United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Catastrophic Health Insurance and Medical Assistance Reform Act - Title I: Catastrophic Illness Insurance - Establishes a Catastrophic Health Insurance program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth the eligibility criteria for individuals. Entitles every individual who: (1) is a resident of the United States; and (2) is a citizen of, or a lawfully admitted alien in, the United States to catastrophic health insurance benefits provided by this Act in cases where the individual is not covered by an employer plan. Delimits the scope of benefits, including hospital and related insurance benefits (hospital, post-hospital and home health services) and medical and other health services. Provides for a general deductible from: (1) the reasonable costs of inpatient hospital services past 60 days; and (2) inpatient hospital benefits of the higher of the following: (A) $2,000; or (B) $2,000 adjusted by the Consumer Price Index to reflect changes in fees for physician services (in $100 increments). Permits payments for specified mental health care services. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations prescribing standards designed to assure that services consisting of the furnishing of blood or blood products, or the application of procedures or courses of treatment which are experimental or extraordinarily complex, will be provided only when such services are appropriate to the health care needs of the patient. Creates, in the United States Treasury, a Federal Catastrophic Health Insurance Trust Fund to provide a reserve for payment of benefits authorized by this Act. States that individuals covered under approved employer or self-employed plans shall be entitled to those benefits rather than the benefits provided by the catastrophic health insurance plan. Defines the term "employer plan" as meaning an insurance policy, contract, or other arrangement entered into between an employer and a carrier, in consideration of premiums or other periodic payments, undertaken to pay for the costs of health services received by the employer's employees. Requires that the coverage provided under such plans must include a package of benefits which is the same as that provided by the Federal catastrophic health insurance benefits plan established under this Act. Sets forth additional requirements governing employer health plans. Establishes an Actuarial Committee to prepare and recommend annually to the Secretary a Table of Values of Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage, which shall establish the actuarial value of one year's catastrophic health insurance coverage for employers, carriers, and others involved in the programs. Creates a tax on self- employment income and an excise tax on employers. Allows a tax credit up to the entire amount of such taxes for the actuarial value of catastrophic health insurance coverage for the self-employed and for the employees covered under approved employer plans. Title II: Medical Assistance Plan for Low-Income People - Replaces the Medicaid program with a plan of medical assistance for low-income people. Requires assistance for low-income individuals and families, for the costs of necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, medical, and other health care services. Guarantees free choice by patients of health services from any person, institution, or agency qualified under this act. Permits individuals the option of obtaining other health insurance protection. Describes the medical assistance plan, what individuals are eligible to receive its health benefits, and the application procedure. Enumerates the scope of benefits under the plan, including: (1) 60 days of inpatient hospital services; (2) medical and other health services; (3) skilled nursing facility services; (4) home health services; (5) intermediate care services; (6) mental health services; (7) pre-natal and well-baby care; (8) family planning assistance; (9) early and periodic screening diagnosis, and treatment for eligible children under age 18; and (10) payment for Medicare Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for recipients of aid under this title. Prescribes the co-payment requirements and procedures of persons eligible for benefits. Creates the Medical Coverage Trust Fund within the Treasury. Makes provisions for State contributions to the Fund. Prohibits exclusion by employers of specified employees from coverage under group health insurance plans. Title III: Private Basic Health Insurance Certification Program - Establishes a program, under the Social Security Act, under which any insurer may submit any health insurance policy to the Secretary for examination and certification. Sets forth the standards under which the Secretary shall deny certification of any such insurance policy. Requires the Secretary to offer basic Federal health insurance to individuals residing in States in which no private health insurance program has been certified. Title IV: Other Amendments - Authorizes payments for immunizations which the Secretary determines are appropriate under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, but only if provided on a scheduled allowable basis, as determined under regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Increases the amount of reimbursement under Medicare for outpatient mental health care. Reduces the monthly premium for optional coverage under the Medicare hospital insurance programs. Extends coverage of the renal disease program authorized under such Act to specified individuals not previously covered. Expresses the policy of Congress to encourage and expand philanthropic support for health care.