the American Legion to change the dates of military or naval service applicable to membership eligibility in such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Inland Energy Impact Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to authorize State Governors or governing bodies of Indian tribes to designate energy impact areas in accordance with specified conditions concerning increases in employment and use of public facilities and services. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to such States and tribes for the purpose of developing plans for mitigating adverse economic impact resulting from energy development activities. Requires State Governors and Indian tribal governing bodies receiving such grants to designate local planning units to prepare for each energy impact area an energy impact mitigation plan, and authorizes the making of subgrants to such local planning units to assist in the cost of preparing mitigation plans. Requires State Governors and Indian tribal governing bodies to submit and revise annually a comprehensive investment strategy describing the intended use of all such financial assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property for housing or public facilities determined to be necessary for an energy impact area according to the investment strategy as approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and Indian tribes for the funding of public facilities and services identified in such investment strategy. Sets forth suggestions as to the distribution of such funds. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, loans, loan guarantees, and payments of interest on loans to States, Indian tribes, and local governments to fund preliminary mitigation plans designed to identify and address the need for expedited assistance in the event energy development poses a serious threat to the public health and safety within a designated energy impact area, and such needs cannot be met in a sufficiently timely manner by other Federal programs. Establishes in the United States Treasury an Energy Impact Insurance Fund to provide funds for the loans and loan guarantees made under this Act. Limits the assistance provided under this Act to a total period of five years following the receipt of the first funds for facilities and services. Prohibits the appropriation of funds in support of any program for which Federal financial assistance is available to eligible applicants under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 or the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold financial assistance from a recipient for failure to comply with this Act or regulations issued thereunder. Directs the Secretary to designate within the Farmers Home Administration an organizational unit to administer the program established by this Act and to provide information to State and local officials and Indian tribes about Federal assistance from other Federal programs designed to prevent or mitigate energy resource development impacts. Directs the President to establish an interagency council to coordinate all Federal programs providing assistance to meet needs resulting from major energy developments. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1985 to carry out this Act. Directs Federal agencies responsible for health and safety of persons working in any federally-regulated coal, uranium, metal, or nonmetallic mine to use their authorities fully to protect existing and future housing, property, persons, and public facilities located near such facilities, whether active or abandoned, from hazards posed by activities at such facilities. Prohibits the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Energy from being transferred to any other Secretary or Federal agency without express legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1979
Federal Firearms Law Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Gun Control Act - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to redefine: (1) "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in the "business of manufacturing" (instead of "manufacture" of) firearms or ammunition; and (2) "dealer" to exclude dealers in ammunition and persons engaged in the business of repairing firearms. Adds a new definition "engaged in the business" with respect to manufacturers, dealers, and importers. Includes as a manufacturer of ammunition a person whose gross sales of his own ammunition exceed $1,000 in any calendar year. Includes as a dealer in firearms a person who deals in firearms as a regular course of business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms. Replaces the current term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" with a new definition of "disabling crime." Eliminates certain activities regarding ammunition from the coverage of the current prohibitions. Revises current provisions respecting the interstate sale or transfer of firearms. Revises the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain persons (such as persons under indictment for a felony or addicted to drugs) to apply such prohibition only to persons convicted of a "disabling crime." Revises the current prohibition against certain persons transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt in commerce or affecting commerce of any firearm or ammunition; (2) conform such prohibition to the new "disabling crime" provision; and (3) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Makes the same changes to the current prohibition against certain persons who receive a firearm or ammunition which has been transported in interstate commerce, but applies such prohibition to persons who are employed by the enumerated categories of individuals. Excludes ammunition dealers from the current licensing requirements. Stipulates that the Secretary of the Treasury may revoke a license only where the holder of such license has "knowingly" violated a provision of the Act or regulation. Bars the Secretary from denying or revoking a license on the basis of violations under this Act which are alleged in criminal proceedings instituted against a licensee, where such individual is not convicted of such charges. Imposes as a condition for the inspection or examination of records or documents and any firearm or ammunition kept by an importer, manufacturer, or dealer pursuant to this Act that the Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has occurred and that evidence may be found on the premises of such persons. Restricts the firearm information obtained from licensees which the Secretary may make available to State or local governments. Establishes a limited recordkeeping requirement for firearms collectors. Stipulates that the general penalty under this Act shall apply to whoever "willfully" violates any provision. Prohibits, with respect to a person's second or subsequent conviction for illegally using or carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony, the granting of parole before completion of the minimum sentence. Amends the forfeiture provision to subject to seizure any firearm or ammunition "involved in or used" in any violation of the Act (instead of "involved in or used or intended