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the Senate with respect to the Secretary of Transportation's recommendations designating the basic route system for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation which were submitted to the Congress on January 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Reform of Federal Regulation Act of 1979 - Title I: The Analysis, Planning and Management of Regulatory Functions - Requires each Federal agency to publish for each proposed major rule, as such rule is defined in this Act, an initial regulatory analysis which describes the need for the rule, at least two available alternative approaches, and a description of the economic and social effects of the proposed rule and alternatives. Requires that each agency publish for each adopted major rule a final regulatory analysis which includes a summary of public comments received on the initial analysis, and a justification of the selection of the final rule. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to review and report to Congress on the agency actions to implement this Title. Directs each agency to: (1) report annually to Congress and the public on its regulatory agenda and priorities for the current fiscal year; and (2) include in the announcement of a rulemaking or adjudication the date by which the agency intends to complete such proceeding. Requires each agency to report annually to the Administrative Conference of the U.S., the Congress, and the public on its regulatory activities of the past fiscal year. Stipulates that such report include: (1) the number of agency proceedings which the agency failed to complete by the established deadline and the reasons for such failure; and (2) any changes the agency made to improve its regulatory actions. Directs each regulatory agency to establish an office to be responsible for regulatory planning and management. Requires any independent regulatory commission to submit any budget information or legislative recommendation to Congress concurrently upon submission to any officer or agency of the executive branch. Title II: Improving the Efficiency of Administrative Proceedings - Establishes a new procedure for administrative rulemaking and adjudication by United States Government agencies. States that such procedure shall apply to: (1) all adjudications; and (2) all rulemaking or licensing proceedings required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing except proceedings to withdraw, suspend, revoke, or annul a license. Provides two levels for the conduct of proceedings subject to this Act, a "general hearing process" and a "formal hearing" for the resolution of matters determined during the general hearing to involve general and substantial issues of fact which cannot be resolved at the general hearing and upon which the decision of the agency is likely to depend. Requires, for the general hearing process, the conduct of a hearing to afford parties an opportunity to submit written data, and, at the request of any party, an opportunity for oral argument. Enumerates the powers of the presiding employee at a general hearing. Authorizes such employee to cross-examine witnesses and to request the agency to consider and act on interlocutory appeals when action on such appeals would expedite final agency action. Directs the employee to: (1) oversee the expeditious completion of such hearing; and (2) provide a concise record of the important matters of the proceeding. States that no person who participates in the decision making of any proceeding or in a board or agency review of such decision may: (1) make ex parte communications; or (2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision of an employee or agent performing investigative or litigating functions for the agency. Allows an agency to prohibit an individual from appearing at a proceeding if the individual engages in unethical conduct or deliberate dilatory tactics. Authorizes an agency to subpoena any person or evidence as necessary. Sets forth the judicial procedure and civil penalty for persons who fail to comply with a subpoena. Requires each agency to maintain a public file of significant material concerning the major stages of a proceeding. Authorizes the presiding employee at a formal hearing to: (1) rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; (2) require written testimony and arguments when oral testimony is not required; and (3) upon request, to issue a decision prior to completion of the hearing if there is no substantial dispute of fact. Authorizes each agency to establish employee boards to review the decisions of presiding employees. Directs each agency to specify the conditions under which it will accept an appeal of the decision of such a board, and specifies the conditions which enable an agency to review such a decision. Requires the Office of Personnel Management to test, register, and certify eligible candidates for the position of administrative law judge (hereinafter referred to as "judge"). Authorizes each agency to appoint a judge from the list of certified candidates. Directs the Administrator of the Administrative Conference of the U.S. to: (1) establish a performance appraisal system for evaluating judges at least once every ten years; and (2) establish performance and evaluation review boards to assist in setting up the appraisal system and in evaluating judges. Directs the Administrator to evaluate each judge before the