to be used"). Requires a court to award attorney's fees to the prevailing party (other than the United States) in an action or proceeding for the return of seized firearms or ammunition. Allows the court to award such fees in any other action upon a finding that the action was initiated in bad faith. Amends the rulemaking authority of the Secretary to provide that no regulation may require the transfer of records required under this Act to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the United States or any State or the establishment of any system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions. Requires a 90-day public comment period for proposed regulations (no period is currently specified). Allows one House of Congress to disapprove by resolution any firearms regulation within 90 days of continuous session of the promulgation of such rule. Requires that resolutions of disapproval be immediately referred to only those standing committees having legislative responsibility for this Act. Allows a sponsor of any such resolution to move to discharge from further consideration a committee which does not report out the resolution within 45 days of continuous session of Congress. States that it shall be in order to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution any time after a committee has reported or has been discharged from further consideration. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing any rules identical to regulations disapproved by Congress without the enactment of additional legislation respecting his authority. Prohibits the Secretary from prescribing regulations which require purchasers of black powder to complete affidavits or forms attesting to their exemption from certain provisions of the Federal criminal code. Makes any law or regulation promulgated by any State prohibiting the transfer of an unloaded and not readily accessible firearm or ammunition null and void. Title II: Amendments to title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 - Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship).
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1979
Makes the Federal tort claims procedure the exclusive remedy in medical malpractice actions resulting from federally authorized National Guard training activities (repeals the current provision covering such liability).
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1979
Amends the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 to authorize the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 and 1982 for the provision of technical assistance for tribally controlled community colleges by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1979
Validates the effectiveness of certain plans for the use or distribution of funds appropriated to pay judgments awarded to specified Indian tribes or groups.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the weeks of January 21 through January 27, 1979, and January 20 through January 26, 1980, as "Junior Achievement Week" in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to the American enterprise system and service to youth.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1979
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a comprehensive plan and program of research, development, and demonstration of ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Directs the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive commercialization plan designed to realize the goal of producing 10,000 megawatts of electrical capacity or energy product equivalent from ocean thermal energy conversion systems by the year 1999. Sets forth criteria for the selection of programs and the establishment of priorities concerning ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Establishes an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on the implementation and conduct of the programs established under this Act and on other matters concerning ocean thermal energy conversion. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress an annual report on the activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for plant and capital equipment for specified ocean thermal energy conversion demonstration plants.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1979
Estate Tax Adjustment Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the unified credits against the estate and gift taxes from $47,000 to $70,700, with increased phase-in amounts for 1979 and 1980. Increases from $175,000 to $250,000 the minimum gross estate necessary to impose on the executor of a United States citizen or resident the duty to make an estate tax return.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to add a new title XI: Energy Conservation Services Act of 1979 to establish a weatherization program to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families, particularly families and groups in which the elderly or handicapped reside, to participate in energy assistance programs designed to reduce energy consumption and the impact of high energy costs. Directs the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity to establish a weatherization program to improve the thermal efficiency of the dwellings of low-income and near-poor individuals and families and to provide access to low-cost, dispersed alternative energy sources. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States and to Indian tribal organizations for such purposes. Directs the Director to issue regulations to carry out such program, and sets forth the nature of such regulations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1989 and establishes allotments to the States of such funds. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for the purchase of weatherization materials, for labor costs, and for program support. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit a weatherization plan in order to receive weatherization assistance. Describes required components of such plans, and directs the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plan. Requires States seeking such assistance to establish a State weatherization policy council to be appointed by the chief executive officer of the State. Sets forth the duties of such council, including the reviewing of the operation of weatherization programs conducted by each local project and the preparing of the weatherization plans required by this Act. Authorizes a State, after having been approved for financial assistance, to designate community action agencies or political subdivisions as local weatherization projects and to provide financial assistance to such projects. Sets forth requirements for obtaining such designation. States that individuals or families having incomes equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standard income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for participation in weatherization programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such programs. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of programs established under this Act, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on the weatherization assistance program for submission to Congress and the President. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to projects and activities designed to educate and counsel low-income and near-poor energy consumers in energy-conservation practices and sound residential energy management, self-help activities in energy conservation and alternative energy applications, and maintenance of weatherization and alternative energy improvements. Directs the President to establish procedures assuring the coordination of all Federal energy assistance programs affecting low-income and near-poor individuals and families. Directs the Director to conduct outreach activities to inform and enroll such individuals and families in such programs. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, or pilot projects designed to assist in developing new approaches to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families to participate in energy conservation programs for reducing the impact of high energy costs and reducing energy consumption. Requires the Director to make a public announcement of the award of such grants or contracts and of the results or recommendations made as a result of such activities. Directs the Director to prepare summaries of the result of such activities for submission to the appropriate congressional committees. Stipulates that any assistance provided under this Act shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes, including the determination of eligibility for participation under any Federal, State, or local programs. Repeals provisions under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 requiring the establishment of an "Emergency Food and Medical Services" program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Declares certain individuals lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Residential Energy Efficiency Program of 1979 - Amends the State residential energy conservation plan provisions of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to institute an alternative home energy efficiency program in any State, political subdivision, utility service area, or geographical area thereof. Exempts persons subject to such program from the requirements and prohibitions contained in the utility program established under such Act. Sets forth requirements for such alternative home energy efficiency program, including: (1) a requirement that the Secretary designate a Federal, State, or local agency to negotiate a contract with an energy conservation company to undertake a home energy retrofit program in a specified geographic area for a specified per unit price to be paid by such agency; (2) a requirement that such energy conservation company comply with specified criteria concerning such home energy retrofit program; and (3) a requirement that the designated agency establish accurate normalized measurements of energy use by type of energy before and after the installation of such retrofit measures to determine the saving produced by such energy conservation company. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to designated agencies to pay energy conservation companies for energy actually saved. Requires public utilities to make periodic payments to the Secretary not to exceed the value of the savings in a given year realized by such utilities as a result of the energy actually saved. Authorizes such utilities to sell any energy available to it as a result of a home energy retrofit program to willing nonresidential buyers. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or other obligations in order to finance such energy retrofit programs in the event the moneys received from public utilities under this Act are insufficient to finance such programs. Places limitations on the Secretary's authority to enter into such contracts depending on the amount of payments received from public utilities pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, prior to instituting any program authorized by this Act, to provide for public comment. Expands the definition of "residential buildings" for the purposes of this Act to include buildings having more than four dwelling units.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a named corporation in settlement of claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Confers jurisdiction upon the United States Court of Claims over any claims filed by the Assiniboine Tribe or the Blackfeet Tribe for compensation for land claimed to have been taken in violation of the Constitution. Specifies provisions of Federal law concerning claims before the Indian Claims Commission which apply to such claims before the Court of Claims.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Confers jurisdiction upon the United States Court of Claims over any claims filed by the Gros Ventre Tribe for compensation for land claimed to have been taken in violation of the Constitution. Specifies provisions of Federal law concerning claims before the Indian Claims Commission which apply to such claims before the Court of Claims.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979
Reye's Syndrome Act of 1979 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Disease, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish, through the National Institute of Neurological, Communicative Disorders, and Stroke, the Reye's Syndrome Coordinating Committee to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for a three-year project to establish two comprehensive Reye's syndrome diagnostic and treatment centers. Includes among the duties of such centers: (1) the conduct of basic and clinical research; (2) the development of new and improved treatments; (3) the provision of physician training programs; and (4) informational services, with respect to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Reye's syndrome. Directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within six months of the end of the project with respect to its accomplishments. Authorizes the Committee to provide financial assistance to public agencies, nonprofit private entities, and individuals not associated with the centers, to conduct research on Reye's syndrome.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Amends the Department of Transportation Act to stipulate that rail service assistance funds which are available for reallocation under such Act as of October 1, 1979, shall be reallocated solely to States which require supplementary assistance to mitigate the effects caused by the filing of large-scale abandonments by railroads in liquidation or reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 with respect to permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, in the State of Montana. Amends the Public Rangeland Improvement Act of 1978 to charge a fee for domestic livestock grazing in the Refuge.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should, with regard to the 1980 Summer Olympics: (1) permit full participation by athletes, spectators, and journalists; (2) issue visas, admission tickets, and hotel reservations on a nondiscriminatory basis; (3) not interfere with news coverage; and (4) not prevent or punish its citizens for communicating with participants.