expiration of the judge's ten-year term, and to make a recommendation on the reappointment of the judge. Requires each agency to reappoint a judge if the Administrator so recommends. Directs the Merit Systems Protection Board to remove, downgrade, or suspend a judge whose performance is found to be unacceptable. Provides for the transfer and reassignment of judges by the Administrator. Requires the President to nominate members of independent regulatory commissions by reason of their training and experience, and to appoint the chairman of each commission with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs each agency to issue rules to implement this title within 150 days. Title III: Agency Review of Rules - Direct each agency to review annually one or more of its rules to determine whether continuation or amendment of the rule is in the public interest. Sets forth guidelines the agency should consider in selecting rules to review. Requires each agency to: (1) publish an agenda and the procedure for reviewing one or more rule every five years; (2) provide an opportunity for public comment on such rule; and (3) report the results of each review to Congress and the public. Requires the Director of the CBO to review the agency reports and oversee implementation of this Title. Title IV: Administrative Conference of the United States - Reorganizes the Administrative Conference. Makes the head of the Conference the Administrator who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for a four-year term. Grants the Administrator authority to appoint officers and employees and to prescribe their powers and duties as necessary. Sets forth the functions of the Conference which include: (1) studying and making recommendations on the adequacy of administrative procedures used by agencies to carry out regulatory functions; (2) monitoring agency compliance with such laws as the Freedom of Information Act and the Administrative Procedure Act; (3) compensating persons for the cost of participating in agency proceedings in certain cases; and (4) evaluating the performance of administrative law judges. Directs the Conference to submit an analysis of agency reports on regulatory activities to Congress, and to report to Congress on a study of providing incentives to participants to expedite agency proceedings. Establishes an Advisory Commission within the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Equal Access to Justice Act - Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication, or (2) in any civil action (other than a tort or tax action) brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law exceptions to the "American rule" regarding attorney fee awards). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Antitrust Enforcement Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to entitle any purchaser or seller in the chain of manufacture, production, or distribution of goods and services to relief under such Act, upon proof of an overcharge or underpayment resulting directly or indirectly from an antitrust violation. States that such relief may be granted in individual suits, suits by the United States, or parens patrie actions brought by a State attorney general for natural persons residing in the State. Authorizes the courts, in any civil action brought by a person or the United States, to permit the defendant to prove that the plaintiff was able to pass on to third parties all or part of an overcharge or underpayment. Grants the court the discretion to hear such evidence as a partial or complete defense in order to avoid duplicative liability. Enables the parties to any class action to prove the fact of injury, the amount of passed on charges and the extent of damages on a classwide basis, without requiring proof of such matters by each individual member of the class. Authorizes the judicial panel on multidistrict litigation to consolidate and transfer any action brought under the Clayton Act, with or without the consent of the parties for both pretrial and trial purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Anti-Arson Act of 1979 - Establishes an Interagency Committee on Arson Control to coordinate Federal anti-arson programs and to provide assistance to State and local governments for the prevention, detection and control of arson. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the awarding of grants to States and localities for: (1) programs designed to prevent and detect crimes involving arson; and (2) the development of education and training for State and local prosecutors with respect to the crime of arson. Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to: (1) classify arson as a major crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (2) develop a special investigation program for the crime of arson. Directs the Administrator of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration to: (1) conduct a research program for the development of techniques and equipment for use by State and local fire fighting and law enforcement personnel for arson prediction, prevention, and control; (2) establish anti-arson educational and training programs for State and local government; (3) develop materials for community awareness programs; and (4) provide information relative to the prevention, prediction, occurrence, and control of arson. Amends the Urban Property Protection and Reinsurance Act of 1968 to provide that fair access to insurance requirements plans shall require policies to be issued only after insurers obtain information from a prospective policyholder with respect to arson.