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 · 17 September 1979
Postal Service Employees' Political Activities Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of Congress to encourage employees of the United States Postal Service to exercise their rights to participate or refrain from participating in political processes. Prohibits such employees from: (1) using their official authority to influence the result of any election or the political action of any person; (2) using any information obtained through employment and not publicly available for any political purpose; (3) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (4) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (5) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; or (7) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities or from any person who has or is seeking business relations with the employee's agency. Directs the Postal Service and the Postal Rate Commission to prescribe certain exemptions to such prohibitions. Prohibits employees from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Requires a postal employee to notify his or her agency (U.S. Postal Service or the Postal Rate Commission, as applicable) upon becoming a candidate for elective office. Permits such employee to take annual leave or leave without pay to engage in activities related to his or her candidacy. Sets forth the penalties to be imposed against any employee who is found by the Merit Systems Protection Board to have violated provisions of this Act. Requires the Postal Service to study and report to Congress on the effects of this Act on the political activities of employees, the merit system, and matters generally contributing to the improper use of official authority or information by employees.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1979
Authorizes the Soil Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture to assist in local search and rescue operations required as a result of emergencies caused by fires, floods, snowstorms, earthquakes, and similar disasters.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1979
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require specified drugs found by the Secretary to be hazardous when used in combination with alcohol to be deemed misbranded if the label of such drug fails to disclose such information.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Home Energy Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist eligible low-income households to meet increasing home energy costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to carry out this Act. Sets forth allotments from such appropriations for such grants to States and specified American territories and possessions for energy crisis related activities under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and for emergency energy disaster assistance to States. Stipulates that such grants may be used for making payments to home energy suppliers on behalf of eligible households and directly to such households in specified cases. Sets forth application procedures and requirements for such grants. Authorizes States receiving such grants to make grants to eligible households for meeting excessive cooling costs where such cooling is medically necessary under standards established by the Secretary. Requires States to comply with the uniform data collection standards established by the Secretary concerning home energy consumption, cost and type of fuels used, use by which income groups, and other information determined to be necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold payments under this Act for failure to comply with approved application provisions. Sets forth provisions for the administration of this Act. Stipulates that payments received by members of participating households are not to be considered income for determining eligibility for other Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979
Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to add a new title, Title XI "Comprehensive Energy Conservation Service," which may be cited as the Comprehensive Energy Conservation Services Act of 1979. Establishes a comprehensive energy conservation service program to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families, particularly the elderly, to participate in energy assistance programs designed to reduce energy consumption and the impact of high energy costs. Directs the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity to establish a weatherization program to improve the thermal efficiency of the dwellings of low-income and near-poor individuals and families and to provide access to low-cost, dispersed alternative energy sources. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States and to Indian tribal organizations for such purposes. Directs the Director to issue regulations to carry out such program, and sets forth the nature of such regulations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1989 and establishes allotments of such funds to be followed by the Director. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for the purchase of weatherization materials, for labor costs, and for program support. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit a weatherization plan in order to receive weatherization assistance. Describes required components of such plans, and directs the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plan. Requires States seeking such assistance to establish a State weatherization policy council to be appointed by the chief executive officer of the State. Sets forth the duties of such council, including the reviewing of the operation of weatherization programs conducted by each local project and the preparing of the weatherization plans required by this Act. Authorizes a State, after having been approved for financial assistance, to designate community action agencies or political subdivisions as local weatherization projects and to provide financial assistance to such projects. Sets forth requirements for obtaining such designation. States that individuals or families having incomes equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standard income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for participation in weatherization programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such programs. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of programs established under this Act, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on the weatherization assistance program for submission to Congress and the President. Directs the Director to establish an energy assistance payments program and a crisis intervention program. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States to help low- income and near-poor individuals pay for increased home energy costs, and to provide short-term assistance and counseling to such individuals and their families when threatened with hardship or danger to health or life from lack of fuel, utility shutoff, or other energy-related crises. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1983 and establishes allotments of such funds. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for energy assistance payments and for crisis intervention. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit an energy assistance and crisis intervention plan in order to receive financial assistance under this Act. Describes required components of such plans, and requires the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plans. States that individuals or families having income equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standards income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for energy assistance payments and for crisis intervention assistance. Authorizes payments under such programs to be made to residential energy suppliers, eligible individuals and families, or to some combination thereof. Requires a State to establish benefit levels, and sets forth criteria for setting such benefit levels. Requires eligible States or areas to designate agencies to administer such programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such program. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of such programs, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on such programs for submission to Congress and the President. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to projects and activities designed to educate and counsel low-income and near-poor energy consumers in energy-conservation practices and sound residential energy management, self-help activities in energy conservation and alternative energy applications, and maintenance of weatherization and alternative energy improvements. Directs the President to establish procedures assuring the coordination of all Federal energy assistance programs affecting low-income and near-poor individuals and families. Directs the Director to conduct outreach activities to inform and enroll such individuals and families in such programs. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, or pilot projects designed to assist in developing new approaches to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families to participate in energy conservation programs for reducing the impact of high energy costs and reducing energy consumption. Directs the Director to make a public announcement of the award of such grants or contracts and of the results or recommendations made as a result of such activities. Directs the Director to prepare summaries of the result of such activities for submission to the appropriate congressional committees. Stipulates that any assistance provided under this Act shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes, including the determination of eligibility for participation under any Federal, State, or local programs. Repeals provisions under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 requiring the establishment of an "Emergency Energy Conservation Services" program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that a charitable contribution deduction shall not be denied to a taxpayer solely because of any benefit or service which is provided to the taxpayer or his family by the tax-exempt organization to which he contributes, except to the extent that such benefit or service is required as a condition of the contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any employee who is a member of and adheres to a bona fide religion, body, or sect historically holding conscientious objection to joining or financially supporting a labor organization shall not be required to do so. Allows such employee to be required in an employment contract to pay sums in lieu of and equal to dues and initiation fees to a nonreligious, nonlabor, charitable organization chosen by the employee. Authorizes the labor organization to charge such employee the reasonable cost of any grievance-arbitration procedure instigated by and for such employee's benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a named corporation a sum to be determined at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, but not to exceed $800,000, to indemnify, in whole or part, such corporation for specified damages incurred as a direct result of the failure of the United States to enforce certain laws.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979
Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, effective for one or more of the 1980 and 1981 crops of upland cotton, feed grains, rice, and wheat, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to require producers not to exceed the acreage on the farm normally planted to crops designated by the Secretary. States that such acreage shall be reduced by any set-aside or diverted acreage. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the established price for any such commodity for which he requires producers not to exceed normally planted acreage. Sets the established prices for the 1980 and 1981 crops of such commodities at not less than the established prices for the previous year's crop of the respective commodities adjusted to reflect any change in the inflation rate for such previous crop year.