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 · 25 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include the services of licensed practical nurses under the coverage provided pursuant to such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers who do not itemize income tax deductions to claim a deduction from gross income for charitable contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Title I: Nurse Training - Nurse Training Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VIII of the Public Health Service Act to extend the assistance program for nurse training and students, generally at reduced levels of authorization through fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) arrange for the conduct of a study, either with the National Academy of Sciences (if such body agrees) or with another public or nonprofit private entity (if the Academy declines), to determine the need to continue a specific Federal assistance program for nursing education, taking into account specified factors; and (2) report to Congress on such study by January 15, 1980. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Amends title VII of the Public Health Service Act (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to increase the ceiling on federally insured loans in any academic year to a medical student in a school of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry from $10,000 to $15,000 upon a determination that educational costs require such increase. Increases the aggregate insured unpaid principal amount for all such insured loans made to any such borrower from $50,000 to $60,000. Authorizes the Secretary to defer the date used with respect to service requirements for National Health Service Corps scholarships for students of medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry for a period longer than the current three-year limit for such deferment. Exempts a medical or osteopathic school participating in an area health education center program from the requirement that such school conduct a program for training physician assistants or nurse practitioners which emphasizes enrolling individuals from the area served by the center of the program, if another school participating in the same program meets such requirement. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the sums which may be obligated for schools of medicine and other types of health care which are financially distressed or unaccredited, from the total authorizations for start-up assistance, financial distress training, and curriculum development of medical schools. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to extend authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for certain area health education programs which are funded under the Public Health Service Act prior to October 12, 1976.
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 · 24 January 1979
Department of Education Organization Act of 1979 - Title I: General Provisions - Declares the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) insure that education receives the appropriate emphasis at the Federal levels; (2) coordinate Federal educational programs; (3) supplement and complement the educational efforts of State, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector; and (4) protect the rights of State, local, and tribal governments, and public and non-public educational institutions in the areas of educational policies, administration of programs, and selection of curriculums and program content. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education. Establishes, within such Department, offices of Assistant Secretary for: (1) Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; (2) Postsecondary Education; (3) Elementary and Secondary Education; (4) Occupational, Adult, and Community Education; and (5) Educational Research and Development. Establishes within such Department: (1) a Director of the Office of Civil Rights; (2) two additional Assistant Secretaries; (3) an Inspector General; (4) a General Counsel; and (5) an Administrator of Education for Overseas Dependents. Includes, within the functions of such Department, the administration of programs relating to: (1) elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education; (2) occupational, adult, and community education; (3) grants; (4) special education and rehabilitative services; (5) schools for overseas dependents of the Department of Defense; (6) enforcement of civil rights; (7) educational research; (8) intergovernmental policies; (9) public information; and (10) congressional relations. Establishes, within such Department, Offices of: (1) Civil Rights; (2) Elementary and Secondary Education; (3) Postsecondary Education; (4) Occupational, Adult, and Community Education; (5) Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; (6) Education for Overseas Dependents; (7) Educational Research and Improvement; (8) Inspector General; and (9) General Counsel. Establishes within such Department an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education to assure the effective coordination of Federal programs. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to assist the Secretary in coordinating the procedures and actions of the Department with other Federal agencies. Title III: Transfers of Agencies and Functions - Transfers to the Department from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW): (1) the Education Division of HEW, including the National Institute of Education; (2) the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education, including the National Center for Education Statistics; (3) the Institute of Museum Services; (4) any advisory committees primarily concerned with education; and (5) the Office of Information and Resources for Handicapped Individuals; (6) the Rehabilitation Services Administration, except the part of such Administration that administers the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act; (7) the National Institute of Handicapped Research; (8) the Interagency Committee on Handicapped Research; (9) the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults; and (10) the National Council on the Handicapped. Transfers from HEW to the Department of Education educational functions regarding: (1) the General Education Provisions Act; (2) the Emergency School Aid Act; (3) the Higher Education Act of 1965; (4) the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act of 1969; (5) the Act of August 30, 1898; (6) title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; (7) certain provisions of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act; (8) the International Education Act of 1966; (9) the National Defense Education Act of 1958; (10) the Education of the Handicapped Act; (11) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act; (12) the Vocational Education Act of 1963; (13) the Career Education Incentive Act; (14) the Office of Civil Rights; (15) the budgetary oversight of certain educational institutions; (16) certain loans and scholarships for students in the medical and health services under the Public Health Service Act; (17) certain provisions under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (18) the National Institute of Education and the Institute of Museum Services; (19) Gallaudet College, Howard University, the American Printing House for the Blind, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf; and (20) telecommunications grants under the Communications Act of 1934. Transfers to the Department of Education from the Departments of: (1) Defense, the administration and operation of overseas dependents schools; (2) Justice, the student loan and grant programs known as the Law Enforcement and Education Program and the Law Enforcement Intern Program; and (3) Housing and Urban Development, the administration of college housing loans. Transfers to the Department of Education: (1) specified functions of the National Science Foundation; and (2) the Advisory Council on Educational Statistics. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to appoint and fix the salaries for the Department's employees in accordance with the civil service laws. Allows certain higher level appointments to be made by the Secretary without Civil Service Commission approval if the individual so appointed is transferred to the Department in connection with a transfer of functions under this Act. Stipulates that Congress shall authorize the annual number of personnel for the Department of Education. Establishes guidelines for computing such personnel authorization. Grants rulemaking authority to the Secretary. Requires such rules to be in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act and specified provisions of the General Education Provisions Act. Authorizes the Secretary to (1) employ experts and consultants; (2) enter into contracts with public agencies and private persons and organizations; (3) provide technical advice to participants or potential participants in Departmental programs; (4) maintain, alter, or discontinue field offices; (5) acquire and maintain schools, laboratories, and related facilities; (6) provide and maintain various facilities for employees and their dependents at remote locations; (7) utilize, with their consent, Federal, State, tribal, or foreign facilities; (8) acquire necessary copyrights and patents; (9) accept and utilize gifts and requests of real and personal property; (10) establish a working capital fund for administrative expenses; and (11) transfer funds within the Department. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning the Department's activities. Stipulates that such report include: (1) a statement of goals and priorities; (2) an assessment of progress; (3) an analysis of data concerning changing trends in education and areas of particular educational concern; (4) five-year budget projections; and (5) recommendations made by the Federal Interagency Committee on Education. Requires that public hearings be held as part of the preparation of such report. Directs that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget jointly conduct a study of the administration of Federal Indian education programs, and that such study be submitted to the Congress and the President within six months of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that such study contain; (1) an analysis of problems and recommendations for improvements; and (2) recommendations concerning the proper organizational structure for Indian education programs within the Federal Government. Provides that, except where inconsistent with provisions of this Act, the General Education Provisions Act shall apply to functions transferred by this Act. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointment - Directs that this Act shall take effect 180 days after the Secretary of Education takes office, or earlier if the President so decides. Authorizes the President to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the current 30 percent tax on the capital gains of certain nonresident alien individuals with a tax on the net capital gains of all nonresident alien individuals which is the same as the alternative tax on the net capital gains of individuals who are United States citizens. Imposes a 30 percent tax on the net capital gains received from sources within the United States by a foreign corporation not connected with United States business.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend for one year, until October 1, 1979, the period of time during which the services of physicians in teaching hospitals will be included as inpatient hospital services under that title.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for the services of a clinical psychologist under the supplementary medical insurance program.
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
States that, in a review by a court of an action of a Federal agency, there shall be no presumption that any rule or regulation of any agency is valid. Prohibits the courts of the United States and State courts from upholding the validity of a challenged rule or regulation unless such validity is clearly and convincingly shown. Provides that if any rule or regulation is set up as a defense to any criminal prosecution or action for civil penalty, such rule or regulation shall be presumed valid until the party initiating the criminal prosecution or action for civil penalty shall have sustained the burden of proof normally applicable in such actions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise the price support levels for milk, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton to 90 percent of their respective parity prices. Reduces the price levels at which producers participating in the wheat and feed grains storage program: (1) may redeem and market commodities securing price support loans (from between 140 and 160 percent of their respective parity prices to 100 percent); and (2) must repay such loans (from 175 to 110 percent of their respective parity prices).
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual and corporate taxpayers to elect to treat certain reforestation expenditures as not chargeable to capital account in order to qualify them as an income tax deduction, limited to $10,000 annually. Denies such deduction for any amount reimbursed under specified Federal reforestation and timber stand improvement cost sharing programs. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Reforestation Trust Fund, whose moneys shall be paid to the Secretary of Agriculture in order to meet obligations incurred in eliminating and preventing a backlog in the reforestation of the National Forest System, but only to the extent such obligations exceed amounts appropriated under any other provision of law. Authorizes the annual appropriation of not to exceed $30,000,000 for such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Authorizes the inclusion of military service performed by an individual after December, 1956, in the aggregate period of service on which a civil service annuity is based. Stipulates that this Act applies only to individuals becoming eligible for such annuity after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission, upon request, to recompute the annuity of an individual receiving such annuity before the date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate the nonbusiness deduction from the income tax on individuals for State and local taxes on the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other motor fuels.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the income tax deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
National Ski Patrol System Recognition Act of 1979 - Grants a Federal charter to the National Ski Patrol System. Declares that the purpose of such corporation shall be to promote public safety in skiing.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to set the price support of milk, for the period beginning with the date of enactment and ending September 30, 1981, at not less than 80 percent of parity.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Reclamation Reform Act of 1979 - Replaces the existing maximum Federal reclamation law acreage limitation of 160 acres of reclaimed land per individual with a maximum farm size limit of 1,280 acres, owned or leased by any combination of persons. Restricts the number of persons who may join in such combination to 25 or fewer. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to limit the number of landholdings that any person, firm, or business may manage for the benefit of a qualified recipient. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate by rule appropriate increases in the acreage limitation for lands of lessor productive potential. Abolishes the requirement that a qualified recipient reside on or near a landholding in order for such landholding to be eligible to receive water. Prohibits any qualified recipient from leasing a landholding acquired after January 1, 1978, unless he or she has derived nonrental income from such landholding for agricultural production for a period of not less than ten years. Provides for the removal of acreage limitations upon repayment of construction charges of the reclamation project required under contracts with the Secretary relating to the delivery of water supplies to such landholding for agricultural use. Prohibits the delivery of water to landholders whose lands do not comply with the Federal reclamation law acreage limitation one year after the passage of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Meat Import Act of 1979 - Limits the maximum 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 1978 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; to (2) 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 1978, 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) require, 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. Prohibits the President from increasing the total quantity of meat imports if the above ratio is less than 1.0 unless: (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 · 15 January 1979
Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act: (1) to make numerous technical amendments; (2) repeal the bonding requirement for designated employees of the Plant Variety Protection Office; (3) extend the term of plant variety protection from 17 to 18 years; (4) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue corrected certificates of plant variety protection instead of (the current) mere certificates of correction; and (5) allow application of its provisions to the seeds, plants or transplants of okra, celery, peppers, tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers, which are currently excluded from the protection of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to include within the definition of an organization qualified for conditional designation as a Professional Standards Review Organization, an organization of health care practioners who hold independent hospital admitting privileges and who are invited to become members by the organization. Includes as members of the advisory group for each statewide Professional Standards Review Council at least one registered professional nurse and doctor of dental surgery. Includes one registered professional nurse, one doctor of dental surgery, and one health practioner other than a physician in the National Professional Standards Review Council. Establishes an advisory committee to the National Professional Standards Review Council to be made up of representatives of health care practitioners other than physicians.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1978
Establishes a procedure for either House of Congress to disapprove any rule or regulation which would impose additional burdens on recipients of: (1) water supply from Federal projects; or (2) Federal grant or loan assistance for the development of water supply or treatment works. Requires any department or agency issuing any rule or regulation subject to disapproval to transmit copies to: (1) each House within three days of its issuance; and (2) the affected States at least 60 days prior to its issuance. Forbids any department or agency from initiating legal action to quantify or establish Federal or Indian reserve water rights without first notifying the appropriate congressional committees and affected States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1978
Authorizes the President to enter into one or more trade agreements with feeder and slaughter cattle exporting countries to limit the quantity of such cattle exported by them to the United States. Imposes a quota on the importation of such cattle. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a system of equitable distribution among importers of cattle subject to such quota.
United States · United States Congress · 21 August 1978
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise the price support levels for milk, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton to 90 percent of their respective parity prices. Reduces the price levels at which producers participating in the wheat and feed grains storage program: (1) may redeem and market commodities securing price support loans (from between 140 to 160 percent of their respective parity prices to 100 percent); and (2) must repay such loans (from 175 to 110 percent of their respective parity prices).
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to subject to capital gains taxation the gain from the sale or exchange of farming property and undeveloped real property by a nonresident alien.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1978
Requires approximately 1.8 acres of land situated within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana, to be held in trust by the United States for the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income payments under the rural clean water program of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the rural abandoned mine program of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Agricultural Foreign Investment Information Act - Requires a report to the Secretary of Agriculture containing legal name, address, citizenship, type of interest, legal description of the land involved, and other specified information, from any foreign person (including individuals, organizations, governments, or any combination thereof) who holds, acquires, transfers, or accepts transference of any interest, other than a security interest, in agricultural land. Directs the Secretary: (1) to develop and distribute a standard report form to facilitate automated data processing, analysis, and reporting of the information gathered; (2) to analyze such information to determine the trends and the actual and potential effects that the acquisition, transferring, and holding of agricultural lands in the United States by foreign persons have on the agricultural industry, the national economy, and the foreign relations of the United States; and (3) to report his findings and conclusions to the President and to the appropriate committees of Congress. Requires the Office of Inspector General to conduct periodic studies to determine the reliability of information gathered pursuant to this Act. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of any provision of this Act in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the land interest involved on the date of the penalty assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1978
Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the Senate Committee on Finance consider alternative mechanisms for financing the social security system including the use of general revenues; and (2) if an alternative proposal has not been acted on prior to January 1, 1979, the increases in the social security taxes scheduled to take effect on such date, should be deferred for 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Amends the Miller Act which requires performance bonds on specified Federal construction contracts by increasing the dollar amount of contracts to which such Act applies from $2,000 to $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act relating to the disclosure of consumer information maintained by financial institutions. Requires every credit, insurance, and banking institution to notify its customers of the routine disclosures it expects to make of any information maintained on its customers. Prohibits the disclosure, without the customer's authorization, of information inconsistent with such notification except: (1) to prevent or protest against the possible occurrence of fraud; or (2) where necessary to service the credit, insurance or banking relationship; or (3) in response to an administrative summons or judicial order. Requires such institutions to notify their customers of changes in their disclosure policies. Permits unauthorized disclosures by insurance institutions and insurance support organizations as defined in this Act only to physicians. State insurance regulators, or where required by a mandatory reporting statute or legal order. Allows unauthorized disclosures to coinsurers, reinsurers, or any other party in interest to the insurance transaction, provided: (1) the disclosed information is limited to matters relevant to the insurance transaction; (2) the recipient is prohibited from disclosure as defined in this Act; (3) the consumer is notified of the disclosure; (4) any disclosed medical information was obtained directly from the consumer, his doctor, parent, guardian, or spouse; (5) the information is disclosed to an organization whose sole function is to prevent fraud in claim settlements; and (6) the insurance institution is prohibited from using the information for other than claim purposes. Imposes civil liability for willful or negligent breach of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to immediately dissolve the Airlines Mutual Aid Pact. Directs the Board to study the collective bargaining process within the airline industry and to make recommendations to Congress within six months on methods of alleviating the occurrence of protracted airline strikes.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1978
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to require the export, for sale, donation, or barter, of a minimum aggregate quantity of 7,000,000 metric tons of United States farm commodities each fiscal year from 1979 through 1982, unless: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture determines that export supplies are not available; or (2) the food needs of developing countries, as gaged by specified factors, do not merit such quantity. Requires the President to report to the appropriate committees of Congress the specific reasons for any shortfall should less than the minimum quantities required by this Act be exported.
![Official portrait of Sen. Melcher, John [D-MT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000635_200.jpg)